Charleston, SC: The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (the Alliance) announces the launch of a self-assessment process to guide golf facilities towards recognition by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf as an Accessible Golf Facility.
The National Alliance Recognized Accessible Golf Facility Certificate will identify and recognize golf facilities around the country that have taken the necessary steps to demonstrate a commitment to increasing the participation of individuals with disabilities in the game of golf.
The self-assessment process is accessible via the Alliance Education Hub located on GAIN – the Golf Access and Inclusion Network™.
According to Dave Barton, PGA, Executive Director, “The process to attain the certificate is not a certification. It is a process designed to provide a clear path to better understand the essential actions critical to providing the foundation for a sustainable, welcoming environment at their facility, both physical and cultural. Facilities that conduct the self-assessment and earn the certificate demonstrate the value their leadership and staff place on access and inclusion in the game of golf for all.”
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf developed out of numerous working groups conducted in the mid-1990s involving leading golf associations, academia, and experts on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 when the golf industry recognized the ADA did not address the golf course itself. Since its inception, the Alliance has served as the primary industry resource for education and resources related to creating environments that are barrier free and inviting to current golfers with disabilities and those who seek to learn.
Items critical to the creation of an inclusive culture include an accessible website which serves as the first impression for most customers, barrier free access from the parking lot throughout the entirety of the publicly available buildings, golf course and other amenities offered, clear published policies related to matters of interest to individuals with disabilities, and training. The importance of embracing leadership and staff training related to golfers with disabilities is a primary contributor to the establishment of an environment where all feel welcomed.
Barton continues, “There is a renewed and growing focus across the country on adaptive golf competitions to serve those already engaged in the game. However, we must remember, golfers generally begin their journey within their local community. Our goal is to help courses assess themselves, so they are best prepared to provide a place where any child or adult with a disability knows they are welcomed to come learn and play the game.”
About the National Alliance for Accessible Golf
Formed in the summer of 2001, the Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an industry leader in accessibility and inclusion and works to ensure the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to play the game. The Alliance works to accomplish its mission through education, advocacy, and resource development.
For more information, please contact info@accessgolf.org or visit www.accessgolf.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Executive Director Dave Barton, PGA, davebarton@accessgolf.org.
