Physical Fitness

This past week we talked about and experienced how physical fitness is beneficial for different populations. We went to one of the racquetball courts and played a number of games with adaptations. All of the games were types of New Games, because we were working together as two teams and there was no emphasis placed on working. Each team had a sheet and we were basically playing catch with a volleyball between our two sheets. They said that that game would be really effective for the geriatric population and for people with dementia. They challenged us to step back and play from a distance. This was actually pretty hard. I think this game would also be effective for people with autism, because it forces them to work together and connect. This game has many social benefits because teamwork is required.

We also played a game where there were two circles and your partner was in the opposite circle of you. When they called out an action, you had to find your partner and act it out. They used different things, such as "churning butter" and "mama and baby bear" and "humans vs. zombies." This was focused for people with autism and I think it could be used with for almost any population. It was a riot! I think people with physical disabilities could really have fun with this, whether they've suffered from spina bifida or an amputation or any physical disability. It really forces you to work your brain and be creative with your resources. It would enable people with physical disabilities to feel empowered because although they might look at a scene or action differently, it still works. Also, people with developmental disabilities might like this activity, as long as the actions are simple and straight forward.

The final game we played was called Humans and Zombies. This was adapted so we couldn't see, and so it would be doable with people with visual impairments. We had to walk around with our eyes closed and when we bumped into someone, we would scream. The game started out with one zombie and when the zombie bumps into a person, they don't scream and the other person does. When only one scream is heard, the other person knows that they turn into a zombie. When two zombies bump into one another, they both turn back into humans. It really made you think and be aware of your surroundings. I think you could also play this with people with hearing impairments and when you run into someone you have to squeeze their arm if you're a zombie. All the rules would apply, but you wouldn't need to use sound. All of these games are great for getting any population moving. They get their heart rates increasing and allow them to build muscle strength and endurance. These games also increase hand-eye coordination.

Shooting Beauty, Chalking Challenge and New Games!

This past Thursday was kind of a combination of presentations and activities. First of all, we were privileged enough to have Courtney Bent (http://www.bentphoto.com/) come in and talk to our class about the photography program she does for people with disabilities. They've also created a short film called Shooting Beauty (http://shootingbeauty.org/) that is basically a documentary on the people she works with. I think it displays their work and their relationships with Courtney. It was really awesome to see how that work was transforming not only the lives of her participants, but also her life. She shared that she appreciated their different perspectives. This is something that I want to remember: everyone sees something a little different and I can learn from different points of views, if my heart is soft and ready to learn.

Next, my group presented our chalking challenge, which was a very directed chalk drawing/art project that was focused towards people with HIV/AIDS. We had each person kind of have their own space, so it could be a more reflective time, processing their days and their thoughts. We had maybe 10 prompts, with different things along the lines of "What was your first thought of the day?" or "Draw a symbol/picture of how you think people see you?" or "Write a note to someone you haven't seen in a long time." This activity could be adapted for a number of populations, including people with MS or muscular dystrophy, kids with autism, at-risk youth, and people with intellectual disabilities. It could be done with almost any group of people, because the questions can be so easily adapted. We thought that if we did it for kids with autism, we would probably throw more games in the mix, so they would have the chance to interact with others and be more active. For people with MS or muscular dystrophy, we would probably adapt the chalk and attach it to the end of a stick, so they could draw from a wheelchair. We also thought that they could possibly draw on the side of a building, since they couldn't reach the ground. For each group of people, the questions would have to be molded and changed to fit the people.

Next we were able to play New Games, which are cooperative games that aren't competitive. They are meant to encourage teamwork and positive attitudes during play. We played people to people, a caboose game, cat and mouse, and a game where we had to work together to keep the ball up off the ground. In a few of the games we were blindfolded and in others we weren't allowed to use our arms or our dominant hand. So, these games can be used for people with visual impairments, amputations, or people with intellectual disabilities. I think another population that would benefit from New Games would be youth with behavioral problems. You could adapt the games so they are more of a challenge for the youth, but still have the game run so there isn't a winner. For the game with keeping the ball in the air, you might allow them to run around and move with the ball and for the game with the cat and mouse, you could find different objects to pass around the circle that would make it more difficult. Something I'm always learning is that thinking on your feet is crucial in this field. Also, adaptations don't have to be super involved, but the littlest change might help in a big way. When in doubt, just TRY something and it's okay to fail.

Hooping

This week we had the privilege of learning from Alli with her hula hoops. She shared with us her story and about how therapeutic hula hooping was for her. She talked about getting into the "spirit" of hooping and feeling one with your body. After having struggled with a lot of anxiety and depression, hula hooping helped her to be confident with her body and who she was as a person. Alli has such a passion for this and she really believes it works for people. Because of this, she really sold us on hula hooping. Her body was so fluid and comfortable as she hooped. It was really fascinating to watch.

Anyways, after sharing how hula hooping has helped her and how she wants to use it for women transitioning from incarceration, we got to MAKE HULA HOOPS! We took irrigation tubing and connected it with a special plastic piece. It was easier to connect them if we dipped the ends in hot water. After we had our hoops, we decorated them with duct tape. The tape not only looks awesome, but helps with traction and keeping the hoop up on your body. We listened to music and chatted as we created. That's one reason I love TR. The community within our classes is awesome. After we were finished making our hoops, we went outside to practice. Alli led us in a warm-up and cool down and in between we were able to do some freestyle hula hooping.

One thing that I learned tonight was that the main I was so intrigued and interested in hula hooping was because of Alli. I want this in my life. I want this passion and this something that I believe in, so that other people want it. As I pursue therapeutic recreation, I know that I can't do it without the Lord, because he is my life. I want people to see how good he is and how much he loves us. I want them to see how much he wants to help us and heal us. He is truly more valuable than any TR program we can ever put on. I'm excited to learn how to grow my passion and love for him as I continue on in therapeutic recreation.