Inclusive Recreation

• Newly offered "open" divisions do not have gender requirements for teams

• Transgender play policy encourages participation in leagues based on expressed gender identity

• Removed scoring differences for all sports and leagues, no longer dependent on expressed gender identity

• Partnership with Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) to offer numerous unified recreational activities

• Alt text used on all website photos and buttons 

• Closed captioning included in video projects 

• Accessibility in design principles are applied

• Funding is available for sport clubs or members that need sport-specific accommodations.

• Venture Out has several elements on the challenge course that can accommodate participants with disabilities

• The Challenge Course has a RALPH that can help lift a person in a wheelchair onto the climbing wall and other elements

• Challenge Course is ADA accessible

• Group exercise instructors are trained to give multiple cues to modify exercises and workouts to fit the needs of participants.  Sometimes it may help to inform an instructor before class begins to ensure needs are met.

• Personal trainers are able to design and implement personalized, one-on-one  workouts to fit the specific needs of their clients

Facility

Pool entrance and exit accessibility:

McComas Hall

• Ramp, wide stairs, and water wheelchair available on the pool deck

• Jogger belts and other equipment is available for use while in the facility

• Workouts available for swimmers available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced

• Two wheelchair emergency evacuation areas in McComas Hall 

• Swim attire is catered to the swimmer’s comfortability (ex. Hijab or athletic clothing) 

War Memorial Hall (currently closed)

• Chair lift

Swim Lessons

• Swim lessons are offered in multiple levels and formats for all ages and ability levels

• Private lessons are tailored to meet individual needs. Including personal goals, ability, and knowledge

• Other swim programs, such as Swim the States and Swim the ACC, cater to all levels of swimmers and non-swimmers

• Ability to lower nets to wheelchair accessible height for the following sports: badminton, basketball, pickleball, volleyball

• Accessible parking available (4 spaces)

• We have all gender/single stall bathrooms available

• Wheelchair accessible water stations

• Baby changing stations in the restrooms

Entrances/Exits

• Main entrance is an automatic sliding glass door

• ADA automatic door openers located at 142 McComas Hall and at welcome desk door

Restroom Accessibility:

• Men’s and Women’s locker room (basement Level): Each locker room is equipped with an ADA accessible shower stall with a bench and ADA accessible restroom stalls

• All gender/single stall bathroom (main level): ADA accessible

Locker Accessibility

• Men’s locker room: 206 wheelchair accessible

• Women’s locker room: 155 wheelchair accssible

Equipment

• Cable machines

• CYBEX selectorized machines

• Arm ergometers 

• Resistance bands and tubing (offline due to COVID)

• Hand grips

Other

• Wheelchair accessible weight scale and blood pressure machine
• Accessible parking available (3 spaces)
• Two elevators equipped with Braille
• Room placards Braille accessible
• Baby changing stations in the restrooms on the main floor and locker rooms

• Staff are trained on a wide range of EDI topics to help create a welcoming environment to all

• Student staff training: general EDI departmental training, but intentionally training them on the places and equipment in the facility that is ADA accessible so they are knowledgeable if someone asks; Customer service training and position expectations emphasis creating a welcoming environment for all patrons; Service animal guidelines are posted at the desk for them to reference if needed. 

• Guided tours and self-guided tours with Membership Services staff during all times

• Title IX training for all current student and professional staff

• Customer service - ensuring that staff create a welcoming and inclusive environment regardless of race, sexual orientation, etc. 

• Facility Tours