Hélène Carbonneau

Quebec's recreation intervention model in health care and social services and its implications for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification's standards

Many concerns emerge related to the use of therapeutic recreation certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) in Quebec (Canada). In addition to linguistic issues, Quebec stands out by the way it approaches certain social issues. As such, it is relevant to contribute to this special edition of the World Leisure Journal and explain the situation in Quebec. Indeed, the way the profession developed in Quebec is different, in some respects, from the model brought forward by the NCTRCs certification, especially for the components regarding the therapeutic use of leisure. A leisure-orientation model provided by a general recreation professional (recreologist or leisure technician) is a preferred model to help people with special needs in Quebec. The major strength of this model is certainly the fact that it mainly focuses on valuing the individuals potential and well-being rather than on reducing his or her incapacities. This paper gives a brief historical overview of the recreation profession in the field of health in Quebec and describes how it shapes the role of recreation practitioners. It then covers the strengths and weaknesses of the recreation and health model brought forward in Quebec. Finally, the development of an eventual adhesion to a national certification is explored.

Physical Activity and the Development of the Built Environment in Schools for Youth with a Functional Disability in Quebec

Abstract Background: Assess how primary and secondary schools were designed to encourage the practice of physical and sporting activities for young people with limited physical abilities. Analyse the impacts of the built environment on the adoption of active behaviours for the disabled clientele in schools. Materials and methods: Fifteen schools in Quebec were examined using two structured and coded observation grids. Fifty-two interviews were held with each school’s administrative team, physical education teachers, the professional staff, parents and youth with limited physical abilities. Results: The school environment is a central component in the inclusion of youth with physical limitations. However, the lack of means, the dilapidated state of some spaces along with the lack of knowledge of the different populations of youth with limited physical abilities can account for the fact that the schools observed offer an environment that is more of less accessible or poorly adapted to these young people. Conclusions: Most of the time, certain non-existent or deficient faculties in the surveyed areas have a negative impact on the autonomy, perseverance, and the level of inclusion of young individuals with limited physical abilities. It therefore seems essential to adapt and develop areas of activity in accordance with the clientele’s (or potential clientele’s) physical limitations

Recreational and sport-related risk-taking behaviors among men during adolescence and early adulthood: A scoping review

This study aims to document, through a scoping review, the factors of risk-taking behaviors (RTBs) in recreational, physical, and sports activity (RPSA) among men aged 14–24. EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science databases as well as the range of years 2000–2014 were chosen to perform the scoping review. Many factors have been associated with the phenomenon of risk-taking: the physical environment, social influence, the recreational and sporting dimension, protective equipment, age, sensation-seeking, and substance consumption. On the one hand, some risk factors such as the recreational and sporting dimension as well as sensation-seeking are very well documented. On the other hand, some are not, which highlights the need to increase research, notably regarding the links between risk homeostasis, age, and peer influence with RTBs in RPSA.

Inclusive Sporting Events in Schools for Youth With Disabilities in Quebec

Participating in physical activities and sports entails positive impacts for youth with disabilities regarding their physical and social well-being. In Quebec, however, opportunities to practice inclusive sports adapted to their needs are scarce beyond the boundaries of the school environment. Through 33 semi-structured interviews conducted with practitioners involved in organizing such adapted sporting events, this study aims to better understand the needs and expectations linked to these events and, simultaneously, identify the social, experiential, and educational roles of these events on youth with disabilities. Results demonstrate substantial positive impacts on these young people (enjoyment, pride, self-esteem, etc.) and on their relatives. Results also highlight several barriers, notably, material and human, that can hinder their desire to go on with physical activities and sports in their school environment.

Loisir et Société : 40 ans de publications sur la recherche en loisir et santé

For the 40-year anniversary of Loisir et Société/Society and Leisure, it was interesting to take stock of the articles that were published in connection with the theme of leisure and health. The last 40 years of publications have thus been scrutinized based on precise selection criteria. For this first analysis, 131 articles were selected. A qualitative analysis was carried out and shed light on four recurring themes related to leisure, health and the optimal development of individuals: (1) reflection on the theoretical foundations; (2) recreation and population with special needs; (3) leisure and health maintenance; and (4) leisure experience and development of individuals. A quantitative analysis was then conducted to highlight trends in five-year increments over the last 40 years. The results of these analyses are then discussed to put into perspective the evolution of the literature in the field of leisure and health according to various issues that have affected society over the years.

Lived Experiences and Technology in the Design of Urban Nature Parks for Accessibility.

This exploratory research project explores the mobility challenges of outdoor navigation and way-finding, through the lens of the person with a disability. Obstacles in social participation and human interaction with technology within the urban environment are salient issues driving this research study about mobility and accessibility when navigating urban parks. People with disabilities, specifically those with mobility limitations, such as people in motorized wheelchairs, have particular needs that must be addressed to maximize social participation within in the urban environment and involvement in leisure activities. This study examines the physical environment and social activities that occur in a typical leisure filled day at the park, what obstacles hamper navigation, and what issues emerge from the perspective of the person with the disability. The study data collection proceeds from a constructivist perspective using a participatory approach (Living Lab), wherein researchers and participants collaborated together to create the activity and also to assess its success post activity. Data collection tools included walkabouts, recording conversation in real time, and discussions both before and after the research activity. The study is presented with examples, and the emergent issues help reveal opportunities for potential ways to both respond to mobility challenges and integrate way-finding, as a means for future development of mobility and navigational tools for better accessibility and enjoyment of social activities within the urban park environment.

