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Individuals with disabilities who use a wheelchair or other mobility devices, elderly citizens and anyone else who needs assistance in entering and exiting a pool can now enjoy a swim at the Capital Region YMCA located at 2001 Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee. A new ramp has been installed through a partnership with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) and the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA).

The FDDC recreation inclusion grant awarded to the FDOA provides training to recreation providers regarding the benefits of inclusion. Staff from the City of Tallahassee – Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs, and the Capital Region YMCA have attended the training. The program includes resources of inclusive recreation adaptive devices, disability awareness activities, and the benefits of recreation.The Capital Region YMCA has always provided opportunities for individuals with disabilities, now with the addition of the ramp, access to the pool will be with more ease.

Debra Dowds, FDDC Executive Director, explained why the ramp is important.

"The Council believes that everybody should have the opportunity to enjoy all types of sports in all types of settings, and that's what this ramp is all about," said Dowds, during the official dedicaiton of the ramp.  "This ramp will guarantee that everyone - individuals with and without disabilities - will have an equal opportunity to get in this pool and cool off on a hot summer's day, to share the fun with their friends and neighbors, to feel that they are a part of this community and to feel included."

“Inclusion in recreation is a focus for our community. People of all ages and all abilities deserve to receive the health benefits, friendships and feeling of well-being that come from participating in recreation. People with disabilities may use adaptive equipment or something similar to the new ramp at the YMCA, but they can participate,” said Laurie LoRe-Gussak, executive director of the FDOA. 

LoRe-Gussak joined with Dowds, Peggy Conklin, YMCA CEO/President, and David Jones, FDOA President, in cutting a huge red ribbon signaling the formal dedication of the ramp. Students from Gretchen Everhart School in Tallahassee, members of the local disability community and local government officials were also present for the event.