INTEGRATING CHOICE INTO THE LEISURE ROUTINES OF OLDER ADULTS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES

This investigation examined a means of evaluating and increasing leisu re choices within a senior program for alder adults with severe disabi lities. An observation system was developed to measure the frequency a nd content of leisure choice opportunities as well as the manner in wh ich each of 3 participants made choices. A process including both staf f training and management components was implemented with direct suppo rt staff from the senior program. The process initially involved train ing staff to provide choice opportunities in accordance with participa nts' choice-making skills. Following training, staff received spoken a nd written feedback regarding the number and type of choice opportunit ies provided by staff as well as the number of choices made by partici pants. The choice provision program was accompanied by an increase in the number, and to a lessor degree the diversity, of choice opportunit ies provided by staff as well as art increase in the number of choices made by each participant Results suggested that the increase in choic es made by 2 participants was not only due to an increase in choice op portunity but also potentially to an improvement in choice-making skil l Results ai-e discussed regarding the continued need to evaluate proc edures for extending research advances pertaining to quality of life i nto routine practice in agencies providing supports for older adults w ith severe disabilities.