Anchoring the day was the keynote Mickey Milner Professorship Lectures, delivered by Dr. Gillian King who inspired attendees to think about the participation of children with disabilities in leisure activity settings as well as how participation-oriented program environments are developed. Dr. King, a Senior Scientist in the Bloorview Research Institute and recent appointee to the Canada Research Chair in Optimal Care for Children with Disabilities, stressed the importance of fun and meaningful experiences.
Abstract
Dr. Gillian King's presentation considered the participation of children and youth with disabilities in leisure activity settings and participation-oriented program environments. The focus was on how environmental qualities and opportunities influence experience and development.
Dr. King briefly traced the history of participation research in pediatric rehabilitation, moving to the nature of meaningful participation experiences. She considered the design of participatory environments and participation-oriented programs, providing examples from research at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
