The Changing SceneChapter 14

HPR 200Spring 2011

Leisure as a Human Right US Constitution declared pursuit of

happiness as an inalienable right Leisure can lead to improved health and

enhanced self-esteem so they contribute to pursuit of happiness

Rec professionals must educate individuals on the personal, sociocultural, economic, and environmental benefits of leisure and recreation

Public recreation must serve the growing minorities, migrant population, homeless, unemployed, disabled, substance abusers, prisoners, and other special populations

Must offer shelter, transportation, day care, playgrounds, inner-city programs, senior center programs and outreach programs

Must have strong fundraising skills, seek corporate and foundation sponsorships

Disability: Access and the Law Americans with Disabilities Act – 1990 –

began mass integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society

Most sweeping legislation for a specific class of people since the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Preceding the ADA was the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (prohibited discrimination), Disabilities Education Act of 1974

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Access requirements to employers not federally

funded, govt facilities and delivery of services by govt agencies

Unprecedented mandate to eliminate barriers to independence and productivity to over 54 mil

Prohibits discrimination based on disability in the private sector, state and local govts

Must provide reasonable access to bldgs, transportation and public facilities

ADA considers an individual disabled if they have a mental or physical impairment that substantially restricts a major life activity such as walking, talking, breathing, sitting, standing, or learning

Jurisdiction over ADA under Dept of Justice for accessibility and EEOC for worker’s rights

ADA and Recreation Law – programs, services, and activities of parks

& rec depts should be available to persons with disabilities

Architectural, communication and transportation barriers must be removed through provision of auxiliary aids and services

Includes municipal and county parks and rec programs such as senior ctrs, gyms, fitness ctrs, golf courses and places of public gathering

Examples of required accommodations Should be able to enter front door Furniture moved or services relocated to provide easy

access to facilities Locker areas – low lockers, wide aisles, extra-wide

benches Racquetball and tennis courts have doors wide enough

for wheelchairs Lifts at swimming pools Aux aids and spec equipment provided when needed Obtain advice from ind w/disabilities or rec therapists

Homeless and Unemployed Homeless – “condition of being without a regular

dwelling place” Many drug abusers or mentally ill d/c’d from

institutions, poor and elderly – Many are veterans w/ phys disabilities

Recently more unemployed, middle aged homemakers adding younger people and children to homeless statistics

Face alienation and loneliness, apathetic, depressed

Rec svc providers can draw them into programming to increase self-esteem, sense of community and appropriate social behavior

Should extend beyond homeless shelters to welfare hotels, hosp-based day tx programs and drop-in ctrs

Community outreach, task forces, referral networks

Correctional Recreation and Rehabilitation Crime and violent crime on the rise Longer prison sentences, fewer paroles, fewer

“frills” in prison Unstable home & neighborhood environments,

drug use, availability of weapons, layoffs, single-parent families, spouse and child abuse

Organized rec activities can assist in reducing crime

Correctional facilities must provide rehab programs that work

Not merely weights or basketball to kill time Assessment, leisure education to clarify

personal values, acquire new leisure skills (ie. Library use, phys activity, craft classes, drama, art, music therapy, recreation therapy)

Juvenile Offenders Encourage juveniles to use time

constructively and in healthy manner Leisure counseling, community service for

restitution, family counseling, teen sexuality, career and college planning, basic study skills, mental health counseling, self-motivation

Leisure and Time Individuals working longer hrs but retiring earlier Women in workforce – Employers need to

accommodate childcare and flexible hrs Flextime – Choose hrs of work based around

core schedule Flexplace – work from home Leaves of absence – maternity, paternity, time

off to care for ill parents Paid in vacation time vs. overtime