RT Blog

Name:
Location: Indiana, United States

I became a Professor Emeritus after serving 29 years as a recreational therapy faculty member at Indiana University. I'm a long-time Hoosier, having grown up in Hanover, Indiana. My RT practitioner work was in psych/mental health. After completing my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, my first faculty position was at the University of North Texas. RT has been a wonderful profession for me as I have had the opportunity to serve as an author and national leader.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Mankato State University Faculty Opening

Joy Joyner, an IU alum, has announced there is an opening for an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The department is inviting applications for an Assistant Professor
teaching in the core and one career track. This is an exciting opportunity to join a department with 5 faculty and approximately 170 majors. The RPLS curriculum at Minnesota State Mankato is the only one in the state of Minnesota that is nationally Accredited by COAPRT. Visit us at: http://ahn.mnsu.edu/rpls/

Please share this information with any potential candidates for the position.

Dr. Joy Joyner
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services
209 Highland Center North
Mankat, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-5930
Fax: 507-389-2985

Saturday, January 29, 2011

"Telerehab" and "Telehealth"

I've recently read articles about "Telerehabilitation" or "Telerehab" and "Telehealth." These are programs where therapists and/or doctors use the Internet to communicate with clients.

One research study found an Internet-based intervention could be as successful as conventional walking programs and there was less attrition when the element of online communities was added. The online communities provided social support for participants who could post and read messages of fellow participants.

The research was by C.R.Richardson, et. al, and was purblished in the Journal of Medical Internet Research in 2010.

Reading Richardson's study and other uses of the Internet made me wonder if any RTs have used Internet interventions. If you know of any, please comment.

Friday, January 28, 2011

ATRA to be at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indy

From Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D., CTRS, I've learned that the ATRA Annual Conference hotel will be the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located close to Lucus Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. So the Conference location will be in the downtown area -- which is a great location.

There are many cultural venues available including a wonderful American Indian art museum (close to downtown), the world class Indianapolis Art Museum, and, of course, the Children's Museum (known as the best children's museum in the world!). Something to see is the world famous Indianapolis 500 Track that has a very interesting museum.

And there is a great zoo close to downtown. And very close to the conference hotel is the Circle Center Mall -- an expansive downtown shopping mall.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

12 Traits of a Great Boss

Yesterday I ran across an article titled "12 Traits of a Great Boss" by Rachel Farrell, that she wrote and CareerBuilder published. Farrell evidently took the information for her article from a book. She wrote: "Here are 12 things that good bosses do, according to Naiman and Vicki Salemi, authors of Big Career in the Big City." At any rate I thought I'd pass them along, so here they are as exactly as presented by Farrell:

1. Ask employees how you can best support them in doing their job. "This ensures that you are doing your best job to help your employees do theirs," Naiman says.
2. Make sure that employees have all the information, resources and support they need to do their job. "It also demonstrates that you see yourself as [being] there to support them," Naiman adds.
3. Give continuous feedback, both positive and constructive. "This helps the employee develop [professionally] and avoids surprises during performance reviews," Naiman says.
4. Provide opportunities for professional growth. "This lets employees know that you are in their corner," Naiman says.
5. Don't let employees know of your own job concerns or challenges or problems in your personal life. "This prevents employees from feeling that they have to take care of their boss," Naiman says. "A good boss is perceived as competent and there to support his or her employees."
6. Create trust. "A good boss is a trusted boss. So, keep promises, follow through on commitments [and] never betray a confidence or talk about others in the organization, except in a favorable way," Naiman says.
7. Show compassion. "Treat employees like they're people. Not employees, but people. If one of your direct reports had a death in the family or even a bad day, be human and compassionate," Salemi says.
8. Listen. "One of the best traits of a boss is someone who not only goes to the wall for their employees but who also listens to them," Salemi says. "Sometimes team members just need to vent and get things off their chest. A good boss will listen."
9. Give frequent feedback. "Instead of waiting until an annual performance review to give feedback -- good or bad -- a sign of an excellent boss is proactive behavior," Salemi says. "A fantastic boss will get the most out of his or her employees. Giving positive feedback and acknowledging a job well-done often results in more good work."
10. Understand your employees' jobs. When you don't completely understand what your employees do or how they do it, it's more difficult to help them navigate their job if they need more resources, Salemi says. "Plus, a good boss should go to bat for his or her employees. If they don't understand the magnitude of their direct reports' job responsibilities, this may be harder to do or convince the higher-ups of their worth."
11. Live and breathe by the company rules. If you show up late, take long lunches or are not available at certain periods throughout the day, people notice, Salemi says. "Rules aren't just for direct reports to abide by. A good boss will know that their behavior is to be emulated," she says. "If the rules don't apply to them, who should they apply to? A true leader takes this very seriously."
12. Acknowledge your employees' work. "Recognize their performance. Even as employees go through a busy season or may be inundated with job sharing in this economy, a good manager will keep them motivated by putting wind in their sails and, more importantly, keep turnover low," Salemi says. "If you have a good boss, you're golden, you won't want to leave. When you know your boss is on your side, it makes a difference in your productivity, morale and overall workplace happiness."

