Recreation in Georgia [Vol. 4, no. 3 (May-June 1970)]

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RECREATION FOR THE RETARDED- OSMOSIS OR OPPORTUNITY ??

More than 400 of Georgia's mentally retarded youth have recently parti cipated in the most unique experience of their lives ; a recreation and athletic program designed especially for them; an opportunity to achieve a measure of success to negate to some degree the failures which they face from day to day ; and an opportunity to receive an award for their achievement in athletic competition regardless of their ability.

This opportunity was made possible through the Georgia Special Olympics, a new program and hopefully one which will be continued and expanded for Georgia's retarded children in the future. Those of us closely associated with Special Olympics are cognizant of the far reaching values of Special Olympics and other wholesome recreation opportunities for the retarded. I personally feel this infant program has proven invaluable in highlighting the needs and values of recreation and physical activity for the retarded and also a number of problems faced at the local and state level in the implementation of such programs.

THE AUTHOR:
THADDEUS L. STUDSTILL is Assistant Director of the Georgia Recreation Commission. He holds a B.S. Degree in Recreation from Georgia Southern College .
He served as State Director of Georgia's Special Olympics Progra~, 1970.
Prior to joining the staff of the Commission he served on the staff of Central State Hospital as a Recreation Therapist.

To say the least, Special Olympics did encounter a number of problems in its initial year. Paramount among these was in the area of interpretation to the professionals in the retardation field, parents and others of what we were trying to accomplish through the program. The fact this program was of an athletic nature drew the immediate response that we were only in terested in reaching the child who possessed some outstanding athletic ability in the scheduled events. Therein lies the most important aspect of the Special Olympic program in that it is designed for any retarded child regardless of his or her ability. Those who administer atl1letic programs for other youngsters might do well to scrutinize this approach. The lessons learned by a youngster who runs the 50 yard dash in 25 seconds might prove to be far greater than the youngster who has a time of 5.9 seconds in the same event. The opportunity to participate is the key. The lack of the opportunity is saddening.
The second major problem was the training and preparation of the youngsters for the events. Too few of our schools and other agencies have adequate professional staff to provide recreation and physical training for the retarded. Yet, a national survey in 1967 revealed that the primary reason for retardation in motor performance is the lack of opportunity for physical activity.
Additional scientific research has shown that wholesome recreation opportunities and physical activities are a major means fo r reacnmg the retarded . Furthermore , research has shown as a retarded child improves h is performance in these areas, he also improves his performance in the classroom, at home and eventually on the job.
(continued on page 8)

COMMUNITY SERVICES- STEPCHILD IN MENTAL RETARDATION

Everyone knows that Georgia is making a generous and conce rted effort to provide

institutional services for those retarded needing total care . We can , with pride, show

visitors the new Georgia Retardation Center in Atlanta and our older, bu t highly

respected, Gracewood State School.

Everyone knows that the Georgia Department of Edu cation is expanding special

education and vocational training services to the retarded as rapidly as qualifi ed teachers

can be prepared. Five hundred new classes (about 8000 new students) are funded for

fiscal year 1971.

What everyone doesn't know is that there are about 7 ,000 more neglected re tarded

who are not handicapped enough to need total institutional care , bu t are too

handicapped to be eligible for "educational" services. What everybody doesn't know (o r

doesn't care?) is that we have only made a beginning at correcting the situation.

