2011

Lacie-Dawn Dearsley

Community Living Hamilton

4/5/2011

Supported Summer Leisure Program Final Report

2

Table of Contents

Introduction....................................................................................................................................3

Statement of Purpose.....................................................................................................................4

Rationale.........................................................................................................................................5

Methodology..................................................................................................................................8

Data Analysis.................................................................................................................................13

Cross Data Analysis.......................................................................................................................28

Key Data........................................................................................................................................30

Implications..................................................................................................................................32

Recommendations........................................................................................................................34

Conclusion....................................................................................................................................35

References....................................................................................................................................36

Appendix.......................................................................................................................................37

Appendix A…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..38

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Introduction

This survey was implemented on Thursday March 16th, 2011 at two of Community Living

Hamilton’s day programs located in the Hamilton community. The two survey methods used

to implement the survey were the in person and over the phone survey methods. This report

will analyze the responses from the individuals that participated in the survey and offer

recommendations on how to better the summer program based on the information gathered.

4

Purpose Statement

To determine participant’s level of satisfaction regarding Community Living Hamilton's

summer supported leisure day programs in 2010.

5

Rationale

Background Information:

Community Living Hamilton is an agency that supports individuals with developmental

disabilities. The agency strives to “assure that all persons live in a state of dignity, share in all

elements of living in their community and have equal opportunity to participate effectively as

active community members (Community Living Hamilton, 2006)”.

Individuals supported by Community Living Hamilton “participate in community based leisure,

recreational, and educational activities; as well as a variety of generic programs that enhance

personal growth and greater independence (Community Living Hamilton, 2006)”. In support of

Community Living’s philosophy the majority of these programs take place within the Hamilton

Community to further integrate the supported individuals into their local community. The

National Association of State Park Directors believes that “improving the quality of life for

individuals with disabilities is particularly enhanced through recreational and social interaction

associated with having fun. A tremendous emphasis is being placed on providing recreational

opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, which brings these individuals into

a more full contact with society (National Association of State Park Directors, 2011)”.

The summer supported leisure program provides a vast amount of activities that are focused on

enhancing client’s level of participation, socialization skills, and overall well-being. The program

consists of multiple travelling day outings and activities throughout the Hamilton region for the

duration of the summer; as well as seven day cottage trips to Dragonfly Lodge which is a

cottage owned by Community Living Hamilton in Guelph. The agency strives to integrate all of

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the individuals they support into the community whether it’s through volunteering,

employment, or participation with the available recreation and leisure activities.

McPherson, 1991 “stated that leisure activities provide a social setting for the initiation and

development of primary social relations. Life for people in later years can be characterized by

social losses (e.g. loss of friends and the social milieu at work upon retirement, death of friends

and spouse), but leisure activities can provide a social milieu to create new social relationships

(Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, 1997)”. By providing these recreation and leisure

opportunities through the supported summer leisure program Community Living Hamilton is

expanding their client’s leisure lifestyles and providing them with opportunities to participate in

leisure and improve their social relationships. However, if individuals do not attend the

program opportunities that Community Living Hamilton offers then they cannot receive any of

the benefits that come with participating in leisure and recreation.

Justification for Doing the Survey:

Throughout the duration of 2010’s summer supported leisure program a third of the

total individuals registered for day trips did not attend the trips they registered for. If clients

are not attending the day trips then they are missing out on opportunities to expand their

social, physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Many of the individuals supported by

Community Living Hamilton enjoy the supported summer leisure program by attending the day

trips and the agency needs to know why so many of them are not attending the program. With

the results of this survey the agency will hopefully have a better understanding of how the

supported summer leisure program can be altered to meet their client’s needs. Based on the

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results of the survey recommendations are offered to the agency suggesting ways the program

can be altered to improve the rate of attendance for this year’s supported summer leisure

program.

8

Methodology

Sample Size and Method:

The population that was surveyed are adults above the age of 18 with developmental

disabilities that participated in 2010’s supported summer leisure program. The adult population

has a diverse range of abilities, disabilities, behaviours, cultures, and ethnicities. These adults

are the main focus when designing and implementing activities for the supported summer

leisure program. Thirty surveys were completed by individuals that participated in last year’s

summer program. The individuals surveyed were selected based on their participation in the

summer program last year. This sample method was effective because the individuals

completing the survey were aware of the topic being discussed and their opinions regarding the

subject.

