Darla Fortune, PhD

My research focuses on practices of inclusion and experiences of belonging, particularly within community leisure spaces. I am particularly interested in conducting community engaged research that works to develop broader perspectives of inclusion and enhances experiences of belonging for individuals who may be at risk of being stigmatized and excluded. Recent research projects have focused on experiences of belonging in community spaces such as art hives, museums and community centres. I am also interested in initiatives that show promise for promoting connection and understanding in order to help set the stage for inclusion and belonging.  

Education

PhD, Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo

MA, Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo

BA, Recreation Administration, University of Alberta

AHSC 300: Supporting Inclusion through Leisure and Therapeutic Recreation

AHSC444: The Older Adult and Leisure

AHSC323: Gender and Leisure

AHSC432: Seminar in Therapeutic Recreation

Past five years:

Fortune, D. & Weisgarber, B. (2023). Negotiating experiences of belonging alongside age-related life transitions. Canadian Journal on Aging/ La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980823000338

Genoe, R. & Fortune, D. (2023). Leisure as a means of resisting stigma. In K. Gray, C. Russell,& J. Twigg (Eds.), Considering leisure in the context of dementia. Open University Press ‘Reconsidering Dementia’ Series.

Fortune, D., Leighton, J. & Lopez, K.J. (2023). Re-reading mental illness: A Living Library as a pedagogical tool for unlearning stigma. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 57(2), 116–132.

Byrne, S., Kalbfleisch, L., & Fortune, D. (2022). Neighbourhood associations may promote belonging, but for whom? World Leisure Journal, 64(4),530-550.

Fortune, D. & Leighton, J.(2022). Mental illness as a valued identity: How a leisure initiative promoting connection and understanding sets the stage for inclusion. Leisure Sciences. doi:10.1080/01490400.2022.2058657

Fortune, D., & Dupuis, S.L.(2022). Insights from recreation and leisure practitioners regarding disparities of advancing long-term care culture change. Leisure/Loisir, 46(1), 123-145

Genoe, M.R., Fortune, D., & Whyte, C. (2022). Strategies for maintaining friendship in dementia. Canadian Journal on Aging/ La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement, 41(3), 431-442.

Fortune, D. (2021). Envisioning museums as welcoming spaces for belonging. In T. Glover & E. Sharpe (Eds.). Leisure and its communities: Rethinking mutuality, collective expression and belonging in the new century (pp. 181-191). Routledge.

Fortune, D., Lord, J., Walker, E.,& Froehlich, S. (2021). Enhancing belonging within community leisure settings. Loisir et Société / Society and Leisure, 44(2), 218-232.

Mahut, M.E.& Fortune, D. (2021). Social prescribing and therapeutic recreation: Making the connection. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 55(2),135-149.

Fortune, D., Aubin, G., Timm-Bottos, J.& Hebblethwaite, S. (2021). The art hive as a “frame of belonging” for older adults. Leisure/Loisir, 45(3),459-480.

Fortune, D., Whyte, C., & Genoe, R.(2021). The interplay between leisure, friendship, and dementia. Dementia, 20(6), 2041-2056.

Fortune, D., Arai, S. M., & Lyons, K. J. (2020). Relational possibilities for women leaving prison: renewed hope for inclusion and belonging. Contemporary Justice Review, 23(1), 3-21.

Yuen, F.C., & Fortune, D. (2020). Leisure, art, and advocacy: Opportunities for contentious dialogue and action. Leisure Sciences, 42 (5-6), 570-588.

de Witt, L., & Fortune, D. (2019). Relationship-centered dementia care: Insights from a community-based culture change coalition. Dementia, 18(3),1146-1165.

Pedlar, A., Arai, S., Yuen, F., & Fortune, D. (2018). Community re-entry: Uncertain futures for women leaving prison. Routledge.

Fortune, D., & Dupuis, S.L. (2018).The potential for leisure to be a key contributor to long-term care culture change. Leisure/Loisir, 42(3), 323-345.