Recreation and Leisure

When parents think about their son or daughter making the transition to adulthood and living independently, they often first think about what kind of job he or she will have. But it is just as important to give careful consideration to what your child experiences after the work day. Recreational activities can be a source of fulfillment, a way to meet others and make friends, and a way to become a part of a community. They are also a great way to stay healthy and have fun! Here are some great websites that will help all those involved in this part of a child’s life.
Therapeutic Recreation

This is a wonderful website devoted to providing opportunities and recourses for recreation therapists, therapeutic recreation specialists, creative arts therapists, activity therapist, activity directors and other disciplines. Not only a therapist, but a parent or person with a disability can find the information to be helpful. The services are provided from trained professionals to help develop and use their leisure in ways that engage their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life. If someone if having problems being creative, there is a link for activity and treatment ideas relating to arts, dance, leisure, fitness and others. There are also blogs, videos, survey results, articles and much more about recreation.
http://www.recreationtherapy.com/index.htm

Pacer Center article

This is a wonderful article from the Pacer Center which supports children with disabilities to experience life. In this article, a parent, educator and care taker can find helpful information about where to start when deciding on recreation programs, like YMCA, and Special Olympics. This article explains the need to help a child with a disability to become involved with different programs and build their confidence. There are tips, resources, and real life examples for the encouragement of getting children involved with recreation.
http://www.pacer.org/tatra/resources/MYD/recreation.asp

National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education

This is valuable information for parents in the transition process looking for recreation and leisure activities. After becoming a member to NAPCSE a person can read more about topics such as, the importance of leisure activities activities, which to explore and the advantages of special leisure programs designed for individuals with disabilities. The sight is well worth becoming a member of and most likely can be supported from your education program. Educators should make an effort to help those with disabilities to experience such activities, just as Congress has since passing Americans with Disabilities Act. This is a great site and should not be avoided!
http://www.napcse.org/transitionservices/recreation.php