Survey Method:

In person and over the phone were the survey methods implemented for this survey. The

surveyor traveled to adult day programs and surveyed individuals that attended last year’s

summer supported leisure program to do in person surveys. In person surveys were completed

because they provided quick honest responses and if the individual being surveyed needed

assistance with a question the surveyor was there to assist them; assured more accurate results

and survey completion. For those individuals that do not attend Community Living day

programs they received phone calls to complete the surveys. Phone surveys were chosen

because it was more convenient for the surveyor and it was a quicker way to receive

individual’s responses without doing home visits. Also the phone survey method was chosen

9

because it is a quick and effective way to reach many individuals that participated in last year’s

supported summer leisure program. Two forms of survey implementation were used to

implement this survey to assure that the client group that was surveyed was broad among the

agency. Both methods were effective for the client group being surveyed and the completion

of the survey. No problems occurred with the implementation of the survey and this method

could be used again because it worked well with the identified client group. The surveyor

would not do anything differently if surveying this population again.

Pre Test Process:

The pre-test consisted of 5 individuals that attend the PEP program associated with Community

Living Hamilton; the PEP program is located in the Huntington Park Recreation Centre. These 5

individuals participated in 2010’s supported summer leisure program and were able to answer

the survey questions. These individuals were surveyed on Wednesday March 16th, 2011

because the surveyor was at the PEP program on this day. The pre-test was implemented in

person with the 5 individuals during their snack break at 11:00 am in the main classroom area.

The implementation of the survey went flawlessly and no changes were made to the survey

after the pre-test because it went so well. If the surveyor was to complete this pre-test again

the same process would be used because no problems occurred with this pre-test process.

Implementation:

The survey was implemented on Thursday March 17th, 2011. Individual’s completed the

surveys in person at these two day programs; Arc Industries day program and the Personal

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Enrichment day program. As well surveys were completed at Community Living’s main office

via phone calls.

After the completion of the survey the next steps were to:

Have the survey approved by Tanya Sweers

Make any changes to the survey if applicable

Print off 10 sample surveys

Set up a table with surveys, pens, and an envelope to collect surveys after they are

completed to ensure client confidentiality

Assist individuals if they need help with completing the survey

Have individuals at the Huntington Park Program complete the sample surveys

Ask clients to put finished sample surveys into the envelope to ensure client

confidentiality

Actual Implementation

Narrow down days that the surveyor will be visiting each day program to let them know

in advance the surveyor will be coming

Print off 50+ surveys to assure there will be enough for all individuals

Set up a table with surveys, pens, and an envelope to collect surveys after they are

completed to ensure client confidentiality

Assist individuals if they need help with completing the survey

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Phone additional individuals and have them complete the survey verbally (Print off

more surveys if needed)

The implementation process went as planned, but only 40 surveys were printed off opposed to

50 in the actual implementation process. The majority of the in-person surveys were done

individually with each individual. Client confidentiality was still put in place because no names

or identifiable information was put onto the survey. This process was indicated on the prior

implementation plan, but the way the in-person surveys were completed swayed slightly from

the original plan. This 1:1 interview survey implementation worked effectively with the client

group and will be done in the future when surveying this population.

Critical Path:

Submit need assessment proposal: Week of March 7th

Obtain approvals: Week March 7th

Prep for implementation: Week of March 14th

Implementation: Week of March 14th and 21st

Coding Data: Week of March 21st

Data Analysis: Week of March 21st and 28th

Preparing final report: March 28th

Submission of final report to instructor: Week of April 4th

Submission of final report to agency: Week of April 11th

Two steps identified in the critical path were not followed during the completion of the survey

process. The surveyor allotted too much time for the survey implementation and the data

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analysis. These steps were done at a faster pace than originally stated, so changes were made

to the critical path; the red font symbolizes the time the surveyor did not need to complete the

survey implementation and data analysis.

Response Rate

Five pre-test surveys were distributed to the individuals at the PEP program; located at the

Huntington Park Recreation Centre. There were no changes made to the pre-test survey before

the actual survey implementation, so these five surveys were used in the final survey count.

