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.