Books Related to the APIE Process

Below is a post I made on the ATRAnet following a request for information on textbooks that cover the APIE Process: I would like to think my Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques (2009, Sagamore Publishing) does an excellent job of covering the APIE Process. The book is widely used and is now in its 6th edition. Instructors who use the book have found the Instructor’s Guide (provided by Sagamore Publishing) for Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques to be helpful in suggesting student learning activities, classroom exercises, possible videos, and multiple-choice test items to assess if students are gaining concepts such as the APIE Process. My newest book, Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recreational Therapy Students and Practitioners (2011, Sagamore Publishing) provides a possible companion book for the Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques book. Lessons Learned is relatively short and moderately priced (less than $20). It contains s brief chapters (1 to 5 pages in length) on a number of topics, including those directly related to the APIE Process – such as “What Makes RT Therapeutic?” “Recreational Therapy is Customized Care,” “Recreational Therapists Use a Strength-Based Approach,” “Recreation and Leisure Activities Provide Fun with a Purpose,” and “Recreational Therapy is Action Oriented, but the Emphasis is on the Client and Not the Activity.” Faculty who have used Lessons Learned in their courses have reported being extremely will pleased by student reactions to the book.

A Fitting Tribute to a Wonderful Person

Another shining light for our profession was dimmed today. Dr. Linda Buettner lost her long battle with Cancer today. She was not only a prolific researcher who contributed not only to our professions body of knowledge about dementia but also to our understanding about how Recreational Therapy can and does make a difference. Her compassion, her curiosity, her vitality, her humor were all elements that contributed to the scope of her inquisitiveness. She was an incredible researcher, teacher, mentor and friend. The legacy of her life work will continue to shape future generations of RTs working with persons with dementia. The scope of her contributions expands well beyond our field. Though she was small in stature, her presence was formidable. One can only accept that although her physical presence is no longer with us, she will always be a beacon of light who will guide us on our journey. I am deeply saddened by her passing but trust that she continues to be just a thought away. Thank you, Linda for all that you have done, and thank you for your life energy that will continue to guide us. You will be sorely missed by all whom you have touched but you will never be forgotten. Farewell friend, Sharon Sharon Nichols, CTRS/L

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors several initiatives to help individuals and communities prevent the negative consequences associated with excessive alcohol use.

Call of Manuscripts from Activities Directors' Quarterly

From Timothy J. Legg:

This is a call for manuscripts for Activities Directors' Quarterly for Alzheimer's and Other Dementias.

Activities Directors Quarterly specializes in providing meaningful therapeutic activities for the care of older adults in long-term care settings with Alzheimer's disease as well as all types of dementia.

Our goal is to provide relevant, high quality information from diverse sources and to serve as effectively as possible the needs of those involved in activities programs for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. If you have information, articles, or manuscripts that would help us achieve these goals, we would like to hear from you.

Activities Directors' Quarterly publishes articles, lesson plans, program outlines, commentaries, and studies related to activities-based programs and research which would be of interest to activities directors, occupational therapists, and other professionals in long-term care, transitional care, and assisted-living facilities.

Over the past 12 years, Activities Directors' Quarterly has become a valuable tool for activities professionals worldwide dealing with dementia patients at all stages. I ask you to share your research and specialized activities so that others may benefit!

Please send your manuscripts to adq@pnpco.com .

Thank you for your consideration!

Very truly yours,

Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CNHA, CTRS, AC-BC, MCHES
Editor-in-Chief
Activities Director's Quarterly for Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Patients

May is Mental Health Month

"May is Mental Health Month," began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all.

ATRA Webinar Reminders

From Jean Folkerth, Re.D., CTRS, via ATRAnet:

Just a reminder that next week we have 2 webinars.

The rehab series will continue with the webinar entitled Incorporating Wellness into your Leisure Education Program. It will be presented by Kelly Edens and Cecilia. This presentation will be on Wednesday April 25 at 1:00 EST.

On Friday April 27 at 1:00 EST we will have the first of our ATRA singles entitled Ideas for Therapeutic Recreation Programming for Ventilator Dependent Pediatric Patients. It will be presented by Jana Teagle.

Also just a reminder that the deadline for the Newsletter is May 15.

