Adaptive outdoor recreation and sport are designed to provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in physical activities in natural environments.
These programs focus on modifying equipment and activities to accommodate diverse abilities, promoting skill development, confidence, and social interaction. By fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, adaptive outdoor recreation enhances the physical and mental well-being of participants while encouraging a love for nature and adventure.
Publications
Craig, P. J., Barcelona, B., Aytur, S.A., Amato, J., & Gravink, J. (2022). Inclusive sports. In M.A. Devine & L. Anderson (Eds.), Inclusive leisure: A strengths approach (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics.
Craig, P. J., Alger, D. M., Bennett, J., & Martin, T. (2020). The transformative nature of fly-fishing for veterans and military personnel with PTSD [Special issue on mental health]. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 54(2), 150-172. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2020-V54-I2-9965
Craig, P. J., Barcelona, B., Aytur, S., Amato, J., & Young, S. J. (2019). Using inclusive sport for social change in Malawi, Africa. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 53(3), 244-263. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2019-V53-I3-9720
Aytur, S. A., Craig, P., Frye M., Bonica, M., Rainer, S., Hapke, L., & McGilvray, M. (2018). Through the lens of a camera: Exploring the meaning of competitive sport participation among youth athletes with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 52(2), 95-125. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2018-V52-I2-8774
Bennett, J. L., Piatt, J. A., & Van Puymbroeck, M. (2017). Outcomes of a therapeutic fly-fishing program for veterans with combat-related disabilities: A community-based rehabilitation initiative. Community Mental Health Journal, 53(7), 756-765. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0124-9
Bennett, J. L., Lundberg, N. R., Zabriskie, R. B., & Eggett, D. L. (2014). Addressing posttraumatic stress among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and significant others: An intervention utilizing sport and recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 48(1), 74-93. https://js.sagamorepub.com/index.php/trj/article/view/3723
Bennett, J. L., Van Puymbroeck, M., Piatt, J. A., & Rydell, R. J. (2014). Veterans’ perceptions of benefits and important program components of a therapeutic fly-fishing program. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 48(2), 169-187. https://js.sagamorepub.com/index.php/trj/article/view/3862
Vella, E., Milligan, B., & Bennett, J. L. (2013). Participation in outdoor recreation program predicts improved psychosocial well-being among veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: A pilot study. Military Medicine, 178, 254-260. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-12-00308
Mowatt, R., & Bennett, J. L. (2011). War narratives: Veteran stories, PTSD effects and therapeutic fly-fishing. [Special issue on Veteran Issues]. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 45(4), 286-308. https://js.sagamorepub.com/index.php/trj/article/view/2437
Lundberg, N. R., Bennett, J. L., & Smith, S. (2011). Outcomes of adaptive sports and recreation participation among veterans returning from combat with acquired disability. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 45(2), 105-120. https://js.sagamorepub.com/index.php/trj/article/view/1342
