Development and Implementation of Community.pptVIP

Development and Implementation of Community-based Sports/Recreational Programs for Youth with Severe Disabilities Why offer a program? The benefits of sports and recreational programs for children and youth with or without disabilities is universal . The opportunities for these programs diminishes as the disability becomes more functionally limiting. What are the benefits ? Physical Social Family support network opportunities Recreational Promotes inclusion Provides opportunities for non-disabled youth to get to know peers with disabilities. Physical Minimize deconditioning Provide opportunities to stretch and strengthen muscles. Provide opportunities for practical carry-over application of strategies and skills learned in therapy. Social Provides opportunities to learn social skills in more integrated, natural settings. Increases opportunities for interactions with age-appropriate, non-disabled peers. Offers opportunities to develop new friendships with both similarly disabled and non-disabled peers. Family Support Networking These experiences offer parents and siblings opportunities to support their disabled child in more traditional roles. Parents/care givers can network with other families while their child is enjoying and benefiting of the program. Offers Opportunity to have fun!!Builds Self-Esteem Confidence The primary reason that most children/youth participate in sports/recreation activities is to have fun! Sportsmanship and Competition Competition and challenges are healthy and necessary for all people, regardless of ability. Provides opportunities for non-disabled youth to get to know peers with disabilities. Improves attitude towards children with disabilities or those who are different Reduces prejudice, teaches tolerance Gives perspective Provides teaching opportunities for how to interact with others who are different Elements of a Successful Program Identify a population to target and validate the need Specify disability by function, not