Community options for all individuals.

Inclusion, partnerships, and transitional services. These aren't just fads or catchy buzzwords. They are trends of the 1990s - and perhaps the 21st century - for the provision of community therapeutic recreation services. While specialized programs - those planned specifically for individuals with disabilities - will continue to fulfill the recreation needs for many people, there is a growing demand from many others for inclusive recreation opportunities.

Inclusion is a concept that implies participation of all individuals in activities, facilities, and resources without restriction. As Schleien (1993) has stated: The time has come to adapt to a new way of thinking, one founded on the premise that the community belongs to everyone, and everyone - regardless of level and type of ability - belongs to the community. Inclusive community leisure services can be powerful vehicles for promoting this ideal (p. 67).

This move toward inclusive recreation opportunities is challenging park and recreation agencies to develop better ways to deliver quality services to all of their customers. Agencies are meeting this challenge through diverse - and frequently innovative - approaches to service delivery. The Eves of three individuals and how therapeutic recreation services in the community met their needs may best illustrate some approaches that have been successful.

Mary

Mary was to be released from the Community Hospital after a 10-day stay on the rehabilitation unit. In addition to medical services, Mary, who had bilateral leg amputations, also received recreational therapy. Mary and her therapist explored Mary's leisure interests, developed a comprehensive leisure education program, located accessible community resources, and even participated in an outing to the local recreation center. Still, Mary expressed doubts about her integration back into the community and activities she enjoyed prior to her surgery. Realizing that Mary would need continued support to promote leisure participation after her discharge from the hospital, the therapist decided to seek new opportunities for transitional services.

Through the Denver Parks and Recreation Department, Mary contacted the Transition to Recreational Activities in the Community (TRAC) program. TRAC provided Mary with the services of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist trained to assist her in the transition back to the community. For Mary, the transition involved finding the correct bus route from her home to the recreation center, helping her complete a registration form for a ceramics class, and providing personal assistance during the first few classes. All of these efforts enabled Mary to feel comfortable again in the community and regain her active lifestyle.

A free program for Denver residents, TRAC helps individuals gain access to community recreation services and facilities. Among those who benefit from TRAC programs are those transitioning from hospitals to communities, relocating to the community, or needing assistance for other reasons. TRAC services vices include informational referral via phone; tours and class previews; registration assistance (including securing financial aid); leisure education to either increase a repertoire of activities or explore leisure options; and personalized, individual support.

Alice

Three years ago, Alice graduated from high school and began a custodial job at a local fast food restaurant. She was proud to be employed and frequently indicated to her job coach how much she enjoyed her work.

But something seemed to be missing for Alice, a woman in her mid-twenties with a developmental disability. Every day after work, Alice returned home to watch hours of television with her parents. Realizing that Alice would benefit from leisure opportunities, her job coach referred her to the Community Leisure Integrated Program (CLIP) coordinated by the Jefferson County Community Center for Developmental Disabilities and providing individualized, supported recreation opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

A CLIP mentor was assigned to work with Alice, and - through ongoing supportive services such as increasing her transportation skills, providing independence from her family, and helping her access community recreation facilities - Alice was successful in developing a satisfying leisure lifestyle.

While participating in a community music program with her mentor, Alice began to make new friends. Today, Alice continues to enjoy music with friends she met through the program.

John

John had faced numerous tragedies during the past year. Not only did his wife of 40 years suddenly pass away, but John also was diagnosed with cancer. Now, after many months of debilitating treatment, John's medical condition stabilized. He expressed an interest in regaining his physical stamina but felt lost about where to begin.

Recognizing the need to move patients like John from a medical program to a wellness program, the Cancer FIT program was developed. Cancer FIT, using the services of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, assists individuals in their transition back to the community. Specifically, cancer survivors who have completed treatment and want to get in shape prior to pursuing traditional exercise programs are targeted for participation. The programmatic aspect of Cancer FIT, in which survivors are educated by the therapeutic recreation specialist about community resources, is provided by Capron Rehabilitation of Penrose Hospital; and pool and fitness facilities are provided by the local Parks and Recreation Department of Colorado Springs.

By holding classes in a community setting, patients are integrated into the mainstream of society; but they learn about the variety of recreation opportunities available to them. Cancer FIT enabled John to join the city aquatics program and increase his stamina, meet new people, and learn about community resources and activities available to him. John is among the 75% of Cancer FIT participants who are independently participating in organized community leisure pursuits.

Partnerships: Non-Profit and

Public Agencies

Partnerships, other than the ones between clinical and community settings, have been successful in providing therapeutic recreation services in the community. A good example can be seen in many Special Olympics programs.

Cooperative programs between Special Olympics and recreation and park agencies have increased drastically in recent years. While Special Olympics primarily has been known for specialized athletic events for individuals with developmental disabilities, the organization is gaining visibility in the community from unified sports programs. Many park and recreation agencies work cooperatively with local Special Olympics staff to provide community recreation opportunities.

Examples as Models

While the stories of Mary, John, and Alice are composite characterizations of many individuals, they do serve to illustrate the diversity of leisure needs in our communities. As parks and recreation departments seek to meet the needs of increasingly diverse constituents, programmatic challenges will continue to demand solution. Perhaps some of these challenges can be satisfied though the establishment of programs similar to those described here or programs that introduce new concepts and ideas. These activities will require innovative thinking and hard work, but the Marys, Johns, and Alices in our communities are worth it.

RESOURCES

Datillo, J. (1994). Inclusive leisure services. State College, PA: Venture Publishing

Venture Publishing, Inc.

1640 Oxford Circle

State College, PA 16803

A design guide: Universal access to outdoor recreation. (1993). Berkeley, CA: PLAE, Inc.

MIG Communications

1802 Fifth Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

[phone]

Hutchison, P., & McGill, J. (1992). Leisure integration and community. Concord, Ontario: Leisurability Publications.

Leisurability Publications, Inc.

36 Bessemer Court, Unit 3

Concord, Ontario L4K 3C9

Canada

Paciorek, M.J., & Jones, J.A. (1989). Sports and recreation for the disabled: A resource manual. Indianapolis, IN: Benchmark Press.

Benchmark Press, Inc.

8435 Keystone Crossing

Suite 175

Indianapolis, IN 46240

Schleien, S.J., & Ray, M.T. (1988). Community recreation and persons with disabilities: Strategies for integration. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

Paul H. Brooks Publishing Co.

PO Box 10624

Baltimore, MD 21285-0624

KEY TERMS

Accessibility: The physical, economic, and attitudinal access people with disabilities have in their communities.

Advocacy: The process of working to promote an issue, interest, or idea.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A law passed by Congress in 1990 which extended the mandate for access to public accommodations and programs to the private sector.

Transitional Services: The activities and resources which assist individuals in moving from one level of service to another, more independent, level of service.