The Changing View of Physical Recreation for People with Disabilities in the USA: A More Inclusive Perspective?
Main Article Content
Keywords
people with disabilities, recreation, history
Abstract
Historically, people with disabilities have had limited access to physical recreation. However, as society’s view of people with disabilities and their rights has been in transition, so has physical recreation activities for people with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to examine the transition of physical activity for people with disabilities in the United States. A three-fold search process of databases, ancestral, and descendent searches were conducted, yielding sixteen studies for inclusion in this historical literature review. The results show that the earliest physical recreational opportunities for people with disabilities were based in medical response to physical needs. Today, opportunities for physical recreation for people with disabilities include therapeutic and non-therapeutic activities. Nonetheless, there is still a division in how society views recreation for people with disabilities, represented by major recreation organizations holding either medical or sociopolitical views of people with disabilities.
References
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Barnett-Page, E., & Thomas, J. (2009). Methods for the synthesis of qualitative research: A critical review. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 9(59), 1-11.
Blas, H. I. (2007). A specialized program for children with developmental disabilities within a “typical” overnight summer camp: Camp Ramah’s Tikvah Program. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 16, 875-886.
Bullock, C. C., & Mahon, M. J. (Eds.) (2001). Introduction to recreation services for people with disabilities: A person-centered approach. (2nd edition). Champaign: Sagamore Publishing.
Caspersen, C., J., Powell, K. E., & Christensen, G. M. (1985). Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: Definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Reports, 100(2), 126-131.
“Chicago Park District Special Recreation.” (2014). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from Chicago Park District’s website: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs/chicago-park-district-special-recreation/
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DePauw, K. P., & Gavron, S. J. (2005). Disability sport. (2nd edition). Champaign: Human Kinetics.
DePauw, K. P. (2013). A historical perspective of the paralympic games. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, 83(3), 21-31.
Eells, E. (1986). The movement spreads out. In Eleanor Eells’ history of organized camping: The first 100 years. p. 99-116.
Hurd, A., & Andersen, D. (2011). Definition of leisure, play, and recreation. In The park and recreation professional’s handbook. Champaign: Human Kinetics. Retrieved 24 September 2015, from: http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/definitions-of-leisure-play-and-recreation
“Introduction to the ADA.” (n.d.). Retrieved 12 October 2015, from the United States Department of Justice’s website: http://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm
James, A. (1980). Historical perspective: The therapy debate. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 14(1), 13-16.
Legg, D., Emes, C., Stewart, D., & Steadward, R. (2004). Historical Overview of the Paralympics, Special Olympics, and Deaflympics. Palaestra, 20 (1), p. 30-35.
Linton, S. (1998). Claiming disability: Knowledge and identity. New York: New York University Press.
Mason, F. (2002). R. Tait McKenzie’s medical work, and the beginnings of physical activity programs for people with disabilities. In North American society for sport history. p. 82-83. Ontario.
“National Therapeutic Recreation Society.” (2005). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from the National Recreation and Park Association’s website: https://www.recreationtherapy.com/history/ntrs/ntrs2005archive.htm
Neishloss, L. I. (1973). Origin and development of wheelchair bowling. Rehabilitation Literature, 34 (6), 173-175.
Nesbitt, J. A. (1979). The 1980s: Recreation a reality for all. Education Unlimited, 1 (2), 12-19.
Nesbitt, J. A. (1983). Recreation for handicapped in the United States: A historical perspective. In Adapted physical activity, from theory to application. p. 95-110.
Orelove, F. P., Wehman, P., & Wood, J. (1982). An evaluative review of Special Olympics: Implications for community integration. Education and Training of the Mentally Retarded, 17 (4), 325-329.
Palmer, M., & Harley, D. (2012). Models and measurement in disability: An international review. Health and Policy Planning, 27, 357-364.
“Physical Activity.” (2015). Retrieved 24 September 2015, from the World Health Organization’s website: http://www.who.int/topics/physical_activity/en/
Pomeroy, J. (1990). Thirty-seven years of community recreation for persons with disabilities. In Global Therapeutic Recreation I: Selected Papers from the 1st International Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation. P. 25-31.
“Recreation Resources for People with Disabilities.” (2015). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s website: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.9087173/k.DAD3/Recreation_Resources_for_People_with_Disabilities.htm
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Smart, J. F. (2009b). The power of models of disability. Journal of Rehabilitation, 75(2), 3-11.
Stein, T. A. (1983). Recreation and special populations. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.
Szyman, R. J. (1993). North American Zone Development & Issues: History of wheelchair basketball & North American zone. In Proceedings manual from the Third International Wheelchair Basketball Symposium for coaches, athletes, and officials: July 11 & 12, 1992, Edmonton, AL. p. 56-61.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” (2015). Retrieved 12 October 2015, from the United Nations’ website: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
United States Commission on Civil Rights. (2000). Sharing the dream: Is the ADA accommodating to all? Washington, D. C.: The Commission. Retrieved 12 October 2015, from the United States Commission on Civil Rights’ website: http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/ada/ch1.htm
“Welcome to the ATRA.” (2015). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from the American Therapeutic Recreation’s website: https://www.atra-online.com/welcome/the-organization
“What is RT/TR?” (2015). Retrieved 25 September 2015, from: American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s website: https://www.atra-online.com/what
“Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports, USA.” (n.d.). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from: http://www.wasusa.org/aboutus.htm
“Works Progress Administration, Gov Docs.” (1938). Retrieved 30 November 2015, from: http://archive.org/stream/Leisureleadership/leisureleadership_djvu.txt
Barnett-Page, E., & Thomas, J. (2009). Methods for the synthesis of qualitative research: A critical review. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 9(59), 1-11.
