10. Wheelchair Tennis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmxpYYwJ330

I was searching for an adaptive sport since I couldn't think of any other interesting craft ideas so while I was searching I wanted to come up with something that looked like it could be quite challenging.  And then I found wheelchair tennis. WOW the athleticism that is required for this sport is truly amazing.  Not only do you have to constantly be moving the wheels but then also get there to hit the ball.  I think the people that play this sport are extremely talented.


Considerations and Facilitation:
The way I would facilitate this activity would be to find a person who already knows quite a bit about the type of specific wheelchair used in this sport and see if they knew how to loan or rent one to my client.  I would also make sure that the facility I work for would be able to pay for the wheelchair or that the individual would be able to pay or rent one of these wheelchairs.  Then I would research a tennis facility that either provided these chairs and could be accessible for wheelchairs.  Connecting the person with the disability to a person who already is an active participator in wheelchair tennis would be a major thing because it would allow the person to have a great lesson on how to play the game, and they would also be able to have more in common with this instructor verses an instructor that teaches regular tennis.  I would also take into consideration if the family of the individual or the individual themselves have transportation and make sure that they are ready for the challenges that this sport is going to present.  If I were working with someone who just recently was injured and has to use a wheelchair I don't think they would be ready for the challenges and frustration they may experience while playing this game, but maybe after they have accepted their disability. This sport would be great for people who were once very athletic and enjoyed sports before a spinal cord injury or disease they may have left them paralyzed. People who have paraplegia would be better candidates for this sport since you have to use your arms.

9. Making Playdough!!!!!

People may already have heard about this one, but I absolutely love making my own playdough.  It's a cheap and an easy project that really is a lot of fun and can provide numerous therapeutic benefits.  To facilitate this activity I would first figure out how many people would be participating in this activity and adjust the measurements of each of the ingredients accordingly.  I would have the ingredients pre measured for each individual and then tell them the basic procedure of first adding all of the ingredients together. The basic recipe for one batch calls for: 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of warm water, 1 cup of salt, 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 Tablespoon of cream of tartar, and your choice of food coloring , (the food coloring will be added later).  Therefore I would need the appropriate amount of pans or bowls and spoons. The next step would be to continuously stir the ingredients over low heat and stir until the mixture falls off the sides of the pan or bowl and starts to become a dry playdough consistency. For this step I would access to a stove which I would have to assist certain individuals depending on the population I was working with. Once the playdough has cooled down I would give each individual their playdough and have them choose which colors they would like to use, have them add a couple of drops of the food coloring and knead it into the dough.  Then they can play and enjoy their new creations.  Depending on the population I may use discussion questions in the end gain a grasp on how everyone felt about the activity.

The populations that I think this would be great for would be children who have cognitive disabilities, behavioral disabilities such as ADHD, emotional distress, and autism since it will teach them about different textures, shapes, and colors, and also it will help them learn how to socialize and work with others since they could work towards a common goal of creating the playdough and also the challenge of creating something with what they made.  It also could be great for people who have had a stroke since working with the playdough would be great therapy for working on fine motor skills that may have been lost or impaired. And finally this would be a perfect activity for adults with cognitive disabilities since it would give them a fun activity and also allow them to work and socialize with others. I actually did this activity at the Easter Seals camp I volunteered at.  The people there had a variety of types of disabilities that ranged from cognitive disabilities to spina bifida, to ADHD.

 Some things to keep in mind would be to make sure that I would help individuals who are not able to reach the stove or that using the stove would be dangerous for them such as children.  I would also double check that there weren't any allergies with the ingredients that we would be using. If I were working with kids that have attention or behavioral issues I would make sure that they would have volunteers helping them to keep them on track and make sure they do not bother any of the other children working on their playdough. 

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Playdough-Play-doh/#step1

8.Art and Clothes

The concept of this activity I partly came up with on my own and partly found on line.  The concept is using clothes as a way of creating art. As I found online you can use the actual clothes themselves to create designs and faces that express emotions or the part that I came up with on my own was that you could paint your own designs on to articles of clothing that you could wear or just have has pieces of art.  I think this would be a really unique way for people to express themselves especially if you are working in a nursing or group home where residents could be tired of the same old paint and paper activities. For painting on the actual clothes I thought this would be a great idea for people who have lost a loved one and are trying to move on.  They can create a piece of art on one of their loved one's articles of clothing and keep it as a memory of them, but also turn it into something new symbolizing how they are moving on but keeping them close to their heart. Of course this would be done with people who are experiencing depression because of a lost loved one. Painting one's clothes could also be therapeutic for someone battling addiction since it would keep their mind off of their cravings or if they want to wear those clothes it could be a reminder of all the progress they've made if they are put into a situation where the cravings start to come back.  As far as creating something out of the clothes themselves such as faces or a sculpture this could be used in group therapy with people who have bi polar disorder or are suffering from depression.  It will allow them to express their feelings in a different non conventional way.  Sometimes people may not want to discuss their feelings so openly and maybe creating a face through a sweater could be a fun and more relaxing way to do this.  I think this would also be fun for children since children may respond to describing their emotions through play.  Finally this would also be a great opportunity to give back to the community. For example if you have clients that have extra, old clothing they don't wear anymore you could have them bring these clothes in and after you have done an activity with them you can donate them to a Goodwill or a homeless shelter.

