Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115441

Edward Wang, PhD¹, James Rimmer, PhD², and Barth Riley, PhD¹. (1) Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1640 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608, 312/413-0148, chewang@uic.edu, (2) Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1640 West Roosevelt Rd., Room 711, Chicago, IL 60608-6904

In spite of the tremendous growth in the development of recreation adaptations and technologies, participation in recreation activities among persons with disabilities continues to be suppressed. The disproportionately high prevalence of physical inactivity among persons with disabilities and their virtual absence from recreation and fitness venues may be due, in large part, to a lack of awareness of the availability of many different types of recreational and fitness technologies that could enhance their participation. Using a consumer-driven model, we assessed the extent to which current knowledge concerning recreation technology is transferred into practical application. In addition, we assessed the overall utilization of the assistive technologies among people with disabilities and identified various barriers that impede use of these technologies. A nationally representative sample of approximately 4,000 individuals with disabilities was surveyed via Internet and regular mail. Among them, over 1,400 persons with disabilities registered and became members of NUDGE (National Users with Disabilities Group on Exercise), and completed the baseline survey. Nearly 80% of survey participants indicate that they want to participate in either fitness/exercise, outdoor, and/or sports activities. However, only 40% of the NUDGE participants had ever participated in fitness and recreational activities. Whereas the correlation (r=0.82, p<.001) between awareness and utilization of recreational technologies was high, the overall awareness (36.8%) and utilization (10.3%) remain astonishingly low among people with disabilities. The results suggest that there's a clear gap between needs, knowledge, and utilization of assistive technology in recreational activities for people with disabilities.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Determine the needs and barriers to utilize the assistive technology in recreational activities for people with disabilities.
• Assess the extent to which current knowledge concerning recreation technology is transferred into practical application.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation