Reading that this week is National Therapeutic Recreation Week, I realized that I wasn’t quite sure what “Therapeutic Recreation” was. So naturally, I decided to do a bit of research. I learned a number of fascinating things!

For example, did you know:

• Recreation therapy can be a related service according to IDEA legislation
• It is an umbrella term for four distinct services:
  • Assessment of Leisure Functioning
  • Leisure Education
  • Therapeutic Recreation Services
  • Recreation in Schools & Communities
• Recreation therapists can work with students on friendship development, applying knowledge learned in school to the community setting, and developing/expanding leisure repertoire
• Qualified recreation therapist providers are certified, registered, and/or licensed to provide therapeutic services

Recreation therapists engage in a variety of different “interventions,” as they called, during their therapy sessions. Some examples are:

• Teaching bicycle riding, weight lifting, swimming
• Offer social skills instruction during recreation activities
• Develop a “friends book” with pictures and telephone numbers of friends
• Reinforce self-care skills after physical activities

Keep in mind that related services are only included in an IEP if they are deemed necessary in order for the student to benefit from special education. These services must detail their uniqueness and necessity for the student’s success. Parents are the key drivers in securing this service in their child’s IEP. To learn more, visit: http://bit.ly/1O90Pxz.