February is a wonderful opportunity for we at ADEC to raise awareness about Recreational Therapy: what it is, what it does, and why Recreational Therapists deserve to be celebrated, along with the individuals who work hard to improve their lives through therapy.
Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a type of therapy that uses recreational, as well as other everyday activity-based movements to address the needs of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The therapist will initially assess the individual’s needs and together, or with the individual’s family, they will set goals and plan a path forward using enjoyable activities that both stimulate the individual as well as contribute to their progress. Recreational therapy treatments can include a variety of activities including arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, movement, music, household chores, and more.
The purpose of Recreational Therapy is to maintain or improve an individual’s physical, cognitive, social, and/or emotional skills so they are able to expand their capabilities, make everyday activities and interactions easier, and get the most out of their lives. Recreational therapies can help improve depression, stress, anxiety, reasoning ability, and motor functions, as well as confidence, social interactions, health, and general well-being.
ADEC’s Recreational Therapists must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited college or university, as well as be certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation. For more information about ADEC’s various therapies, please email [email protected] and ask about our therapy programs.
If you are a Recreational Therapist, and would like information on joining the ADEC Therapies Team, you can email the HR department at [email protected] or read the job description and apply here. You could have a fulfilling career at ADEC that also gives you the opportunity to watch and assist individuals with disabilities in overcoming obstacles, learning new skills, and surpassing their goals, all while you’re both having fun.
