California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) launched a gardening group for incarcerated people in the Developmental Disability Program.
These participants require help with routine activities required for daily living and have difficulty participating in treatment due to their limitations.
Where flowers bloom, so does hope
The disability program participants have been involved in the gardening course for several weeks under the guidance and facilitation of recreation therapists.
“These little plants have given me a sense of responsibility,” said one participant.
The group has planted succulents and is currently growing sunflowers from seeds. Other participants created a mural for the garden background.
The Developmental Disability Program is a 12-week set curriculum created by a senior psychologist specialist.
Group participants learn about germination, transplanting plants, plants native to the area, and necessary elements for plant growth.
Story submitted by Sarah Parhami, Senior Psychologist Specialist
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
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