ACHIEVING INCLUSION FOR ALL

Achieving Inclusion For All

Allyson Rodriguez
Florida International University
Professor Autry

ACHIEVING INCLUSION FOR ALL

The word access is defined as the freedom or ability to obtain or make use of something or the
ability to get into, approach, communicate with or pass to and from somewhere (Dattilo, 2012).
This definition has brought light to my experience during the accessibility survey I have
completed at Bird Bowl Bowling Center. I was able to identify advantages, barriers and
accessibility recommendations. The survey I completed is solidly an attempt to make this
recreation environment usable to all people.
Advantages
There are some positive aspects to the survey I completed that provide opportunity for
inclusive recreation participation. Although they do not have an adequate amount of accessible
parking spaces, the one that is provided is identified with a sign that includes the International
Symbol of Accessibility 82 inches above of the ground. The accessible parking space surpasses
the measurement standard, measuring 12 feet wide with an access aisle of five feet in width. The
access aisle also adjoins to an accessible route towards the entrance measuring 46 inches wide.
There is a clear opening width of 40 inches between the face of the door and the stop. The
accessible entrance provides direct access to check in counter and all public spaces have one
accessible route through out the whole facility measuring 90 inches in width. The route through
out the facility is stable and firm. Each bowling lane has adequate space for one wheelchair,
measuring 58 inches wide and 128 inches in length. The lane controls can be operated with one
hand and without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist at a height of 32 inches. There
is access of 40 inches in width for one wheelchair to pass into the bowling area for each lane.
Getting to the restroom areas is also accessible with the same corridor that runs through out the
facility measuring 90 inches in width. One out of the two restrooms available is accessible. Signs
for the restroom contrast with their backgrounds and text characters are raised with braille. Door

ACHIEVING INCLUSION FOR ALL

is equipped with hardware that is operable with one hand and does not require extra maneuvering
along with a minimum force less than 5 pounds to open. A long mirror runs over the lavatories
measuring 35 inches above the floor and has a clear floor space forward approach of 70 inches
long. Automatic hand driers are accessible and are 40 inches above the floor.
Barriers
Bird Bowl Bowling Center does present some physical and programmatic barriers that
would inhibit or limit participation by people with disabilities. The first barrier can be found in
the parking lot. There is only one accessible space in an area with over 75 parking spaces just for
the bowling center. This barrier limits the amount of space a person in a wheel chair will require
to comfortably get out of the car and inside the facility. As a person continues their way through
the main entrance they will encounter the service counter. The counter measures a high 48 inches
above the floor; the standard number is 38 inches. Any person in a wheelchair would find it
extremely difficult and uncomfortable to communicate with a service attendant. Moving into the
dining area of the facility a person would find a self-service shelf with a dispensing device for
tableware at a height of 55 inches, 8 inches above the standard number. This self service shelf is
also obstructed with garbage bins right underneath it. This would not give adequate knee space
for a person in a wheelchair to even come close. At this facility they have one drinking fountain
for the public. The water fountain does not have a clear floor space of 30 inches wide and this is
mainly because there are soda machines right next to it. A person in a wheelchair would be
limited in space trying to get in close enough to the spout. This facility has two restrooms and
one is not accessible. There are no signs in the inaccessible restroom that gives direction to the
accessible one and there are no signs at the accessible restroom with the International symbol of
accessibility. This can inhibit a person that requires more space within a stall from knowing there
is a restroom that is accessible for them. The door of the restroom would also inhibit a person in

ACHIEVING INCLUSION FOR ALL

a wheelchair to successfully get through. The door takes less than 5 seconds to close making it
almost impossible not to get slammed from behind when going in at a slower pace. The one
accessible stall does not comply with the standard number of inches the compartment should be.
The standard number is 60 inches wide and the stall measures 48 inches wide. Taking just two
steps into the stall I found myself right in front of the toilet. The standard number in length
should be 59 inches and it measured 53 inches. I found the stall to be extremely tight and
inaccessible for a person in a wheelchair.
Accessibility Recommendations
Based on the barriers I have found there are some recommendations that should be implemented
and would help improve accessibility. The first recommendation is adding more accessible
parking spaces by repainting lines. The standard number of spaces by law is 4 for a lot that has
over 75 parking spaces. The next recommendation is for the service counter found in the
entrance. By law there should be at least one service counter that is no higher than 38 inches
above the ground and this counter measures 48 inches. To improve accessibility and inclusion it
is recommended that the counter be lowered to the standard number. Another option could be to
adjust a portion of the counter to be lower, no higher than 36 inches above the ground and at
least 36 inches long. This recommendation should be beyond the compliance mindset and more
about the customers needs and desires to increase customer satisfaction and inclusion for all.
Moving on into the dining section of the bowling center I would recommend that the self-service
area be reconfigured and the obstruction of the garbage bins be relocated to a different area. The
self-service tableware dispensers and napkins should also to be lowered to 48 inches in order to
be in compliance with the law. For the one drinking fountain found in the far left section of the
facility I would recommend that the surrounding space be altered. There are soda machines on
each side of the fountain and lack of adequate space can inhibit anyone in a wheelchair from

