Community Participation for Transition- Aged Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Tania Santiago Perez Clemson University PhD Recreational Therapy student Florida International University Instructor
  • Brandi M. Crowe Clemson University Assistant Professor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2021-V55-I1-10296

Keywords:

Community participation, developmental disability, intellectual disability, recreational therapy, transition-aged youth

Abstract

All people, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) deserve to actively participate in the community in which they live. For transition aged-youth (TAY) with IDD, attaining successful community participation can be difficult. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the literature specific to recreational therapy interventions in the U.S. aimed at improving community participation among TAY with IDD. Literature specific to two domains of community participation were explored: a) interpersonal life; and b) community, civic and social life. Eight studies were reviewed using a thematic synthesis approach to identify common themes across studies. Findings revealed three themes: 1) programs with collaboration and community supports, 2) leisure education, and 3) social skills training. Facilitators, barriers, and promising approaches regarding community participation of TAY with IDD are described. Implications and limitations of the current literature are also addressed.

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Author Biographies

Tania Santiago Perez, Clemson University PhD Recreational Therapy student Florida International University Instructor

Tania Santiago Perez, MS, CTRS is a PhD student of Recreational Therapy at Clemson University as well as an Instructor of Recreational Therapy at Florida International University. Her research interests include community participation, transition services, intellectual and developmental disabilities, adaptive sports, scuba diving, community recreational therapy services, and spinal cord injury. 

Brandi M. Crowe, Clemson University Assistant Professor

Brandi M. Crowe, PhD, LRT/CTRS is an Assistant Professor of Recreational Therapy in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University. Her research interests include complementary and integrative health, and leisure-stress coping.

Published

2021-03-03

Issue

Section

Literature Review