Support Staff as an Essential Component of Inclusive Recreation Services

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kimberly Miller, AP Assistant Professor and Research Associate (Creator)
Stuart J. Schleien, Professor & Chair (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The lack of direct support to participants with disabilities in inclusive recreation has been identified as a primary barrier. Recent findings from a search for best practices in inclusive service delivery (ISD) across the U.S. indicated the use of “inclusion support staff” as a prevalent practice to address this need. Data gathered from inclusion facilitators and administrators from 15 public recreation agencies identified as successful with ISD yielded significant detail regarding the use of this staffing practice. Inclusion support staff were essential in assisting participants with disabilities in regard to acquisition of leisure and social skills; participating fully with adaptations, physical assistance and prompting, and successful social interactions with peers. Highly evident was the critical role of the inclusion facilitator in oversight of support staff, including their hiring, preparation, and supervision. Recommendations for future practices and research initiatives are presented to promote more effective and sustainable ISD.

Additional Information

Publication
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Accommodation, best practices, inclusion support staff, inclusive recreation

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