Perhaps Georgians mistakenly think that the mandatory Special Educa tion Bill is

going to take care of the retardation

problem once and for all. True , it will

help the development of servi ces for the life tell us that charity will never be able

retarded children - but not for those out- to support a complete system of servict:s

side of the "school-age" category , and to our community retarded?

not for those who cannot benefit from

For example, few retardates in our

"education" but do need "training" in communities are guaranteed periodic

self-ca re skil ls, motor skills and in daily diagnostic and evaluation services; only

living skills. Why should a special educa- 13% of those needing training are now

tion teacher with a masters degree be able to get it; there are many retarda tes in

needed to toilet-train a retarded child or our state institutions who could live

teach him to sweep the floor? No , this independently or semi-independently in

type of training is not a task for our our communities if we had half-way

school teachers.

houses or hostels available fo r them;

What do we need? The Georgia De- recreation service s in communities are

partment of Public Health and local critically Jacking or non existan t.

health departments throughout the state

These things cost money yo u say? Yes,

are responsible for the development of they do, but over the long run , Geo rgia

community mental retardation training would save millions of dollars and prevent

services where they are needed . For many :incalculable human suffering by making

years the job has been left to private the needed investment. How long will we

groups and associations who, through continue neglecting the " inbetween"

gifts and charitable donations, "made do" group of retardates? When will we pro-

without public tax help . And what a won- vide alternatives to institutionalization

derful beginning it was in a time when for -the madera tely , severely and

there was little public awareness of the profoundly retarded? Every local health

need! But can we leave it this way? Can it department in our state has a respon-

remain a private responsibility when sibility for this group . By September,

parents of these retarded pay taxes just as 1970, at least eight local health depart-

parents of normal children? Can it remain ments will be operating training programs

a private responsibility when the facts of for the retarded. It is sad that other

The Author:
DR. THOMAS R. McCONNELL .is Coordin ato r of Mental Retardation Programs fo r the Georgia Department of Public Healtl1.
He ho lds a B. S. Degree from the University of Sou th Carolina an d a Ph .D. fro m George Peabo dy College.
health departments have fa iled so far to respond to this critical need.
Our Special Olympics fo r the re tarded has co me an d gone. Excited yo ungsters fro m all over the state enjoyed a day of fun an d spirite d competition . If o nly a part of this excitement could be shared by paren ts, citizens , and lo ca l health departments, surely o ur community retarda tion programs wo uld grow and o ur neglected retarded be served!!

" R ecreati on i n Geo rgia" A publ icati on of the Georgia Recreat ion Comm issi on Mony B uild i ng - R oom 801 , 1655
Peachtree St reet, N . E., Atla nta, Georgia 30309 Tel ephone 87 3-1607, 1608

Commission M embers
LUKE L. RUSHTON I Chairman, Young Harris JAMES E. BROWN I Vi ce Chai r man , Dalto n

MRS. CICERO A . JOHNSTON Atlanta
ROBERT K. BROWN East Point
H. ALAN FRAZER Columbus

ROBERT T . BAGGOTT, JR . Newnan
MRS. W. A . BOWEN Statesboro
VERNE J. PICKREN Folkston

ANTON HUBER Moultrie
GEORGE McELVE EN Richmond County

STAFF

JOHN H . DAVIS-E xecutive Directo r

JAMES A . COLLEY -Depu ty Executive D irector

THAD STUDSTILL-A ss ista nt D irector

TOM DRUMMOND -A ssistant D irector

DR. HAROLD D . MEYER -Consul t ant

"UNOPENED TREASURES"

The Age of Aquarius may bring new-found services to reta rded individuals that will

probably revolutionize the education, training and treatment of those persons who

deviate from the norm in intellectual ability. Today , however , we are faced with

problems specifically related to the provision of service. Obviously all persons interested

in providing for the retarded will never be satisfied with the quantity and quality

available, but will always be striving for more . Services for the retarded may be defined

as diagnostic, evaluative, residential, educational, religious, re creatio nal, vocational ,

therapeutic, and most of all necessary. Many persons would initially state that progress

is being made in making service available and that we should be proud of the

advancements that are being made. In all of the helping areas , vast break-throughs are

occuring. But in all reality we are blessed with the "Basement Syndrome" . In other

words, U1e retardate is still not up to an equal standard with his normal brother or sister.

