Coventry University in England - Disability Sport Conference

"Disability Sport: A Vehicle for Social Change" is the title of a confence to be held in England in August at Coventry University. It sounds very interesting. Here is the info I have:

From 23 August – 25 August 2012, the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies and the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation will be hosting an international, inter-disciplinary conference for academics and practitioners.

The conference will focus on the use of disability sport as a tool for peace, development and social inclusion.

IWAS 60th Anniversary Banquet
The Conference will be held in Coventry Cathedral, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Conference co-hosts IWAS will also be celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2012.

To mark these milestones the conference will include the IWAS 60th Anniversary Banquet, to be held in the Cathedral nave on the Saturday evening.

All conference participants are invited to attend and the cost is included in the conference fee.

Conference themes
The conference itself will be based around four main themes:
• Disability sport for peace and development
• Disability sport and social inclusion
• The recreational and psychological value of sport for people with disabilities
• Sport and health for people with disabilities
Presentations
Possible areas for presentations include, but are not restricted to:
• Inclusive sports programmes and policies (recreational/school/city/national)
• Disability Sport as a tool for peace and development in post-conflict zones
• Sport as a tool for the rehabilitation of individuals disabled as a result of conflict
• Disability sport and its impact upon non-disabled perceptions of disability
• Disability sport and the Higher Education sports curriculum
• The potential economic and social impact of the London 2012 Paralympic Games
• Sport as a human right for people with disabilities
• Disability, sport and identity
• The impact of disability discrimination in the provision of sporting opportunities for people with disabilities
• Technology and disability sport: where does man become machine?
• Historical issues in disability sport and the Paralympic Games
• Media portrayals of disability and Paralympic sport
• The impact of sport on the health of people with disabilities
• The elite non-disabled sporting model and disability sport: impacts, problems and possibilities
• Marketing disability sport: problems and possibilities
• International perspectives on disability sport

There will also be opportunities for posters and suggestions for symposia.

Auqatic Therapy Workshops in Washington

Today I received an email message from Harriet Ott, CTRS, ATRIC, regarding aquatic therapy workshops that she will conduct April 27th and 28th. The workshops will be held in Woodinville, Washington.

On April 27th will be "Basic Ai Chi for the Aquatic Professional" and "Watsu Experiential." April 28th will be "Integrating Wheelchair Clients to Aquatic Facilities" and "Working with the CVA Client."

For information or questions contact Harriet at (425) 830-7746 or harrietott@comcast.net

ATRA Webinar Thursday Afternoon

A reminder from Jean Folkerth, Re. D., CTRS:

Just a reminder that this week is the second in the Professional Issues I webinar. This week we are pleased to present Susan Kaufer a Credentialing Specialist from NCTRC. Susan will be presenting: NCTRC Recertification: Continuing Professional Competence.

Join us this Thursday at 1:00 EST. Go to ATRA on line and sign up now!

Jean Folkerth, Re. D., CTRS
ATRA Academy Coordinator

NYSTRA 2012 Award Winners!

Loretta Ann Sinnott today announced winners of the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association 2012 awards:

NYSTRA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD: Dr. Robert Riley, CTRS
KIMBERLY A. KIERNAN OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL AWARD: Susan Lance, CTRS
NYSTRA MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Robin Wexler, CTRS
NYSTRA ORGANIZATION OR INSTITUTION AWARD: Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center Rehabilitation Department
NYSTRA INNOVATIVE PROGRAM OF THE YEAR AWARD: The Adult Education Program at Island Nursing and Rehab Center
NYSTRA VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Margrit & Hans Engelman (Taconic DDSO)

Tough Interview Questions

Today's Indianapolis Star contained an article titled "Prepare for Tough Interview Questions." I thought some of the questions might be good ones for new graduates applying for positions to think about.

So here are some of the "tough questions:"
1. So, tell me about yourself.
2. Tell me about a time when you..."
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
4. What are your weaknesses?
5. Why should we hire you over anyone else?
6. If you could be any kind of tree/animal/food what would you be?
7. What is the last book you read?

UNC Wilmington Conference May 5th

From Professor Candy Ashton of the University of North Carolina Wilmington via ATRAnet:

Announcing the upcoming UNCW College of Health & Human Services Conference on Strength-Based Interprofessional Practice -- "Focusing on the Person Beyond the Paperwork"

Saturday, May 5, 2012
McNeill Building, UNC Wilmington

This conference is a must for health and human service workers, educators, and students! A panel of internationally recognized professionals in strengths-based practice and interprofessional education in social work, nursing, gerontology, recreation therapy, public health education, and related fields demonstrate how we can move beyond traditional paradigms with concepts like resiliency, person-directed practice, and community engagement. The conference is packed with solid, practical information and plenty of time to share your expertise.

