Activities for All - Increasing Accessibility Awareness through Golf
Rimmistö, Sari (2012)
Rimmistö, Sari
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201202162239
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201202162239
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to describe changes in the level of accessibility awareness in Yyteri Golf Links during Sataesteetön –project and to study whether accessibility awareness can be increased through activities for all. In addition the environmental factors affecting inclusion and equal participation were explored. The thesis is part of Sataesteetön –project organised by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences aiming to increase accessibility awareness and equal participation in the region through seminars, courses and cooperation.
The research methods used in this thesis were interview and observation. The data collection for the thesis took place in late spring and summer 2011. The interviews were executed in late spring 2011 with personnel of Yyteri Golf Links. Observation was done during golf course for all in August 2011 organised by Yyteri Golf Links in cooperation with Sataesteetön –project and the city of Pori. The interview topics related to the cooperation with Sataesteetön –project whereas the observation focused on the environmental factors affecting inclusion and participation.
The research results of this thesis found changes in the level of accessibility awareness among Yyteri Golf Links personnel. Established practices had been changed to increase the accessibility of services provided and the social dimension of accessibility had been understood. Accessibility nevertheless was perceived separately from the general aims of the club and investments in accessibility were considered to limit the core golf services provided.
Increasing accessibility awareness through activities for all provides practical experiences in inclusion, adapted physical activities and accessibility. Professional support received from the project and availability of assistants created a positive learning situation for the service provider and for participants. Concrete examples and positive experiences promote changes in attitudinal environment which further improves the accessibility and availability of participation opportunities. Attitudes can be viewed as a major environmental factor for inclusion and participation, and increasing awareness and knowledge direct the development of attitudinal environment.
The research methods used in this thesis were interview and observation. The data collection for the thesis took place in late spring and summer 2011. The interviews were executed in late spring 2011 with personnel of Yyteri Golf Links. Observation was done during golf course for all in August 2011 organised by Yyteri Golf Links in cooperation with Sataesteetön –project and the city of Pori. The interview topics related to the cooperation with Sataesteetön –project whereas the observation focused on the environmental factors affecting inclusion and participation.
The research results of this thesis found changes in the level of accessibility awareness among Yyteri Golf Links personnel. Established practices had been changed to increase the accessibility of services provided and the social dimension of accessibility had been understood. Accessibility nevertheless was perceived separately from the general aims of the club and investments in accessibility were considered to limit the core golf services provided.
Increasing accessibility awareness through activities for all provides practical experiences in inclusion, adapted physical activities and accessibility. Professional support received from the project and availability of assistants created a positive learning situation for the service provider and for participants. Concrete examples and positive experiences promote changes in attitudinal environment which further improves the accessibility and availability of participation opportunities. Attitudes can be viewed as a major environmental factor for inclusion and participation, and increasing awareness and knowledge direct the development of attitudinal environment.