People with disabilities have been marginalized and excluded from the mainstream of life,
including leisure contexts (Datillo, 2002, Lord & Hutchinson, 1979, Schleien et al ., 1997). As a
result, this causes major barriers to social inclusion (Bedini, 2000 ; Devine & Datillo, 2001;
Devine, 2004). While inclusion may be appealing on theoretical and policy levels, it remains a
confusing, complicated, and fragmented term (Shakir, 2005).
The purpose of this study was to conduct a case study of an adventure therapy organization
that delivers outdoor programs for people with disabilities . I specifically focused on an adaptive
kayaking program offered to people with disabilities and interviewed or conducted focus groups
with clients, staff, and volunteers (n=30) . I examined how they view the meanings and
experiences of inclusion as well as the inclusion strategies employed by the organization. I also
examined what contributes to the constraints to inclusion and ideas for improvement. The
interviews were augmented by document analysis and participant observations.
The meanings of inclusion that were voiced included : the integration of people with and
without disabilities, treating people uniquely, participating in activities that able bodied people
do, being with others like me, and inclusion is mutually understood. The clients' experiences
with inclusion encompassed: enjoying friendships with others, experiencing barriers, benefiting
from participating in the outdoors, and challenging oneself. The constraints that were evident
were feeling belittled when receiving help, dealing with the limitations of disability, not
including clients in decision making , over protectiveness from family, and liability in the
outdoors. The strategies identified as fostering inclusion included: using the outdoors, the use
of adaptations, encouraging clients to take responsibility, and convenient facilities. Promoting
the adventure therapy program better, create additional choices for clients, and increasing
opportunities for them to take responsibilities were identified as desired improvements.
Exploring the various understandings of inclusion through the voices of people with disabilities
within a recreation program is rare and contributes to the literature by identifying what the term
means to them and how it can be implemented to increase the benefits derived. The
implications of the findings and recommendations for future research are provided.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/889 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Lai, Karen Elizabeith Ka-Yee |
| Publisher | University of British Columbia |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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