Considerations and Facilitation:
To facilitate this activity I would first take into consideration the population that I am working with. If it were children I would make sure that I have plenty of clean up supplies and have some examples of art work of the clothes pre made so they have some idea of what to do.  I would also give them a demonstration of how to use the fabric paints with sponges or stamps since brushes might be a little difficult for them to use.  If I were working with an adult population I would learn before hand how to make some of the folds and designs that are used to make the sculptures such as the ones pictured below so that I could have some idea of how to help them if they were struggling.  I would also give them plenty of supplies such as fabric paint, regular acrylic paint, with a variety of different sized brushes. Before I would get the group together I would notify the people in my group to bring articles of clothing that they don't want anymore, or in the case of a lost loved one, a piece of their clothing that you want to transform to keep as a memory of them.  I would also find some other articles of clothing in case anyone forgot. Finally I would come up with some debriefing questions to discuss with the group after we have completed the activity regarding how it made them feel, what they were trying to express through their creations, and if they learned anything about themselves through this activity.

 

Refelction on Internet Presentation and Reconstruction of Class 12/2/10

I thought that the presentation on the Internet was very interesting.  It is true that there are several benefits to the World Wide Web and now that it is getting to more people than ever, the stigmas about disabilities and new ways for helping people with disabilities are reaching people they never would have before.  The greatest thing about the Internet pertaining to disabilities is that people with them and their families can access resources cheaply and efficiently.  Not to mention that there is just a greater amount of information about inclusion, adaptive activities, and support groups for those who have disabilities and their family members.  Without being able to confide in others and share your fears and worries about your own or a loved one's disability then all of that emotion will create great turmoil inside causing more problems.  It is also important to share success as well to feel a sense a accomplishment and to give others hope. 

The next group activity that we did where we tried to come up with a new innovative way to use the Internet was more challenging than I thought.  I think trying to come up with something that has never been done with the Internet before seems almost impossible since there is so much technology these days.  Maybe a better challenge would have been how to use any form of technology for TR purposes.   I feel like you could do a lot with videos and the various apps from Apple. 

I thought the opportunity for reconstructing the class and having us share our likes and dislikes about the class this semester was very beneficial.  It is important for the professor to know what worked and didn't work so as to improve the learning experience for future students.  One thing that our group didn't get to elaborate much on was the reconstructing part of the activity.  For this I would have liked to have added how the debriefing part of the activities we did were just us coming up with our own ideas of how that particular project could be beneficial to a certain population.  But what what I would have liked to see are some facts from professionals that confirm that these projects actually do provide benefits.  I also think that having feedback on our group projects was much needed.  Not only so you knew how you were doing in the class but also so that you knew your hard work was appreciated.

Reflection on "Take Apart Art, Toxic Waste, Crossfire, Wheelchair Soccer" 11/23/10

I was not able to make it to this week’s class since I had to work but after looking over some of the other blogs I still want to comment on the activities that were done this week

The first activity described was called “take apart art” where groups were given cut up pieces of a puzzle or poster and had the task of recreating the original design.  I think this is a great activity for a variety of populations because it is not very physically demanding.  The only population that may struggle with this activity would be people with cognitive disabilities.  However other than that this could work for a variety of populations such as the elderly, kids with emotional issues, people recovering from addictions , or people that are clinically depressed. This activity not only teaches people how to work in group together but it also teaches them how to socialize.  By learning to socialize I mean learning how to communicate with group members, learning how to ask for help, listening to other people’s ideas and not being afraid to share your own. 

The second activity discussed was titled toxic waste.  This game was based on strong team work and communication.  Strategizing a way of making sure than no waste fell on the ground and thus polluted the earth would require a great amount of cooperation and brainstorming. From what I read it sounds like the leading group challenged everyone else by changing the size of the containers that the cup full of waste had to be transferred to.  I think that this would not only add a competitive edge to the game but make it more exciting as well. This activity did seem like it did have some physical demands so therefore it would be best used with kids or young adults. As CTRs we can use this activity to teach about how to deal with accomplishments and failures in an appropriate and constructive manner. We can help people express feelings of anger or frustration in safe ways and show how great accomplishment can feel when you put your mind to something.

