Increasing Participation: Accessing Social & Recreational Activities Mike Gillespie University of East London

OVERVIEW Introduction Terminology Leisure Ability Model Issues and Challenges

Introduction King (2001) High capacity for social contact correlates with leisure pursuit satisfaction Doble et al. (2003): Disease and impairment do not necessarily equate with quality of life-often more closely associated with social internaction

Terminology Leisure: Free time unencumbered by work or other obligations The opportunity to engage in pursuits that are free and voluntarily chosen

Terminology Recreation: A form of voluntary activity carried on in leisure time Usually for pleasure, but also to satisfy other personal needs and drives

Terminology Fun-oriented, pleasurable activities Not commonly viewed from a health perspective

Terminology Therapeutic Recreation:The provision of treatment and recreation services to persons with illnesses or disabling conditions The primary purposes of recreational therapy, are to restore, remediate or rehabilitate in order to improve functioning and independence in the leisure domain

Leisure Ability Model Leisure Ability Model: 1. Treatment services 2. Leisure education 3. Recreation participation Individually based Goal: Satisfying “leisure lifestyle”

Treatment Services Four functional domains: 1. Physical 2. Mental 3. Emotional/affective 4. Social Improve functional limitations Characterized by lack of control, dependence

Leisure Education Acquisition of leisure-related attitudes, knowledge and skills 4 components: 1. Leisure awareness 2. Social interaction skills 3. Leisure activity skills 4. Leisure resources

Recreation Participation Structured activities that allow the individual to utilize new skills Greater freedom, decision-making relative to leisure activities

RecreationRehabilitation

Recreation Rehabilitation

Recreation Rehabilitation

Potential Barriers Access Attitudinal Behaviour Cognitive Function Communication Financial Movement Restrictions Opportunity Sensory impairment Social skills Staff training

Resources American Therapeutic Recreation Association ( ) Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association ( Diversional Therapy Association-New South Wales ( Therapeutic Recreation Directory (