Leisure Works! Expanding Options for People with Developmental Disabilities

Many of us take leisure time for granted and have a wide selection of after-work or after-school activities to choose from. Many of the nearly eight million developmentally disabled people in this country, on the other hand, oftentimes are unaware of leisure time options, or have difficulty finding acceptable activities, supportive facilities, or likeminded recreational friends outside of their own families. Leisure Works! is a video and workbook program that provides caregivers with the tools to help students and charges explore leisure options. Divided into 12 lessons, the topics covered here include a definition of leisure, discussion of the benefits, suggestions on where to find resources for leisure, and techniques for overcoming obstacles to participating in leisure activities. Field tested on adults living in group home situations, where many of the participants increased their leisure time activities significantly when compared to a control group, this solid guide is recommended for educators and caregivers (with the caveat that public libraries should be aware of the accompanying workbook). [Note: Also newly available is Ease Into Fitness: A Beginner Workout for People with Developmental Disabilities (VHS or DVD: $40).] Aud: H, C, P. (J. Asala)