Thanks and if I can answer any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Jean Folkerth, Re.D., CTRS
ATRA Academy Coordinator
jfolkerth@hotmail.com

Spring RTI Newsletter Published

Recreation Therapists of Indiana (RTI) Newsletter Editor Patricia Whitener, CTRS, has announced that the Spring RTI Newsletter has been eletronically distributed.

In the Spring issue of the Newsletter, RTI President Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D., CTRS, announced the 2012 RTI Conference will be held November 1 and 2 at Bradford Woods.

The Newletter also contains an announcement by Jennifer Piatt, Ph.D., CTRS, of the formation of the RTI Licensure Task Force. In addition to Dr. Piatt, members are Julie Foster, Heather Sedletzeck, Abby Smith, Ryan Link. It was stated that those with interest in becoming involved with the Recreational Therapy Licensure Task Force should contract Julie Foster at ctrsjulie@embargmail.com

Bradford Woods has Summer Job Openings

I received this announcement from John Grossman:

Any students looking for a summer job working at a Recreation Therapy Summer Camp? Contact me at johngros@indiana.edu to find out more about Bradford Woods located in Martinsville, Indiana, as well as the positions we have available.

I should add that Bradford Woods has enjoyed a wonderful reputation for many years. It would be a great place to gain experience in working with campers with disabilities.

The web address for Bradford Woods is www.bradwoods.org

Got a Call Today

This evening I received a telephone call from my publisher. Looks like I'll begin work this summer on a 7th edition of my Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques.

Position Opening in New Jersey

From Danielle Braxton MA, ATR-BC, AP-BC via the ATRAnet Listserv:

I am leaving my position as Director and wanted to post the position here for anyone interested. Please see all the details and contact information below.

LTC/Sub-Acute Nursing Home in Jersey City, NJ (Hudson County) is looking for a new Director for its Therapeutic Recreation Program.

Director of Therapeutic Recreation - Full Time M-F 8:30-4:30pm (req. 1 late night per month and approx. 2 weekends per
year)

DESCRIPTION
*Reports to Administrator.
*Responsible for management and scheduling of all Recreation staff and volunteers, including evaluations and training.
*Attend Interdisciplinary, Department, Administrative and Quality Council meetings as required.
*Must have a high level of resourcefulness and creativity in planning and creating stimulating recreational programs which meet the various needs of the geriatric population.
*Knowledge of MS Word necessary to plan and coordinate monthly recreation calendars.
*Maintain age-appropriate group and individual programs that foster and encourage optimum psycho-social functioning, address social, educational, spiritual and entertainment needs of all residents.
*Responsible for assessments and interviews, client care plans, clinical charting and other required documentation on one long-term care unit.
*Oversee all necessary departmental documentation for all units.
*Familiarity with MDS 3.0 required.
*Knowledge of Electronic Medical Records preferred.
*Purchase and maintain all department equipment and supplies within budgetary guidelines including dispersal of petty cash.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
BA/BS in Therapeutic Recreation or other related field (preference for the creative arts therapies) and have at least 2 years of recreation experience in a long-term care setting. Certification in accordance with the National Certification Council of Activity Professionals (AP-BC or ADC) or the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (CTRS) is preferred.

Please submit resume and cover letter, including salary requirements via email to danielle.braxton@hamiltonpark.com or fax ATTN: Danielle Braxton at 201-653-3074.

Danielle Braxton MA, ATR-BC, AP-BC
Director of Therapeutic Recreation

Go New York!

I continue to be impressed by the level of activity of those RTs in New York state who are working for RT licensure. I sure wish them to best of success in their efforts!

ATRA Webinars, April 11th & 12th

From Jean Folkerth, Re.D., CTRS:

ATRA is pleased to present a special webinar for students and those people who are not certified and would like to be....The webinar is entitled Preparing to Take the NCTRC Certification Test and will be presented on Wednesday April 11 at 7:00 p.m. EST by Dr. Norma Stumbo. This special webinar is available to any university or person for the low cost of $25. It will be available for replay for 2 weeks following the original presentation. No CEUs will be given for this webinar.

