Nancy Richeson Also Running for ATRA President

Yesterday I posted that Diane Skalko was running for ATRA President. Last night I discovered that Nancy Richeson is also running for ATRA President. I know both Diane and Nancy and both would be outstanding presidents for ATRA. Looks like we members can't lose in this election!

Diane Skalko on ATRA Ballot

I was pleased to learn that Diane Skalko, M.S.,CTRS, is running for ATRA President. Diane is an IU alum (B.S. & M.S.) and displayed strong leadership skills within the Recreation Therapists of Indiana (an ATRA Chapter) when she was an RT in Indiana. Good luck Diane!

CTRA in Nova Scotia -- Seeking Speakers

I received an email message this morning from Professor Jerry Singleton announcing that the 16th Annual Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA)Conference will be held June 13-15, 2012, in Halifax, Nosa Scotia.

In addition to typical conference sessions, the conference will feature a full-day Educators' Forum and a half-day Research Symposium, as well as preconference workshops. Speakers are being sought for all parts of the conference.

For information contact: CTRA2012@gmail.com

21st Anniversary of ADA

On July 26, 1990, the ADA was signed into law by President Geroge H.W. Bush.

TRO Research Annual 8th Edition Available

I just heard from Tracy Taylor, Executive Director of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO). Tracy informed me that the TRO 2011 Rsearch Annual is now available for purchase. That is the issue in which my TRO Keynote Address appears (see prior post).

To purchase the TRO 2011 Research Annual go to the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario website. Click on "Shopping" (upper right side of page). Then click on "Promotional Products." On the 2nd page you will find the 2011 Research Annual.

Keynote Published in Canadian Journal

I was pleased to receive the 2011 edition (Volume 8) of the Research Annual published by Therapeutic Recretion Ontario (TRO). It contains a paper I authored which is based on my keynote given at the recent Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference in Toronto. My paper is titled "Perspectives on our Profession: A Nearly 50 Year Journey."

In the Research Annual it mentions that copies of the Annual will be available via the TRO website but when I went to the website I couldn't locate information about purchasing the Annual. Perhaps it will be up soon.

RTs elected to Academy of Leisure Sciences

Congratulations to Jerry Singleton, Bryan McCormick, and Marcia Carter upon their election to the Academy of Leisure Sciences. This is a outstanding honor for any scholar.

National Academy of Recreational Therapists Formed

In case you missed the prior post, we now have an academy, NART!

I want to share some exciting news with RT colleagues. I am delighted to inform you of the founding of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART).

The founding of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists was made official with the filing of the Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation for NART were filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina on June 28, 2011. Ray West, M.S.,LRT, CTRS, submitted the Articles signed by NART President, Frank Basile, Ph.D., CTRS.

NART is an honorific society made up of the most accomplished leaders in the recreational therapy profession, with its central purpose being the advancement of the recreational therapy profession.

The academy will offer a means to establish forums for exchanging knowledge and advancing the intellectual understanding of recreational therapy. It will promote rigorous preparation for practitioners and scholars. It will promote broader public understandings of recreational therapy. It will strive to be a trusted source for thoughtful deliberation in order to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers to assist them to arrive at informed decisions. Additionally, it is anticipated that the members of the academy will also be able to identify important issues, to rigorously examine them, and to disseminate reports on these issues. Finally, we perceived that the members of the academy will maintain regular liaison with professional organizations focused on recreational therapy.

The initial meeting for the 21 Founding Fellows and 16 Founding Associate Fellows is scheduled for September 20, 2011, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A website for the National Academy of Recreational Therapists will soon be established where further information will be posted on the founding of NART and the officers, Founding Fellows, and Founding Associate Fellows will be listed.

ATRA Call for Presentations: Innovative Teaching Strategies

From the ATRAnet Listserv comes this announcement:

ATRA 2011 Educator's Pre-ConferenceCall for Sessions: Innovative Teaching Strategies
Held in conjunction with the ATRA 2011 Annual Conference September 18-21, 2011 Indianapolis, Indiana

The ATRA 2011 Educator's Pre-Conference will be held Sunday, September 18 prior to the start of the Annual Conference of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. The purpose of the ATRA Educator's Preconference is to advance the field of Recreational Therapy through the sharing of innovative teaching ideas relevant to Recreational Therapy. The Pre-Conference also provides an opportunity for educators, practitioners, and students to come together collectively to discuss current trends and issues within the field.

