Academic researchers dedicated to contributing to quality improvement in professional practice need to find more effective ways to bridge the gap between research and practice. Bridging the gap requires understanding what encourages the use of research findings by practitioners and what discourages it, as well as understanding how practitioners…

Inclusive community recreation is an optimal environment for the development of recreation and sports skills and social relationships between people with and without disabilities. Although we know much about best practices for inclusion, little systemic change in recreation agencies has transpired. Diffusion of Innovation Theory is proposed as a…

The fifth of nine volumes (EC 114 401-409) on recreation for the handicapped examines special recreation in rural areas. The following 11 papers are included: "Recreational, Cultural and Leisure Services for the Handicapped in Rural Communities in Iowa" (D. Szymanski); "Recreation for Handicapped in Rural Communities" (J. Nesbitt); "Programming…

The second of nine reports (EC 114 401-409) on community recreation for the handicapped focuses on 18 model community-based programs. An introductory section presents an overview of information (including philosophy, population, program activity, consumerism, and interagency coordination) of the model programs. Separate descriptions of the 18…

Provided is a collection of materials relating to community programs and supportive services for deaf individuals. (SBH)

Opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sports have expanded as school and community sports programs such as the Special Olympics, intramural sports, community recreation leagues, and interscholastic teams have become more available to all children. A directory of 37 recreation organizations is also provided. (CB)

This article reviews a series of vignettes from various communities describing their activities and educational programs. (JD)

Organizations that offer outdoor adventure activities can integrate programs to include individuals with disabilities. The paper describes how one organization includes diverse groups of people with and without disabilities in its outdoor activities, focusing on each member's strengths and encouraging cooperation. (SM)

Review of the research on at-risk youth and resilient youth (successful youth despite adverse family and environmental situations) focuses on environmental protective factors such as positive relationships and youth participation. Application to park and recreation systems suggests leisure systems can provide such positive factors as a caring…

A community recreation program for Spanish speaking migrant children in Dade County, Florida, is described. (JD)

Describes community and cocurricular school activities developed by educational and political leaders in Crownpoint, the site of a Navaho boarding school. Illustrated. (DN)

Recreation and park personnel can be influential in beginning a concerted and systematic effort to develop anger- and aggression-management programs for youth. The article outlines examples of anger- and aggression-control program content, typical training procedures, possible program sessions, and organizational implementation. (SM)

A survey completed by managers of 77 senior centers in Idaho revealed that meals, blood pressure screening, and games and trips were the most successful activities offered. Alzheimer's support groups, library books for loan, and exercise classes were the least successful. Possible reasons for the success or failure of these activities were…