NHRPA Business Meeting & Coffee Talk with Speaker Matt Frye from UNH RMP

Join Professor Matt Frye from UNH’s Department of Recreation Management and Policy for an interactive session designed to equip recreation professionals with actionable strategies for creating inclusive programs and services. Learn how to assess current practices, implement quick wins, and develop long-term plans that prioritize accessibility, equity, and community engagement. Whether you’re leading a small department or a large one, this session will provide tools and resources to help you make a meaningful impact.

Session Outline:

1. Introduction

• Welcome and brief overview of the session
• Definition of inclusion in recreation
• Importance of inclusive practices for community impact and departmental growth

2. Assessing Current Practices

• Conducting an inclusivity audit:
• • Program accessibility
  • Physical spaces
  • Communication methods
• Gathering community feedback and understanding diverse needs
• Highlighting local and national examples of successful inclusive programs

3. Short-Term Strategies

• Staff training and awareness:
• • Disability awareness
  • Cultural competence
  • Mental health first aid
• Quick wins for accessible programming:
• • Modifying existing programs for broader participation
  • Using adaptive equipment
• Marketing inclusively:
• • Language and imagery
  • Outreach to underrepresented groups

4. Long-Term Strategies

• Building strategic partnerships:
• • Local organizations, schools, and advocacy groups
  • Cross-department collaboration
• Developing an inclusive mission and policies
• Budgeting and grant opportunities for inclusion initiatives
• Measuring progress and outcomes through data and storytelling

5. Action Planning and Group Discussion

• Interactive activity: Drafting an inclusive program idea
• Sharing insights and questions
• Resources for ongoing learning

6. Conclusion

• Recap of key takeaways
• Call to action: Commit to one short-term and one long-term strategy
• Q & A