My philosophy is that all people can benefit from therapeutic recreation and this model shows how:
Treatment
Use specific modality of leisure to address/treat a specific function or behavior. For example, using painting to improve fine motor skills or left perception neglect, or using a rope course activity to teach communication skills and build trust. The role of the rec therapist during this phase is that of a therapist. The client has little perceived freedom because the therapist is organizing and planning all activities.
Leisure Education
During this phase the rec therapist takes the role of a counselor. They teach the client new skills such as how to bowl or how to play baseball or go fishing. They emphasize making better choices with the client's free time by teaching these skills and also teaching them how to use the community and the resources around them to learn more skills or use the skills they have already acquired. For example, an RT teaches a client how to play basketball and the client really enjoys is and so instead of planning everything and doing everything for the client, the RT teaches them how to look up basketball teams in their area and sign up for one. The RT also lets them figure things out and problem solve for themselves ex: they need a coach to register their team - let them find a coach, etc...
Recreation Participation
This phase is doing recreation for the pure intent on having fun. In this phase the RT acts as resource. It is essential and important for every individual to participate in leisure and recreation - IT IS A BASIC HUMAN NEED. In this phase they learn to balance work and play and realize that it is ok to play. The perceived freedom of the client is high because they are making all the choices in their own leisure experience.
As the client progresses through the phases their quality of live improves. There can also be overlap between the phases. Maybe one day the therapist needs to play the role of a therapist and the activities planned are to address a specific thing the client is struggling with and another day they go fishing just for the fun of it and the RT plays the role of a resource.
ATRA Philosophy
ATRA acknowledges the significance of leisure and recreation as integral components of optimal health and well-being of individuals with illnesses and disabling conditions.
ATRA believes health extends beyond just the absence of illness to include enhancement of physical, cognitive, social and affective development, such that persons may participate fully and independently in chosen life pursuits.
ATRA recognizes well-being according to the WHO/Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, that in order to reach a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, an individual or group must be able to identify and to realize aspirations, to satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment
ATRA recognizes well-being according to the Ottawa Charter, that in order to reach a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, an individual or group must be able to identify and to realize aspirations, to satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment.
ATRA recognizes the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health that disability is not defined by mortality or a problem but rather any health condition which disables a person’s ability to participate actively in achieving a productive and fulfilling life.
ATRA believes that Recreation Therapists have the opportunity and responsibility to address broader social and environmental complexities, co-morbidities or dual diagnoses occurring as a result of initial diagnosis, disability or illness in order to be active in preventing further impact of illness, injury or disease.
ATRA believes that the profession of therapeutic recreation can be harmful to the public if practice is not current, does not follow defined standards of practice or practice does not utilize the most up-to-date evidence for safe and ethical intervention.
ATRA promotes patient/resident-centred treatment, whereby assessment and intervention are systematic, individualized and based on patient/resident needs, strengths and goals, leading to outcomes that are meaningful and relevant to the patient/resident and their family, support and community.
ATRA defines community as within one’s environment, for example: the community in which the patient/resident lives, or the patient’s/resident’s definition of their community.
ATRA believes Recreation Therapists provide an essential service in health settings within a continuum and collaborative model of care.
The Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association supports the health outcomes of Recreation Therapy as outlined by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.
UTRA Philosophy
OUR VISION:
The URTA is dedicated to professional excellence by working collectively to improve and promote standards of practice, ethical conduct and efficacy in Therapeutic Recreation. By embracing this vision the services received by all consumers of Therapeutic Recreation will be enhanced.
OUR MISSION:
The URTA is established for the development of the profession of Recreation Therapy, to promote standards of practice and strengthen members through: education, advocacy, research, networking, community partnership, involvement in local, state and national issues and the enhancement of personal growth and development.
