Walnut Creek Expands Accessibility, Inclusivity, Transportation

WALNUT CREEK, CA — With March recognized nationally as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Walnut Creek Arts + Rec is spreading the word about new and ongoing efforts the department is making toward accessibility and inclusivity in programming, transportation and more.

In addition to adaptive summer camps currently funded by the Regional Center of the East Bay, the Arts + Rec department is collaborating on new programs and class offerings. The Regional Center system provides federal funding to families for programs such as therapies, medical treatments, housing and now social recreation programming, making it possible for more people to participate in Arts + Rec opportunities.

"Inclusivity is one of our foundational principles, and this funding helps us create a sense of belonging for all community members into Arts + Rec programs," said Elizabeth Orcutt, Arts + Rec Community Relations Manager.

Arts + Rec's adaptive programming is designed for people 5 and older to strengthen their social and independent living, as well as community safety skills while developing leisure interests they will carry throughout their lives. Past events have included movie and pizza nights, as well as field trips to the Oakland Zoo.

Additionally, Arts + Rec will soon begin working toward Sensory Inclusive Certification at Shadelands Art Center, through a national training program called KultureCity. The certification process trains staff on recognizing individuals with sensory needs, provides them with sensory-inclusive equipment like noise-canceling headphones and visual cue cards, and gives them practical tools to manage sensory overload situations. Arts + Rec leadership staff will also soon begin training with expert consultants from the Oakland-based Social Equity Lab, a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business.

As the City of Walnut Creek’s cultural and recreation hub, the Arts + Rec department has worked in recent years to open up its transportation program to more people, specifically seniors and other adults with disabilities and health conditions that make it difficult for them to get around. The department’s transportation program provides rides through a mini-bus, other vehicles, and even special Lyft app access to get people to Arts + Rec programs, in addition to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other spots.

Supported by funding from the Transportation Partnership and Cooperation —TRANSPAC — the department’s Social Services Division manages a robust program for adaptive people who need support getting from one place to another but are not able to drive or take public transit. This partnership ensures participants of all ages and abilities can engage and experience a full, connected life in the community. Notably, this funding previously provided transportation to the Clarke Swim Center for a full-day adaptive summer camp for people 5-22 years old. This allowed campers with limitations as well as families with access barriers to enjoy the pool during this inclusive event.

"It’s important to us that everyone feels like they have a place in Arts + Rec," Orcutt said. "We are proud of our community’s diversity and believe that inclusivity makes us stronger."

Orcutt invites those interested in learning more about adaptive programming to visit the webpage Walnutcreekartsrec.org/programs-activities/adaptive-and-inclusive-programs. If looking for adaptive classes and camps on the online schedule, look for activities that list "RCEB" at the end.