Psychologists, occupational therapists and
disability experts recognize the value of gardening for people with
disabilities. DIGA seeks to enable participants to benefit from the
therapeutic elements of gardening by creating an environment that will
stimulate personal growth and self-confidence. According to Barbara Raynor,
co-founder of DIGA, the wellness connection with plants is
crucial:
"Gardening is a focus outside of one's self. The bottom line is, if you
are worrying about a plant and what it needs for its well being, you
forget your [disability]. The more you garden, the further this develops.
I bumped around in the garden for years, before arthritis really knocked
me out. Gardening after that wasn't so much conscious as [absolutely
necessary]."
| DIGA's primary goals are: |
| • |
Encouraging people with disabilities to seek the
enjoyment and health benefits of gardening; |
| • |
Integrating disabled gardeners with
their able-bodied counterparts, creating a gardening community that overcomes physical barriers; |
| • |
Providing disabled gardeners with volunteer services
for the adaptation and customization of gardening tools and other devices. |
| DIGA supports these goals through: |
| • |
Educational and interactive workshops, featuring expert speakers, complemented by online and print material; |
| • |
Delivery of community-based, one-on-one volunteer services to disabled
gardeners; |
| • |
Partnering with the Tetra Society of North America to benefit from their
volunteers' skill and experience. |
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