Recreation in Supported Employment is an innovative project to assist persons with developmental disabilities to increase the skills they need to be able to participate successfully in existing, inclusive community recreation opportunities. A model program will be developed to infuse recreation and leisure content and strategies into the supported employment process. Through leisure education and expanded community skills training, participants will acquire specific community living skills, develop strategies for community participation, and make connections to natural supports. Recreation offers crucial opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to have exercise choice and control in their lives, and to develop personal strengths and abilities.
Recreation promotes mastery of important life management skills.
Many of the problem solving, coping, and social skills developed through recreation apply to other settings, including independent living, employment, and education. Recreation and leisure participation has a signification role in the overall rehabilitation process, as well as, contributions in reinforcing work skills and in enhancing job satisfaction and maintenance. Enhancing participation in communities of their choice by persons with developmental disabilities will contribute to correcting myths and stereotypes, and will address the stigma and discrimination, which are often barriers to true inclusion. A study funded by North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities in 1993 found there was a lack of leisure involvement. Participants include consumers with developmental disabilities, receiving services from community supported employment programs at each of the sights selected for participation in the RSE program.