OVERARCHING PURPOSE: The purpose of the Sixth National Forum on Accessible Golf is to identify, from a national perspective, educational strategies that will enhance making the game of golf more accessible to all individuals.

While there are many other important activities and initiatives regarding accessible golf being undertaken across the country, a strategic plan for education of golfers with disabilities, those who provide services and instruction for golfers with disabilities, golf providers, facility owners and operators and those who represent golfers with disabilities, remains a critical component of success. To date, the educational strategies have been fragmented and with little or no consistency of information across audiences. It is hoped that through Forum VI a more consistent set of strategies can be established for use with all constituencies involved.

FORUM GOALS:

• To provide an update of the proposed regulations regarding construction and alterations of golf courses developed by the US Access Board.
• To continue a positive dialogue among the golf industry, organizations serving individuals with disabilities, rehabilitation services and golfers with disabilities.
• To identify and discuss the role of national golf organizations, organizations serving golfers with disabilities, and rehabilitative services in advancing opportunities for and services to golfers with disabilities.
• To identify educational needs of national golf organizations, organizations serving golfers with disabilities, and rehabilitative services as they relate to serving golfers with disabilities.
• To develop a series of educational program and service strategies to address the needs of national golf organizations, organizations serving golfers with disabilities and rehabilitative services.

FORUM ORIENTATION:

The free and open exchange of ideas and opinions is critical to the success of the Forum and the achievement of its overarching purpose; however, the Forum is not a platform for advancing personal agendas, independent programs or single item issues( i.e., single-rider cart, national tournament for golfers with disabilities, golf car flagging policies, etc). The focus is on policy development and national strategic efforts.

Certainly, the sharing of individual experiences and expertise as it relates to the Forum agenda is strongly encouraged. A stimulating discussion of issues and perspectives on advancing the opportunities for golfers with disabilities is expected. Only through an open dialogue will we be able to establish a series of educational strategies that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and advance the game of golf for all.