- Collection:
- Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta University Theses and Dissertations
- Title:
- A study of recreational programs for handicapped persons in Atlanta, Georgia from 1945 to 1947, 1948
- Creator:
- Edwards, Marion R.
- Date of Original:
- 1948-08-01
- Subject:
- Degrees, Academic
Dissertations, Academic - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
- Medium:
- theses
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- The purpose of this study is four-fold: (1) to interest the public in recreational programs for the physically handicapped; (2) to study the existing recreational programs for the physically handicapped in Atlanta, Georgia; (3) to encourage program planning for the physically handicapped in all group work agencies; (4) to present possible program suggestions for specific organizations. Information was gathered from national publications, personal interviews with recreational leaders, letters to out of town agencies that specialize in this type of work and visits to hospitals and agencies in Atlanta, Georgia. These sources were used to provide information on existing programs. A brief background of historical development of recreation is outlined in this study. This outline shows the development of the social settlement in England and its ultimate growth in America. The widespread effect upon the social settlements and the awareness of the Federal government of the importance of recreation are described. The recreational programs during World War II for the physically handicapped are also given consideration in this study. Since the passage of the Elizabethan Poor Law in 1601, there have been constant and persistent efforts made to educate the public to their responsibility in helping the physically handicapped. Possibly the greatest piece of legislation since the passage of the Elizabethan Poor Law is the Social Security Act of 1935. This bill provided training and pensions for the needy blind and services of education and rehabilitation for crippled children. Other outstanding pieces of legislation since the Social Security Act are the Wagner-O*Day Act passed in 1939, requiring federal departments to purchase certain needed supplies such as brooms and mops, from workshops for the blind. The Borden-LaFollett Act of 1943 provided the deaf with schools and special training in certain vocations. Recreational programs for the physically handicapped existing in Atlanta, Georgia are few, considering the number of group work agencies. At present, there are three programs. Aidmore, a convalescent hospital for crippled children, plans recreation more as a therapeutic treatment rather than a leisure time activity. The same holds true for Lawson General Hospital. The one recreational program planned for leisure time only is the one carried on by the Metropolitan Association for the Negro Blind. This study is an attempt to encourage group work agencies to consider the physically handicapped persons in planning recreational programs. Some programs are suggested that may prove effective in this city, Bach type of handicap was considered, and a program planned on the basis of each type of physical limitation. There is a special program for community centers based upon the seasons in the year. This provides a center with the all-important year round program. There are also suggestions for annual programs. Programs are suggested for boys* groups and girls* groups. These were included in the hope that such agencies as the Young Men�s Christian Association, the Young Women's Christian Association, and the Girl and Boy Scouts would make an effort to recruit the physically handicapped youths for Y-Teen clubs and Girl and Boy Scout troops. It is the hope that this thesis will challenge those people in the field of group work to make a place in their program for the physically handicapped. Only in this way can the physically handicapped individual become a more integral part of our society.
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/cau.td:1948_edwards_marion_r.pdf
- Rights Holder:
- Clark Atlanta University
- Holding Institution:
- Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
- Rights:
-
