Entry 9 (Virtual Schooling)

Virtual Schooling

"Twenty-first century technology, and the desire to excel, offer our children an opportunity to fulfill their dreams." -Wisconsin Virtual Learning

Virtual schooling is a high-quality, public charter school serving students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.  WVL uses a variety of online curriculum providers known for their ability to adapt to a student's learning needs.  WVL offers three different environments:  Independent, Online classes, and Blended.
WVL is committed to continual improvement of our educational programs, online classes, and instructional materials.
Families are provided access to the online curriculum and are loaned books, materials, computers, printers, and other learning resources.  Through open enrollment and resident students, WVL is tuition-free.
WVL strives to:

• Offer a rigorous and personalized curriculum
• Provide a meaningful, quality curriculum aligned with Wisconsin State Standards
• Provide highly-qualified, licensed Wisconsin teachers
• Involve parents as learning coaches
• Use innovative technology and instructional materials
• Create a safe and engaging learning environment
• Prepare students to meet their post-secondary goals in the 21st century.

Personally, I don't think I would send my children to this type of schooling. I feel that a big part of traditional school is socialization and meeting other children your age.  I feel that socialization is necessary for all children, whether the child has a disability or not.  I am also not quite sure how virtual learning has to do with therapeutic recreation.  I need to have some more education on this type of schooling.
WVL (Wisconsin Virtual Learning)


YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4oDt1RjIns

Face Painting

Face Painting


What:
Face painting is an application of decorative paint to the face.
How:
Make sure you have a good supply of water for washing the brushes and sponges between colors and faces.  There is no need to put any cream on the skin before face painting.  Always apply the base color first.  To achieve a deeper color, allow the first coat to dry, and then apply a second coat.  On designs that have a variety of light and dark colors, apply the lighter color fist, if possible.  When applying with a brush, keep the strokes even and work in continuous to avoid streaking.

Where:

Face painting can be done anywhere there is a place for two people to be seated.  Often seen at fairs.  

Benefits:

There are many benefits to face painting, such as showing some creative art and increasing fine motor skills.  Face painting also helps with expanding your comfort zone because you are touching another person's face.
Adaptations:
A few adaptations for face painting are different size and shapes brushes, pencils, and sponges.  There are also many different types of face paint.  Each type of face paint has a few different ingredients. 
 Face painting has always been an interest of mine.  Although face painting is usually painted on kids, many adults like to have a picture of something on their face to bring back childhood memories.  I have always enjoyed face painting and probably always will.  I think it is a great activity for all ages.  
YouTube Video:  (A Butterfly)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh7p-KUIUS0

Boccia

Boccia

What:

Boccia is a competitive game played one on one, in pairs, or teams of three.

How:

There is a target ball and the goal is to get your balls as close to the target ball as possible and beat the other team. A referee determines points given based on measurements of how close balls are to the target ball. The boccia court consists of two playing areas. There are individual boxes for the participants to stand in and the other is the common playing area. Boccia is a popular sport to play outside but can be played on any hard surface.  The ball can be made out of anything and are usually the size of a baseball, but this can be modified to fit different needs. 

Where:

Boccia can be seen at many competitions including Special Olympics, where a modification of the game is played known as Bocce.

Benefits:

Boccia is a great activity with many benefits. It is easily modified to allow many people with many different disabilities the chance to play. Boccia increases social skills and communication. It also has many rules and regulations that need to be followed. Boccia is a great way to interact with others.

Adaptations:

Some of the adaptations that can be made are bigger balls and ramps. These can be used to roll the balls.

Overall boccia is a fun game that can be played by many different groups of people.  I played this game once in high school and had a blast. It brought on laughter and interaction with other classmates, along with competition. I highly suggest this game.

YouTube Video:

This YouTube video shows a great game being played.  As the game is being played, an announcer states the rules and goals of the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmNxKoubdVw

Entry 8 (Puppets Presentation and Workshop)

"Being different is a universal condition."- KOTB
Puppets
Kids on the Block puppets are used to teach children about differences.  These puppets started in 1977.  The first puppet was Mark Riley, a boy in a wheelchair.  Each puppet costs between $900 - $1000.  As beginner puppeteer, it takes 2-3 people to manage one of these puppets, but as you become a better puppeteer, you can manage one of these puppets on your own.

4 Specialty Needs for Puppeting by the Puppeteer:
1.  Lip Synchronization:  Move hand like a cobra snapping it's mouth
2.  Eye Focus:  Move the eyes of the puppet by moving your fingers
3.  Posture:  Keep body of puppet upright like a human being.
4.  Gestures:  "Icing on the cake".  Hardest thing for a puppeteer to accomplish.
Types of Puppets:
sock
animal
hand
marionette
magazine cutouts
hand painting
finger
paper bag
ventriloquest
shadow
Uses for a Puppet Show:
Get kids to open up
Education
Strength building, hand motor skills
Sex education with teens
Muscle tone
Social skills
Coping from abuse
Drug prevention
Bring smiles to patients in the geriatric population
Self-expression
Medical play
Building speech skills
Class Take Away:
the different types of puppets available
ways to answer questions using puppets
how many different themes that can be discussed using puppets
a comfortable tool for many different populations
observation of a kid playing with a puppet (play therapy)
story telling

Entry 7 (group presentation cont.)

Today's class dealt with groups sharing an innovative activity that can be done with all populations.  These presentations are a continuation from the previous class period.
Group 6:  Hiking and Rock Climbing:  Rock climbing takes strength, skill, and endurance. It is a great motivational activity for all. Rock climbing is an easier sport for a person with an amputee because climbing comes naturally for humans.  Rock climbing relies on touch.  A great program for people with disabilities and rock climbing is SPLORE (Special Populations Learning Outdoor Recreation and Education).  A common phrase/quote used by hikers is, "No obstacle is too steep".  This is a great phrase/quote because it not only relates to hiking, but also to every day life.  There is nothing that somebody cannot do.  Two modified wheelchairs used for hiking are the Hippocampe and Trailrider.  The Trailrider is the main adaptive wheelchair.
Group 7:  Hunting and Fishing:  There are so many benefits to hunting and fishing.  Hunting and fishing helps gain confidence and self-worth, sense of accomplishment, independence, social bonds, physical benefits, and getting in touch with nature.  Wisconsin provides many individuals with various disabilities special hunting permits to better improve their hunting experiences, such as a permit to use motorized vehicles on state land, and a permit to use hunt with a crossbow.  There are many hunting and fishing adaptations.  A few hunting adaptations are the Handi-Cuff, tripods and mounts, adaptive triggers, such as breath controlled triggers, and video scopes.  A few fishing adaptations are the Strong Arm, Angler's Aid, fishing pole holder, Comfort Carrier, and Power Caster.  These are all great adaptations for populations with disabilities. 
A great hunting game is avail to play.  Just click on the link below:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/hidden%20animals/Hidden%20Animals.htm



After the presentations were complete, we watched two videos about rock climbing, sailing, body boarding/surfing, diving, hand gliding, flying, tennis, sledge hockey, and snow skiing. 
How did individuals adjust to their disability:
*Use other senses of the 5 senses.
*When describing something, use very descriptive words.
*Use other parts of your body (limbs).
*Acceptance
What roles does recreation serve in their lives?
*Way to get outside and do activities.
*Doing experiences done before the impairment.
*Choose realities (sit on couch or get out and about).
*Inspiration.
*Being able to be independent.
*A purpose.
*Be free from disability.
Social Supports:
*Friends help in guiding.
*Sharing past experiences.
*Motivation and Encouragement.
*Don't feel sorry for the individual.
Adaptations:
*Sip and Puff (shifting sails for sailing).
*Paraplegic getting a piggyback ride up the mountain.
*Leg grips for the paraplegic.
*Specialized feet attachments.
*Short hockey sticks (one for each hand).
What can a CTRS learn from these stories:
*Push your client to follow his dreams. Achievement can happen.
*Stay optimistic through and for all situations.
*Help desires come true.
*Help build endurance.
*Patients are worried about their body functions as they get older.
*Sharing activity choices with clients.
*Process of grief. Recreation was an empowerment. 
These movies had me sitting on the edge of my seat. They were incredibly interesting and kept you focused on what was happening.    

Adaptive Surfing

Adaptive Surfing

Cities in California, Hawaii, and New York have programs to make a wish a reality. What wish you ask? A wish to surf! They serve all people with disabilities.

