Recreation+and+Leisure

Recreation and Leisure

//“The quality of life is determined by its activities" Aristotle //



As Aristotle said, recreation and leisure provides people with an improved quality of life, especially for students with disabilities because it promotes social interactions, improved health, and much needed fun for children who have disabilities. Because schools tend to focus more on the academics, especially in an age of testing, recreation and leisure activities are unfortunately pushed aside. This is especially unfortunate for students with disabilities because students with disabilities are almost twice as likely to to be sedentary than their peers without disabilities (US Department of Health and Services, 2000). Also, according to Dr. James A. Rimmer, "Participation in play, recreation, and sport has a profound impact on overall growth and development and are essential elements for a satisfying childhood and adolescence." (Comer, 2009 p.1) Despite recreation and leisure activities not being the focus in school, they still are present in some ways. In the school setting, recreation and leisure activities can be seen in performing arts, music, and physical education; as well as in recess, field trips, and extra-curricular activities. All these activities help these students develop relationships, social skills, self-esteem and promotes health. A lot of times though, students with disabilities who participate in recreation and leisure activities in school, experience physical, social, and cognitive barriers which can hinder them from participating in activities. That is where assistive technology comes into play! (Comer, 2009 p.1)

Adapted to Activity ||< use bigger play pieces, simplify directions, add handles to help grips || adjustable height for hoops,  different weights for balls, lighter equipment, flexibility on time || add something sticky to to handles for easier hold, add color to glue to aid vision, simplify projects || visual cues/prompts, add pictures and colors to music, short pieces || Tools/Equipment ||< adapted play pieces and spinners || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">adapted and accessible playground <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> equipment, adaptive equipment for all sports || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">adapted tools (like scissors), arm supports || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">specially designed instruments, plays written especially for students <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">with disabilities || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Adopted Tools/Equipment ||< <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">switch operated/electronic games, switch card shuffler || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">lighted/beeping balls, pool lift, motorized wheel chair || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">switch operated devices like pottery wheel, motorized easel || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">voice output devices, remote controls/switches for instruments/music ||
 * ||< <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">Games and Play || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Sports and Exercise || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Arts and Crafts || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Performing Arts ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Tools/Equipment
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Specially Designed
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Electronically or Mechanically

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">It is also beneficial for students with disabilities to be exposed to online games, geared to their interests, in order to promote recreation and leisure. Also, the computer offers students with disabilities a chance to develop skills and how to play games through the use of software. Either way, students with disabilities benefit from recreation and leisure skills and are fortunate enough to have assistive technology to help these students participate in these activities.

Comer, L. (2009). Assistive technology for recreation and leisure, // Assessing students’ needs for assistive technology // (p. 2-17) Retrieved from http://www.wati.org/content/supports/free/pdf/Ch10-RecLeisure.pdf.

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