Submission Deadline:
Completed session proposals must be received no later than August 5, 2011. A confirmation of receipt will be sent via email. Once all session proposals have been reviewed you will receive notification. If you have questions regarding the proposal submission guidelines, please contact Jennifer Piatt at jenpiatt@indiana.edu, or Jennifer Hinton at jlhinton@wcu.edu.

Please Note: By submitting a proposal, you are making a commitment to present your session if accepted. Presenters will provide a 20 minute overview of the innovative teaching strategy to other educators. If your innovative teaching strategy is approved, the information you submit is assumed to be complete and correct, and will be published in conference materials and the ATRA website as it has been written. In addition, all handouts and information on the teaching technique must be submitted electronically to the pre-conference chairs by September 1st so that it can be distributed to attendees.

Session Proposal Instruction Sheet
Session Title:
List session title using no more than 6 words
Focus Area:
List applicable focus area(s) from previous page [Innovative Teaching Strategies]
Lead Speaker:
Name and Title
Agency Name & Address
Phone, Fax and E-mail
Session Description:
Describe your session in 25 words or less.
Session Learning Outcomes:
Write up to three specific, measurable outcomes, by priority, using measurable action phrases (define, communicate, evaluate, analyze...). A minimum of two outcomes are required.
Session Length:
20 minutes
Session Logistics:
List AV equipment needs in detail
List desired room set up (theatre, classroom, group tables of 8, activity space, display tables, etc.)
Additional Speakers:
Include a 2-page resume or vitae for each speaker. Each attachment must include previous experience with this topic, as well as title, agency/business address, phone, fax, certificates held. Proposals without this information will not be considered. A maximum of three speakers are permitted per session.

Greatest Healing Quote

From today's Disability.gov post comes this quote:
"The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love."
Hubert H. Humphrey

RT in Best Hospitals?

I just read the US News rankings of the best hospitals. The top 5 were Johns Hopkins Hospital (Balimore), Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston), Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.), Cleveland Clinic, and Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles).

Using this list of the best hospitals I did a Bing search using the terms recreational therapy and the name of each of the hospitals. I found that of the top five, only the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic indicated they had RT.

I would be interested to know if this is correct. If you know, please comment.

RT Position at Cleveland Clinic

While searching to see if the Cleveland Clinic Hospital had RT I found the position opening seen below. So I guess they have RT!

CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION (MAIN CAMPUS) - Recreation Therapist(9828209)
Posted: 7/20/2011
Job Description: Part Time 40 hours or more varied Days Summary: Develops and provides recreational therapy treatment programs. Job Responsibilities: Performs initial and on-going assessments of patient's condition. Establishes a plan of care which is appropriate to problems identified and involves the patient/family according to their capabilities and desires. Performs therapy interventions utilizing recreational therapy techniques and skills as appropriate for the age and condition of the patient. Supervises activities of recreational therapy assistants, students and other support personnel. Other duties as assigned. Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in recreational therapy. Experience: none Licensure/Certification/Registration: Current state licensure as a Registered Recreational Therapist. BLS Healthcare Provider. Physical Requirements: Ability to maintain balance despite sudden load, in order to support person from falling during gait. Ability to lift and reach with arms sufficiently to lift a person's arms or legs during exercise programs.

RT Position in Baltimore

While searching to see if I could determine if Johns Hopkins Hospital had an RT program (I couldn't find one) I ran across the following job opening:

Staff Recreational Therapist
University Specialty Hospital
Location: Baltimore, MD 21201
Employee Type: Full-Time
Job Type: Health Care
Professional Services
Education: 4 Year Degree
Experience: Not Specified
Post Date: 7/11/2011
Contact Information
Contact: ush-hr@umm.edu
Phone: 410-547-8500 ext 411
Ref ID: USHRecTherapy
Fax: 410-547-0079
Description We currently have an opening for a Recreational Therapist to provide skilled services to patients with various diagnoses ranging from traumatic brain injuries to medically complex general care. At University Specialty Hospital you will have the opportunity on a daily basis to influence your patient’s plan of care and be a primary member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Qualifications
1. A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation of Leisure Studies is required.
2. Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is required.
3. Maintains current CPR certification.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population served on the assigned unit.
5. Effective verbal communication skills are required in order to work with patients and staff successfully.

RT Opening at Sheppard Pratt Assisted Living

I found this position opening while searching to see if Johns Hopkins had RT. Knowing Sheppard Pratt is well respected, I thought I should post the position opening found below:

Position: RECREATIONAL THEAPIST
Closing date: July 26, 2011
Where: The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt
Full Time
Day/Weekend
$34,150-$47,850

The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt is a 16-bed licensed assisted living program designed for patients seeking a comprehensive evaluation and intensive treatment experience in a psychotherapeutic milieu, unencumbered by the payment policies of third parties. The Retreat offers an elegantly appointed setting for an intermediate length of stay of several weeks to several months and a multidisciplinary treatment approach to a variety of psychiatric conditions that can be treated safely and effectively in a voluntary, unlocked environment.