 The unique thing about adaptive surfing is that it is not that much different than "regular" surfing.  The key is having a patient, skilled, coach assisting the individual.  Someone who is able to clearly communicate.  Verbally, the coach must be loud and articulate clearly. Nonverbally, the coach must be able to make strong signals using the water or by creating cues on the surf board itself.

 As for equipment, it's all about size.  The instructor will help the individual find his/her perfect board.  However, if the individual is in need of a unique surfboard, due to physical circumstances, an adaptive surfboard is necessary.

There are also a ton of organizations that people can become a part of and can lead you to even more resources for surfing. One of the top organizations is the Adaptive Surfing Foundation.  Check out the website: http://www.adaptivesurfingfoundation.org/foundation.html

These organizations are great ways to meet friends, learn the newest information about adaptive skiing, and network.

I think that everyone who wants surf should be given the opportunity to do so.  I suggest this activity to all!

Ai Chi

Ai Chai        

"Ai Chi is the sigh we give when we're at peace," says Jun Konno, founder of Ai Chi.

Konno started the group in the mid 80's because he saw a need for the relaxing benefits of water message without the intimacy of touching. These movements are not based off of Tai Chi exclusively, but do reflect many of the graceful movements that are typical of eastern physical disciplines.

Ai Chi came from the Japanese word aisuru meaning "to love". Best used in warm, swallow, chest-deep water.

The program involves deep breathing with slow broad movements. There are a total of 16 postures. There are 3 major elements of the program 1. The significance of breathing and the autonomic nervous system 2. The mind-body relationship and 3. Eastern concept that "How it turns out is the way it's meant to be.

The benefits of Ai Chi are improved physical health, stress and anger reduction, and better sleep also improved circulation and oxygen consumption.

Appropriate for all age groups and levels, people of older age and with chronic conditions see the importance of practicing everyday. It is beneficial for healthy adults also. The people who seem to benefit most are those with some physical condition.

Body awareness and body control seem to improve in all who practicing Ai Chi. I found this to be really fascinating! 

Water is a very important tool for health professions, and this is just another type of therapy that could be beneficial for clients. I would suggest Tai Chi to all!

YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wje4Y4E1CXA

Hand Cycling

Hand Cycling

 Hand cycling was first developed in the 80’s not specifically for people with disabilities but as an alternative hand powered vehicle.

Today, it gives people with disabilities the freedom to experience the fun of cycling.

This sport is great for a person who is unable to use his/her legs, has poor balance, or anyone who wants a new challenge.

Hand cycling can be used for competitive racing, recreational leisure, and it also allows people with disabilities to do something with family and friends.

In 2004, hand cycling was added to the Paralympics and can be seen in a number of other competitions as well. It also helps to improve cardiovascular health and increase upper body strength. 

There are many types of hand cycles that can be customized to meet many people’s needs. The upright cycle is for people who just want to do things such as exercise and recreation. A recumbent hand cycling comes with many different variations and is used more for competition.

Hand cycles can be quite expensive anywhere from $1,500.00 to $4,000.00, which makes it unable to be used by everyone, if money is a problem. There are many clinics available that are recommended if interested in buying one. These clinics give instructions on how to use the equipment and safety precautions so you are less likely to risk injury.

This is a great adaptive tool to have because many people enjoy cycling; it is a very relaxing experience that gives you freedom and confidence. I highly suggest trying one of these hand cycles.

More info: 

http://www.dsusa.org/ChallMagarchive/Spring05/challmag-spring05-handcycling.html

Beep Baseball

Beep Baseball

Beep baseball is a sport that is made for people who are blind or have a visual impairment. It is a very fascinating game that resembles baseball in many ways with a few modifications. 

First the ball is a 16 in softball with an implanted beeping device so the players can detect where it is. There are only 3 bases, instead of 4, and each one is made of rubber padding, standing three feet high with a speaker facing home plate. 

Everyone wears blindfolds no matter what their seeing ability is. This makes it fair for everyone. 

When the batter hits the ball they will either have to run to 1st or 3rd base which ever one is activated. Players never know which one they will have to run to; they do not go to all bases.  

There are only 6 innings unless more are needed for a tie and each player gets four outs. 

Each team does have a sighted pitcher and catcher; the pitcher has to say two things, one just before the pitch they say "ready" and as the ball is released they say "pitch" or "ball". 