Twenty-five surveys were collected from individuals via in person surveys and phone surveys.

In total thirty surveys were implemented and thirty surveys were returned to the surveyor, so

the response rate 100%. The response rate was 100% because of the survey implementation

process chosen by the surveyor. The in-person survey process allowed the surveyor to collect

the surveys right after completion and the surveys completed by phone never were distributed

assuring that all the surveys completed were collected by the surveyor.

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Data Analysis

Response Analysis:

The results of this question show that more individuals that live in a supported living environment or at

home with family participate in the supported summer leisure program and that individuals that live

independently do not participate as much. The majority of individuals associated with Community Living

Hamilton are low income individuals. The amount of individuals that live independently that participate

in the supported summer leisure program would be lower because these individuals may not be able to

afford to participate in the summer program and pay for their living expenses as well.

Analysis of the Question:

This question was appropriate to use for the survey because it provided the surveyor with information

regarding the participants living arrangements. No changes would be made to this question because it

was easier for individuals to understand and answer and provided the information the surveyor was

looking for.

40%

43%

17%

History

Home

Support

Independently

14

Response Analysis:

Individuals completing the survey were asked which activity they enjoyed participating in the most

during the 2010 supported summer leisure program. 47% of the respondents enjoyed going out for

dinner, 23% enjoyed bowling, 3% enjoyed cooking, and 27% enjoyed participating in day trips last

summer. With the results of this question it is apparent that the individuals did not enjoy cooking last

summer, but rather preferred the other aspects of the program. Going out for dinner is always a

favourite among this population so it is not surprising to see it being the favourite activity.

Analysis of Question:

The responses to this question did not come as a surprise because the cooking class program last year

had minimal attendance and the dinner outings had a high attendance rate. The question was

appropriate to use because it provides information regarding individual’s interests in the summer

program activities. If this survey was to be re-implemented the cooking option would not be provided

as an option because the information gathered was already predicted by the surveyor and factual

information regarding client’s attendance to this activity already showed the attendance rate was low

for cooking class.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Dinner Bowling Cooking Day Trips

Pe

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Summer Activities

1. Most Enjoyed Summer Activities

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Response Analysis:

This was an open-ended question on the survey based on the activities that respondents wanted to try

this summer the following categories were made from their responses: animal related day trips, movies,

sports, dinner, concerts, Niagara Falls outings, casino, bowling, and other. The highest ranking

activities that respondents wanted to try this year were; sports (going to hockey games, playing soccer

etc), animal related day trips (Toronto Zoo, African Lions Safari, and Twin Valley Zoo), and other

activities that are fun and promote friendship. The information gained from this question will provide

the supported summer leisure program with activity ideas for this summer that meet client interests; in

turn hopefully raising the rate of attendance.

Analysis of Question:

With this question information was gain regarding the respondent’s activity interests. These activities

can be placed within the supported summer leisure program in hopes to attract individuals to the trips

and encourage attendance. It was an appropriate question to use because the information gained will

be useful in making this year’s summer program a successful one. No changes would be made to this

question and more information was received from this question than initially predicted.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Animal Related

Day Trips

Movies Sports Dinner Concerts Niagra Falls Outings

Casio Bowling Other:

Pe

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Activities of Interest

2. Activities for this Summer

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Response Analysis:

The level of happiness that the respondents felt they received from last year’s supported summer

leisure program ranges from happy to very happy. The reason for the level of happiness could be due to

the fact that the trips the respondents did attend provided them with a sense of accomplishment and

enjoyment. The data received from this question did not come as a surprise because the summer

program often leaves individuals feeling happy with the programs they attend and participate in.

Analysis of Question:

This question was appropriate to use for the survey, but the responses received were not overly helpful.

Respondents stated they enjoyed the summer program, but the attendance rate was low last year, so

there must have been a reason for them not to enjoy the program. A follow up question asking why or

why not they enjoyed the program would make the information received from this question more

helpful.

0% 0% 3%

37%

60%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 Unhappy 2 3 4 5 Very Happy

Pe

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Level of Happiness

3. Level of Happiness with the Summer Program

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Response Analysis:

Out of the 30 individuals that completed the survey 97% of them plan on attending this year’s summer

program. This high percents shows that people are interested in attending the summer program and

are willing to attend programs.

