Exploring Inclusion Policies in Canadian Municipal Recreation Contexts

Abstract

There is need for more scientific understanding of how inclusion should be defined and implemented within community recreation settings. Therefore, the research question was how do current inclusion policies intend to address inclusion of persons living with disabilities within municipal recreation departments in cities across Canada? An environmental scan methodology was applied; policy documents (n=24) were collected to represent data from eight municipalities chosen to represent each province (n= 8). 22 policy documents were included for extraction to analyze how inclusion of persons living with disabilities is currently being addressed. The thesis concludes with five key recommendations for policy development: 1) Apply the socio-ecological framework, 2) Use inclusive language, 3) Develop implementation policy documents specific to recreation procedures, 4) Consult and involve persons living with disabilities, and 5) Develop Therapeutic Recreation municipal role.