title: ADA Compliance and Accessibility of Fitness Facilities in Western Wisconsin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study expands the research on fitness facility accessibility by determining how compliant fitness facilities in rural western Wisconsin were with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Comparisons were made with 4 other studies that were conducted in different geographical regions. The study also examined fitness professionals' disability knowledge and awareness.
  
  
  METHODS
  An ADA fitness facility compliance instrument and a fitness professional disability awareness survey were used. Direct observation and physical measurements were taken during on-site visits to 16 of 36 eligible fitness facilities in rural western Wisconsin. Ten fitness professionals from participating facilities completed an online survey. Frequencies were used to analyze the results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  None of the participating facilities were in 100% compliance with ADA. Customer service desk (84%) and path of travel throughout the facility (72%) were the highest compliance areas. Telephone (6%) and locker rooms (32%) were the lowest compliance areas. No fitness professional was trained in wheelchair transfers and very few had received training in providing services to individuals with disabilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fitness facility accessibility remains a concern nationally. Continued efforts need to be made to raise the awareness of ADA compliance among fitness professionals across the United States, especially in rural areas where fitness facility availability is limited.
authors: Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
authors: Marquell J
authors: MJ
authors: Johnson
authors: Hannah Y
authors: HY
authors: Stoelzle
authors: Kristi L
authors: KL
authors: Finco
authors: Sadie E
authors: SE
authors: Foss
authors: Katie
authors: K
authors: Carstens
keywords: Americans with Disabilities Act; accessibility; disability; environmental barriers; fitness facility