our directory of newsletters, articles, therapies, videos, policies, communities and other LINKs about childhood disability
“Leisure” is defined as involvement in activities that we do in our discretionary recreational time, before or after work or other duties. For children and youth, these voluntary activities typically include active-physical activities, social, skill-based, self-improvement or other recreational activities.
Through participation in leisure activities, children practice skill competencies, develop their own personal identity, and peer relationships and friendships are fostered. Engagement in leisure activities promotes community integration and is important for physical and mental health and well-being.
JOOAY is a free App connecting youth with disabilities and their families to leisure activities of their choice, in their area.
Access Jooay without an App
The objective of this project is to convey a policy dialogue – where decision-makers can learn about current research and community practices to inform future decision-making related to creating inclusive communities for children with disabilities across Canada.
This newsletter provides a summary of the research that has been done on leisure participation for children and youth with disabilities.
In this cross-sectional study, adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were recruited to identify patterns of participation in leisure activities compared to a sibling without JIA. Those with JIA may experience restrictions in participation due to their illness which, in turn may have detrimental consequences on the child’s social integration and development.
Although participation in leisure is influenced by multiple factors related to the child, family and environment that are not all necessarily amenable to change, this information can help professionals predict which children and adolescents are at higher risk for low involvement in leisure activities. With this information, professionals can provide support according to each individuals unique situation to promote greater participation in leisure activities and therefore lead healthier lifestyles.
A search was conducted in the scientific literature to identify the different variables that influence children and youth with disabilities to participate in leisure activities. Children that continuously receive rehabilitation are more likely to participate in activities. Authors reported that age, gender, gross motor function, manual ability, cognitive ability, and communicative skills, are the most important variables effecting youths’ participation in leisure activities.
Children with CP often do not have the opportunity to participate in leisure. The authors of this article reported that while there are many factors influencing level of participation in leisure activities, there is a lack of evidence on how to target these factors effectively. Since leisure activity is related to the quality of life of children and youth, it should be put forth as a healthy habit.
In this integrative review, a search was conducted to identify strategies to promote inclusion of children with physical disabilities during play at childcare centers. Two main strategies were concluded from the studies to promote children inclusion: the role of the adult facilitator and environmental factors.
There is much evidence that participation of children and youth with disabilities in leisure activities is limited and restricted compared to their developing peers. If schools and communities provided more information, support and accessible activities, children and youth with disabilities would participate in more activities and therefore have a better quality of life.
This website provides predictors of what causes limitations to participating in leisure activities.
The aim of this newsletter is to publicize the latest investigations and studies to help the situation of disabled people and promoting social participation.
LIN is charged with the responsibility of designing, managing, and maintaining the National Recreation Database (NRDB) for intergovernmental, public good, research and access purposes.
Participation Knowledge Hub is an online website that provides useful information to children, parents and service providers with the goal to promote the participation of children and youth in leisure activities. On the website one can find research summaries, success stories, tips for increased participation and tools to measure participation.
The Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport has been developed to ensure that athletes with a suspected concussion receive timely and appropriate care, and proper management to allow them to return to their sport.
To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, CDC developed the HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports
Jumpstart is more than just about getting kids active. It’s about giving kids from families in financial need the same chance to participate as their neighbours, their classmates and their friends. Whether it’s the chance to try a new sport or to continue with a favourite one, no kid should be left out.
Hand Over Hand Community Organization is dedicated to fostering a community where people with disabilities feel safe, accepted, and supported through peer networks. They provide social and recreational services for youth in the Toronto and York regions, and have a pen-pal program and a parent support group.
An organization with different sports and community programs for persons with physical disabilities. (Website in French)
A website where you can search for accessible businesses, restaurants, and hotels.
An organization that promotes tourism and culture for people with restricted physical abilities.
Rick Hansen provides useful information to set up and design accessible and safe play spaces for youths with disabilities. This website links to toolkits that help guide through the process of creating a safe and accessible play spaces.
Rick Hansen School program provides resources for teachers, students and administrators to increase accessibility, inclusion, and disability awareness. As well, these resources help to promote adolescents in making a difference in their school, community and world regardless of any disability.
A guide to create successful play areas for children->not specific on disabilities though.
An online website that provides parents, service providers, administrations, schools etc. with useful information and guidelines to design and implement play that is accessible to all.
The St Louis Children’s Hospital has developed an adapted summer camp (Camp Independence) that integrates standardized assessments, and opportunities to engage in several adapted sports.