Accessibility and Inclusion as an Approach to Enhancing Local Extension Programs

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Accessibility and Inclusion as an Approach to Enhancing Local Extension Programs
Language: English
Authors: S. Dee Jepsen, Laura Akgerman, Karen Funkenbusch, Jessie Calero, Heather Kelejian
Source: Journal of Human Sciences & Extension. 2022 10(2):96-115.
Availability: School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University. PO Box 9745, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Tel: 662-325-6861; Fax: 662-325-8188; e-mail: jhse@ext.msstate.edu; Web site: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/jhse/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Access to Education, Program Descriptions, Community Needs, Agricultural Occupations, Academic Accommodations (Disabilities), Civil Rights Legislation, Disabilities, Federal Legislation, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Accessibility (for Disabled), Organizational Climate, Morale, Group Membership, Extension Education, Extension Agents, Compliance (Legal), Employee Attitudes, Urban Programs, Partnerships in Education, Quality of Life
Geographic Terms: Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, North Carolina
Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, Rehabilitation Act 1973
ISSN: 2325-5226
Abstract: Providing accessible learning opportunities and inclusive programs are critical to Extension's mission. Creating inclusive environments is more than consideration for individuals' personal identity. Using principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) is an approach to intentionally build community and create new opportunities for education and growth. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law requiring businesses and events to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states, "no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." The legislation applies to Extension buildings, programs, and gardens that are available to the public. This article highlights Extension's relevance for creating accessible spaces and programs with examples from four U.S. states. Extension professionals within AgrAbility, occupational health, and therapeutic horticulture describe their experiences integrating IDEA to enhance urban agricultural programs. They share best management practices and additional resources applicable for community gardens, greenhouses, agritourism, and urban agricultural spaces. When Extension professionals and their collaborators strive to make urban programming accessible, they enhance the quality of life for participants.?Applying disability service concepts to urban communities maximizes the Land Grant's mission to create inclusive environments, ultimately impacting agricultural sustainability.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1467520
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Providing accessible learning opportunities and inclusive programs are critical to Extension's mission. Creating inclusive environments is more than consideration for individuals' personal identity. Using principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) is an approach to intentionally build community and create new opportunities for education and growth. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law requiring businesses and events to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states, "no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." The legislation applies to Extension buildings, programs, and gardens that are available to the public. This article highlights Extension's relevance for creating accessible spaces and programs with examples from four U.S. states. Extension professionals within AgrAbility, occupational health, and therapeutic horticulture describe their experiences integrating IDEA to enhance urban agricultural programs. They share best management practices and additional resources applicable for community gardens, greenhouses, agritourism, and urban agricultural spaces. When Extension professionals and their collaborators strive to make urban programming accessible, they enhance the quality of life for participants.?Applying disability service concepts to urban communities maximizes the Land Grant's mission to create inclusive environments, ultimately impacting agricultural sustainability.
ISSN:2325-5226