Blas, H. I. (2007). A specialized program for children with developmental disabilities within a “typical” overnight summer camp: Camp Ramah’s Tikvah Program. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 16, 875-886.
Bullock, C. C., & Mahon, M. J. (Eds.) (2001). Introduction to recreation services for people with disabilities: A person-centered approach. (2nd edition). Champaign: Sagamore Publishing.
Caspersen, C., J., Powell, K. E., & Christensen, G. M. (1985). Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: Definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Reports, 100(2), 126-131.
“Chicago Park District Special Recreation.” (2014). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from Chicago Park District’s website: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs/chicago-park-district-special-recreation/
“Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.” (2006). Retrieved 26 October, 2015, from http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml
DePauw, K. P., & Gavron, S. J. (2005). Disability sport. (2nd edition). Champaign: Human Kinetics.
DePauw, K. P. (2013). A historical perspective of the paralympic games. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, 83(3), 21-31.
Eells, E. (1986). The movement spreads out. In Eleanor Eells’ history of organized camping: The first 100 years. p. 99-116.
Hurd, A., & Andersen, D. (2011). Definition of leisure, play, and recreation. In The park and recreation professional’s handbook. Champaign: Human Kinetics. Retrieved 24 September 2015, from: http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/definitions-of-leisure-play-and-recreation
“Introduction to the ADA.” (n.d.). Retrieved 12 October 2015, from the United States Department of Justice’s website: http://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm
James, A. (1980). Historical perspective: The therapy debate. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 14(1), 13-16.
Legg, D., Emes, C., Stewart, D., & Steadward, R. (2004). Historical Overview of the Paralympics, Special Olympics, and Deaflympics. Palaestra, 20 (1), p. 30-35.
Linton, S. (1998). Claiming disability: Knowledge and identity. New York: New York University Press.
Mason, F. (2002). R. Tait McKenzie’s medical work, and the beginnings of physical activity programs for people with disabilities. In North American society for sport history. p. 82-83. Ontario.
“National Therapeutic Recreation Society.” (2005). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from the National Recreation and Park Association’s website: https://www.recreationtherapy.com/history/ntrs/ntrs2005archive.htm
Neishloss, L. I. (1973). Origin and development of wheelchair bowling. Rehabilitation Literature, 34 (6), 173-175.
Nesbitt, J. A. (1979). The 1980s: Recreation a reality for all. Education Unlimited, 1 (2), 12-19.
Nesbitt, J. A. (1983). Recreation for handicapped in the United States: A historical perspective. In Adapted physical activity, from theory to application. p. 95-110.
Orelove, F. P., Wehman, P., & Wood, J. (1982). An evaluative review of Special Olympics: Implications for community integration. Education and Training of the Mentally Retarded, 17 (4), 325-329.
Palmer, M., & Harley, D. (2012). Models and measurement in disability: An international review. Health and Policy Planning, 27, 357-364.
“Physical Activity.” (2015). Retrieved 24 September 2015, from the World Health Organization’s website: http://www.who.int/topics/physical_activity/en/
Pomeroy, J. (1990). Thirty-seven years of community recreation for persons with disabilities. In Global Therapeutic Recreation I: Selected Papers from the 1st International Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation. P. 25-31.
“Recreation Resources for People with Disabilities.” (2015). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s website: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.9087173/k.DAD3/Recreation_Resources_for_People_with_Disabilities.htm
“Recreational Therapy.” (2011). From: Health Care Careers Directory. Chicago: American Medical Association. Retrieved 25 September 2015, from: http://caahep.org/Context.aspx?ID=61
Smart, J. (2009a). Disability, society, and the individual. Austin, TX: Pro-ed.
Smart, J. F. (2009b). The power of models of disability. Journal of Rehabilitation, 75(2), 3-11.
Stein, T. A. (1983). Recreation and special populations. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.
Szyman, R. J. (1993). North American Zone Development & Issues: History of wheelchair basketball & North American zone. In Proceedings manual from the Third International Wheelchair Basketball Symposium for coaches, athletes, and officials: July 11 & 12, 1992, Edmonton, AL. p. 56-61.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” (2015). Retrieved 12 October 2015, from the United Nations’ website: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
United States Commission on Civil Rights. (2000). Sharing the dream: Is the ADA accommodating to all? Washington, D. C.: The Commission. Retrieved 12 October 2015, from the United States Commission on Civil Rights’ website: http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/ada/ch1.htm
“Welcome to the ATRA.” (2015). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from the American Therapeutic Recreation’s website: https://www.atra-online.com/welcome/the-organization
“What is RT/TR?” (2015). Retrieved 25 September 2015, from: American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s website: https://www.atra-online.com/what
“Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports, USA.” (n.d.). Retrieved 12 November 2015, from: http://www.wasusa.org/aboutus.htm
“Works Progress Administration, Gov Docs.” (1938). Retrieved 30 November 2015, from: http://archive.org/stream/Leisureleadership/leisureleadership_djvu.txt
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Published
Jun 1, 2017
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Research Articles and Essays
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Author Biographies
Anna Brady, Utah State University
Anna Brady is a doctoral student in the Disability Disciplines program at Utah State University (USU). Her areas of emphasis are disability studies and applied behavior analysis.