Mitchel Square Park: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks)

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Does the agency mission clearly reflect a belief about inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Yes

Do agency vision and values articulate support for inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency mission:

NYC Parks values participation by and resources provided towards all New Yorkers, including those with disabilities and other differences.

Staff

Does upper administration (e.g., board of directors, administrators, managers) show support for inclusion?

Yes

Is a point of contact or ADA coordinator designated to coordinate inclusion at the agency? (preferably a certified therapeutic recreation specialist)

Yes

Name	Title	Phone	Email
Chris Noel	Accessibility Coordinator	212-360-2772

Are managers and front line staff trained in disability awareness & inclusion as a routine part of staff training?

Yes

If yes, list main topics covered in training

Staff are trained in various different areas, including programmatic areas of inclusion and adaptive sports inclusion.

When observed, or when asked in an interview, do staff members interact with people with disabilities in a helpful and respectful manner?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency staff:

Staff are trained to speak to all individuals utilizing their resources and services in a helpful and respectful manner, including those with disabilities.

Agency Planning

Are people with disabilities and/or their families involved in agency planning efforts? (e.g., board of directors, advisory board, public input)

Yes

If yes, list types of involvement/input:

The agency employs may individuals who have disabilities who are included in the planning efforts. In addition, when planning is open to the public, it is inclusive of individuals of all abilities and differences.

Is the agency involved in ongoing plans for inclusion and accessibility?'

Yes

If yes, has the agency made progress on identified areas in plan?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency planning:

NYC Parks makes an effort to promote accessibility and inclusion. For example, new facilities and areas are built with attention paid to inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. Programmatic planning is also something that the agency tries its best to promote accessibility and inclusion in, but also something that is considered a continual growing process.

Agency Communication and Marketing

Is person first language used in written materials?

Yes

Is person first language used in oral communication?

Yes

Are alternative forms of communication available?

Yes

If yes, check the alternative forms of communication available:

Braille
Multiple

Do marketing and other printed agency materials reflect inclusion of people with disabilities? (e.g., access information provided, people with disabilities pictured in publications or on web site)

Yes

Is the agency website usable by people of all abilities? (e.g., simple design, consistent navigation, alt text for graphics, high contrast, no flashing/blinking features)

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency communication and marketing:

Person first language is encouraged at the organization. It is used by individuals in administrative roles and is encouraged for all personnel. While it is encouraged, it is acknowledged that transitioning to full use of this language is something that can take time. The agency promotes physical inclusion through documenting accessible entrances through highlighting these areas on agency documents. In terms of the programmatic aspects of this, the agency is working towards having programmatic aspects of communication and marketing foster additional inclusion.

Agency Policies and Procedures

Are emergency warning and evacuation procedures in place for safe exit of people with disabilities? (e.g., auditory and visual alarm systems, areas of rescue assistance identified)

N/A

Is all staff trained in the procedures for safe evacuation of people with disabilities in the event of an emergency?

N/A

Is there a written policy about the use of service animals?

Yes

Is there a written policy about the use of motorized mobility devices?

Yes

Do personal care attendants attend free when accompanying a person with a disability?

Yes

If applicable, do prices for services accommodate people with financial need?

N/A

If applicable, are special dietary needs met?

N/A

Comments/additional information about agency policies and procedures:

Service animals and motorized mobility devices are welcome in NYC Parks. As an overall agency, the only areas where regulations exist are in aquatic pool areas Though there are no events at Mitchel Square Park that require payment, the overall agency does allow personal care attendants to attend events for free, as long as they remain with the individual which whom they are working with.

Evaluation

Does the agency conduct evaluation on an ongoing basis and at the end of programs/services?

Yes

If yes, does evaluation include feedback on inclusion, accessibility or use of supports & accommodations?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency evaluation of inclusion:

NYC Park is connected to the Parks Inspection Program, which routinely inspects parks and programs within the agency. Mitchel Square Park is included in this. If there are areas in which improvement is needed, the Parks Inspection Program will include feedback to help promote change to foster greater inclusion and accessibility.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Does the agency have partnerships with disability and other community organizations?

Yes

If yes, please list:

Notes About Administrative Practices

Any additional administrative practices you noted at the agency that are not listed above that you feel are helpful to people with disabilities and their families:

The NYC Parks website is a thorough resource to gain additional information on accessibility and overall information about NYC Parks. The overall NYC website (www.nyc.gov) is also a good resource that disseminates information well.

Mitchel Square Park: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks)
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Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Mitchel Square Park: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Back to Agency

Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Mitchel Square Park: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks)
Back to Agency