Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Learning Series

Parks are meant to be places of joy, connection, and wellness; but for millions of Americans with disabilities, that promise remains out of reach. RRS, through Accessibility Essentials, LLC, offers a series of learning opportunities focused on the ADA.

Statewide Workshops

• Register for a 2-Day training at a local park site to gain skills for conducting and completing ADA Audits for Parks.
• – Day 1: Parking, Paths of Travel, and Restroom Basics
• – Day 2: Shelters, Fields of Play and Playgrounds
• Space is limited to allow for hands-on instruction, register today! The first two workshops are in Central NC, with future locations in the East and West regions of NC.

Webinar Series Recap

ADA Compliance and Why it is Important

This webinar (October 21, 2025) explores the critical importance of ADA compliance in public parks and recreation spaces, not just as a legal requirement but as a moral and social imperative.

• Webinar Recording (RRS YouTube Channel)
• Webinar Slide Deck (PDF Handout)

ADA: Developing Transition Plans

The second webinar in our series (November 13, 2025) shares the basics of creating an ADA Transition Plan, including key regulations, common barriers to accessibility, and the steps to begin improving access in your community parks. Whether you’re new to ADA compliance or just starting to think about how to make your parks more inclusive, this webinar will set you on the right path.

• Webinar Recording (RRS YouTube Channel)
• Webinar Slide Deck (PDF Handout)

Research & Data

Center for Research on Disability

• Build your own County Level statistics
• Annual Disability Statistics Compendium (2025)

ADA Resources

Documents and Tools

• 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• Color Contrast Checker (free online tool with option to upgrade)
• Accessible Fonts (Introduction to accessibility in typography)

Sample Training – Quick Reference for Staff

• Service Animals – staff training infographic
• Visual needs – Responding to Braille or Large Print Requests
• Communicating – Plain Language Quick Reference (US Department of Labor)