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Florida TR Conference May 18-20, 2011

From Allyson Dedic, CTRS, comes the following reminder:

Just a friendly reminder about our 3 day TR Conference in May 18-20, 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL!! Our website has been updated with even more information and the brochure will be added (hopefully) by next week!! We have some GREAT topics from some wonderful professionals! Our networking social will be combined with our vendor exhibit making it even more entertaining and informative!

Many have asked about pre-registering and we do strongly agree that you do so as we have many inquiries (and the cost is much lower than at the door). Space may be limited at the door.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please visit our website at www.whitehallboca.com/conference.html or feel free to email me with any questions!

Allyson Dedic, CTRS
Director of Therapeutic Recreation
Whitehall Boca Raton
7300 Del Prado Circle South
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 237-3818 direct
(561) 392-6031 fax

Reminders of ATRA Meetings for 2011

The ATRA Mid-year Professional Issues Forum is to be held March 6-8 in Providence, RI.

The ATRA Annual Conference will be in Indianapolis on September 18-21.

I don't know much about Providence but Indy has become a premier city for conferences. The hotels are new and well located. There are many cultural venues available including a wonderful American Indian art museum, the world class Indianapolis Art Museum, and, of course, the Children's Museum (known as the best children's museum in the world!). And there is a great zoo close to downtown. And, I almost forgot, the world famous Indianapolis 500 Track that has a very interesting museum.

So I hope that every RT that can will plan to attend the ATRA Annual Conference in Indianapolis. It is sure to be a conference to remember!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

RTI Successful in Statehouse Visit says Scott

Vicki Scott, M.S., CTRS, gave the following report on her Facebook account of the successful visit to the Statehouse by the Recreation Therapists of Indinaa (RTI):

Great visit at the Indiana Statehouse yesterday with two of our supporters - Rep. Peggy Welch and Senator Vi Simpson. Lots of great ideas for recognition of our profession from both and really appreciated the 40 minutes we spent with Senator Simpson. Wish we could get more CTRS's to attend!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Austin Speaks and Introduces New Book in Canada

The following article titled "Austin Speaks and Introduces New Book in Canada," appeared in the Winter,2011, issue of the ATRA Newsletter:

ATRA Past-President and Distinguished Fellow David Austin was the featured speaker at the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association Symposium held in Calgary in October. The Canadian ATRA Symposium was the largest ever held with a record attendance of more than 150 participants.

Austin delivered the keynote address titled “Traits Recreation Therapists Should Possess” and presented on his Health Protection/Health Promotion Model. In another part of the program he read from his newly released book, Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recreational Therapy Students and Practitioners (Sagamore Publishing). Following his readings, reaction panel members provided their reflections on the readings.

Judging from the remarks of the reaction panel members and ATRA’s sales of Austin’s new book, Lessons Learned seemed to be well received by RTs attending the Alberta symposium. The entire 75 copies ATRA had ordered to sell at the symposium were sold out during the first day of the meeting.

Following the symposium Austin reflected that “Canadian RTs are extremely welcoming and are rapidly advancing recreational therapy in their country. I hope we in the United States will have continuing exchanges with our Canadian colleagues as they have much to offer us and we too can be helpful to them.”

Friday, January 21, 2011

Survey Favors Court-Mandated Treatment

MedPage Today is conducting a survey of readers on the question: "Should it be easier to get court-mandated treatment of mental illness?"