The next was a presentation about the Crossfire program.  I had heard about this program through a friend and she basically described it as a place for troubled teens to come and work on projects and work on activities.  In one of the blogs it was mentioned that although this program has a religious affiliation there is not much about the program that deals directly with religion.  This person also commented on that this would be a great thing to notify people about since people tend to shy away from religious programs unless they are highly religious themselves.  I couldn’t agree more.  Especially when you are working with teens the subject of God and religion can be hit or miss.  When a teen is not looking for a religious outlet the worst thing to do is force them to listen to someone else’s ideas about faith.  This seems like a more neutral program which certainly attracts more people.

Finally the class got to participate in wheel chair soccer.  I am so jealous!! This seemed like it would be a lot of fun.  Using wheelchairs although they may be fun and entertaining for a while we have to remember that some people use them all day every day. This is a way of life for some people and I think that should definitely be respected. One person mentioned how it is very important that during the relay race they realized how much more challenging it was doing simple activities that we take for granted.  They also mentioned how as TR specialists we need to put ourselves in the position of our clients to better understand what they are going through.  I definitely agree, although we cannot fully understand what it is like to use a wheel chair full time, experiences like these can help us to connect with a client on a more personal level.

7. Homemade Instruments

Although this idea is simple it can be used with a variety of supplies and can be very easy to create your own personal instrument.  I think that this activity should mainly be used in therapeutic recreation with kids.  Not only will it allow kids to expand their creativity in figuring out which supplies to use but also allow them to create their own unique music.  Music and therapeutic recreation go hand in hand.  It allows a person to relax, remain calm, or teach them how to express an emotion. This activity can be a social opportunity in which you can teach kids how to socialize with other kids and what appropriate behaviors are.  Here is the link I found that give some suggestions in making your own instruments.  http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/9_musical_instruments.shtml

To facilitate this project I would first talk about how there are several different types of instruments and how they are really made.  Then I would encourage the participants to share share some of their favorite music and if they have any instruments that they like to play. After having this discussion I would show them some examples of homemade instruments and have them decide which instruments they would like to make and I would gather the materials needed such as Kleenex boxes, paper towel rolls, rubber bands, cans, beans, etc.  On the day of the activity I would have them split up into groups to form their own musical group and create all types of different instruments. They can create instruments that already exist or make up their own unique designs.  Once everyone has completed their instruments which I would give them a 50 minutes to do I would have each band come up and play their own instruments.

Considerations:
This activity as I mentioned earlier would mostly be appropriate for younger children. I would say  first through fourth grade. It could be used with children who have autism, cognitive, and learning disabilities because it could help them learn to socialize and work with other children. It was also make other children more comfortable around kids that have different disabilities.  The facilitator would have to make sure that kids who get along and work well together are placed with each other so that the goal of the project is completed.  As far as the behaviors or special needs of the kids with disabilities it is important to know how to calm them down when they become distressed which can be the case of some children with autism.  It may also be helpful to have volunteers or helpers for the children who have disabilities so that they can have the specialized attention they need.

6. Shaving Cream Art Project

This is an example of an art activity that my roommate actually did. What you do is take an aluminum pie pan place a piece of card stock in the pan and then fill it with shaving cream.  Then you put water color paint on top of the shaving cream in any pattern you want.  Once you mix the shaving cream and water color paint , or food coloring, the mixture begins to dry and creates a marble effect.  Finally you just scrape off the extra shaving cream and end up with these really neat designs

To facilitate this activity I would make sure that I have all of the materials before the day of the project. But first I would have a sign up for the activity so I know how much of everything I need to get.  The materials are mentioned above so I would buy for the amount of people signed up with a few extra just in case. I would make a few examples prior to give the participants an idea of what the finished product will look like. On the day of the activity I would do a demonstration so they know they steps to take and know the correct order to do them in. Just as with the straw blowing activity I would put down plenty of paper towel if I were working with kids and get clothing protectors if I was doing this with the geriatrics population.   Depending on the population that I would be working with I would make sure that volunteers or other staff were there to help out with the various steps of the activity. If this were a group of emotionally distressed individuals I would debrief after they have created their designs and talk about how their designs represents their feelings and emotions. 

Some things to consider would be the population that you are working with.  As mentioned this could be used to discuss emotions and inner turmoil, for kids in the hospital this could be a fun past time and give them something to take their minds off of their illness or surgery, or the elderly this could be a great socializing opportunity to meet other people and express their artistic side.  Even if someone has a lot mobility issues such as quadriplegia a volunteer could still assist them in making their design.  I think this also could be used for people with mental illness in which case it is a relaxing art project that is something different than just painting with paint and a paint brush.

