Recreation and Leisure: Finding Joy in Life…A Resource for Individuals with Disabilities

Everybody likes to have fun and this aspect of life is no different for an individual with disabilities. The majority of society does not take into consideration that individuals with disabilities enjoy recreational activities and can embark on new hobbies and activities. Unfortunately, much of society’s recreational activities do not accommodate individuals with disabilities. In today’s posting, I hope to enlighten individuals with disabilities and all who are associated with him or her in finding outlets and avenues for fun, making lasting friendships through recreational activities, and discovering how easy having fun can be with adaptive equipment and support.

As I was researching useful tools and resources pertaining to recreation and leisure for individuals with disabilities, I discovered an excellent source on the Internet at http://www.disability-resource.com/sports.html
This website has an accumulation of organizations and tools to assist individuals with disabilities in their recreational adventures.

Websites

http://www.accesstr.com/AMAZING/index.asp?url=IND
As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, society has not accommodated individuals with disabilities in the area of recreation, however, I have discovered a wonderful website that provides adaptations to all indoor/outdoors activities so that individuals with disabilities can participate just like anyone else. The website is entitled, “Access to Recreation, Inc”. This website is phenomenal and its goal is to “provide our customers with products that give them the ability to enjoy activities that they once thought impossible.” The site provides adaptive golfing equipment for those who use wheelchairs for transportation, provides adaptive bowling equipment, swimming pool equipment, and much more.

http://www.dreamfit.com.au/index.php

“DreamFit” is an organization through the University of Western Australia and provides opportunities to those with a disability to participate in all athletic and recreation avenues with assistive equipment. This organization has several projects that are currently being implemented in finding innovative ways for individuals with disabilities to participate in boating excursions, motorcycle experiences, and much more exotic recreational activities. The mission statement for this organization is the following: “To provide a service designing, modifying, building, manufacturing and retailing innovative recreational and leisure equipment that overcomes physical limitations and difficulties for people with disabilities, allowing them to participate in activities normally not possible.” I feel that this nicely illustrates the wants and desires that all individuals need to become active citizens of society and be capable of having fun along the way!

In addition to these valuable and useful websites, I have included several agencies/organizations in the Northeast Florida region that provides recreational activities and support. The following are the agencies/organizations and their contact information that provide recreational activities, social opportunities, leisure adventures, and clubs for individuals with an array of disabilities:

Agencies/Organizations in the Northeast Florida Region
1)The St. Augustine Center for Living- affiliated with the Florida Department of Children & Families
Contact Information: (904) 797-5027
2) ASK at Arc Jacksonville
Contact Information: (904) 358-1200
3) Heal- Helping Children and Families with Autism
Contact Information: (904) 285-5651
4) The Arc Jacksonville Academy On Campus Transition Program- University of North Florida
Contact Information: (904) 620-3890