Creating an inclusive leisure space: strategies used to engage children with and without disabilities in the arts-mediated program Spiral Garden

Abstract

Service providers working across different inclusive settings can use findings from this study to contribute to program design and implementation. Presented strategies enable children to experience opportunities for spontaneous free play, individualized structured support, and meaningful social participation. Overall, service providers are encouraged to enhance supportive child and service provider relationships and reciprocal child and environment relationships in group-based programs. Implications for Rehabilitation Exploring and facilitating reciprocal relationships between children and their environment is essential to creating inclusive leisure spaces. Transforming program intentions of meaningful social participation into practice requires learning about and affecting change in children's individual social contexts. Service providers can engage themselves as full participants in inclusive leisure spaces through playful negotiations, internal reflections, and artistic expressions.

The need for robust critique of research on social and health impacts of the arts

“…Also, a protocol paper for the evaluation of an Australian dance programme for people with dementia contains no empirical findings (Skinner et al, 2018) and has no place in an evidence review. Similarly, a study on a creative arts programme for ill children in the garden of a Canadian hospital (Smart et al, 2018) reports adults' perceptions of effective strategies for engaging children and offers no accounts from the children themselves nor data on the effects of the programme.…”

Artwork from military personnel, Veterans, and their family members

“…Engagement with the arts can also lead to greater prosocial behaviours within communities, including volunteering and charitable giving (63), and can enhance social consciousness (64). The arts can also form a bridge between different groups; for example, activities such as dance, arts classes and theatre have been shown to foster greater social inclusion in patients with dementia and their carers (65), children and adults with and without disabilities (66,67), police and ex-offenders (68) and adults across different generations (69). This all builds social and community capital within societies (70,71).…”

Arts and health promotion

“…Byrne, 2018 63 Paukste, 2015 Smart, 2018 72 Cain, 2016 70 Fanian, 2015 37 Strengthening local arts infrastructure and resources -ensure arts facilities are fit for purpose, appropriately resourced/funded (staff and equipment) and that staff are adequately trained to work with young people.…”

“…Evans, 2016 16 Smart, 2018 72 Paukste, 2015 White, 2015 71 Mapuana, 2015 Provide positive school environments that provide opportunities for art experiences (i.e. arts programs, appreciation and education).…”

“…Paukste, 2015 Smart, 2018 72 Cain, 2016 70 Reduce participation/attendance costs -ensure that arts events/activities are affordable to young people and their families.…”