Abstract
Increased research on the benefits of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for people with special needs and the success of these programs has generated an increase in education on EAAT in the United States. This study provides evidence of the viability of EAAT programs in higher education and helps determine whether universities and colleges should consider implementing these programs into their curriculum, with particular focus on Murray State University. Three surveys sent to Community EAAT programs, Higher Education EAAT programs and Special Education Administration of western KY counties showed a large difference in operational costs between Community EAAT programs and Higher Education EAAT programs. Higher Education EAAT programs reported an employment rate of 58% of graduates going into the EAAT field. Community EAAT programs reported valuing education more than experience when hiring employees and Special Education Administration had a strong belief in the positive effects of EAAT but reported that very few of their students with special needs were participating. Creating an EAAT program at Murray State University could provide the education preferred by employers for those interested in teaching EAAT and possibly increase the number of students with special needs in the western KY area that participate in EAAT.
 7 Colston_Sept2015 NACTA Journal.pdf | [ ] | 529 kB |
