EVOLVING FOR ALL
Continued progressGolf is a game for all. It’s a fun, recreational activity for millions of people of all ages, playing ability, genders and ethnic backgrounds. Many organizations are committed to ensuring golf is accessible to all players, including the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, which is specifically working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy the game.
ACCESSIBLE GOLF AT A GLANCE
National Alliance for Accessible GolfAccording to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau survey, there are approximately 57 million Americans with some form of disability. This includes 19 percent of the total U.S. population. In other words, almost one in five U.S. residents has a disability.
According to a study conducted by the National Center on Accessibility at Indiana University in cooperation with Clemson University:
National Alliance for Accessible Golf (Alliance)
Formed in 2001The Alliance is represented by major golf, recreation and therapeutic organizations in the U.S.; organizations that provide services for people with disabilities; and others who advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in society. Our mission is to increase participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf. It has been proven that through golf, individuals with disabilities become actively engaged in the social fabric of a community, and derive health benefits that improve quality of life.
The Alliance accomplishes its mission through advocacy and promotion of the game as an inclusive sport. It also provides education and training to the golf industry and program coordinators on how to engage individuals with disabilities into the game through inclusive programs. And finally, the Alliance – with financial support from the United States Golf Association (USGA) – administers a grant program to assist grassroots efforts across the country that are growing the game of golf through inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities.