Brockport

Challenge:

Higher Education spaces are a perfect place for experiential learning. Teachers are tasked with creating learning environments that can both instill knowledge AND give real-world experiences so that the knowledge gained is enriched by a deeper understanding. How can instructors do that when it comes to understanding the impact of inclusion (and by extension, exclusion) on people with disabilities?

Solution:

Instructors in the Greater Rochester region have the opportunity to work closely with RAA to create vibrant experiences for their students. Two of SUNY Brockport’s Departments have been doing this for many years.

The Department of Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation & Tourism and the Adapted Physical Education program utilize RAA’s expertise on an annual basis. Instructors of multiple classes in both departments have worked with RAA to build inclusion training tools into their curriculum. They supplement that training with experiential opportunities where students are able to ‘see’ inclusion in action, meet people whose lives are impacted by inclusion, and learn how they, as professionals-to-be, can aspire to do their own part to create a culture of inclusion wherever they end up.

SUNY Brockport students have

• Explored adaptive and inclusive sports like pickleball, wheelchair basketball, and sled hockey
• Assisted with inclusive kayaking and cycling events which match people with disabilities and their families to these activities which are available each season through a local business that partners with RAA
• Completed certification in Inclusion U’s trainings
• Participated in adaptive and inclusion events through Brockport student group, Brockport Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities (B.A.D.)

And, our region is better for it! Students who remain in the Greater Rochester region as professionals are already informed and are expecting to connect people with disabilities to active, healthy and inclusive opportunities. And they are already connected to a resource that can help them make inclusion happen!