80% of the readers have voted "yes" that it should be easier to obtain court-mandated treatment for those with mental illness. I too voted "yes."

After the shooting of Rep. Giffords, it is hard not to favor giving more authority to the courts to hospitalize persons with mental illness. What say you?

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Peg Connolly Scholars Sought by ATRA

A reminder has been sent out from Heather J. Sedletzeck, CTRS, DT, that the deadline for application by RT/TR students for the 2011 Peg Connolly Scholarship program is quickly approaching! It is March 25, 2011.

(My personal recommendation is for RT faculty to suggest to their top students that they should apply to be a Peg Connolly Scholar and then to write a letter(s) of recommendation for the student or students you suggest apply.

Students with interest should approach RT faculty to see if the faculty will recommend them and to gain advise from the faculty as to what information to put on the application form.)

Oregon State Hospital TR Forum May 6th

From the Director of TR at Oregon State Hospital, Michael Ratliff, CTRS,comes this announcement:

Save The Date For the Annual OREGON STATE HOSPITAL Spring TR Forum to be held May 6, 2011, 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
At the STATE EMPLOYMENT BUILDING AUDITORIUM, SALEM, OREGON
Full Schedule and Registration Information to Come
PLEASE CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS:
Erik Luvaas, MA, CTRS (503) 945-9974
####
Erik.Luvaas@state.or.us

Chair Position Open at Indiana State University

The Department of Physical Education at Indiana State University (http://www.indstate.edu/pe/ ) is pleased to announce that we are searching for a Department Chairperson. The department has an RT curriculum.

The Department of Physical Education provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for the successful candidate to shape the future of an already outstanding cadre of educators, scientists, and leaders in the prospective disciplines. The vision of the department is to become the Midwest's premier institution for the comprehensive development of coaching education, exercise science, physical education, recreation and nonprofit leadership, and sport and fitness management professionals. The department is exploring a number of new degree offerings and hoping to integrate the represented disciplines in collaborative teaching, research, service, and community engagement.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Book Title, Author

Some have asked....The book referred to in yesterday's post is titled Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on Colleage Campuses. The author is Richard Arum of NYU.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Article on College Learning may have Implications for RT

Did you see the article in today's USA Today newspaper titled "First Two Years of College Wasted"? The article reports on a survey of 3,000 students on 29 campuses.

The research showed that today's students spent 50% less time studying when compared with college students 20 - 30 years ago. Today's students reported spending 51% of their time socializing or recreating, while spending only 7% of their time studying.

Other findings were that 50% of the students never took a class where they wrote more than 20 pages and 32% never took a course in a typical semester where they read more than 40 pages per week.

The author of the book reporting on the survey stated: "Students are able to navigatge through the system quite well with little effort."

What do these findings say to RT educators? I hope the findings encourage RT instructors to challenge their students, particularly by giving them writing assignments and extensive reading assignments. What do you think?

Tai Chi Bolsters Balance

Today's USA Today newspaper carried an article that mentioned tai chi can produce better balance in older people. This is the second reference to tai chi being good for balance that I've seen recently. It just makes sense that RTs in long-term care facilities should be offering tai chi.

Deeper Depression Diminishes Outcomes in HF

I just read an account of the research reported below on depression and patients with heart failure. It made me wonder if any RTs have been involved with the treatment of heart patients with depression -- and, if so, if these RTs have seen positive results in thier patients.

Here is the account of the research:
Andrew Sherwood, MD, of Duke University, and colleagues reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that there is a high prevalence of clinically significant depression in patients with heart failure.

Heart failure patients whose depression worsens over time are more likely to have poorer outcomes, these researchers say.

Sherwood's study suggests that worsening of depression during the course of one year in patients with heart failure was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular hospitalization or mortality.

Those who had bigger changes in depression scores were more than twice as likely to have adverse cardiovascular outcomes, regardless of disease severity (P=0.002),

It seems to me that RTs might well have a place in the treatment of heart patients with depression. I hope some RTs have experience in this area and can comment.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Reminder: RTI Day at the Statehouse

The annual RTI Day at the Statehouse will be held on Monday, January 24, 2011 from 9:30a-11:30a. Lunch/board meeting will follow at Harry an Izzy's. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! Please make appointsments ahead of time with your state representatives and senators. Contact information can be found at www.in.gov. If you have questions please contact Julie Foster at ctrsjulie@embarqmail.com Also, if you plan to attend, please rsvp with Julie.

