“Denied from a Lot of Places” Barriers to Participation in Community Recreation Programs Encountered by Children with Disabilities in Maine: Perspectives of Parents

Barriers to participation in Maine community recreation programs were explored with 37 parents of children with disabilities in six focus groups statewide. Findings suggest that most community recreation programs in Maine effectively exclude children with disabilities; non-exclusionary programs are usually limited in scope and segregated, not inclusive. Participants identified two major barriers, programs' emphasis in competitive sports and children's behavioural and social skills deficits. Other identified barriers support previous findings: lack of friendship-building programs; negative staff and community attitudes; and lack of staff awareness about disabilities. Recommendations addressed programming, training, support, facilities, collaborations, and financial assistance.