Analysis of Question:

This question was appropriate because it shows that individuals are interested in attending programs

this summer, so there has to be a reason other than a lack of interest in attending the program for the

low attendance rate. No changes would be made to this question because the information that was

being sought was received from the data received.

97%

3%

4. People who plan on attending next year

Yes

No

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Response Analysis:

The difference between the responses for this question is not to spread out they all remain close in

percentage. The two main reasons individuals were absent for trips last summer based on the data

above was due to: forgot about the trip and limited transportation. This shows that there is reason for

the lack of attendance in last year’s summer program. With this information brainstorming can be done

to assist in raising the attendance rate by improving transportation and integrating trip reminders into

the summer program.

Analysis of Question:

This question was appropriate to use because it provided the agency with information regarding why

clients did not attend the trips they registered for last year. No changes would be made to this question

because the information gained will be helpful with the designing process of this year’s summer

program.

26%

18%

26%

12%

18%

5. Reason for Absence

Forgot the Trip

Too Tired to Come

Limited Transportation

Not Interested

Other Program were Running

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Response Analysis:

100% of the individuals that answered this question felt that reminder phone calls regarding day trips

would be useful in improving their attendance. If reminder phone calls were made then perhaps the

summer program’s attendance rate would improve because people would have less of a chance of

forgetting about trips.

Analysis of Question:

The information gained from this question was predicted prior to the implementation of the survey.

Reminders are beneficial for everyone no matter the scenario all humans can benefit from friendly

reminders. This question would not be changed because the responses expected were achieved and the

question was appropriate for the purpose of the survey.

100%

0% 0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Yes No

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Respondent Answers

6. Reminder phone calls would be useful

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Response Analysis:

73% of the individuals that completed the survey did not attend the cooking class program last year, and

only 27% did attend the cooking class program. The impact of this data is not surprising because out of

all the activities the summer program offers cooking class is only one program of the many, so it makes

sense that out of the thirty individuals surveyed only 27% attended cooking class last year.

Analysis of Question:

This question was not the most appropriate question to use because it separated the cooking class

program from all of the other programs offered by the summer program. A small percent of the total

summer program participants are able to participate in the cooking class program and if the cooking

class program has poor attendance then the amount of people actually participating in cooking class is

lessened. This question would be changed if the survey was implemented again putting less emphasis

on cooking class and more emphasis on the summer program as a whole.

27%

73%

7 a) Cooking Class Attendance

Yes

No

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Response Analysis:

There were no distinct responses to this question that stood out from another based on the responses it

is clear that all aspects of the cooking class need to be changed in some way, shape, or form. This

information is important because it shows that there is not one specific problem with the cooking class

program and that perhaps it should be removed from the summer program or completely reconstructed

to better meet client needs and interests.

Analysis of Question:

On change to the question would be an opportunity for respondents to explain why they would want

these changes made to the cooking class program would be useful. To get a better idea about how

changes could be made to better meet their needs and improve attendance for the cooking class

program. The information that was being sought was found, but there was not the data was all too

close in percentage to pinpoint what may prevent attendance to the cooking class program.

19%

13%

19% 13%

19%

13%

7 b) Changes for Cooking Class

Menu/Recipes

Shopping

Food Preperation

Cleaning

Lessons

Cooking

22

Response Analysis:

88% of the respondents for this question preferred having cooking class in 191 York Boulevard’s

Kitchen opposed to Fortino’s Kitchen. Last year cooking class was held in Fortino’s kitchen

which may explain the lack of individuals that attended the cooking class program.

Analysis of Question:

This question was appropriate because it helps explain why client attendance was so low for

last summer’s cooking class program. No changes would be made to this question it worked

well with the survey and the information that the surveyor was looking for regarding the

cooking class location preference was achieved.

