The benefits of Therapeutic Recreation for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Presenter Hometown

Lexington, KY

Major

Master in Recreation & Parks Administration

Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Degree

Graduate

Mentor

Michelle Davis Gerken

Mentor Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are limited in participation of leisure activities. These particular groups of individuals can benefit greatly from the aids of therapeutic recreation specialist. The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits for adults with intellectual disabilities participating in leisure actives provided by therapeutic recreation specialist. In a study conducted by a recreational therapist in a New Mexico VA Health Care Center therapeutic drumming has helped promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, and improve communication among patience (Armstrong, 2006). This study will look at the effects of using leisure activities such as animal assisted therapy, recreational drumming, adaptive sports, and other recreational therapeutic practices to help benefit the overall quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. These therapeutic practices have been associated with reducing anxiety, improving social skills, and overall quality of life (Barker, 1998).

Presentation format

Poster

Poster Number

013

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The benefits of Therapeutic Recreation for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are limited in participation of leisure activities. These particular groups of individuals can benefit greatly from the aids of therapeutic recreation specialist. The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits for adults with intellectual disabilities participating in leisure actives provided by therapeutic recreation specialist. In a study conducted by a recreational therapist in a New Mexico VA Health Care Center therapeutic drumming has helped promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, and improve communication among patience (Armstrong, 2006). This study will look at the effects of using leisure activities such as animal assisted therapy, recreational drumming, adaptive sports, and other recreational therapeutic practices to help benefit the overall quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. These therapeutic practices have been associated with reducing anxiety, improving social skills, and overall quality of life (Barker, 1998).