THERAPEUTIC FACILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Browse Search

Rochelle Callis CRPD Therapeutic Recreation Program Final Report and Recommendations September 8, 2017 page 9 therapeutic recreation programs that are collaborative efforts of several jurisdictions. We discuss these entities later in this report in the section on comparables, as well as in our recommendations. Most therapeutic recreation programs plan programs that are safe and have a proper staff -to - participant ratio, even if that means running a smaller number of programs. Risk -avoidance in program planning and program implementation is high amongst TR program staffs. Most TR programs have adapted well to the demand for inclusion support per the ADA. For some agencies though, the unfunded mandate to support inclusive participation has caused the diversion of some fiscal and human resources away from typical TR programs. Most TR program staffs are respected members of the team of professionals at their agency, working well with sports, aquatics, and facility staffs. This collegial relationship is important, and opens doors (literally) to the use of other facilities by TR programs. Many TR program leaders have moved up the career ladder to become the chief appointed official at the park and recreation district or local government parks and recreation department. Though the number is not as high as it is for those administrators with a parks or recreation background, it rivals the number of those with golf, aquatics, outdoor recreation, and finance backgrounds. This is simply a matter of incidence... there are fewer therapeutic recreation leaders to advance up the career ladder than there are parks leaders or recreation leaders. Typical Therapeutic Recreation Challenges Most therapeutic recreation programs have a limited range of programs or activities, serving a limited range of populations. Unlike a park district, with art, outdoor recreation, sports, aquatics, golf, court sports, sports fields, passive recreation, marinas, and more, most therapeutic recreation programs have a smaller scope of programs. Typically, the programs emphasize leisure skill acquisition, social skill development, and leisure independence. As to the specific activities, staples of such programs are swimming, bowling, special events, field trips, and activities that center around food. Most offer some type of summer camp and afterschool program too, as well as Special Olympics. As to populations, few therapeutic recreation programs serve every population. Almost all serve persons on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual impairments, like Down's Syndrome. However, not all serve those who have impaired hearing or impaired vision, or those with physical disabilities. And, not all serve all age groups. Some do not serve children under the age of eight. Some do not serve adults. Some do not serve persons with mental health conditions. Some do not serve those with diabetes or seizure disorders. The "why" behind the limitations in programs often relates to available facilities, as well as the expertise and number of the employees. The "why" behind the population limitations may relate to THE W -T GRd DBA RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY CONSULSW-TC ONE SOURCE. INFINITE SOLUTIONS.