I also found this website explaining it as well http://aplaceofourown.org/activity.php?id=228

5. Adaptive Surfing

This blog is about a man who does adaptive surfing. Check it out!!

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://lh6.ggpht.com/scottshepardphotographypicasa/SLov-GIT6MI/AAAAAAAAAOs/knN3D1nNi7E/ssp_web-336-2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://scottshepardphotography.blogspot.com/2008/08/shooting-for-yourself-2_30.html&usg=__r5hhZfSCw4gxyU0DbpIIx5pjnso=&h=511&w=365&sz=60&hl=en&start=3&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=jpoYOCf2Vrvm7M:&tbnh=131&tbnw=94&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwheelchair%2Bsurfing%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rlz%3D1R2DKUS_en%26tbs%3Disch:1

The blog isn't all about adaptive surfing however it is another example of an innovative activity.  The surfer's name is John Davis and the blogger talks about how he is the pioneer of off road wheel chair racing, does adaptive skiing, and is a two time Paralympic Gold medalist.  I think John is not only brave but also inspiring.  Trying all of these different sports truly shows that no matter what type of condition or disability a person may have, attitude is a big part of making the best out of one's situation.  This is great example of how if you put your mind to it anything is possible.

To facilitate this sport I would have to make sure that I knew of a lake, ocean, or pool that has a surrounding area that would accommodate to all of the needs of someone using a wheelchair such as ramps that lead to the water, handiaccessabile bathrooms, and making sure that I can track down one of these amazing adaptive surfing surf boards.  I would also try to find someone who has had prior experience in this sport so they could help the individual as far as learning how to maneuver in the water.  I would also make sure that wherever we are going would have lifeguards on duty.  Depending on where we were going to do the activity if it were outside I would double check that the weather was going to be safe. On the day of the activity I would have the expert there to help the individual if they were having trouble getting the hang of it. Once the life jacket was on and the individual was ready to try it out I would let them and the surfing expert go ahead and have a great time.

Things to consider with this sport would be the cognitive awareness of the individual I think it would be harder to do this with an individual with a cognitive disability since they may be fearful of being confined to a device in the water. I also think it would be important to have the individuals parents there so they could participate in this joyous occasion with their child.  This activity may not be suitable for unhealthy individuals due to the cold water however I think it would be great for someone with paraplegia who loves to be active or was once very active prior to a spinal cord injury.  As previously stated I would have to take into account the environment that I would facilitate this activity in making sure it is handiaccessible and also make sure that my participant would have a way of getting to and from the site.  Finally I think this would be a good one on one activity because I'm sure these surf boards are very rare and it wouldn't be easier to access several of them.

4. Recycled Animal Activity

This a great example of an activity that could be used as therapeutic recreation and a way of helping the environment.  When my family and I went to the zoo when I was younger there would be tons of animals made out of anything that could be recycled. The Recycled Zoo program put on by the Milwaukee County Zoo was a very popular program a few years ago that featured all kinds of animals made out of plastic bottles, aluminum cans, garbage bags, card board, basically anything that one could recycle. This can challenge the population that you are working with to come up with something creative but also teach them about recycling and taking care of the environment. The program isn't going on any longer which I think is a real shame because it was a really interesting addition to the zoo.  It was great to see all the different animals and what people used to create them with.  Working with recycled materials would allow a CTRS to discuss with their clients how something old and used can be transformed into something fabulous.  The different shapes, textures, and colors can aid in sensory stimulations. Finally once the animals are created you can educate about animals at the zoo as far as different habitats, those that are extinct and specific information about each species. This project not only is great for all ages but it also can be safe. I couldn't find much about it on line since it was so many years ago but I got some other pictures that were similar to what was throughout the zoo.

For facilitating this activity I would talk to my participants prior to the activity date I would send out a hand out or post filers describing the activity and the type of recycled items that could be used and encourage them to bring in their own recycled items as well as from their neighbors or friends.  This will get them out into the community and learn about how important recycling is.  To make sure that I have enough materials for everyone I would have people sign up for the activity so I know how many extra materials I need and how many rolls of duck or packaging tape I need. I would make sure though that I collected enough extra bottles, cans, and other various glass, plastic, or cardboard items in case people did not bring enough.  On the day of the project I would break people up into groups so that we have a variety of different animals and everyone's creativity would get to be utilized. Depending on the program and how much time we have whether it is a couple of hours or multiple days I would debrief at the very end of the project discussing how people worked together as a team to accomplish their animal. Also each day of the project I would discuss why recycling is important.

Things to consider would be the population I would be working with.  Personally I think this would be best for kids to young teens and their parents to work on something together, maybe not much with an elderly population because of mobility issues.  Therefore I think at risk youth, kids with autism or cognitive disabilities would be best for this project because they can show their creativity and also learn about the environment. Especially for kids with autism this activity is excellent sensory stimulation due to all of the various colors, shapes, and textures.  In order for the activity to run smoothly I would have to make the groups of people are appropriate taking into consideration everyone's individual needs and also make sure they have transportation to and from the facility we would be working at.  