Physical Activity Keeps Older People's Brains Healthy

More research to support physical activity programs for older clients is out.

MedPageToday reported on two studies that found increased physical activity, even walking, was associated with slower decline of cognitive functioning in older patients.

The research was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2011.

Chair & Faculty Position Open at Benedict College

POSITION: Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
SCHOOL: School of Education
SALARY: Commensurate with experience and credentials
REPORT TO: Dean, School of Education
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation is comprised of three majors: (1) recreation and leisure services; (2) public health; and (3) sport management. The Chair is responsible for the leadership and administration of the department's teaching, research and scholarship, and service mission. The chair is expected to coordinate the work of the instructional staff to include developing course outlines, ordering textbooks, providing oversight for class coverage, monitoring faculty instruction and advisement, and providing representation at meetings and events. The chair is also responsible for approving leave requests, conducting faculty evaluations, resolving student issues, recommending personnel, arranging for departmental supplies and facilities, recommending course offerings, implementation of a student recruitment and retention plan, and developing and managing budgets. Additionally, the chair will assess program outcomes and make adjustments accordingly. These and other functions as assigned are to be documented for routine reporting and assessment purposes. The chair will lead the faculty to increase the department's scholarship and service work, particularly in the area of health disparities. Additional duties may also be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Earned doctorate in a relevant area of study
• Experience conducting short and long range planning
• Experience in supervising, evaluating, and supporting faculty
• Demonstrated evidence of management skills (including budgets and faculty assignments)
• Five years of experience in higher education administration
• Successful research and/or accreditation track record
HOW TO APPLY:
All qualified applicants should submit a completed Benedict College application, three reference letters, official college transcript(s) and resume to:
Office of Human Resources
ATTENTION: Academic Affairs
Benedict College
1600 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204
academicaffairs@benedict.edu
Position is open until filled
________________________________________


Assistant Professor/Recreation & Leisure Services/Benedict College
Benedict College School of Education
Faculty: Tenure Track
Category: Faculty –Recreation & Leisure Services
Posted: 06/13/2011
Application Due:Open until filled – Review of applications will begin July 15, 2011

Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
The School of Education at Benedict College seeks faculty in Recreation and Leisure Services. The Department is interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic program through their teaching, research, and service. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include college retirement, medical and life insurance plans. Applicants must be available to begin fall semester, August 1, 2011.


POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
* Full time tenure track position to teach core courses in the area of Recreation and Leisure Services;
* Coordinate and build upon the current internship program;
* Provide academic advising to undergraduate students in Recreation and Leisure Services;
* Maintain a program of research and scholarship; and
* Engage in service activities.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
* Doctoral degree (ABD & Masters considered) with at least one graduate degree in Recreation,Parks and Leisure Services;
* Demonstrated excellence in teaching;
* Evidence of ability to develop an active research program, which may include a record of publications, professional presentations and grant writing;
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, recreation managers, and the general public;
* Demonstrated knowledge of NRPA accreditation requirements; and
* Active participation in professional organizations.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
A complete application will include the following: Cover Letter, Resume/Curriculum Vitae, Three letters of reference, Official transcripts of earned degrees, and a completed Benedict College Application which can be downloaded from Benedict College website.

Contact and Application Information: Dr. Allen Coles, Dean, School of Education
Benedict College, 1600 Harden Street, Columbia SC 29204
(803) 705-4945
colesa@benedict.edu

Lessons Learned Book Review in TRJ

The most recent issue of Therapeutic Recreation Journal contains a book review of Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recreational Therapy Students and Practitioners (Sagamore Publishing) by Professor Terry Long of Northwest Missouri State University.

I had promised to share excepts from Dr. Long's review in posts on the RT Blog. Today I thought I'd share the opening paragraph of the review of Lessons Learned. It follows:

"David Austin's latest book is a unique collection of 69 'lessons' written directly to recreation students and practitioners. Each lesson addresses a different topic with a brief 1-3 page mixture of useful information and thoughtful insight from the author. As a whole, the collection reflects a well rounded discussion of some of the most critical concepts for any practicing recreation therapist to understand and utilize. 'Lessons Learned,' which is largely grounded in Austin's professional experiences and discoveries over the past four decades, provides both clarity and wisdom in a reader friendly fashion."

