RESUMO
PURPOSE: The study expands research on accessibility, comparing compliance scores of aquatic facilities in North Texas built before the 1991 Title III Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) with facilities built after the 1991 ADAAG and the proposed 2002 supplement. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design directed the selection of 52 facilities where measurements were taken to determine compliance with ADAAG and the supplement. A focus group provided insight into interpreting which features functioned as barriers or constraints to participation. SETTING: Metropolitan statistical area in North Texas. SUBJECTS: A total of 52 aquatic facilities and 12 focus group participants (University of North Texas institutional review board 07-283). MEASURE: ADA aquatic facility compliance instrument. ANALYSIS: Frequency, ratios. RESULTS: No facilities were 100% ADA compliant overall, although some facilities were 100% compliant with specific structural domains. Women's restrooms rated lowest (average = 55%), and men's restrooms received the second lowest rating (average = 64%). Focus group results indicated that improperly designed restrooms and pool entries are primary barriers to participation. CONCLUSION: The findings support a need for stronger enforcement of policies that improve accessibility of facilities. Architectural reviews and construction practices need to be improved. The structural barriers and constraints identified can be limiting factors in efforts aimed at increasing physical activity among individuals with disabilities and individuals with physical limitations.