13%

88%

7 c) Preferred Location of Cooking Class

Fortino's Kitchen

191 York Boulevard Kitchen

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Response Analysis:

97% of the surveyed individuals felt last year’s summer staff listened to their suggestions and concerns

regarding the summer program. 3% of the individuals felt that staff did not listen to their suggestions or

concerns regarding the program. Individuals that felt staff listened to them and their concerns are more

likely to attend the summer program again because they feel their opinions and concerns matter. The

3% that did not feel staff listened to them may not attend the summer program again this year, so it is

important to find out why they did not feel that their opinion was listened to.

Analysis of Question:

The information that was being sought was received for this question. The question was appropriate for

this survey because staffs are direct links to the success of the summer program. If staff are not

listening to the individuals participating in the program then the attendance rate would not increase,

but decrease.

97%

3%

8 a) Felt Staff Listened to Them

Yes

No

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8 b) If no, do you have any comments or concerns?

Response Analysis:

This question did not need a graph because only one individual (3%) stated that staff did not listen to

their comments or concerns during last year’s summer program. The individual stated “they did not

listen to me even when I was right, but they were nice”. This response seems to show mixed emotions

by the respondent towards the summer staff. The impact of this data is minimal because only 3% of the

total surveyed individuals felt staff did not listen to their comments or concerns.

Analysis of Question:

This question was appropriate to use in the survey because it was a secondary question to 8 a). The

surveyor hoped that with this question more information about how staff could improve their skills to

better meet client’s needs would be distinguished. Unfortunately the information that this question

was designed to determine was not received due to the lack of individuals that found staff didn’t listen

to their comments or concerns.

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Response Analysis:

70% of the total respondents preferred the calendar registration method for registering for daytrips and

only 30% preferred the booklet registration method. Individuals may have preferred the calendar

registration method because it was done on a monthly basis opposed to being done at the beginning of

the summer. If the calendar format is done this summer perhaps less individuals will forget about their

trips and more individuals will attend trips that they registered for because registration is done at the

beginning of each month opposed to the beginning of the summer.

Analysis of Question:

This question is appropriate because the registration process is an important step in the process of

running the summer program. If individuals don’t enjoy the way the registration process works then

they won’t bother registering for the program. The information being sought was gained from this

question because the more favoured method of registration was clearly identified.

70%

30%

9. Preferred Registration Method

Calender

Booklet

26

Response Analysis:

If there was a bowling league offered during the duration of the summer 41% of the individuals

surveyed stated that they would join the league. However, 27% stated that they would prefer smaller

bowling groups or they would maybe join the bowling league which is a rather indecisive response.

Some of the individuals stated that they would not join a bowling league because they prefer smaller

group settings for activities and the majority of the people that said maybe were unsure of what their

summer plans were and did not want to make a commitment they couldn’t keep. 40% would join a

bowling league possible because it keeps their bowling skills up for leagues that are not run through the

summer months.

Analysis of Question:

The agency wanted this question to be asked to determine the interest surrounding the idea of a

summer bowling league. The information that was being sought was received because all respondents

answered this question and the results are measurable. One change that could be made to this

question would be to remove the option of “Maybe, I’d Join” because it is a scapegoat answer if the

individual does not want to spend time making a decision regarding the stated question.

7%

27%

27%

40%

10. Interest in a Bowling League

No, I don't like bowling

No, I prefer smaler groups

Maybe, I'd join

Yes, I'd join

27

Response Analysis:

This was an open ended question asking the respondents if they had any final comments or concerns

regarding 2010’s supported summer leisure program. The responses were separated into four

categories which are: positive, negative, other, and no response. Out of all the comments 53% of all

individuals had positive things to say about the summer leisure program. The majority of individuals felt

that the summer program was fun and a great place to meet new friends, so the majority of comments

regarding the summer program were positive ones.

Analysis of Question:

There was a diverse range of responses for this question providing the agency with a vast amount of

information regarding the summer program. This question was appropriate to use because it provided

the respondents with an opportunity to share their thoughts about the summer program one last time

before the completion of the survey. No changes would be made to this question because the amount

of responses received was high and the responses were very diverse for an open ended question.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Positive Negative Other No Response