INVITED SPEAKERS
--Dennis Saleebey, DSW, Professor Emeritus of Social School of Social Welfare University of Kansas
--Marilyn R. Gugliucci,Ph.D.,AGHEF, GSAF, AGSF, Director, Geriatrics Education & Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine University of New England
--Lynn Anderson, PhD, CTRS, Professor and Chair, Department of Recreation, Parks, & Leisure Studies
--Nasrin Falsafi, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-C, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, UNC Wilmington

Early bird registration is REQUIRED! CEUs will be awarded.

Register online: http://www.uncw.edu/swk/conference/index.html

PLEASE NOTE: There is a special (lower) registration fee for recreation therapists who have supervised UNCW RT interns in the last 3 years.

If you have any questions, please contact Candy Ashton, ashtonc@uncw.edu

Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference

The 16th Annual Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference will be held June 13-15, 2012, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

I spoke at the CTRA Conference a couple of years ago and enjoyed it greatly. The RTs in Canada are passionate about our profession and are dedicated professionals. And Halifax is a wonderful place to visit. Attend if you can!

Van Puymbroeck Joins NART Board

Dr. Frank Basile, President of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART), has announced that Dr. Marieke Van Puymbroeck has been appointed to the NART Board of Directors. Van Puymbroeck, an Associate Professor at Indiana University, will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

In addition to Basile and Van Puymbroeck, other members of the NART Board are Sharon Nichols (President-Elect) and Marcia Carter (Historian).

Think Tank on RT by NART in May

Dr. Frank Basile, President of the National Academy of Recreational Therapy (NART),in a NART Newsletter,announced the "Think Tank on Recreational Therapy in the 21st Century:Time for a Metamorphosis!" Below is part of Basile's announcement:

The National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) is pleased to announce that it will be sponsoring a Think Tank in Omaha, Nebraska on May 10 and 11, 2012. All NART Fellows and Associate Fellows are encouraged to participate in this important effort to lead our profession into a new renaissance.

The world of health care is changing dramatically. The need to reshape recreational therapy practice is essential for our success in the future. President-Elect Sharon Nichols is leading the charge for this task force and she has asked Mary Ann Keogh Hoss and Sandra Negley to assist her in these efforts. This Think Tank will explore current trends in health care, evidenced based practice, care delivery models as indicators of the change that is needed in preparing our profession for the future. It is hoped that we can produce a “white paper” from this. The “white paper” can be a useful tool to drive our professions strategic directions and priorities. Sharon is developing a collection of materials that people will need to read in advance of the Think Tank.

The Think Tank discussions will be held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Omaha. Rooms (rates from 99.00 USD/Night) must be reserved by April 24, 2012. In order to assure that you can leave town, if you wish to do so, on Friday, May 11 the meetings are scheduled to end by noon on that day.

Activities Directors' Quarterly Call

Linda Buettner, Ph.D., LRT, CTRS is the Editor-in-Chief of the Activities Directors' Quarterly. She recently sent out a call for manuscripts. Manuscripts may be submitted to adq@pnpco.com

Annual MSs Due Today

Just a friendly reminder that ATRA Annual manuscripts are due today, Monday, March 19th, 2012.

Position Opening in Columbus, Ohio

From Professor Colleen Cooke comes this job announcement:

Recreation Program Manager
Columbus, OH

Absolute Care, LLC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, specializing in dual diagnoses. We serve those with mild to severe expressive behavioral challenges to the medically fragile by providing in-home support throughout Franklin County. We are seeking a Recreation Program Manager to assist our clients in recreational and leisure-based activities as independently as possible. This position will focus on enrichment activities as well as goal-based individualized programs which are responsive to the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs clients.

The Recreation Manager’s primary responsibility will be to deliver quality service and programs that provide therapeutic opportunities for individual client and/or groups of clients to develop and practice healthy leisure, recreational, and sports activities. This position will provide direct support to our clients as needed, provide continual evaluation of client’s needs and will report on client’s progress. The candidate will also train and assist clients in the areas of community/leisure safety and the proper use of adaptive devices to improve independence.