The problems are forever outlined as a lack of money , a shortage of trained personnel,

not enough physical facilities, and poor

public understanding.

retarded to the general public, but also to

Jn Georgia, as many as 130,000 per- each other.

sons are estimated to be mentally re-

A reservoir of technique and know-

tarded . If tllis is an accurate estimate, it ledge is available for implementation if

goes without saying that a tremendous we only bring it to the attention of those

retarded population has yet to receive who can use it. Too often we are afraid of

any type of comprehensive service pack- losing our identity by crossing over and

age. How do we as professionals expect to assisting someone who may not be "one

effectuate greater programs if the of us". There is also the problem, in shar-

pro blems mentioned above do exist?

ing service, that someone else may get

In order to bring about services, I do credit for something you do . What is to

not feel that we should become fund prevent us from working collectively with

raisers to raise needed allocations, nor more than one handicapped group?

should we assume the preparatory roles

We can utilize effectively what we

of the colleges and universities, and I have at our disposal if we know where it

don't think we need to necessarily assem- is an d how to get it. Communication can

ble more brick and mortar; but, by all open up treasure chests of knowledge and

means we had better start communi- technique if we share this information. As

cating. Not only do we need to com- a person in terested in providing infor-

municate our roles in working with the mation, as well as receiving it, I sincere ly

The Author :
WEBB SPRAETZ is Executive Director of the Georgia Association for Retarded Children.
He holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology from Maryville College and a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee.
hope all persons connecte d with provisi<>ns of service to the retarded and other handicapped groups will open their resources to other professionals in recreation , education, vocational training, etc. If a sincere effort is made this may be one way to bring about better utilization of existing information and se rvices .

A look of determination is evident as the comp etition in the softball throw Spectators cla pped and cheered as the athletes prove to many for the first

comes to an end.

time that given the opportunity, they are fierce competitors.

.................

A fine young athlete lights the OLYMPIC TORCH and the flame of hope burned throughout the day. Everyone was a winner in the Georgia Special Olympic Program . Thad Studstill, Direc tor of the program looks on with anticipation.
All athletes and chaperones participated in the fun and feastivities of the parade and opening ceremonies of Georgia's Special Olympics Program.

Many c1v1c clubs, state agencies,

and companies joined hands to

make Georgia's Special Olympic PrCII:Ir~~ndOIUS success. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

and APPRECIATION

unselfish contribution to Georgia's

retarded children.

Atlanta Association for Retarded Children Atlanta Gas Light Company Chamblee High School Coca Cola Bottlers of Georgia Dekalb County Board of Education Dekalb County Jaycee Chapter Doraville Jaycee Chapter Falcon Manufacturing Company Georgia Association for Retarded Children

Georgia Power Company Georgia Regional Hospital Georgia Retardation Center Governors Council on Physical Fitness
oswell Jaycee Chapter Southwest Dekalb High School Band WAGAT.V. WOXI T.V .

Another group of medal winners receive congratulations from Bob Lynn of the Roswell Jaycees.
Proud medal winners beam as the Olympic Torch flames in the background.

An enthusiastic athlete dives across finish line in a valiant attempt to win a fir st place medal.

The Joseph P. Kennedy

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS SPECIAL OLYMPIC DAY. Tom Graf, Executive Director, Atlanta Association for Retarded, Webb Spraetz, Director, Georgia Association for Retarded, and Thad Studstill of the Geo.gia Recreation Commission observe the signing of the proclamation by
Governor Lester G. Maddox.

ROLE OF RECREATION FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN AN INSTITUTION

What is the purpose of RECREATION in an institution for the mentally retarded?

Re creation is a means to an end, and that end is helping the men tally retarded child to

return to the community as a productive individual.

How does Re creation help return the retarded child to the community? First, it helps

the retarded be aware that he can be successful, in doing something that is accepted by

others. The retarded person has faced failure and rejection most of his life.

