DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY BASED HORTICULTURAL THERAPY PROGRAM

Many of the services taken for granted in urban areas are less available or unavailable in rural areas. This can be particularly problematic for non-mobile populations, resulting in decreased socialization, feelings of isolation, and depression. This can be particularly acute for individuals with special needs, such as physical, intellectual and/or emotional disabilities. This paper outlines the challenges and successes of the development of a community-based project to provide an accessible garden through the combination of horticultural therapy and occupational therapy.