ACHIEVING INCLUSION FOR ALL

using it. The next important recommendation is for the restroom areas. A sign outside the
inaccessible restroom should be installed that gives directions to the accessible restroom. The
International Symbol of Accessibility should also be installed on the outside of the bathroom
stall. This barrier can impede a person who is legally blind or a person who uses a wheelchair in
finding an accessible restroom. Although the size of the bathroom stall is in compliance, it is
sized very close to the minimum inches. I found it hard to make a full circle in the stall without
touching the toilet seat. I would recommend the accessible stall be altered and given a bigger
space beyond compliance and mainly to embrace the spirit of the law.
Global Review of Disability and Accessibility
The Americans with Disability Act impacted society in eliminating discrimination against
people with disabilities and providing equal opportunity for community integration. It removed
the wall between people with disabilities and inclusion in society. The biggest impact has been
access to public accommodations. For the global review of disability and accessibility, I chose
the country of Belize. Belize has been identified as one of the nine countries in the Americas
region to be the least inclusive, lacking the most basic elements of social inclusion of people
with disabilities. We can begin with their lack of national policy to encourage the employment
for people with disabilities. There is also no policy requiring the national government to employ
people with disabilities itself (Anthony August, 2004, p. 63). In contrast, title I of the ADA
prohibits employers from discrimination against otherwise disqualified individuals with a
disability in any employment action. Furthermore, the country of Belize does not have a
national transportation system that is wheelchair accessible. People who use a wheelchair are
forced to use a taxi or use private transportation. In comparison, title II, subtitle B of the ADA,
prohibits providers of public transportation from discriminating against people with disabilities.
There are complex and detailed standards our public transit systems must meet to ensure the

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inclusion of all. Additionally, there are no regulations in Belize that private buildings and
facilities must be accessible to people with disabilities. The IDRM regional report of the
Americas 2004 states that there are only an estimated 25% of public buildings that are accessible
to people with mobility disabilities (Anthony August, 2004, p. 63). This information confirms
that they would most likely fail most aspects of our ADA checklist. For example the IDRM also
reports that the capitals post office is located on ground floor but the building is approximately 6
inches above ground level making it difficult for any person in a wheelchair. In contrast, The
ADA has Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG); which consists of
standards that must be used for public accommodations and commercial facilities under title III
(The Americans with Disabilities Act, 2014). The country of Belize is tremendously behind the
United States in the promotion of full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities.
Belize does not even have an official government document or national policy relating to
disabilities. Moreover, in the Unites States society has made remarkable impacts in overcoming
attitudinal barriers. For example, the large attitudinal barrier of stereotypes, inferiority and
ignorance has decreased and has led to respect and inclusion of all. People with disabilities are
integrated in society like never before. However, on a global scale there is still much to be done.
I strongly feel that healthcare needs to be strengthened in order to better help diseases like
Alzheimers and people with paralysis amongst many other disabilities. I also feel that we need
to increase employment opportunities by better enforcing existing laws to promote inclusion for
people with disabilities. It is necessary for everyone to support the advance the use of
international law to ensure that human rights are respected and enforced.

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References
Anthony August, P. (2004, July 1). International Disability Rights Monitor (IDRM) Regional
Report of the Americas 2004. Retrieved October 29, 2014, from
http://www.ideanet.org/cir/uploads/File/IDRM_Americas_2004.pdf
Dattilo, J. (2012). Inclusive leisure services: Responding to the rights of
disabilities (3rd ed.). State College, PA: Venture Pub.

people with

The Americans with Disabilities Act. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2014, from
http://www.ada.gov/taman2.html

Allyson Rodriguez

ACHIEVING INCLUSION FOR ALL

1740 NW North River Drive Apt 519

Miami, FL 33125
October 30, 2014
Teresa
Bird Bow Bowling Center
9275 SW 40th St
Miami, FL 33165
Dear Teresa:
I would like to thank you for allowing me to use Bird Bowl for my accessibility assignment as a
Recreational Therapy student at Florida International University. You have assisted me greatly
with this learning opportunity.
During our conversation you expressed your interest in knowing the results upon completion of
this assignment. I would like to share with you some of the positive outcomes based off the
Americans Disability Act survey I conducted.
Bird Bowl has a great accessible approach and entrance to the facility. The entrance also
provides direct access to the check in counter. The size of the inside corridor that runs through
out the facility surpasses wheelchair accessibility regulations. Each bowling lane has adequate
space for one wheelchair and the lane controls can be operated with one hand and without tight
grasping.
There are some aspects of the facility that I feel could be changed. The parking lot currently has
one accessible parking space in over 75 spaces that are available. Adding more accessible spaces
would improve inclusion at this facility. Additionally, I believe the surface counter should be
lowered or a portion of it can be adjusted to the standard number of compliance to ensure that
every customer is able to communicate with an attendant successfully. I also suggest relocating
the vending machines found next to the drinking fountain. The vending machines inhibit a person
in a wheelchair from successfully drinking water.
Ultimately I feel these small recommendations should be beyond the compliance mindset and
more about the customers needs and desires to increase customer satisfaction and promote full
inclusion of all.
Sincerely,
Allyson Rodriguez