Accessibility in Action

Current Accessibility Highlights

City Council Proclamation, July 24, 2023: To Celebrate National Disability Independence Day(PDF, 91KB)

Smiling woman and infant enjoy swinging together on an orange two-person combination swing

Carmody Park

In August 2017, the City of Lakewood opened a stunning new universal playground in Carmody Park, featuring the most innovative and inclusive amenities for the residents of Lakewood and the broader metro area. This universal playground includes a year‐round heated restroom building with an adult‐size changing table, allowing residents to plan a whole day of play, regardless of their age or ability. 

The City of Lakewood has developed a deep understanding of the needs of families and individuals with disabilities in and around the area. Understanding firsthand that Lakewood and metro area residents with disabilities have limited options for inclusive play (meaning the ability to play with friends of ALL abilities), Carmody Park's universal playground presents a unique opportunity to play for all. 

For more information about Carmody Park and its amenities, visit www.Lakewood.org/CarmodyPark

Aerial view of colorful play areas and winding paths at Carmody Park playground Adults and children walking around enjoying play structures and other features at Carmody Park playground

 

Happy campers with differing abilities at Camp Paha Camp Paha

Camp Paha is a summer day camp program offered by the City of Lakewood, specifically designed for youth and young adults with disabilities. Camp Paha provides a safe, inclusive environment where participants can enjoy various recreational activities, develop social skills and have a fun, enriching summer experience. 

Camp Paha offers a diverse range of activities tailored to the abilities and interests of the participants. These activities may include arts and crafts, sports, games, nature exploration, music, drama and even field trips to local attractions. Trained staff members and volunteers supervise and assist participants throughout the program, ensuring their safety and providing support as needed. 

Camp Paha's primary goals are to promote personal growth, independence and socialization among the participants. Through engaging activities and interactions, Camp Paha aims to foster self-confidence, enhance social skills and create a positive and empowering atmosphere. The program encourages participants to develop new skills, make friends and create lasting memories. 

For more detailed information about Camp Paha, including program dates, fees and other relevant details, visit www.Lakewood.org/Paha.

Camp Paha attendees on a fieldtrip to aquarium Camp Paha campers enjoy a wet, splashy water fight

 

Yellow-shirted flag football players on the field at Special Olympics Special Olympics

The City of Lakewood facilitates several select Special Olympics teams for community members, enabling Lakewood youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in seasonal sports such as track and field, swimming, football, basketball, and bowling. 

Individuals who participate in Lakewood’s Special Olympic teams experience improved physical health, increased self-esteem, and confidence through their achievements. Through teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, athletes develop valuable abilities that extend beyond sports and into everyday life. 

The impact of Special Olympics extends beyond the individuals involved. It creates a ripple effect of understanding and acceptance within communities, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes about intellectual disabilities. 

Special Olympics flag football team members meet in their huddle

Dancers of all ages and abilities enjoying the vibrations of the music through the floor Feel The Beat

In 2022, the City of Lakewood partnered with Feel the Beat, a local nonprofit on a mission to make the experience of music and dance possible for those who are deaf, hard of earing, and for those with or without disabilities, by bringing a one-of-a-kind reverberating floor to its Charles Whitlock Recreation Center. 

Feel the Beat's patented floor technology converts sound waves into vibrations felt on a pliable floor. These vibrations travel through the bones and hearing system, just as a sound wave would move through the air, allowing students to connect with the musical beat through body motion. When combined with a specialized curriculum, musical tools and teachers communicating via American Sign Language, the result is a fully accessible and inclusive music and dance experience. 

To feel the beat and learn more about this exceptional program, sign up for a class at www.feelthebeat.dance.

Read more about Lakewood's therapeutic recreation program.

Dance class sitting on the reverberating floor of Feel the Beat Group photo of dance class with dancers of all ages and abilities

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