The Recycled Zoo program (1995-2004), which was sponsored by Miller Brewing Company (now called MillerCoors), invited youth groups to work in teams to create animal-themed sculptures and artwork out of recycled materials. Their projects were displayed at the Zoo.

Students create and show off animal art made of recycled materials. The artworks were part of the Zoological Society’s annual Recycled Zoo program.

http://www.zoosociety.org/About/EducationCentury/index2.php

3. Extreme Wheelchair Sports

This is seriously amazing!!! I would recommend watching the entire video but you wont believe what happens around 2:30 in the video.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mZQplAZWEM

As far as facilitating this activity I would talk to people that are already very knowledgeable about the sport and have a good idea of to teach others the basics of doing tricks with their wheelchair. I would try to set up a meeting with an expert extreme wheelchair sport athlete and discuss if they would be interested in teaching individuals who would love to learn some of the tricks that they are able to do.  If one of these athletes would be willing to give a few lessons or even just put on a demonstration to show some interested people I would get the word out to those highly athletic individuals that use wheelchairs.  Since this could prove to be a very dangerous activity I would make sure that the participants have helmets, protective padding, they have to get permission from their parents if they are under 18 and also sign a release form saying they won't sue me if there are any injuries, and that they have the proper wheelchair that is able to withstand the tricks. 

Some of the drawbacks to this activity is that it is only accessible to those who have lower paralysis and are cognitively very aware and high functioning and obviously it is very dangerous. However I think that  for someone who loves extreme sports or was once very athletic and had an accident and can no longer walk this activity would provide them a great deal of freedom and excitement.

Play With Your Food. Telephone Charades, Hula Hooping 11/18/10

This class definitely showcased how much innovative thinking members of our class are able to come up with.  With our activity, the play with your food, I thought it went really well.  The only thing I wish we could have changed was being able to have more time.  I think that if the class was given more time to formulate a plan of what they were going to create they would have used more of the materials we provided them with.  That being said I thought that everyone made really interesting creations and were able to represent the topics we gave them in a very interesting and thought provoking way.  I definitely think that this activity would be perfective activity for many populations because of the simple reason that it is unique and playing with food really lightens the mood of any situation.  It provides a relaxing environment and for people with anxiety or depression an environment where they can feel safe and at ease.  Once again I think that if more time were given to the class they would have been able to make more intricate and complicated designs/ creations.

I have heard of telephone charades before but never actually played.  I thought this activity was a lot of fun and it was very interesting how they described how it could be used for specific populations. I believe the population they chose to focus on was people with hearing loss.  This was a great example of an activity you could do with this population because not only can it incorporate several people, those with and without hearing loss, but also because it is a very physical and active game.  It allows people to use the creativity with coming up with the acting while also moving their muscles around and get their blood pumping. It could however be very intimidating for people who are shy and not comfortable with getting up in front a class and acting out a “goofy” skit.  This is definitely something that should be taken into consideration. I would say this activity should be done once people in a group know and feel comfortable with each other. This is not an ice breaker activity.

Since making the Hula Hoop, my roommates and I have been Hula Hooping every day.  At first I couldn’t figure out what we were going to use the hair dryers and tubing for.  I couldn’t think of anything that these two items would have in common. This was such an interesting activity because it is so simple but yet so beneficial and fun.  I have never been able to Hula Hoop but once they gave me some tips I became a successful Hula Hooper in no time.  This made me think about the population in which they focused on.  Troubled youth often have many obstacles or difficulties accomplishing things.  They may try and never meet the expectations that adults have set for them.  Let’s say that one of these kids have never tried Hula Hooping before or has never been able to do it. Guiding and teaching them how to do this particular skill will make them feel as a sense of accomplishment.  If they are able to succeed in Hula Hooping may been seen as a big or small accomplishment, but it is still progress none the less. This could open discussion about challenges in their life and what steps that they can make to succeed. Giving them confidence in themselves is in my opinion the first step to self help and if you, as a TR, are able to accomplish this with Hula Hoops, then why not??  I really liked how the group tied in the social aspect of this activity by explaining how it can help be break out of their shells since you need a partner to help you in making the actual Hula Hoop.  Finally I was shocked at what a work out I got!!!

Overall I thought everyone did a GREAT job.   We definitely deserve a pat on the back J

2. Straw Blowing Art

I recently did this activity with residents at the nursing home I volunteer at.  This is a great activity because it can be done by all ages, most cognitive levels, and it doesn't require a great amount of physical activity.  The residents who participated in this activity were so proud of their unique designs and it was something they had never done before. This opened up a lot of discussion among the residents who don't usuall talk with each other so not only was this activity a creative outlet but a social one as well. I dont have the actual pictures from the place I volunteer at but here are some examples of what the final outcomes look like.

