Lecture on: Therapeutic Recreation

Recreation is a critical dimension of the quality of life for all people, including those with developmental disabilities. There are a vehicle through which people have fun, meet new friends, and develop skills and competencies. The Therapeutic Recreation program provides services to children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population. It focuses on the abilities of the patients, as well as teaching them new skills to cope with disabilities.  Adaptations for leisure interests are assessed and initiated according to patient needs and abilities. The ultimate goal of Therapeutic Recreation is independence and satisfying leisure involvement for each individual.  This goal is met through leisure skill development, recreation participation in group and or individual sessions and community reintegration when deemed appropriate by the therapy team. Therapeutic Recreation compliments and promotes patients to carry over newly learned therapy skills to real life situations through the use of various recreational activities. Approach to treatment addressing the patient’s psychological, social, and spiritual concerns, in an effort to provide the best possible quality of life. Therapeutic Recreation reduces boredom, fosters a sense of accomplishment and enhances psycho-social supports within the patient’s community.