Last modified: Tuesday, September 24, 2002
IU program uses golf to get those with disabilities involved in community life
A plan is under way through an Indiana University program to use golf as a way to get people with disabilities involved in their community.
Project GAIN (Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) is being developed through the National Alliance for Accessible Golf that is headquartered in the IU School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
Gary Robb, alliance president and director of the National Center on Accessibility at IU, said GAIN is being funded by the United States Golf Association, the PGA Tour and other golf organizations as a comprehensive year-round, community-based program.
"Beginning with Salt Lake City in October, the alliance expects to launch programs in nine American cities during the next two years," said Robb, an associate professor in HPER's Department of Recreation and Park Administration. "Cities are still being recruited, with at least five communities expected to begin the program next spring."
Robb said that although golf will be the primary medium for delivery of the program, the ultimate goal is much more than teaching people how to play golf.
"We want to promote social inclusion in all aspects of community living," he explained. "The participants, those with and without disabilities, will be involved in biweekly instructional and inclusion programs. These programs will be open to people with all levels of ability and disability, with the program expected to reach more than a thousand people within the first 18 months."
The project will be managed by local steering committees that will consist of representatives from parks and recreation departments, golf associations, non-profit agencies, rehabilitation programs and independent living centers.
For more information on GAIN, contact Robb at 812-856-4422 or naag@indiana.edu.
The Web site for the alliance is https://www.accessgolf.org.