Needless to say, I really appreciate Terry's kind words about Lessons Learned. I plan to share other excepts from his review in future posts on the RT Blog.

Clients Dealing with Heat

With the hot spell across the nation, RTs should be thinking about helping clients to deal with the heat. Those who work with older clients particularly need to be concerned about their clients as NIH reports that older persons lose some ability to adapt to the heat.

If you suspect someone is suffering from the heat, NIH recommends:

- move them into an air conditioned place
- urge them to lie down and rest
- remove or loosen tight fitting or heavy clothing
- encourage them to drink water or juices if they are able to drink without choking, avoid alcohol and caffeine
- apply cold water, ice packs or cold wet clothes to the skin
- get medical assistance as soon as possible

These NIH tips would seem to be good ones to apply with any age of clients who are suffering from the heat.

CDARTA Call for Presentations

Via the ATRAnet listserv comes a call for presentations from CDARTA for the CDARTA fall workshop to be held Friday, October 28th, at the Drake Center in Cincinnati. Those interested should contact Chrissy Hayach, CTRS, at Christine_Hayach@hotmail.com

Persons with Disabilities can gain from RT

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 54 million people -- one in five Americans -- have a disability. AAHD has stated: "While people with disabilities are more vulnerable to the development of secondary conditions such as obesity, pain, social isolation and depression, they are underserved by health promotion and physical activity programs."

RT can be a great help to people with disabilities by providing health promotion programs and physical activity programs.

TRJ Reviews Lessons Learned

I just learned that the latest edition of Therapeutic Recreation Journal contains a positive book review of my new book titled Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recreational Therapy Students and Pratitioners. I hope you will read it.

Lessons Learned is published in paperback and as an ebook by Sagamore Publishing and sells for $19.95. It may be purchased from Sagamore Publishing's website or from Amazon.com

In the future, I'll plan to share parts of the TRJ book review on the RT Blog.

We Now Have an Academy, NART

I want to share some exciting news with RT colleagues. I am delighted to inform you of the founding of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART).

The founding of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists was made official with the filing of the Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation for NART were filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina on June 28, 2011. Ray West, M.S.,LRT, CTRS, submitted the Articles signed by NART President, Frank Basile, Ph.D., CTRS.

NART is an honorific society made up of the most accomplished leaders in the recreational therapy profession, with its central purpose being the advancement of the recreational therapy profession.

The academy will offer a means to establish forums for exchanging knowledge and advancing the intellectual understanding of recreational therapy. It will promote rigorous preparation for practitioners and scholars. It will promote broader public understandings of recreational therapy. It will strive to be a trusted source for thoughtful deliberation in order to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers to assist them to arrive at informed decisions. Additionally, it is anticipated that the members of the academy will also be able to identify important issues, to rigorously examine them, and to disseminate reports on these issues. Finally, we perceived that the members of the academy will maintain regular liaison with professional organizations focused on recreational therapy.

The initial meeting for the 21 Founding Fellows and 16 Founding Associate Fellows is scheduled for September 20, 2011, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A website for the National Academy of Recreational Therapists will soon be established where further information will be posted on the founding of NART and the officers, Founding Fellows, and Founding Associate Fellows will be listed.

Special Announcement Coming Up!

Tomorrow or Thursday I hope to make a special announcement here on the RT Blog.

Position Opening in Indiana

From Heather 'Hartman' Sedletzeck, CTRS, via the ATRA Facebook page comes this announcement:

RT Solutions, Inc. based in Terre Haute, Indiana is looking for a home based therapist to work part-time in Vigo and Clay counties. Must have CTRS certification. If interested, e-mail resume to heatherctrs@bizma.rr.com

Happy 4th of July to all RTs!

The 1st Annual Therapeutic Recreation Conference at Sea

From Allyson Dedic, CTRS comes this announcment of an October 17-21,2011, conference on a cruise ship.

Grand Bahamas, Stirrup Cay Bahamas, & Nassau Bahamas Norwegian Cruise Line
Port of Miami, FL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cruise Cost: $289.50** (Inside Cabin; includes taxes & port fees)
Upgrades are available for additional fees
** Rates are per person; based on double occupancy

$100 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED BY: JULY 11, 2011
Group Name: Whitehall
To make your deposit and reserve your cabin,
contact Susan Owens
(301) 421-1956 between 8:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday
Owens21st@gmail.com

***PASSPORT IS REQUIRED***
Conference Cost: $100 which includes CEU’s for ~12 hours

To register for the conference please contact:
Allyson Dedic, CTRS
(561) 237-3818 adedic@whitehallboca.com