The Recreation Therapist must be aware that the retarded can be very defensive and

he must help the child break down these barriers so he can start building towards a

higher degree of abilities, not only physically but mentally and socially. We must realize

that these barri ers have taken years to build and it will take a lot of patience and time

for the child to gain confidence in himself and others so that he can start to destroy

these barriers.

A retarded child may have the ability but if he does not have the opportunity to

improve his recreational skills he will not

progress but may regress to a point that to have fun and enjoy themselves , but it

will make it much harder for him to also gives them the chance to participate

become a part of an organized group.

in many of the same recreational acti-

lntitutional Recreation for the men- vities that the normal child is able to

tally retarded is not just "fun and games" participate in.

as it may appear to the outsider, but is a

What activities can we offer these

planned activity with a goal or objective children? First , we have to design a pro-

in mind. These goals may range from gram for this group of children as we did

social, mental and physical development the higher functioning retardate . Activi-

to improving an individual's self concept . ties may range from simple circle or relay

Recreation is not only group and team games to picnics, bus rides, dances, or

activities such as basketball, baseball, even modified team sports such as basket-

dances, an d movies. It is at most times an ball or baseball. The success that some of

individual working with an individual to these children receive in recreational acti-

develop the retarded child so he can be vities is the only success that many of

aware of himself and th us enable him to them will receive in a lifetime.

be a member of a group and be accepted as a member of this group.

The Recreation Department in an institutional setting does many things for

How do we as professional recreators these retardates , and if it were not for the

start to build recreation skil ls? The first and most important step that we must

department , many of the severely and profoundly retarded children would not

take is to help the child build confide nce in himself and others. This will enab le the child to try new activities that he was afrai d to attempt before.
S eco ndly , we assess the chil d's strengths and weaknesses . From this we are ab le to design a program that is suited to the individual child . We strengthen his strong points , whether it be large muscle activities or social interaction. In many

have the chance to leave the ward that they have stayed on for years. It offers them a chance to see the outside world, and exposes them to an environment different from that of the institution.
The objective of the therapeutic recreator is to plan and carry out these plans so that the retarded child can develop to the fullest degree of his limitations.

cases we are able to help the child so that

he can develop these skills to the degree

that he performs in a normal manner. His

weaknesses are also programmed so that

he can develop these traits to the best of

his ability .

Recreation is not only geared to the

children who can be returned to the com-

munity , but also to those who will never

be able to leave the institution . Recrea-

tion gives these children the opportunity

The Author: BRUCE R . PROSSER is Recreation. Therapy Director for Central State Hospital. He holds a B. S. Degree in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master's Degree in Recreation from Florida State University.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS MOTTO : "LET ME WIN BUT IF I CANNOT WIN LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT"
I took a piece of living clay, And gently formed it day by day And molded it with power and art, A young child's soft and yeilding heart. I carne again when years were gone, It was a man I looked upon; He still the early impress wore, And I could change him never more.
(copied)

-

THE MENT ALLY RETARDED HAVE PEOPLE NEEDS!

The most basic concept to be learned about the mentally retarded is that he is firs t of

all a person- a human being. Only when we understand this basic principle can we t ruly

begin to help meet the needs of this group of handicapped people . The retarded

in dividual is a person with a handicap - not a handicapped item who physically

resembles a human being. This is the basic solution to those of us concerne d with

" Helping the Retarded" . Just like aU people, the mentally retarded need love, friends,

an d knowing that someone cares. As a child the retarded needs a home, food, clo thing

and shelter, health care , education and training. He needs the opportunity to play , and

enjoy things that aU children do. He needs pa rents who care- who help him develop
rum - who love him- who discipline him when the need exists an d encourage fo r his

successes no matter how small they may be when compared to norma l children .