More information and online registration: RTI Annual Day at the Statehouse

Friday, January 14, 2011

Research Supports Physical Activity for Adults

Two recent research studies point to the importance of RTs providing adults with physical activity programs.

An Australian study (Dwyer, et al, 2010) found that walking not only wards off weight gain in middle age but also helps prevent or delay diabetes.

In another research study (Kenny, et al, 2010) it was discovered that exercise should be a part of all interventions to prevent falls along older adults. The report recommended programs such as tai chi that build strength, gait, and balance.

The Dwyer article appeared in 341:c7249 of BMJ. The Kenny article appeared in J Am Geriatr Soc in 2010.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Faculty Position at Douglas College in Canada

From Norma Stumbo via the ATRAnet comes this announcment:

Douglas College (Vancouver, Canada) is accepting applications for a FT Faculty Position in the Therapeutic Recreation Degree Program. The start date is August, 2011. For more information or to discuss this opportunity, please contact Lee Chamberland (faculty) at 604-738-7685 or lee@powerofwellness.com.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Position Opening Wyoming State Hospital

From Kathy Argyle, CTRS, comes this announcement via the ATRAnet Listserv:

The Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston, Wyoming has an open, entry level, CTRS position available. Following is the job posting and information to apply on line. Please feel free contact me for more information and pass this along to anyone who may be searching for a new adventure in their career!

Kathy Argyle, CTRS
Kathy.argyle@health.wyo.gov
(307)789-3464 ext. 468

Job Title: Recreational Specialist
Department of Health , Evanston. Preferences: Bachelors degree. Must currently hold or obtain a certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) to be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist(CTRS) within one year of hire.

Identify client specific strengths and needs through formal assessment, develop and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients' needs and interests and provide treatment services, using a variety of techniques, to address areas of need and promote positive change to increase success in the community upon discharge.

Salary Range ($3,315.00 - $3,900.00 Per Month)
Open Until Filled. EEO/ADA Employer

To apply on line, go to the link below. You will have to create a profile. The recruitment i.d. is 17198 & the position is HSRA07.
Click on the Department of Health & the location is Evanston.
https://egov.state.wy.us/

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Costa Rica Study Abroad, May 16-June 1

From Dan Ferguson, via ATRAnet, comes the announcement below. Dan is known for organizing worthwhile international experiences for RT students and this one looks like a good one. Here is the announcement:

Pittsburg State University is offering a great study abroad opportunity again this summer to Costa Rica to work with children with disabilities.This is the same program that was to be in Mexico but has been moved due to safety concerns in that country. Costa Rica is a safe country with just as many cultural and natural experiences as Mexico and a chance to experience life as it is in a developing country.

In addition to working with the children, and quite likely adults as well,providing activities and assisting teachers the students will visit markets, museums, climb in a volcano,hike in a rain forest and visit the beaches in a tropical country. This program is not just for therapeutic recreation students but is open to anyone who wants a meaningful academic experience that will challenge the mind and the heart.

No Spanish is required but obviously it will be helpful on a daily basis.Those who do have Spanish capability will be used to help translate for the rest. This cooperative approach has always worked very well.

Majors well suited for this program are therapeutic recreation, recreation, physical education, special education, early childhood development, Spanish majors or minors, social work, psychology/counseling, international studies, art, music or other relevant majors.

Program dates are May 16-June 1. The program fee will cover nearly all in-country expenses including lodging, airport pick up, meals, excursions and admissions and insurance. Not included are airfare, PSU tuition, passport (if needed), inoculations (if needed).

