The Meaning Associated with the Experience of a Sea Kayaking Adventure among Adults with Visual Impairment

Abstract

What is the meaning associated with participation in an outdoor adventure for a person with a disability? A number of studies have investigated the topic of adventure program outcomes for people with and without disabilities. The author located two studies about kayaking with individuals with disabilities: 1) Siegel Taylor and Evans McGruder (1995) found “subjects valued the novelty, challenge, safety, sociability and natural environment aspects of sea kayaking” (p.39) and 2) Nichols and Fines (1995) reported “…the group mean score [on The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale) increased to reflect enhanced feelings of self-worth, confidence…a sense of improved worth in social interactions, as well as the ability to follow through and become physically involved in active recreation” (p. 4). The purpose of the present research is to inquire into the lived experience of a kayaker with visual impairment on a day long adventure and to present background and methods used to collect data to address specific study objectives; e.g., learn how participants create meaning of a sea kayaking experience and gain a deeper understanding of participants. In addition, the researcher endeavored to expand the body of knowledge by use of a different methodological approach, as suggested by Borrie and Roggenbuck (2001)

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the Fourth Social Aspects and Recreation Research Symposium: February 4-6, 2004, San Francisco, California

Citation

Eagan, Nancy. 2004. The Meaning Associated with the Experience of a Sea Kayaking Adventure among Adults with Visual Impairment. In: Proceedings of the Fourth Social Aspects and Recreation Research Symposium; 2004 February 4-6; San Francisco, California. San Francisco State University. 97-104