The methods of qualitative inquiry, such as interviews, participant ob-
servation, and the review of documents or archives, lent themselves to
answering the kinds of questions I had decided to ask. Moreover, these
were the kinds of research activities that would most capitalize on the
empathy I felt as a family member of a person with developmental dis-
abilities, a former program administrator, and an experienced youth
program volunteer. What also appealed to me about doing this kind of
research was the nature of the writing that would be required. Few
kinds of research left as much room for artfulness in the presentation of
results. I looked forward to weaving together field notes, interview ex-
cerpts, and readings of related studies into a coherent whole that would
be meaningful and engaging to readers, most of whom I assumed
would not have an academic or research background.

Yet neither my subject nor the protocols of qualitative research com-
pelled me to focus this study on a single community. To opt for a case
study of a single community was to seek the most in-depth, richly con
textualized understanding possible. Within a single community, one
could probe deeply into the issues and dynamics that supported or in-
hibited the participation of youth with special needs in various recrea-
tional arenas. One could visit and become familiar with the facilities and
the people who delivered the programs. Which of the available options
(if any) attracted youth with disabilities and their families? On what ba

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