To facilitate this activity I would first make sure that I have the supplies that I needed before I would begin the activity.  The supplies I would need would be card stock and regular acrylic paint which can be watered down later, a variety of sized straws, and numerous paint brushes to drop the paint on to the card stock.  I would make various examples to show the participants prior to them doing the actual activity so they have an idea of how their designs will turn out.  Once I have the group I am working with situated I would show them the examples and explain what to do.  I would also give each individual a paper plate and allow them to choose which colors they would like and then add a few drops of water to it. This part could also be done by volunteers or other employees.  Also before my participants arrived I would put out all of the materials and place a drop cloth or newspaper over the table we would be working at.  Finally I would let them create their works of art. 

Some of the things that I would have to consider would be the population I am working with.  For instance if it was with the elderly maybe I would have to use larger straws or no straws at all since they have a lower lung capacity and also make sure they have something protecting their clothing if they use a wheel chair. If I was working with kids I would make sure we have plenty of paper towel and news paper covering the area we are working at since kids can be messy. This activity really is appropriate for any population since it is so simple and creative. It also is great for those with limited use of their upper extremities because all they have to use is their mouth.  All they would need is someone to perhaps hold the card stock for them.

1. Adaptive Bowling

I thought this was super interesting.  There are a variety of ways that one can customize the way in which a person bowls in order for it work with a variety of disabilities. As far as facilitating this activity one has to consider the type of disability a person has since this will determine the type of method you use.  There are handles that allow someone with limited arm mobility to actually toss the ball. Once the ball is released the handle contracts into the ball allowing it to roll down the lane.  There are also ball ramps which the person can place the ball at the top and manually or electronically push down the ramp.  This can be used with people who have limited or no arm strength at all and the electronical switch can be used for people who have very limited mobility over all, for example a person that has paralysis, spina bifida, or a spinal cord injury.  There is also a device called a Ball pusher, also known as a blow stick as shown in the picture below.  By controlling how hard or fast the person blows into the device will determine the speed of the ball and the direction that the ball is released. This method could also be used for people with extensive mobile disabilities such as a person with quadriplegia.  And finally you can use carpet lines in front of the lanes and bumpers for those who have vision impairments.  Back to facilitating this activity, you would have to make sure that the equipment fits the severity of the person's disability, and that you have a way of transporting this device to the bowling ally where you will be bowling at.  You also should make sure that the person has transportation to and from the bowling facility. Another important thing to consider is making sure the facility you will be bowling at will be accessible in other areas as well such as the doorway or the bathroom.  Once you have everything arranged you should share with the family and the individual with the disability how the device or mechanism you are using is going to work so they know what they are doing before they start the game. Also double check if anyone needs assistance when they are bowling and possibly set this up with volunteers or family members. Then just let them bowl and have fun.  Some things to consider are of course the disability that you are working with, whether or not the person has just physical or cognitive disabilities, or a combination of both, whether or not the facility you're planning to bowl at is accessible to wheel chairs, and also if your agency and the person using your services can afford the fees for using the equipment.

http://www.disaboom.com/adaptive-sports-general/adaptive-bowling-for-people-with-disabilities

Pet Therapy 11/11/10

This class was by far my favorite! I love dogs and have always felt that they provide numerous benefits for people with and without disabilities. The main thing that I took away from this presentation and that I have agreed with for several years is that dogs are such excellent companions because they provide unconditional love, support, and never pass judgment.  I agreed with Renee when she talked about the thorough process they go through for accepting dogs into the program even when it means having to turn someone away.  I admit that for me it would be very difficult to say “no thank you” to someone who wanted to put their time and effort into such a great cause, however if the dog is not able to adapt to high stress situations or is not properly trained, this could put the patient or client at risk.  I also enjoyed the powerful story that Renee told where there was one incident that she felt that she did not protect her dog well enough and she vowed to never let that happen again.  This just shows are strong the bond is between an owner and their dog.  This bond then translates to whomever the dog is working with and really allows for the patient or client to make a connection to that particular dog.  The other story she shared about her dog’s neck being grabbed by an individual with special needs and how the dog did not attack also proved the strong trust between her and Renee.  Even though it was a high stress situation the dog trusted Renee so much that she did not lose control.  What really surprised me and something I had never heard of before was using therapy dogs for kids that have trouble reading.  This makes sense because calm dogs like Gus who just sit next to a child pass no judgment, do not get irritated or frustrated, and do not intimidate can really allow a child to practice reading in a non stressful environment. I was shocked when they shared that the kids who used this program improved their reading skills so much that they were reading at several higher grade levels in one semester.  Finally the last thing that really struck me was when I was looking at the pictures and one stood out among the rest.  It was a picture of a woman in a hospital bed with a dog lying right beside her.  This reminded me of when we brought our dog, Petunia, to see my grandma while she spent the few last weeks of her life in a hospice home.  When she saw Petunia her eyes lit up more than they had in weeks and this was the only day where she seemed like old self again.  I truly believe that Petunia was the reason for her brief turn around.

