Parents everywhere know the value of play and recreation in family life.  We all try to create opportunities for our kids to have fun.  In fact, we all now recognize that play is the primary learning device for infants and toddlers.  Play is the primary way that kids build friendships and relationships with each other and learn how to interact with their peers and their environment.  For this month, we have selected several DVDs and books that focus on play, leisure and recreation for kids with disabilities. 

A word on leisure and recreation books and DVDs in general . . . we are impressed with the number of products in the EP Bookstore that address children and play activities.  We all remember playing as kids.  Who needs a book/DVD to tell us how to play with our kids? 

Actually, the area of play, leisure and recreation has become quite sophisticated.  Special education laws require schools to consider a child's recreational needs as part of educational and transitional planning.  Play affords significant opportunities for inclusive and instructional activities for kids with and without disabilities.  There also is the need to be able to adjust or restructure play activities to meet the needs of children who have specific physical or cognitive impairments.  Fortunately, parents and others seeking materials on leisure and recreation have a wealth of resources from which to choose.  Here are a few of our favorites. 

The IRIS Media Inc., who published Leisure Works! also produced two other DVD resources we think are excellent resources.  Walk Your Way to Fitness:  Walk, Workout, Be Active for People with Intellectual Disabilities? is a 3 DVD disk collection that gives video lessons on walking; provides fun workouts to develop strength and flexibility; and a disc which provides PDF forms to use to help a child develop his or her own personalized activity book.  "Workout with Sonny and Pedro: Walk, Dance and Stretch Your Way to Fitness" is a one DVD activity disc that provides 9 separate beginner and intermediate workouts to develop aerobic strength, flexibility and fitness.   The DVD includes three walking, three strength and flexibility and three dance workouts

Booklist - February 2007

Finding appropriate fitness resources for developmentally disabled teens and adults is a challenge. Created by disability fitness experts, this recommended program freatures nine workouts specifically suited to those with intellectual disabilities.  The simple menu allows viewers to choose three types of workouts, each with threee levels of difficulty.  Walking workouts are low impact cardio routines, strength and flexibility exersices focus on yoga, and dance routines features simple dance steps. 

Two cheerful animated characters, Sonny and Pedro, introduce each workout and announce warm ups and cool downs.  An encouraging fitness trainer provides clear verbal instructions while demonstrating moves to a class of disabled adults.  Captions augment the instructions.  Aimed at the same audience, Walk Your Way to Fitness, is also available from IRIS.

Abby Alpert

YA/S :  Exercise Routines are tailored to the needs of both teens and adults. AA