National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

Which is an example of a program based on the principle of "normalization"?

1. Older adults with sensory deficits are taken to a playground

2. Female teenagers with intellectual disabilities play video games and listen to music

3. Youths in juvenile detention attend programs on vacationing overseas

4. All children with disabilities are registered for community recreation programs

The correct answer is: Female teenagers with intellectual disabilities play video games and listen to music

The principle of "normalization" emphasizes that individuals, regardless of their disabilities, should have the opportunity to participate in activities that are common and relevant to the general population. This principle seeks to ensure that people with disabilities can engage in everyday experiences that promote inclusion and social interaction. Among the choices presented, the scenario where female teenagers with intellectual disabilities play video games and listen to music embodies normalization most effectively. This activity reflects common recreational behaviors enjoyed by many teenagers, allowing these individuals to partake in activities that are familiar and socially engaging, similar to their peers without disabilities. This involvement helps to promote socialization and a sense of belonging in a typical teenage context. In contrast, other options may not fully encapsulate the normalization principle. For instance, taking older adults with sensory deficits to a playground may not necessarily align with their interests or needs, and attending programs on vacationing overseas might not be relatable or accessible to all youths in juvenile detention. Similarly, while registering all children with disabilities for community recreation programs promotes inclusion, it doesn't guarantee that the activities are meaningful or normalized for their individual circumstances. Hence, the choice that best represents the normalization principle is the one involving teenage girls engaging in typical activities alongside their peers.