Any interested students should contact me to indicate an interest in the program, to get more information and receive an application packet. If you would please pass this information to interested students in your department or other departments I would greatly appreciate it. If you would like more information please contact me by e-mail Ferguson@pittstate.edu

Dan Ferguson
Health, Human Performance and Recreation Pittsburg State University
1701 S Broadway
Pittsburg, Kansas 66762

Happy "Good Luck Day"

It is 1-11-11. Happy "Good Luck Day" to all RTs!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Geriatric Wedinars from ATRA

From Jean Folkerth via the ATRAnet Listserv comes this announcement:

Just wanted everyone to be aware of the new Geriatric webinars available from ATRA this year. This first one will be this Friday and is an effort to reach administrators in LTC to let them know the value of an RT in LTC. Remember you don't have to be a member of ATRA to take part in these exciting learning opportunities. If you would like to register follow the included link: http://www.atra.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=8

SERIES B: Geriatric
This first session will be 2 hours in length while all other sessions will be 1 hour in length. This session will be made available to nursing home directors, nurses and social workers for CEUs along with CTRSs. Nursing CEU's can be obtained through the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association. NHA credits have been applied for through the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators and Social Worker CEUs have been applied for through the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. ATRA will provide the CEUs for CTRSs.
Session B1: Experience Matters: Enhancing Quality of Life Through Recreational Therapy in the Nursing Home.
Date: Friday, January 14 Time: 1:00 p.m.
ATRA Academy Faculty: Linda Buettner, Ph.D., LRT, CTRS, Timothy Legg, Ph.D.
Session description: the purpose of this webinar is to discuss the role of recreation therapy in the long term care setting. After a review of applicable CMS definitions, the emerging roles of the CTRS in the long term care setting will be explored. The role of recreation therapy (RT) as it relates to MDS sections F & O will be examined and the current evidence of recreation therapy’s impact on care quality. The webinar concludes with a discussion of the RT as therapist in the SNF and how their role differs, but is synergistic in achieving positive resident outcomes.
Session B2: MDS: An Opportunity for Revolutionary Changes for RT in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Date: Friday, January 28 Time: 1:00 p.m.
ATRA Academy Faculty: Sharon Nichols, CTRS/L
Session description: This session will provide insights into the newly implemented MDS 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument for skilled nursing facilities. Not only does the MDS 3.0 change the way that we assess and care for residents but also is the driving force behind culture change in long term care facilities. The MDS 3.0 is the catalyst for “resident centered” care and giving the resident a voice in how important things are in their lives and why “we” must accommodate for the resident’s life.-long routines and preferences. For the first time since the passage of OBRA in 1987, quality of care and quality of life/well-being are viewed as having equal importance in a person’s health and well-being. Recreational Therapy ought to be a dynamic and significant force in affirming residents’ rights to be engaged in meaningful ways and be able to achieve their highest practicable level of health and well-being.
Session B3: Coverage for Recreational Therapy Active Treatment
Date: Friday, February 11 Time: 1:00 p.m.
ATRA Academy Faculty: Tim Passmore, Ed.D., CTRS
Session description: This session will review the CMS requirements for provision of RT in an active treatment setting and discuss in which treatment settings Recreational Therapy is covered

Saturday, January 08, 2011

RT Faculty Opening at WSSU

From Dr. Jo Ann Coco-Ripp comes this announcement:
Assistant/Associate Professor
Therapeutic Recreation Program
Winston-Salem State University

The Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences in the School of Education and Human Performance at Winston-Salem State University invites applicants for a full time, tenure track position as an Assistant/Associate Professor in the Therapeutic Recreation Program.
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a premier, master's level public institution that develops the skills and values students need to contribute and succeed in the changing economy of the 21st Century. WSSU is one of 17 constituent institutions in the University of North Carolina and is a historically black university with a diverse enrollment. Located in the Piedmont Triad, the university enrolls over 6,400 students, employs more than 300 full time faculty members, and offers 42 baccalaureate degrees and ten graduate degrees. Its quality degree programs in growing fields such as health sciences, information technology, financial services and teacher education offer the flexibility to accommodate diverse life situations of both traditional and non-traditional students ranging from recent high-school graduates to working adults.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Primary duties include teaching undergraduate recreation and therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy (TR/RT) courses; advising and mentoring students in the major; scholarly work which results in publication, participation in the development and support of opportunities for students to gain practical experiences through internships and service learning, and participation in departmental, university, community, and professional service.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field is required, along with at least one degree/emphasis in therapeutic recreation/recreation therapy, evidence of ability to engage in scholarship, evidence of ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to accomplish program, department, and university goals, current certification as a CTRS from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, and eligibility to acquire licensure through the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Teaching experience at college level, evidence of scholarly work, leadership in professional organizations, experience with outcomes assessment, and a record of service in higher education and profession.
Required documents:
Current vitae
Letter of interest with contact details for three professional references
Unofficial transcripts of all graduate work
Note: Official transcripts will be required for successful candidate prior to hiring.
Salary: The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Review of applications begins immediately, and applications will be accepted until February 4, 2011.
Position Start Date: August 15, 2011.
To apply, visit https://jobs.wssu.edu/.
For more information about the posision, contact Dr. Jo Ann Coco-Ripp at rippjc@wssu.edu.
EEOC Statement: Winston-Salem State University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Friday, January 07, 2011

Any Ideas for Keynote Address at OTRA?

