In 1985, at the request of students, Dana Gibson, the Center’s recreational therapist created VIVA, a program for those who wanted to continue to work on their rehabilitation during the winter and summer breaks that are inevitable in a college-based system. Dana retired at the age of 80 after training two of the Center’s instructional aides, Cathy Hogan and Joy Takahashi to continue the program and her commitment to the healing power of play.

The Santa Cruz Adult Education program administers VIVA. The Center’s facility is used; the regular 9:30-2:00 time schedule is maintained; and para-transit continues to provide services. The staff is limited to one instructor and one assistant, so students must be independent in bathroom or bring an aide.

The VIVA program derives its name from the words “VI-tal VA-lues” to form the Spanish cheer meaning “Long Live!” VIVA focuses on restoring and increasing students’ confidence that there are still vital values that make life worth living.

As a recreation therapist, Dana emphasized the power of play to heal. In play, we experience the fun, the laughter and the playful spirit that provides space for the body to heal and the mind to adapt to a new way of life. Playing games requires making choices and decisions, helps in self-evaluation, gives encouragement and support, recognition and rewards. Play helps to overcome dependence, worry, cynicism, fear of risk, need for praise and depression. VIVA participants learn how to be more independent, because they learn the importance of dependence—a healthy dependence on others for mutual support and socialization.

VIVA activities, which feel like fun and may look rather commonplace, are, in reality, rehabilitation therapies. They have been carefully constructed to provide upper and lower extremity mobility, physical endurance, eye-hand coordination, visual and auditory sequencing and mapping, memory skills, plus enhanced cognitive strategies and processes.

A typical VIVA day includes a warm-up period of balloon volleyball, followed by a music session of singing or humming into kazoos. Students then move to game tables with a wide choice of games. Games include Mah Jong, Dominos, Rummitile, Bridge, Back Alley Bridge, Cribbage, Monopoly, chess etc. There is a sitting exercise to music session followed by lunch. The day ends with a wrap up of unfinished games and healthy comradery.