The most difficult part of beep baseball is defense, there are only 6 players instead of 9. Most of the time the ball is not caught in the air (only 5 documented cases of this happening since beginning of beep baseball), but the players use their bodies to stop the ball and then display it to the umpire. They do not have to throw it to get a player out. 

I think Beep Baseball would be a great experience for people with visual impairments to gain confidence and have a great time.

For more information visit the following websites:

American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs: http://www.adaptedsports.org/adaptedsports/athletics/athletics_beep_baseball.html

National Beep Baseball Association: http://www.nbba.org/about_game.htm

Youtube video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNXqN_QVmpk

Axis Dance Company

Dancing at the Axis Dance Company  

Mission:

To create and perform contemporary dance that is developed through the collaboration of dancers with and without disabilities.

To teach dance and educate about collaboration and disability through community education and outreach programs.

To promote and support physically integrated dance locally, nationally and internationally.

Axis Dance Company was started by Thias Mazur who had the idea in 1987 to have dancers with and without disabilities to come together to make a collaborative performance. Mazur used dance to teach and educate about physically integrated dance. Over the decades, changes have been made to the company, new directors, and philosophy ideas, but the main focus has always been on challenging the definitions of "dance", "dancer" and "ability".

I think that this is a great program. I had never heard of this program. I was involved in dance for four years and know the importance it can have in people's lives. Dance is a great form of self-expression that I think many people can benefit from. Based on what I have researched about this company, I would suggest it to many.

For more information:  

Axis Dance Company

Youtube video:

amazing

Swimming with the Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins in an awarding recreational activity.

DOLPHIN ASSISTED THERAPY is a form of animal assisted therapy that uses dolphins! All types of animals, even mice help people through some type of suffering or illness, but the use of wild animals for therapeutic benefit is rare, one exception is swimming with dolphins. Dolphins are highly intelligent animals that offer many benefits to swimmers who get the opportunity to work with them.

Dolphins provide unconditional acceptance, something that cannot always be found in humans. Swimming with dolphins is a source of emotional release. Can dolphin therapy help to encourage positive growth, or speed up learning processes? YES, it sure can!

There are many different populations that can benefit from dolphin-assisted therapy. People with non-verbal or communicative disorders have found positive results in working with dolphins. Children with special needs including asd’s, pdd’s, autism, cerebral palsy, etc. are a unique focus to many programs. There has also been recent research for people experiencing depression or anxiety. Some programs also provide more of a self-directed approach for anyone looking for healing in their lives. This spans young and old, and a variety of illnesses, sicknesses, or diagnoses.

Check out the link below to see more!

J

http://www.dolphin-inspirations.com/dolphin-therapy.html

Entry 6 (group presentations)

Today's class dealt with groups sharing an innovative activity that can be done with all populations.
Group 1:  Horseback Riding  Therapeutic Horseback Riding is beneficial for children and adults who present with any of a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional conditions. Goals:  To advance to an ability to operate through touch and feel.  To improve posture and gain greater coordination and muscle control.  To increase self-confidence.
Group 2:  Painting and Sculpting  Therapeutic Painting and Sculpting is very beneficial for all people and allows emotions to come out of one's mind and onto something physical.  I knew that art supplies came in different shapes and sizes for different people, but I didn't know that easels were made to fit on one's wheelchair.  I find that to be a true invention.  The group showed a youtube video about a guy who is blind and made amazing pottery on a potter's wheel.  I find this to be outstanding!  Watching that video helps believe that anything is possible.
Group 3:  High Elements Rope Course  It is hard to imagine that a ropes course is suitable for people who are wheelchair bound or blind or any other physical disability, but it is real. Watching the youtube video shared in class was an eye opener for me. I learned that with teamwork and determination, anything in this world is possible.  All you have to do is believe.
Group 4 (my group):  Kayaking/Sailing  Our group rocked our presentation.  The Pocahontas idea really brought some laughs, which is what we wanted.  We wanted the class to learn that anything on the water can be transformed to greaten the horizon for someone with a disability.  I found it difficult to find motor boats with adaptations and techniques that would enable inclusion for participants with a disability.  However, there was a great deal of information available for kayaking and sailing.  This activity is a great way to get kids and adults interested in the outdoors, rather than sitting on the computer or sitting in front of the television.