NCJ Number
110039
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 30-35
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and evolution of an adaptive health program designed for inmates at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo whose physical and psychological handicaps prevented them from participating in the prison's existing educational and work programs.
Abstract
The 30-hour-a-week program was developed to provide handicapped and disabled prisoners with a way to use their prison time productively. The goals of the program were increased self-understanding and greater knowledge of conditions that can lead to psychological, physical, and social health. Participants included significantly handicapped inmates, those whose impairments prevented them from carrying out a full day of regular prison school programs, and those placed in the program because their personalities prevented them from behaving in acceptable ways in the general prison society. Program activities originally consisted of aerobic exercises, calisthenics, certain athletic skills, and health tips. As the program developed over 3.5 years, instructors negotiated contracts with inmates to develop individualized programs. Under the contracts, inmates took part in compulsory activities such as daily physical exercises, health instruction, aerobic exercises, stress management instruction, and relaxation training. Under their contracts, inmates were allowed to undertake optional activities such as individual and team sports, health and safety studies, and weight control. The author describes how course content was modified and changed, how the program was staffed, how motivation problems were handled, and how the inmates were measured and evaluated in the development of their skills.