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Supporting Individuals with Complex Communication Needs to Capture and Share Active Recreational Experiences

Hajjar, David J.,

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Speech-Language Pathology (Health Sciences and Professions).
Adaptive sport and recreational programs provide rich opportunities for communication and participation while also providing enjoyable and meaningful experiences for people with significant physical and communication disabilities. Programs rely on the skills, support, and dedication from community-based volunteers. Active recreation typically occurs in natural outdoor settings which can provide ideal contexts for capturing photos and videos that may be shared with others. The research project employed a distance training called the CAPTURE & Share program. The program provided instruction to volunteers about how to support people with disabilities to effectively collect and share digital artifacts (e.g., photos, videos) during an adaptive sport activity (i.e., kayaking). The first objective was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the distance training program for the volunteers. The second objective was to gather the perspectives of volunteers, participants with complex communication needs (CCN), and their caregivers before and after implementation of the CAPTURE & Share program. The project was divided into two studies: (a) implementation of the distance training program; and (b) use and application of the program during a series of recreational activities. An experimental single-subject research design with multiple baselines was used to investigate the training program in study 1 and Participatory Action Research (PAR) provided a framework for the application phase in study 2. During a series of three kayaking lessons, the volunteers implemented their plans and had an opportunity to engage in feedback sessions to share ideas, reflect, and revise their plans. Caregivers and participants with CCN provided their perspectives before and after lessons to better understand their activity patterns relative to capturing and sharing digital media. Results indicated that all volunteers were successful in learning the program as they effectively demonstrated their ability to apply new knowledge to a series of hypothetical probes. Additionally, a thematic analysis of the volunteer feedback sessions revealed five primary themes: (a) the steps of the program, (b) feedback, (c) barriers, (d) supports, and (e) benefits. Lastly, a descriptive analysis of participant and caregiver interviews provided information about benefits and general experiences relative to collecting and sharing digital artifacts during recreational activities. Implications are discussed for volunteers, active recreational programs, speech-language pathologists and related professionals, and caregivers and participants with CCN.
John McCarthy (Advisor)
265 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hajjar, , D. J. (2017). Supporting Individuals with Complex Communication Needs to Capture and Share Active Recreational Experiences [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1497455571213095

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hajjar, , David. Supporting Individuals with Complex Communication Needs to Capture and Share Active Recreational Experiences . 2017. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1497455571213095.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hajjar, , David. "Supporting Individuals with Complex Communication Needs to Capture and Share Active Recreational Experiences ." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1497455571213095

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)