• Individuals and their families definitely have ideas about what activities they want to participate in.  Too often they are not asked what they want to do now and in the future.

• A person-centered planning process can often help individuals identify desired activities and goals for the future.  The PATH (see section ) is an example of a planning tool.

• Find positive “gate-keepers” within the community.  This refers to a person who has a “key” to community activities, and is eager to “let in” people with disabilities.  The person identified as a Positive Gate Keeper need not be powerful or politically connected.  This person is characterized by a neighborly attitude and a willingness to help.  Examples include a sporting goods store clerk providing information about a fishing event, coaches at a local athletic facility welcoming and encouraging a student who has autism, and a staff member at a local Racquet Club & Spa being particularly nice and helpful.  In creating inclusive recreation opportunities, keep an eye out for these Positive Gatekeepers – people who are friendly and willing to make a place for your coalition members in community activities.  Search for them, reward them, and keep them in the loop.

• Coalition members have expressed very candidly that money provided a major incentive for participating in their groups.  The project made it easier for families and adults to take a risk in trying a new route to inclusion.  Having funds available to participate in recreation made it much tougher for individuals and families to turn down the opportunity.  For a person with a disability, recreation is often more expensive, for many reasons, including:

• Cost for an assistant or caregiver to participate if needed
• Cost of accessible transportation
• Adaptive equipment requirements

Poverty and disability often go hand in hand.  If families are already strapped, leisure activities can seem like a huge luxury – unless they are free.  This project and its funding have opened the doors to community for many coalition members, by removing the financial barrier.  With their costs covered, the relational risks seem more worth taking.  After all, if it won’t drain your wallet, it seems almost foolish not to try.

• It’s difficult to participate in community activities when you lack reliable or affordable transportation.  For all the coalitions, transportation has posed some degree of concern.  It helps to know what the transportation issues are, and find ways around them with the coalition’s help.  For example, rather than depending on one person to provide transportation, consider finding a few different options for getting a ride.  Plan for problems. This “patchwork” method of support leaves a person with more options.