As an adult, he again needs a home , maybe not with his parents, bu t a place he

considers home. It is natural for normal adults to live outside the parental home . This

home does not need to be a large insti-

t ution- it can be a small group home or

hostel in the community- or in case of

many mildly retarded- his own home

In the past, people engaged in develop-

- where he can still enjoy the companion- ing facilities and programs for the re-

ship of his parents an d friends. Aside tarded have too often looked at the

from a h ome, health care, and other basic handicap instead of at the person . Only

needs in life, the retarded need a job, when we loo k at the retar ded individual

shelte red employment, or other purpose- as a person first , can we begin to help his

ful types of productive activities. The handi cap. If in the fu t ure we take into

retarded adult needs recreation to fi ll his co nsidera tion people needs first , we will

leisure ho urs.

provide for the retar ded needs.

Although many of the profoundly and

The Georgia Recrea ti on Commission 's

severely retarded may require intensive sponsorship of the Georgia Special Olym-

medical care in a hospital setting, even pics is a good example of some of these

these individuals have many of the basic needs- recreation , recogn ition , self re-

needs mentioned above - they still need spect and many people caring. The Olym-

love and someone who cares. Most of all pics condu cted on May 15 an d 16 showed

the retarded- mild , moderate, an d severe - need these things . If provided, it all

very vivi dly that the retar ded have the same needs as other peo ple . The Georgia

equals self respect, h uman dignity and a person al feeling of importance in life .

Recreation Commission is headed in the right direction .

The Author:
G. THOMAS GRAF is Executive Director, Atlanta Association for Retarded Children , Incorporated.
He holds a B. S. Degree in Education fro m Ohio University and a Master's Degree in Spe cial Edu ca ti on from Ohio State Universi ty.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MOTTO : " LET ME WIN BUT IF I CANNOT WIN LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE AITEMPT"
Th~ expression on the youngsters faces p rove to all tha t th ey were proud to be a member of theu Special Olympic team.

(continued from page 1)
Our third major prob lem in all probability ste ms from the newness of the program but certain ly merits our attention . This is simp ly awareness and comrnitmen t. Local leaders in the recreation retardation, education fields and leaders in the commu nity must be made aware of the vast needs and values of such programs and committed to providing opportunities for participation. Fai lu re in these two areas must be shared by the professionals in the recreation field . In Georgia today , we have seventy full-time d e partmen ts of recreation and parks financed by loca l tax funds. Yet pitifully few of these departments view the provision of recreation services for the retarded segment of ou r population as t heir responsibility . By the same token too few of our school programs employ professional recrea tors or physical educators to provide this much needed training. It is important to note o ur in stitutions have made significant trides in this area within recent years and today profess ional personnel admin ister recreation and physical training programs in all of our institutions for the retarded.
Perhaps the greatest problem and the one wh ich holds the future of Special Olympi cs and simi lar progra ms for the retarded is WHO will be respon sible a t the state leve l? The Georgia Recreation Commission , by accepti ng th e respo nsibility of im plement in g the init ial Specia l Olym pics program, has demo nstrated its belief in the need and value of this progra m and simil ar add itio nal program s. It must be remembered, however , that th e Commission is by legi lative ac tion a pure ly advisory agency, with a limited taff and does not pos ess the resources required for a program of an operationa l nature.
The benefits of recreation for the reta rded have been strongly substantiated by the 1970 Georgia Special Olympics. Now facing us is : How do we view the fut u re of this program and add itional recreation oppo rtunities for th e retarded? Are we willing to recognize recreation as an importan t segment of our overall programs? Do we re cognize recreation as being an important need but o ne which mu st remain dormant simply beca use it is over-shadowed by other needs? Where do we go from here? These questions must be reso lved by all of us sin cerely interes ted in providing all vital services to the men tally re tarded of Georgia .

The standing broad jump was a popular event for many of the athletes.

With dreams of winning a gold medal, this young athlete zooms up and over the bar in the high jump competition.

A group of tired but proud Jaycees will rennejJ!llu:r.Jhis...occa.iiiiolll-i<[)~~n:tii-emde. The Roswell

Jaycees served as Games Committee with Jerry

(far left) serving as <Chairman. Other Jaycee

clubs served in various leadership capacities.