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Amount of Comments/Concerns

11. Shared Comments and Concerns

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Cross Data Analysis

Response Analysis: Cross analyzing the living arrangements of the respondents and their happiness with the program is

displayed in the above chart. The data received from the survey shows that all of the individual’s were

happy with the summer program despite their living arrangements. Only individuals that live at home

rated their happiness with the summer program as a 3 which represents 100% of the population that

rated the program as a 3 on the scale. 29 of the individuals that completed the survey rated their

happiness with the summer program as a 4 or 5 on the scale. 0% of respondents stated that they were

unhappy or even close to unhappy with the summer program.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

1: Unhappy 2 3 4 5: Very Happy

Pe

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Happiness with the Summer Program

Cross Data Analysis One History vs Question 3

Home

Support

Independent

29

Response Analysis: Bowling has always been a popular leisure activity among the population supported by Community

Living Hamilton, but there are no summer bowling leagues. The agency wanted to know whether or not

a summer bowling league would interest individuals that participate with the summer program. Interest

in the bowling league was cross analyzed with the living arrangements of the individuals that completed

the survey. Based on the collected data people living independently showed interest in joining a

summer bowling league, individuals living at home showed some interest in joining a summer bowling

league, but 50% preferred smaller bowling groups and 50% stated they did not enjoy bowling as a

leisure activity. Individuals living in a supported living environment varied in their responses regarding

whether or not they would join a summer bowling league. Across the graph the percents are high in

each category for individuals living in a supported living environment. Based on the information from

this cross data analysis it is apparent that the majority of individuals despite their living arrangements

would maybe join a summer bowling league or would join a summer bowling league. This could be

because bowling is a leisure activity that can be done despite your abilities or disabilities and the

individuals associated with the agency already display an interest in bowling despite their living

arrangements.

50% 50%

29%

38%

50% 50%

29%

46%

0% 0%

43%

15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

1 - No,Don't like bowling

2 - No, I Prefer Smaller Groups

3 - Maybe, I'd Join 4 - Yes, I'd Join

Pe

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Would you Join a Bowling League?

Cross Analysis Two History vs. Question 10

Home

Support

Independent

30

Key Data Question History to 11:

43% of participants that completed the survey live in supportive living environments:

only 17% of the participants stated they live independently.

47% of the survey respondents stated that going out for dinner was their favourite

activity for the summer program

20% of the respondents stated that this summer they would like to try animal related

day trips such as the Zoo or the African Lions Safari

Despite the living arrangements of the individuals surveyed all respondents (100%)

found that they were happy or very happy with the summer program

97% of the individuals surveyed stated that they are planning to attend the summer

program again this year

52% of respondents stated that they did not attend the summer program last year

because of limited transportation or because they forgot about the planned trip

100% of all respondents felt reminder phone calls regarding trips they registered for

would help improve their attendance this summer

73% of the surveyed population did not attend the summer programs cooking class last

year

57% of the respondents that attending cooking class last year stated that the menus,

food preparation, and the lessons for cooking class should be changed to improve the

cooking class program

31

88% of the respondents that attended cooking class last summer preferred cooking class

to be done in 191 York Boulevard’s Kitchen opposed to Fortino’s Kitchen

3% of the survey participants stated that staff did not listen to their comments or

concerns last summer

97% of respondents felt that staff listened to their comments and concerns last summer

70% of the individuals surveyed preferred the calendar registration process opposed to

the booklet registration process

67% of the respondents showed interest in participating in a summer bowling league:

40% of this total response stated that they would join a summer bowling league if it was

offered to them

53% of the surveyed population had positive comments to share regarding the

supported summer leisure program

Cross Data Analysis:

97% of individuals living in a supported living environment were happy or very happy

with the summer program last year

75% of respondents living in a supported living environment showed interest in joining a

summer bowling league: 46% of this total stated that they would join the summer

bowling league

32

Implications

70% of the individuals surveyed preferred the calendar registration process opposed to

the booklet registration process

- The registration process needs to be re-evaluated for this year’s summer program to

better meet client needs

- If changes to the registration are not made individuals may not register for the summer

program again this year

- Individuals may not understand the registration process if it is not a method they are

used to and may not bother learning how to use the newer method of registration

88% of the respondents that attended cooking class last summer preferred cooking class

to be done in 191 York Boulevard’s Kitchen opposed to Fortino’s Kitchen

- The location of cooking class for this year’s summer program should be re-accessed to

better meet participant’s interests

- If participants do not like the location of the program then they may not attend

lowering the rate of attendance for the program

- Participants may not register for cooking class if they do not like the location of the

program

52% of respondents stated that they did not attend the summer program last year

because of limited transportation or because they forgot about the planned trip.

