At pools, playgrounds, gyms, and other facilities, parents and children say that they feel uncomfortable when they experience stares and comments. Parents voice frustration that many people do not seem accustomed to seeing children with varying disabilities in public. It can be difficult to endure when insensitive people ask, "What's wrong with him?? or "Will she pee in the pool?" Some parents of children with disabilities such as brain injuries and autism note that people sometimes cannot accept behaviors and reactions that might result from a child being overstimulated or having difficulty adjusting to the loud noises and acoustics of a gym or pool.

One way to dispel attitudinal barriers is to include images of children and youth with various disabilities in publicity for parks, gyms, camps, and community recreation programs. Materials can show children with disabilities in shorts and swimsuits engaged in various sports and activities. Adapted youth sport exhibitions in the community can showcase activities such as wheelchair basketball. Persons with disabilities can speak to schools and organizations about fitness and recreation. The Kids on the Block provides educational puppet programs that enlighten children on the issues of disability awareness and encourage non-disabled children to interact with children who have disabilities. Research shows that children who are educated together, instead of in segregated settings, are more likely to learn tolerance and acceptance. It makes sense that inclusive recreation would offer the same benefits.