Disabilities : A scoping review of empirical findings ” that when an individual is given a choice of activities to engage in , there are higher levels of cognitive and emotional benefit . They also identified the qualitative benefits of participating in leisure activities : preferences of where the person was engaging in the activities , their personal experience ( i . e ., feeling like they “ fit in ” or not ), and the enjoyment of the activity itself .
Examples of Assistive Technology with Leisure activities
As Occupational Therapy Practitioners ( OTPs ), we are familiar with assistive devices that support successful and increased independent participation in Activities of Daily Living ( ADL ) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living ( IADL ), computer access , and work-related activities . Those same supports are beneficial in building social connections , communication , and increased self-determination when it comes to leisure activities . This may be especially valuable when we are aware of the meaning and importance of the activity to the person we are working and collaborating with in leisure activity selection .
The following are a few examples of leisure activities where AT can increase participation , performance , and inclusion .
Gaming
Gaming has a strong presence across age groups , in education , rehabilitation , mental health and leisure activities around the world . Many benefits to gaming have been identified by teachers , parents , and mental health professionals such as increases in motivation , problem solving skills , creativity , teamwork , concentration , cognitive abilities , exploring additional leisure interests as well as building and being part of a community . On the other hand , some of the disadvantages identified have been decreased sleep habits , increase in aggressive behavior , increase in anxiety and an increase in screen time .
In an article on the Child- Mind Institute website entitled “ Healthy Limits on Video Games : How to prevent ( or overcome ) problems with gaming ,” ( 2024 ), the authors offer some guidelines to healthy engagement for children , which can apply to other age groups as well . One of the guidelines is exploring other recreational activities to enjoy with family and friends as an alternative to gaming . While the benefits and disadvantages may be anecdotal and not always from evidence-based or evidence-researched work , the opportunities for persons with disabilities to engage with others and prove a wider range of skills are expanded .
The Tools for Life website offers an excellent and free webinar on gaming entitled “ Level up : All about adaptive gaming .” They reported that :
• “ An estimated 20-30 % of gamers have a disability ,
• Around 45 % of individuals with disabilities play video games ,
• According to one study over 90 % of gamers with disabilities reported that adapted gaming has had a strong positive influence on their quality of life .”
The video game industry has stepped up in making the controllers and peripherals more accessible . Today most games are either digital downloads or streaming , so having to insert a disc is not needed , unless the player is using an older game .
Examples of adaptive gaming are :
• Quadstick Sip & Puff Access : This can be played across many different platforms and may require a great deal of practice initially . On the Able Gamers website , they describe this as “… allows you to customize your gameplay style by translating the actions ( buttons , triggers , and joystick movements ) on a standard video game controller to a series of sip and puff switches that are attached to the end of a joystick .”
• Xbox Adaptive Controller ( XAC ): This Microsoft product is only used with PC gaming and the XAC . By connecting switches , the gamer can play with one hand , one foot , their shoulder , or one hand and one foot .
• Xbox Accessibility Features : The website offers information on controllers and other inputs that can be used , ways to stay focused on gaming , special features for different gamer needs , games that are accessible and helpful tips from the gaming community .
Movies and Live Theatre Productions
Illinois Occupational Therapy Association | 2024 ISSUE 3 / 4 4