Dr. Mary Ann Devine
Biography
Dr. Mary Ann Devine is a professor at 麻豆影院 in the Cultural Foundations and Recreation, Park and Tourism Management programs. She directs the Disability Studies and Community Inclusion minor/graduate Certificate. Her research interests are in the area of inclusion of individuals with disabilities in leisure and physical activity contexts as they relate to healthy active living for individuals with disabilities. She has conducted numerous studies examining aspects of the inclusion process such as social acceptance, social construction of disability, attitudinal barriers and best practices. Findings from Devine鈥檚 research have been used in more than 20 countries to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities in community life. Dr. Devine was inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Leisure Sciences in 2021 and, in 2008, was the recipient of the Gonzaga Da Gama researcher of the year award by the National Institute on Recreation Inclusion/National Recreation and Park Association. The American Association for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities selected Devine as a research delegate for their International Research and Exchange program in 2017. Her most recent research projects include using photovoice to examine the barriers and facilitators to health promoting physical activity for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Education
M.S., Human Service Administration, Nova University
B.S., Recreation and Parks/ Therapeutic Recreation, University of Colorado,
Expertise
Recreation
Camps
Parks
Leisure
Autism
Recreation and Leisure Studies Rehabilitation or Therapy
Social Services
The inclusion of people with disabilities in community settings mostly leisure contexts
Transition of young adults with intellectual or cognitive (ASD) to college and community settings
Examining barriers experienced by individuals with physical or sensory impairments in physically active/exercise/fitness contexts
active living
healthy living
Quality of life
social isolation
social acceptance
Physical activity
independent living
community inclusion
Community Engagement
mobility impairments
intellectual disability
cognitive disability
developmental disability
Awards/Achievements
- 2010 Faculty Professional Development Center & Office of Experiential Education & Civic Engagement, Recognition of Leadership in Promoting Service Learning
- 2010 Women's Center, Honoree, 麻豆影院 (excellence in student/colleague mentoring)
- 2009 The Gonzaga Da Gama Award (excellence & dedication in promoting inclusion), National Institute on Recreation Inclusion/National Recreation & Parks Association
- 2009 Student Accessibility Services, Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching and Mentoring
- 2008 National Institute on Recreation Inclusion, Researcher of the Year Award