Goal Ball 11/4/10

Today's activity was rather interesting.  I can't imagine actually playing against people who are skilled at the game.  Just trying to figure out where you are supposed to stand while being blind folded was a challenge for me.  Before today I had never heard of Goal Ball and the fact that it is so internationally well known.  I was also surprised how athletic one has to be in order to play effectively.  You also have to have a very keen sense of hearing in order to follow the ball.  And the fact that you have to have the perfect timing to block the ball takes a great deal of coordination and excellent reflexes.  It truly shows that people who play this sport are true athletes.  I felt that the group's presentation was over all good.  It was nice how they had the video to see first hand how the game is actually played.  The diagram of the court, the directions of how the game is played, along with the rules was helpful when we were in the multi purpose room so that in case we forgot anything it was right up on the wall.  I also thought it was neat how they gave suggestions to improve the game if we ever wanted to try it on our own. For example the tip about using string instead of the yarn since it works better.  Overall the presentation really taught me what a great recreational sport this is for people who have lost their eye sight and those who are also seeking a new and challenging sport to try.  It provides  great physical exercise, a place for people to grow in character, and a chance to meet others.

Reflection on Horse Sense

I only knew a little bit about Horse Sense from my other TR classes from previous semesters.  I never realized how many different ways it can help people with disabilities.  For example I thought that using riding as rehabilitation was more geared toward the psychological aspect of helping people, not so much the help of physical rehabilitation.  The story that was shared about the girl who had scoliosis, but after riding for a while the scoliosis went away was really surprising to me. I guess I didn't realize how much riding the horse could improve the curvature of the spine.  I also found it really interesting that Horse Sense is able to operate based on the fact that it is a non-profit organization.  I would imagine that horses are NOT cheap! And to find a horse that is mellow enough but still wants to be active cannot be easy.  Plus being open for only part of the year limits the amount of income that they are able to take in.  It truly amazes me that they are able to maintain their program through the donations, it just shows how many generous people there are out there.  Getting back to the rehabilitation with the horses, I was also unaware of the different activities that one can do while riding to improve muscle tone and posture such as reaching for the ball or putting the ball or object in the basket.  Trying to plan programs for all the different populations that use Horse Sense must also be a really big challenge, especially with different age groups and cognitive abilities.  Making sure that everyone is capable, enjoying themselves, and getting the help they need must take a lot of creative thinking on the teachers' part.  

One of the lived experiences that I found on the Internet pertaining to equine therapy was from a facility called Cooper Canyon Academy. A young woman named Susan went to the facility when she was a teenager to work on her anger issues.  She describes the experience as being extremely beneficial as opposed to regular therapy. The people at CCA had this to say about horse therapy.
   "horses serve as co-therapists, providing unconditional positive regard, setting firm boundaries, testing student's boundaries and providing students with an opportunity to learn to empathize, nurture, and care for others. Animals don't lie, manipulate, or cheat. They are direct in their communication and they respond to direct and clear communication from others. As students work with the animals, they begin to realize that lying, manipulating and cheating don't work; they begin to form bonds and to expand their horizons beyond themselves."

I found this on http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com/help-for-troubled-girl.html but it was taken from the Cooper Canyon AcademyWebsite. 

I found this statement to be so true!! With animals there is no judgement.  They accept you as you are which allows one to be completely emotionally vulnerable.  As people we are psychologically messy and confusing whereas with animals what you see is what you get.  If you show compassion and respect for an animal you will in turn receive the same behavior.  It is this type of environment that really allows someone to resolve their issues on their own.

The second story I found was about a boy Rowan Isaacson who has autism. In an interview his father discusses how before working with horses  Rowan would not talk, was incontinent, and had tantrums but after working with horses all of this issues to seemed to resolve themselves.  Rupert Isaacson, the father, claims that Betsy the horse lowered her head when she first met Rowan which is a very rare thing for a horse to do upon their first encounter with a person.  He says they made an instant connection right away.  He also claims that research has found that the rhythmic movement of the horse "opens up the learning centers in the brain"  and that it also releases the "feel good hormone, oxytocin".  Rupert describes autism as the over stimulation of the brain and that being surrounded by nature and calming animals allows for the those stimuli to be repressed. I found this really unique! So check it out! :)  http://www.horseboymethod.com/videos/viewvideo/10/horse-boy-method/autism-therapy-on-horseback-the-horse-boy-cnn-dr-sanjay-gupta-talks-with-rupert-isaacson.html

Adaptive Golf

I thought this was a really good example of how the adaptive golf carts work and how well they work.