Leisure experience, health, and positive development

The positive impacts of leisure for mental and physical health have been largely demonstrated over time in the field of leisure studies. Accordingly, some concepts have become relevant to understanding the role of leisure in people’s everyday lives and throughout life. With this special issue, we underline the importance of considering leisure experience, health, and positive development. In fact, the quality of leisure experience is largely determined by the impact of leisure activities and related practices, but also by contextual factors, in terms of place and social relationships. In some cases, leisure practices and related experiences may be risky. The way leisure activities fit with a person’s needs and expectations also greatly influences the quality the experience. Therefore, the possibility to mobilize one’s potential through leisure practices makes a significant difference in terms of personal development and quality of life, and, therefore, its importance for healthy lives. A better understanding of leisure experience characteristics and contexts is needed to optimize positive impacts of such activities and related health and developmental benefits. Positive development is related to individual strengths and how people will develop in positive ways when these strengths are aligned with resources for healthy development in the various settings in which people live and interact. This special issue aims to specifically deepen the understanding of the mechanisms that explain how the leisure experience becomes conducive to a healthy way of living and, consequently, to enhancing the positive development of individuals. For this, five articles included in this special issue aim to discuss different aspects and approaches of leisure experience, health, and positive development. Each of these articles presents different studies, being focused on different topics about leisure experience, populations of different ages, or methodologies, using quantitative and qualitative methods. The first article by Nuria Codina and Jose V. Pestana, entitled ‘Two Sides of Time in the Leisure Experience of Youth: Time Investment and Time Perspectives,’ aims to explore which dimensions and aspects of the leisure experience are more closely related to time invested in leisure activities and to time perspectives of Spanish adolescents. As for the second article, ‘Leisure, Engagement, and Meaning-making among High-Risk Youth,’ Yoshitaka Iwasaki and Tristan Hopper discuss the impact of leisure and commitment by creating meaning in the lives of young Canadian people at high risk. The third article, by Roger Cantin, Normand Boucher, Jacques Vézina, and Mélanie Couture, entitled ‘Handicap et loisirs. Vers une meilleure compréhension de la participation sociale par l’expérience de loisir inclusive,’ considers the question of the experience of inclusive leisure for the optimal development of people with disabilities in Canada. Similarly, the fourth article by Susan L. Hutchinson, Heidi Lauckner, Brad A. Meisner, Karen Gallant, and Christie

Participation sociale et personnes ayant des atteintes cognitives et centre communautaire de loisir : une équation possible?

ABSTRACT: Validating support of social participation for people with cognitive impairment (CI) plays a predominant role in maintaining identity, autonomy, sense of belonging and social bonding. Yet what restricts this participation—intervention methods, cognitive impairment, or other individuals in the participant’s environment? This study documents stakeholders’, volunteers’ and users’ perceptions of people with CI in community recreation centres (CRC). Six focus groups (n = 44) in Montreal, Quebec City and Drummondville highlighted some issues concerning this subject. Although sympathetic to a society where people with multiple weaknesses coexist, participants are not convinced of the need to include those whose memory and judgment are failing. The integration of people with CI includes relational and organizational challenges and questions our relationship to cognitive aging and performance values in an inclusive environment. RÉSUMÉ: La pérennisation de la participation sociale des personnes avec atteintes cognitives joue un rôle prépondérant dans le maintien de l’identité, de l’autonomie, du sentiment d’appartenance et des liens sociaux. Or, qui des intervenants, des modalités d’intervention, des atteintes cognitives elles-mêmes ou de l’entourage contraignent cette participation ? Cette étude documente la perception des intervenants, bénévoles et usagers quant à la place des personnes avec atteintes cognitives en centre communautaire de loisir. Six groupes de discussion (n = 44) à Montréal, Québec et Drummondville ont permis de dégager certains enjeux autour de cette question. Bien que favorables à une société solidaire où coexistent des personnes ayant des fragilités multiples, les participants ne sont pas convaincus de la nécessité d’inclure celles dont la mémoire et le jugement défaillent. Leur intégration comporte notamment des défis relationnels et organisationnels tout en interrogeant notre rapport au vieillissement cognitif et aux valeurs de performance dans un milieu pourtant inclusif.

Interactions with peers in physical activities among students with disabilities in Québec

ABSTRACT This article draws a portrait of peer interactions during physical activities between students with and without disabilities. A research group part of a project funded by Québec en Forme under the AlterGo Défi Sportif has carried out a study about the determinants of adopting healthy lifestyle habits using a mixed method and two data collection methods. This research was conducted using observation sessions during physical education classes and semi-structured interviews with school administrators, students with disabilities, parents and physical educators. Results highlight an increased need for raising awareness in schools, a certain distance kept by students without disabilities towards students with disabilities and the impacts of small groups on the active participation of the latter.

Determinants of Participation in Sport and Physical Activity for Students with Disabilities According to Teachers and School-based Practitioners Specialized in Recreational and Competitive Physical Activity

Abstract Because youth with disabilities participate less in physical activity than young people without disabilities and that schools play an important role in adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is important to deepen our understanding of the elements that foster participation of young people with disabilities in physical activity. The objective of this research is twofold: 1) establish the determinants of participation of youth with disabilities in physical education according to practitioners and 2) document the effects of an initiation and competition program for youth with disabilities on their physical activity. The collection of data using semi-structured interviews was conducted in two phases. The first, among teachers and school-based practitioners (n = 18), aimed to understand their experiences relating to the adoption of healthy lifestyles among their students with disabilities. As for the second, practitioners (n = 12) were interviewed during organized adapted sporting events. Analysis of the interviews shows two categories of determinants, namely determinants relating to school (winning conditions of the environment, the importance of extracurricular activities, and obstacles) as well as determinants relating to the professional competence of teachers (the role of teachers, collaboration between professionals, the benefits of sport and physical activity and obstacles encountered).