Quality of life and identity: the benefits of a community-based therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports program.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine perceived outcomes of participation in a community-based therapeutic recreation and adapted sports program on the quality of life and athletic identity of individuals with disabilities. Participants (n = 129) were involved in either an alpine skiing program or a horseback riding program provided by the National Ability Center, a non-profit communitybased therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports agency. Findings indicated that participation positively influenced quality of life, overall health, quality of family life, and quality of social life. Athletic identity was also reported and compared with other samples of people with and without disabilities. Findings and implications for therapeutic recreation professionals were discussed.