Adaptive Skiing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZexm6XGcmE

Reflection on Hand Painting 10/7/10

The hand painting activity was definitely one of the more unique activities that I've seen related to TR and I have to say its pretty brilliant.  This activity would be perfect for kids since it is fun, probably something they have never done before, and it can really allow them to express themselves.  Kids who are experiencing depression, kids with some forms of cognitive disabilities, and kids with most physical disabilities would be able to participate in this activity because it is not a strenuous physical activity, they are able to socialize during it, and there is very little risk associated with this activity.  Teens, young adults, and possibly middle aged adults could also participate.  For people with depression this could provide an opportunity to discuss how even the simple things in life can be turned into something uplifting and positive.  It could also be used for people with addictions so they can focus their energies on something else rather than their cravings.  The only population that I wouldn't see this being a hit with is the elderly.  The delicate skin of the elderly causes several limitations when it comes to incorporating one's own body when it comes to recreational activities.  Some things to consider with this activity would be making sure that the paint purchased is washable, when working with youth and risk to make sure that no one uses the paint in an inappropriate way, and depending on the age group or cognitive ability to make sure that no one consumes the paint.

Reflection on Packaging Tape Sculptures 9/30/10

First of all I was shocked that the artist featured in the video was able to cover his head in packaging tape and cut the tape off without hurting himself!  I wonder what gave him the idea to do this type of art in the first place.  With that being said I thought all of his pieces were amazing.  They looked so close to the original object.  Using this activity in terms of potential populations in TR I believe would be a bit of a challenge though.  I think that for some populations such as teens and young adults it would be excellent because it allows for creativity and self expression.  However with an older population such as middle aged or the elderly this activity may cause too many health problems.  Older adults may not be able to hold positions for long periods of time and the tight wrapping of the tape on an elderly person's skin would decrease circulation and probably result in skin tares.  I also enjoyed each groups adaptation of how they would gear their sculptures towards their population. They were all extremely creative.

Reflection on Short Activities 9/23/10

I really enjoyed today's activities.  They were all interesting and unique in their own way and everyone was really comfortable talking in front of the entire class which was nice to see. All the ice breakers and name games I felt were very appropriate since we don't all know each other yet.  It was also interesting to hear the purpose of all the different activities or how they could be changed to fit the population one is working with. That is definitely something that I wish my group would have done just because I think it would have added an interesting aspect to the presentation. The noodle group was very dynamic and I would have loved to know where they got all of those noodles from.  Also the fact that everyone in class participated and had fun just shows how much we all want to be in the major we are currently in.  It's not easy to come up with activities that have a purpose, age appropriate, new, and creative so to see all the different ideas was  very inspiring.  I am definitely going to use some of these ideas in the future.  Finally I enjoyed how the old activities such as telephone were new and improved to make them more exciting and challenging.

9/16/10 Reflection on Second Class

This week's class I felt was more focused on the work aspect of putting together successful TR activities.  There's a lot that goes into the process of making sure that each activity is effective and works for the particualr patient or population you are working with.  When we talked about the different ways of  discussing the activity with the participants I particualry liked the debriefing method.  By talking to participants about what they liked and disliked about the activity the leader can get a better idea of how to improve the activity in the future and also what aspects worked out well. Without getting feedback from clients or participants you wont know for sure if the point of the activity came across or whether or not they got anything out of it.  Like Professor Lewis said with TR activities there is always a purpose, thats what makes it Therapeutic Recreation.  I also found the funneling techinque very helpful because I often find it hard to come up with open ended questions that really facilliate a provoking and interesting discussion. Therefore starting with broad open ended questions and then going into a more specific approach seems like it would be very effective. In the example that Professor Lewis gave us I thought it was very smart how he fed off our answers to come up with the next question.

9/9/10 Reflection on first class

The thought of a three hour class that lasted until 7:00 pm at first sounded like a bit of challenge, but from the activities of our first class and the types of projects and group activities that we will be doing throughout the semester I can honestly say that I am looking forward to this class. I think that the ice breakers were a great idea because the first day of any class can be overwhelming especially when you do not recognize many faces.  Doing all of the group activities definitely makes the time go by faster but most important of all it allows us to practice coming up with creative recreational and therapeutic activities which will be the future jobs for many of us.  I especially enjoyed the last activity where we had to make an activity of two random items. It's a good example of how sometimes you have to improvise and just work with what you have..which in some cases might not be a lot.