Recreation (ILC)

Keeping yourself active

Recreation is often an area that is overlooked by individuals, yet recreation choices let us express who we are. Activities are usually chosen according to interest, challenge characteristics and symbolic meaning. Recreation allows an individual to have new responsibilities, experiences and escape pressures of everyday life. Individuals with disabilities should have no lesser recreational experiences than anyone else. Assistive technology can support people to engage in their chosen recreation, enabling them to increase their self-esteem, motivation and achieve their best.

Several studies have illustrated the benefits of recreation and leisure pursuits as contributors to the quality of life for all people. In some cases individuals with disabilities who had greater access to recreation and leisure activities and participate regularly were more satisfied with their lives than their peers. Other benefits to emerge from further study in this area illustrate that there are also many functional and health benefits of participating in exercise and recreational activities.

Although there is a wide range of modified and adapted recreational equipment, sometimes alterations to the environment and activity may be enough to enable inclusion of people with disabilities to participate in an activity.

For example: The game of golf

  • One could use a club with a larger head
  • Use a coloured or larger ball
  • Use a tee for all shots
  • Shorten the distance to the hole
  • Use a motorised buggy to move around the course.Similarly, for soccer or other team based sports:
  • Walk instead of run
  • Have well defined boundaries
  • Reduce the playing area and number of participants,
  • Use a deflated/lighter/brightly-coloured ball and use a target that makes a noise when it is hit.
  • Ensure that adequate rest breaks are taken.Recreation covers all leisure activities, some of which are not necessarily sport orientated. Knitting, reading and sewing are all activities that are enjoyable pastimes. Several different and assistive devices are specifically made to assist in these areas.Some options available are:
  • Pins with large and coloured heads
  • Magnetised pin box to ensure those pins don’t go missing
  • Needle threaders
  • Large eye needles
  • One handed knitting aidsGardening is a past time enjoyed by many. Due to the number and assistive device options available, next month’s press release will be dedicated to and specialise in this area.New equipment opportunities
  • Walking along the beach is a pastime enjoyed by many Australians, those people with crutches need not miss out. ‘Beach pads’, fit firmly around the end of the crutch allow the individual to walk on the sand without sinking.
  • Bingo is another area that is enjoyed and played in the community. In addition to large print bingo cards, an alternative, picture bingo is available.
  • An Australian-made fishing harness which allows the rod to be controlled by one hand while enabling the user the freedom to move around with the rod, is an idea for those who enjoy fishing. The adjustable strapping can be made to fit comfortably and is suitable for people in wheelchairs. The rod holder is attached to the front of the harness and can be adjusted to the ‘ideal angle’.Organisations that specialise in providing recreational and sporting opportunities for people with disabilities can provide further information on how to get involved. Examples include; Riding for the Disabled, SASRAPID and Wheelchair Sports SA.For further information or to make an appointment to visit the display please contact the Independent Living Centre: www.ilc.asn.au

    • *Source: Disability SA Independent Living Centre

     

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