The Role of a Disability-Specific Camp in Promoting Social Acceptance and Quality of Life for Youth With Hearing Impairments

Abstract

Social acceptance, a foundation for friendship development and social inclusion, occurs when there is equal status among individuals, regardless whether the individual has a disability or not. Disability-specific residential camps for youth with similar life experiences may be one environment where social acceptance occurs. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social acceptance and health-related quality of life for youth attending a residential summer camp specifically designed for people with hearing impairments who have cochlear implants or hearing aids. Results indicated disability specific residential camps may have an impact on social acceptance and perceived health related quality of life.

Occupational Therapy and Accessibility in the Outdoors and Summer Camps

“…It is also assumed that by creating more inclusive and accessible camp programming, facilities, and activities, all campers have the opportunity to benefit. This assumption is concurrent with the understanding provided by a review of the literature that indicates positive outcomes associated with inclusive experiences (Boyd et al, 2008;Devine et al, 2015;Papaioannou et al, 2013;Siperstein et al, 2009a;Siperstein et al, 2009b). Another assumption is that camp staff is willing to address any current limitations with the facilities and programming.…”

“…The benefits of participation in outdoor recreation and summer camps for youth and adolescence include socializing with peers, building team and leadership skills, creating positive identities, and facilitating exploration of natural environments (Buskirk-Cohen, 2015;Dworken, 2001;Halsall et al 2016;Hanscom, 2014;Henderson et al, 2007;Snider & Farmer, 2017;Thurber et al, 2007;Zarrett et al, 2013). Additionally, the value of these types of programs for individuals with disabilities is supported by research looking at social competency, self-esteem, and relationship building among many other positive outcomes (Bandino et al, 2014;Clark & Nwokah, 2011;Devine et al, 2015;Goodwin et al, 2011;McCarthy, 2015;Moola et al, 2014;Provident & Colmer, 2011;Walker et al, 2010). However, there remains a need to understand facilitators and barriers to access, engagement, and performance.…”

“…A pattern of PYD themes begin to emerge as more researchers breakdown the relationship between youth development and camps. Resounding evidence points to the benefits of camp experiences on quality of life (American Camp Association, 2005;Clark & Nwokah, 2011;Devine et al, 2015;Garst et al, 2011;Hanscom, 2014;Henderson et al, 2007). While quality of life is broad as a variable, the researchers further delve into individual factors that encompass quality of life as a whole.…”

“…While the beneficial outcomes of the outdoors and summer camps are well documented, there remains a need to understand how facilitators and barriers to youth and adolescents with disabilities impact their access and participation in outdoor recreation and summer camp programs. Several studies have looked at the experiences of children with disabilities at summer camps, from a variety of different lenses (Bandino et al, 2014;Clark & Nwokah, 2011;Devine et al, 2015;Goodwin et al, 2011;McCarthy, 2015;Moola et al, 2014;Provident & Colmer, 2011;Walker et al, 2010). The reoccurring benefits of the outdoors and summer camp experiences have been established for both children and adolescents with and without disabilities.…”

“…Largely influential components of the experience of individuals with disabilities are environment and context (Cosco & Moore, 2009;Furtado et al, 2017;Goodwin et al, 2011;Hanscom, 2014;Marshall et al, 2016;Papaioannou et al, 2013;Pfeiffer et al, 2017;Walker et al, 2010). Several studies have discussed the role of disability-specific residential camps in providing environments and contexts of social acceptance for these populations (Bandino et al, 2014;Clark & Nwokah, 2011;Devine et al, 2015;Flynn et al, 2019). Furthermore, Boyd et al (2008) identified a lack of research analyzing the opportunities for children with and without disabilities to interact outside of school settings, and subsequently researched the effects of a camp program to address this need.…”