- If participants have no means of transportation to get to the summer program the

attendance rate will decrease

- If participants forget about trips they registered for it will decrease the attendance rate

as well as limit the opportunity for other willing participants to participate in the

summer program

- More than half of the total participants will not attend trips the summer program offers

33

43% of participants that completed the survey live in supportive living environments:

only 17% of the respondents lived independently.

- Isolation and poor socialization skills among individuals living independently could result

from the lack of program participation because they are not reaping the benefits of the

program

- Persons living independently may be or become unaware of their leisure opportunities

with the summer program

- Individual’s living in supported living environments may have other people picking the

programs they register for resulting in a lack of attendance by the participant because

they did not choose to participate in the program.

34

Recommendations

1. Re-evaluate the registration method used for this year’s supported summer leisure

program registration process.

- 70% of the individuals surveyed preferred the calendar registration process opposed

to the booklet registration process

2. Communicate with individuals living independently to encourage participation in the

program to assure that they are reaping in the benefits of the summer program.

- Only 17% of the participants surveyed lived independently.

- Providing individuals with opportunities to participate in leisure can improve their

social relationships. However, if individuals do not attend the program

opportunities that Community Living Hamilton offers then they cannot receive any

of the benefits that come with participating in leisure and recreation.

3. Implement reminder phone calls regarding trips that individuals have registered for to

assist them with remembering the trip to improve trip attendance.

- 100% of respondents stated that reminder phone calls would be useful to remember

when the trips that they registered for are occurring

- 26% of respondents stated they did not attend the summer program trips last year

because they forgot about the trips. Reminder phone calls may lessen this percent

and increase the programs attendance rate.

4. Re-evaluate the cooking class program and the location that it is being held.

- 88% of survey respondents stated that the preferred having the cooking class program

in 191 York Boulevard’s Cafeteria rather than at Fortino’s.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the data collected with this survey will be given to Community Living Hamilton to

provide information regarding the lack of attendance for last year’s summer program. The

report offers recommendation on how the agency could increase the attendance rate for this

year’s summer program and the thoughts and concerns of the individuals that completed the

survey.

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References

- Community Living Hamilton (2006). Community Living Hamilton Inspiring Possibilities:

Retrieved on February 24th, 2011, from www.communitylivinghamilton.ca.

- The National Association of State Park Directors (2011). National Association of State Park

Directors: Retrieved on February 28th, 2011, from www.naspd.org.

- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (1997). The Benefits Catalogue. Ottawa: CPRA and

Health Canada

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Appendix

Supported Summer Leisure Program Survey.................................................................Appendix A

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Supported Summer Leisure Program Survey

The information received in this survey will remain confidential and all information gained will be documented and used towards 2011’s Supported Summer Leisure Program. History

Individual lives with family Individual lives in a supported living environment Individual lives independently

1. Is someone assisting the participant with the completion of this survey?

Yes, a family member Yes, a staff member Yes, other No

2. Did you enjoy the summer day trips you attended last year? Yes No

3. If No, do you have any suggestions on how the day programs can be improved?

4. What is your overall satisfaction with the 2010’s Summer Leisure Program based on the scale below (1 being unsatisfied and 5 being highly satisfied)? 1 2 3 4 5

5. Are there any activities/outings that you’d like to try next year during the summer day programs (If Yes, please list some activities/outings)?

6. If you signed/registered for a day trip and did not end up coming was there a reason for your

absence? Check all that apply. Forgot about the trip Too tired to come Limited transportation Not interested Other:

7. A) Did you attend the cooking class program last summer? Yes No

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7. B) How satisfied were you with last year’s cooking class? Very Satisfied Satisfied Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied

8. Did you build any friendships during daytrips last year?

Yes No

9. Will you attend any summer leisure day programs next year?

Yes No

10. Any other comments or concerns that you would like to share regarding 2010’s supported

summer leisure program?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. The information you have provided will greatly benefit this year’s Supported Summer Leisure Program.