By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Kudos to the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department for reaching out to see what kinds of amenities are needed to serve disabled people.

The agency is cosponsoring an event from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Blue Parkway, on Kansas City's East Side.

The department is holding the event with the help of the UMKC-Institute for Human Development.

From the department's press release:

"The purpose of Community Conversation is to gain feedback from individuals who are interested in leisure and recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities.

"Invited guests will discuss and develop strategies related to sustaining community integration and leisure activities, funding opportunities through community based foundations (public or private), governmental agencies (local, state and federal), and explore innovative funding solutions.

"The feedback will be used to develop a community integration plan of action for persons with disabilities."