Stuart J. Schleien - Author

Stuart J. Schleien, PhD, LRT/CTRS, serves as an Executive Director for InFocus Advocacy, an organization that empowers individuals of varying abilities who are marginalized by society to create more welcoming, accessible, and accommodating communities.

He was formerly Professor and Chair of the Department of Community and Therapeutic Recreation at the University of North Carolina Greensboro from 1997 to 2022, and currently holds Professor Emeritus status.

As a Licensed Recreational Therapist and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, he pioneered innovative approaches that continue to help parents and professionals design inclusive recreation, physical activity, summer camp, peer companion, and volunteer programs for children and adults with diverse skills and abilities. He has specific expertise as a systems change agent for inclusive service delivery, helping agencies manage successful organizational change and development.

Dr. Schleien has published extensively on recreation, friendship, and advocacy skills development in support of the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in valued community roles and settings. He has written seven books and over 125 journal articles and book chapters on these topics. He was the recipient of the Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research, the most prestigious award bestowed upon a researcher by the National Recreation and Park Association. Dr. Schleien has presented his work throughout the U.S. and Canada, and in Australia, England, Germany, Israel, Spain, and Sweden.