The "Hoosier RT" (aka David Austin) has been invited to give the Keynote Address at the Ontario Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference to be held in Toronto early in June. The address will focus on where we have been and where we will be going as a profession.

If you have any thoughts on what should be covered in my talk, please do send them along as comments to this post or to daustin@indiana.edu

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

UNCG Students to Norway

Professor Lin Buettner of the University of North Carolina Greensboro, is taking RT students to Norway this spring. The students will be involved with the Teaching Nursing Home Program.

This seems to be a wonderful opportunity for RT students. Way to go, Lin!

AJRT Announcement

As the last couple of posts, this post comes from the ATRAnet Listserv, this time from Lin Buettner.

Dear Friends, Happy New Year,I am writing to ask you to spread the word about the new features of the American Journal of Recreational Therapy in your region of the country.

We all know of recreational therapists that need continuing education and travel to conferences is often not an option. AJRT now offers CEUs in each issue and 5-8 high quality practice and educational based articles. Each article impacts on evidence-based interventions in the profession. It is an important time to encourage local hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, community based agencies to subscribe to AJRT and to stay up to date with best practices and regulations that impact quality of care. If an educational institution or agency subscribes, all CTRSs benefit from the CEU opportunities throughout the year. AJRT is also available online for use in the classroom or for in-services at agencies. Simply pull up the article and project it for your staff to evaluate. In the back of each issue are post-test questions that can be submitted to ATRA for continuing education credits. AJRT is currently peered reviewed and indexed in several databases and serves as a proud partner to ATRA.

Thank you for sharing this with local agencies, former students, and colleagues that might benefit from this information. Staying up to date with continuing education is vital to every practicing therapist and to our profession. The link below provides subscription information and abstracts from the past nine years.

http://www.pnpco.com/

Best wishes for a most productive and peaceful New Year.

Sincerely,
Lin Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS

Danny Pettry on Radio

Like the last post, this post comes from the ATRAnet Listserv. This time from Danny Pettry. Danny wrote:

You might be interested in listening to my radio newscast about Recreational Therapy for children in a residential psychiatric setting and about my book, “Building Character with Sam, Izzy, & Many Other Dogs.”

You can listen to it (or read the transcript) at this link:
http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=18260&terms=danny+pettry

Please repost the link at your web-site, blog, or other social networks if you’d like.

Your friend,
Danny

Contact Information:
Danny Pettry II, 1509 Walnut St. # 5, Kenova, WV 25530
Email: DannyCTRS (at) Hotmail.com

Webinar on New Accreditation Program

From Jean Folkerth, via the ATRAnet Listserv, comes this reminder:

Just a reminder of the new TR/RT accreditation program that will be presented through the ATRA webinar series with the first one being this Friday. There is still time to sign up. You do NOT have to be a member of ATRA to sign up and you can receive CEUs for attending. Just follow this link:
http://www.atra.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=8

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

February 14th Deadline for ATRA Research Institute

ATRA Research Institute Chair Angela Wozencroft has reminded us that February 14, 2011, is the deadline for submitting for ATRA's call for presentations and posters. The Research Institute will be held in conjunction with the ATRA 2011 Annual Conference to be held September 18 - 21 in Indianapolis.

RTI Day at Statehouse

The Recreation Therapists of Indiana (RTI) will hold their annual "Day at the Statehouse" on January 24, 2011.

Top Faculty at Western Carolina University

I just read an email message from the president of the Western Carolina University RT Club. In it he mentions the RT faculty at Western Carolina includes Peg Connolly, Jennifer Hinton, and Glenn Kastrinos. I knew Peg and Jennifer were at Western Carolina but I didn't realize that Glenn was also on facutly. All three faculty members are top people...so I am sure WCU RT students are receiving a high level of instruction.