RecreationAccording to a survey conducted by the National Organization on Disability (2004), individuals with disabilities felt 27% less satisfied with life than individuals without disabilities. Multiple factors affect our feelings toward life satisfaction such as family, community, school and work roles. When individuals do not feel satisfaction with life, their level of motivation to participate and contribute in these areas also decreases. General feelings of poor health may also be a consequence. Individuals with disabilities participate less often in leisure and recreation opportunities. Since individuals with disabilities are more likely to feel less satisfied with life, we need to explore how participation in leisure activities can benefit and contribute to feelings of satisfaction and overall wellness among this population. While multiple facets may affect satisfaction levels, leisure is a major contributor to feelings of health, wellness and high quality of life. Healthy Lifestyles is a broad term and can enlist many activities to promote the idea. For example, a person interested in participating in working with children could be mentored by a teacher or day care provider, in return helping that person fulfill or experience their desire to accomplish such a goal. Leisure is a means through which improvements can be made in areas such as physical, psychological and social wellness. Shank, Coyle, Boyd and Kinney (1996) believe recreation, leisure and play improve quality of life as well as “improve and maintain physical and psychological health and well-being” (p. 190). This paper will explore the benefits of leisure for people with disabilities, barriers to leisure participation and recommended resources for accessing leisure opportunities in your community. What El Poder de los Jovenes is doing to have positive outcome in their community:
Participation in community activities of their choice is fundamental to the projects beliefs and enhances the healthier lifestyles. Resources:Club Hope (Helping Others Participate in Equality) Luz de los Angeles Ballet Folklorico Ballet Arco Iris Community Map Coalition in Anthony (MAP) |
Eating Healthy Snacks for Healthy Living at the park 
VFW Memorial Day Performance 
Peer Mentors in Action at Drug Free Parade |
The Arc of New Mexico
Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
