THROUGH LEARNING IN THERAPEUTIC GARDENS TO BETTER ACHIEVEMENTS OF STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

 Horticultural(al) therapy is widely used in a range of rehabilitative, occupational and community settings with positive results and scientifically based evidence. The first documented use for therapeutic purposes in modern times dates back to 1800 and is related to the published research of Dr. Benjamin Rush, who pointed out that working in the fields helps in the treatment of people with mental illnesses, although the story about the benefits and importance of therapeutic gardens dates back to BC. 

 

Horticultural(al) therapy is a professionally guided form of treatment in which the positive values ​​of human interaction with plants and gardens are used to improve the cognitive, psychological, social and physical functions of the user. The therapist is a specially educated and professionally trained person who includes therapy users in any phase of gardening - from the very introduction to the sale of the final products as a way of improving their lives. Garden therapy is mostly used in the USA, Great Britain, Austria and Germany, where the title of garden therapist can only be obtained.

 

The therapeutic garden, which is located within the School Center, is widely used by children who attend preschool groups, as well as by primary and secondary school students. Adapted to the needs and capacities of our students, the therapeutic garden provides numerous opportunities for the implementation of teaching activities and individual treatments, and especially freedom and creativity for students through the implementation of extracurricular activities. In addition to evident contributions to the development of various aspects of cognitive, motor, emotional and social development, staying and working in a therapeutic garden enables the development of abilities and skills that are necessary for children with developmental disabilities to function in everyday life, through activities and in an environment that motivates and inspires them to work. 

You can read more about therapeutic gardens and their use here.

https://www.zahradniterapie.cz/zeleninove-zahony/