Qualified candidates will have a minimum of two years of professional experience in recreational therapy, occupational therapy, social work or related field. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, along with a certification and/or license in a related field. Due to supervisory responsibilities of managing support staff at the Day Hab program, supervisory experience is also preferred. Successful candidates must have an exceptional ability to work with individuals with disabilities with care and commitment, strong leadership skills, the capability to adapt programs to client’s individual needs, and impeccable documentation practices.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter with salary requirements via email to jwilliams@absolutecare.org or by fax to (614) 326-1736.

Student Opportunity in Costa Rica

From Dr. Dan Ferguson, CTRS:

Pittsburg State University has a great study abroad program that includes 19 fantastic days in Costa Rica in May. The program has 2 projects daily. Mornings we work at a ‘Casa de Ancianos’ (Assisted Living Center) and in the afternoons at the Center for Persons with Disabilities. We provide recreation activities at both facilities, neither of which have any recreation therapists or other activity staff. We live with Costa Rican families in a small mountain town and eat Costa Rican food. On weekends we experience the incredible national parks and beaches that Costa Rica is famous for. We’ll have a night hike in the cloud forest, a whitewater rafting trip, and other great adventures. In their reflection papers 10 out of 11 students described the experience as “life changing.” I can add 2 more people to this year’s group. Spanish language is not required; just a willingness to work hard, use your skills and be ready to learn many new things. If you are interested in studying abroad and would like more information contact me as soon as possible to get an informational Power Point, information detailing the program and costs and to get your application started. Dr. Dan Ferguson, CTRS, Pittsburg State University, ferguson@pittstate.edu or phone 620-235-4911.

Dr. Dan Ferguson, CTRS
Professor
Pittsburg State University
Dept of Health, Human Performance & Recreation
1701 S Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-4911
ferguson@pittstate.edu
ATRAnet Listserv

Federal Wage Data on RTs

Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010
Recreational TherapistsPlan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and arts and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity. Excludes "Recreation Workers" (39-9032).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National estimates for this occupation: Top
Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation:

Mean hourly wage Mean annual wage (2)
$19.92 $41,440 0.6 %

Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:

Percentile 10% 25% 50 (Median) 75% 90%
Hourly Wage $11.85 $14.86 $18.95 $24.38 $30.13
Annual Wage $24,640 $30,910 $39,410 $50,700 $62,670
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry profile for this occupation: Top
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation are provided. For a list of all industries with employment in this occupation, see the Create Customized Tables function.

Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation:

Industry Employment (1) Percent of industry employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage (2)
Nursing Care Facilities 4,870 0.29 $17.52 $36,440
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 3,870 0.08 $21.95 $45,650
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals 2,700 1.12 $20.82 $43,300
State Government (OES Designation) 1,840 0.08 $20.68 $43,020
Community Care Facilities for the Elderly 1,410 0.19 $16.83 $35,010

ATRA Annual Deadline Approaching

From Jennifer A. Piatt, Ph.D., CTRS
Just a friendly reminder that we are excited to receive your ATRA Annual manuscript this Monday, March 19th, 2012 for consideration for the ATRA Annual!

Jen and Marieke

Announcement follows:
The American Therapeutic Recreation Association is pleased to invite the submission of manuscripts for the Volume 20 of the Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, the official research journal of the association. The purpose of the Annual is to further advance the body of knowledge of the therapeutic recreation profession by creating new knowledge and understandings in practice and in education. The Annual publishes a wide range of original, peer-reviewed articles such as

* Evidence-based practice/Empirical studies
* Systematic reviews
* Application of theories or models to practice and education
* Program or service evaluations/Case studies
* Methodological reviews
* Current issues and trends in service delivery or education
* Innovations in service delivery or education
* Practice protocols

Please see the attached call for submission of manuscripts for more detail. Send all submissions electronically to Co-Editors, Dr. Jennifer Piatt at jenpiatt@indiana.edu and Dr. Marieke Van Puymbroeck at mvp@indiana.edu. Deadline for submission is March 19, 2012.


Jennifer A. Piatt, Ph.D., CTRS
Assistant Professor
Indiana University
School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies HPER Building 133
1025 E. Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7109

EKU Workshop April 5th

"Looking Toward the Future" is the title of the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Workshop to be held from 8:30AM to 4:30PM on April 5th at the Perkins Building located on the EKU campus in Richmond.

