Transitions to adulthood for youth with disabilities: Emerging themes for practice and research

The purpose of this article is to describe the value of the outdoor camp experiences among youth with disabilities participating in an outdoor therapeutic camp. The focus of the analysis is to understand the dimensions of positive youth development amongst youth campers with disabilities. A total of 12 campers were interviewed, 6 male and 6 female. Emerging themes included: (a) social, (b) character building, and (c) self-confidence and provide linkages to positive youth development domains. Findings identified the benefits that youth receive from attending an outdoor therapeutic recreation camp program such as opportunities to interact with old and new friends, feeling like a member for the camp family, feeling accepted and able to be themselves. Other benefits included becoming more independent, autonomous, and more self-confident.

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Looking back to move forward: Reflections and lessons learned about transitions to adulthood for youth with disabilities

Child Care Health and Development ◽

10.1111/cch.12534 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

pp. 83-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

T. Nguyen ◽

D. Stewart ◽

J. W. Gorter

Keyword(s):

Lessons Learned ◽

Youth With Disabilities ◽

Transitions To Adulthood ◽

Looking Back

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The participation of children and youth with disabilities in activities outside of school: A scoping review

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0008417414550998 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 81 (4) ◽

pp. 226-236 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Brenna L. Tonkin ◽

Briana D. Ogilvie ◽

Sarah A. Greenwood ◽

Mary C. Law ◽

Dana R. Anaby

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Activity Level ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Cognitive Disability ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Learning And Development ◽

Youth With Disabilities ◽

Level Of Functioning ◽

Emerging Themes

Background. Participation in occupations is vital for learning and development. Children with disabilities are at risk for decreased participation. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine peer-reviewed literature about the participation-based experiences of children and youth with disabilities in activities outside of formal preschool and school academics. Method. A scoping review was conducted to examine research studies published between 1990 and 2012. Studies included participants from 2 to 18 years who had at least one physical or intellectual/cognitive disability. Findings. Forty-nine articles discussing 32 studies and three systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Perceptions of and influences on participation were important emerging themes about direct impacts on patterns of participation. A child or youth’s level of functioning, activity level, level of enjoyment, and contextual factors were found to influence their level of successful participation. Implications. Occupational therapists can use the findings from this review to consider supports and barriers within interventions to enhance participation in meaningful life situations.

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