Campus Outdoor Recreation Programming: A Role for OT
I recently completed a 14-week doctoral capstone experience with the Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The OAP provides outdoor recreation opportunities for students at VCU by taking them on trips for white water rafting, hiking, camping, biking, and more. The OAP contacted the VCU Department of Occupational Therapy to explore ways to enhance accessibility and inclusion for college students with disabilities on their trips. As someone who loves spending time outdoors and is passionate about disability inclusion, this capstone project was a perfect fit.
My capstone process began with a needs assessment and interviews with OAP staff and VCU disability support staff. This process highlighted a need for increased knowledge on disabilities, disability etiquette, and methods to adapt program-specific activities. To bridge this knowledge gap, I implemented three training sessions with student staff on physical disabilities, neurodiversity, and disabilities related to sensory loss, such as hearing and vision impairments. These trainings were developed using the principles of instructional design and practice guidelines written by individuals with disabilities. In these sessions, student OAP staff deepened their understanding of disability and disability etiquette and engaged in activities to learn how to adapt various aspects of their programs.
Beyond these training sessions, I worked with the student accessibility office at VCU to raise awareness of the opportunities available through the OAP among students with disabilities. To accomplish this, I hosted a meeting with the Association of Students with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions at VCU to discuss my project and the efforts being made. Additionally, I maintained open communication and collaborated with the club’s vice president to receive ongoing feedback on my efforts, which helped to build a working relationship with the group.
Through my capstone experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for occupational therapy’s role in non-traditional settings. Our unique knowledge and perspective enable us to promote inclusion across various environments. Occupational therapy practitioners can be instrumental to outdoor recreation for three main reasons:
1. We’re masters of activity analysis.
During my capstone project, one of my first steps was completing an activity analysis of the OAP offerings. I used my OT lens to analyze the motor and process skills required in the various outdoor activities, such as white-water kayaking and rock climbing. This allowed me to understand the demands of each trip and identify potential barriers to participation. Our unique training in activity analysis qualifies us to foster inclusion in outdoor recreation.
2. We adapt and modify.
As occupational therapy practitioners, a large part of our job is implementing adaptations and modifications. Whether it be grading activities, incorporating assistive devices, or altering the sensory environment, we can promote independence and participation. During my capstone project, I developed a list of modifications and adaptations that could be applied by staff members to the various programs to meet participants’ needs. This list focused on various populations, such as those with physical disabilities, neurodivergent identities, and vision and hearing impairments.
3. We understand environmental assessments.
Our training and background allow us to assess the environment and implement supports to meet a variety of needs. For example, a physical barrier that may prevent an individual from participating in a hike is the uneven terrain. An individual may also identify that the sun glare is a sensory barrier to this hike. To meet their needs, we can identify ways to make the experience more supportive by changing the location or time of day for this activity. Additionally, we recognize the role of social participation in these outdoor experiences and the importance of creating a welcoming environment to further promote inclusion.
My capstone project is only the beginning of my efforts to enhance participation and inclusivity within VCU's OAP and to demonstrate the value of occupational therapy in this setting. Occupational therapy practitioners bring specialized expertise to adapt outdoor activities for diverse populations and bridge existing knowledge gaps on inclusivity among outdoor programming creators. This experience has inspired me to continue my efforts as a volunteer with a local adaptive outdoor recreation organization upon graduation.
Elsie Baker recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Occupational Therapy program. Outside of occupational therapy, she enjoys spending time outdoors by hiking, birding, and running.