The workshop will feature Professors Thom Skalko and David Austin. Registration is limited to the first 60 applicants. Registration needs to be completed by March 30th to assure your spot. The price of registration is only $35.00.

For information or to register contact either Professor Michelle Gerken or Brittany Toombs. Brittany may be reached at (869) 622-8048 or at brittany_toombs@mymail.eku.edu

NART to have Exciting News

I've learned that there is exciting news on the horizon from the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART). I'll share it on the RT Blog as soon as NART makes an announcement.

Opportunity for RT Students to go to Costa Rica

From Professor Dan Ferguson, CTRS:
Pittsburg State University has a great study abroad program that includes 19 fantastic days in Costa Rica in May. The program has 2 projects daily. Mornings we work at a ‘Casa de Ancianos’ (Assisted Living Center) and in the afternoons at the Center for Persons with Disabilities. We provide recreation activities at both facilities, neither of which have any recreation therapists or other activity staff. We live with Costa Rican families in a small mountain town and eat Costa Rican food. On weekends we experience the incredible national parks and beaches that Costa Rica is famous for. We’ll have a night hike in the cloud forest, a whitewater rafting trip, and other great adventures. In their reflection papers 10 out of 11 students described the experience as “life changing.” I can add 2 more people to this year’s group. Spanish language is not required; just a willingness to work hard, use your skills and be ready to learn many new things. If you are interested in studying abroad and would like more information contact me as soon as possible to get an informational Power Point, information detailing the program and costs and to get your application started. Dr. Dan Ferguson, CTRS, Pittsburg State University, ferguson@pittstate.edu or phone 620-235-4911.

Dr. Dan Ferguson, CTRS
Professor
Pittsburg State University
Dept of Health, Human Performance & Recreation
1701 S Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-4911
ferguson@pittstate.edu

EKU CTRS Workshop April 5th

Just a reminder that the old Hoosier RT (aka David Austin) will be speaking at the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) CTRS Workshop on April 5th. The workshop will run from 8:30 to 4:30.

Thom Skalko, from East Carolina University, will also be speaking.

The workshop will be held at the Perkins Building on the EKU campus (across from the Alumni Gym). The cost is $35.00 with breakfast and lunch provided. CEUs will be available.

To register or for information, contact Michelle Gerken at (859) 622-2314 or Michelle.gerken@EKU.edu

Ph.D.Graduate Assistantships at OSU

School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma

The Leisure Studies program at Oklahoma State University invites potential doctoral students with a specialty in Recreational Therapy to apply for admission for the fall 2012 semester. The program offers a Ph.D. in Health, Leisure and Human Performance with an option in Leisure Studies (concentration Recreational Therapy). The Undergraduate Program is pursuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE).

Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available for candidates interested in pursuing a Ph.D. who have a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in the profession of Recreational Therapy. Selected individuals will be assigned theory courses to hone and develop their instructional abilities in the area of Recreational Therapy and other theory based course instruction. The positions require the willingness to work with students, professional, and faculty in classroom, research, and clinical areas.

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) selected will receive training and guidance in classroom instruction, classroom management, as well as other aspects of higher education. Graduate Teaching Assistants will be fully engaged in the classroom and will be assigned two to three theory based courses per semester.

Graduate Teaching Assistants receive a waiver of out-of state tuition, plus full in-state tuition waivers for six (6) credits each fall and spring semester, three (3) credits during the summer semester, a monthly stipend, and a health insurance policy. One selected Graduate Teaching Assistant will receive for the initial academic year “Supplemental Graduate Assistant Support” of an additional $5,000 dollar stipend. At present Doctoral Graduate Teaching Assistants’ (GTA) are employed during the summer months in addition to the regular academic year.

To apply, go to http://app.it.okstate.edu/gradcollege/ and apply online. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. Tim Passmore, Ed.D., CTRS/L at tim.passmore@okstate.edu for additional information.

We would be delighted to visit with any interested students; graduate assistantships are generally awarded the end of March, those receiving a Supplemental Graduate Assistantship will be notified by April 15, 2012 if they have been selected for this initial additional support.

