Horticultural training for the intellectually handicapped : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the Diploma in Horticultural Management in Lincoln College, Canterbury

Abstract

This report describes the current horticultural training techniques employed on training units for the intellectually handicapped in New Zealand and discusses the therapeutic value of horticulture. It is based on case studies of two Rural Training Units of the New Zealand Society for the Intellectually Handicapped. Information was collected by means of semi-structured personal interviews with managers and supervisors of the units and the intellectually handicapped trainees themselves. Similar problems were found on both units. Some conflict appeared to exist between the production and training goals of management. There was also a regular turnover of the unit supervisors as a result of 'burnout'. Following the discussion of these and other findings the report concludes with recommendations for defining unit objectives, the use of horticulture on the units, staff selection and training, and other associated problems.