Tim Passmore, Ed.D., CTRS/L Tel: 405-744-1811
School of Applied Health & Educational Psychology Fax: 405-744-6507
186 Colvin
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
tim.passmore@okstate.edu

CTRS Opening in Chattanooga

From RT J.C. Emberton:
I recently began working for Parkridge Valley hospital in Chattanooga TN, Child and Adolescent department. I am currently in the process of developing a Recreation Therapy program for this department. I am reaching out to surrounding universities in an effort to make connections with other Recreation Therapists. We currently have an opening in our department for another CTRS, working closely with staff, as well as children, in our Residential Treatment, Acute Adolescent, Sub Acute Adolescent, Acute Latency and Sub Acute Latency programs. I moved to Chattanooga from a short stay in Seymour, Indiana a few months ago. While in Indiana, and for a few years prior, I had been in search of a Recreation Therapy job in that area. It became obvious to me that this was going to be hard to find, due to the amount of CTRS’s with the same goals. Naturally, I thought of the Indiana area as a source of potential employees, when they asked me if I knew of anyone else with a certification. If you know of anyone that may be interested and has the desire and ability to relocate, I hope you keep us in mind!

Our facility is located on 88 acres of woodland, boasting 3 miles of hiking trails, a 32 foot/3 sided climbing tower, low and high elements challenge course, disc golf course, baseball diamond and athletic field. We are an activity based treatment facility in search of a motivated, passionate and dedicated individual to join our team.

I have included the departmental, facility and job posting link. Please feel free to contact me with any interest or further questions. Thank you very much and have a great day.

J.C. Emberton, CTRS
2200 Morris Hill Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 855-3150 – office
(859) 825-8822 - cellular
James.Emberton@HCAhealthcare.com

"Conference at Sea" Still has Openings

From Allyson Dedic, CTRS:
We still have spots for the “Conference at Sea”! We do have a couple of rooms still reserved at the lowest rate!!

There is a MAJOR savings when attending conferences at ‘sea’ as opposed to on ‘land’, so take advantage of this opportunity!!

www.whitehallboca.com/conference.html
______________________________________________
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

Job Opening in Indiana

From Brian Primeau:
River Bend Hospital in West Lafayette has an immediate job opening for a CTRS or CTRS-eligible graduate.

Activity Therapist
River Bend Hospital
2900 N. River Rd.
West Lafayette, IN 47906

Full-time Activity Therapist to do leisure & recreation assessments,provide group and individual activity therapy and leisure skills education, and to plan weekend activities to be provided by others for a 16-bed inpatient adult psychiatric program. Day shift, M-F.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Undergraduate or Master's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or
equivalent field and degree
2.Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification (C.T.R.S.) by
the National Council for Therapeutic Certification (NCTRC), or related
field equivalency. May be hired pending successful certification at
earliest scheduled testing.

Send resumes to Jan Shaw, Human Resources, (janshaw@wvhmhc.org).
Contact Brian E. Primeau, Ph.D. at 765-464-0468 for further
information (ipprimeau@wvhmhc.org).

Reminder on Peg Connolly Scholarships

From Heather J. Sedletzeck, CTRS:
Information for the 2012 Peg Connolly Scholarship has been posted to the ATRA website! Please consider applying for this AMAZING scholarship! Eight (8) students will be chosen to attend the 2012 ATRA annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona on a working scholarship! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to attend an annual conference and network with professionals in our field!

Go to the ATRA website and click on the resource tab and scroll down to Awards and once you are redirected to the Awards page, scroll down to the Peg Connolly scholarship info and click on the links!

New York State Working Hard on Licensure

RTs in New York seem to be well organized in their efforts to get licensure. From Robin Wexler, New York RT:

As many of you know, licensure for Recreation Therapy has been granted in four states: Utah, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma. Other states are presently exploring the viability of licensure in their respective states. Professions such as social work and the creative arts therapies have been granted licensure in recent years. The legal regulation of Recreation Therapy protects the consumer as well as the future of our profession. Keeping these reasons in mind, a committee has been formed to examine licensure in New York State. Members of the committee are Lynn Anderson, Eileen Andreassie, Ray Archer, Vincent Bonadies, Linda Dianto, Mimi Fierle, Kristin Impicciatore, Dorothy McNamara, Anthony Martino, Mary Beth Pozzuto, Rose Rothe, Loretta Sinnott, Isabel Tiffen, Daryl Willenbrink, Robin Wexler, Felicia T. Zeigler. For more info including links and sample letters, go to the License Recreation Therapy website https://sites.google.com/site/licensurenews/Home

EKU Workshop April 5th

The old Hoosier RT (aka David Austin) is looking forward to giving the keynote address for the Eastern Kentucky University RT Workshop to be held April 5th.