Also, the last in the Professional Issues series will be presented this week. It is entitled Coverage of Recreational Therapy: Are we still covered by CMS? and will be presented by Dr. Tim Passmore on Thursday April 12 at 1:00 p.m. EST. This webinar is also available on replay for two weeks following the original presentation.

Go to the ATRA websites for more information and to sign up for these webinars!

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

Position Opening in Boca Raton, FL

From ATRAnet comes this:
We had an employee take on a new position, so we have a new FT position available!!! Please see the details below:

Whitehall Boca is a skilled nursing and rehab facility located in beautiful Boca Raton, FL. We offer both short-term rehab and long-term nursing care in a setting where residents can count on the skilled care they require - and the compassion they deserve.

We are currently seeking a full-time Recreational Therapist/RT eligible to join our outstanding team of professionals.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
*Assessing residents' social and leisure skills.
*Monitoring resident progress.
*Assisting in transporting residents.
*Completing state and federally mandated documentation.

People who work at Whitehall enjoy a wide range of comprehensive benefits, including:
•Medical and Dental plans
•Supplemental insurance benefits: accident insurance, short-term disability insurance, hospital insurance and life insurance
•401(k)Plan
•Tuition Reimbursement Program
•Paid Time Off
•Credit Union
*Paid Holidays (6)

Requirements
*Understanding of TR practice
* Ability to work as a team
*Be flexible (some holiday work is required)
*Previous nursing home experience a plus.
*Must be energetic and outgoing.
*Must be computer literate.
*Excellent customer service skills a must.
*Strong communication skills - both oral and written.

If this sounds like the kind of setting in which you would like to work, then we hope you’ll apply.
Email your resume to careers@whitehallboca.com.

Thanks Sagamore Publishing

Sagamore Publishing provided several books as door prizes for the Eastern Kentucky University Workshop where I spoke last Thursday. Among them were copies of my newest book Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recreational Therapy Students and Practitioners, as well as my Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques. Thanks Sagamore for supporting the EKU Workshop.

RT Opening in PA

From Duain Cook, CTRS, via ATRAnet:

Greetings everyone! Just in case anyone is interested, here is a job posting and website for positions available at KidsPeace in Pennsylvania. We are currently looking for 1 Rec Therapist for our Hospital, 1 Rec Therapist for residential and 1 Expressive Therapist (Music Therapy, Art Therapy, etc) for residential. if you have any comments please hit me up via private email! Enjoy :-)

Job Description
Recreation & Expressive Therapists - Orefield, PA
Childcare

KidsPeace National Treatment Centers, in Orefield, PA seeks FT Recreation Therapists to work with emotionally and behaviorally challenged adolescents in a residential setting. Recreation Therapist responsibilities include organizing and implementing a weekly recreation program, making assessments, developing treatment plans, leading therapeutic recreation groups and completing documentation to meet JCAHO standards. Candidate must possess strong organizational skills, a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and be CTRS certified/eligible.

Requirements
Candidate's must possess strong organizational skills, a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and be CTRS certified/eligible. Expressive Therapist responsibilities include providing psychotherapeutic group experiences utilizing one or more creative arts therapy modalities, documenting progress of treatment, and participation as a member of the treatment team. Masters degree in a Creative Arts discipline and/or board certification required. Experience working with children or adolescents required. The candidate must pass a Criminal Record History Clearance and a Child Abuse History Clearance which are processed by KidsPeace. Local travel requires a valid driver's license & reliable transportation. The candidate must pass a Physical & Drug Screening & possess the ability to attend and successfully complete all KidsPeace sponsored trainings. The candidate must pass a Criminal Record History Clearance and a Child Abuse History Clearance which are processed by KidsPeace as well as possess a valid Driver's License. The candidate must pass a Physical & Drug Screening & possess the ability to attend and successfully complete all KidsPeace sponsored trainings.

here is the website in case you would like to apply and/or see the description. http://www.kidspeace.org/careers/default_new.asp

Duain Cook, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
KidsPeace
Orefield, PA
(610)799-7490

April is Autism Awareness Month

Congratulations Prof. Michelle Gerken & Brittany

Yesterday I spoke at the Eastern Kentucky University CTRS Workshop which was held in Richmond on the EKU campus. The Workshop was the brainchild of EKU Professor Michelle Gerken, who did a magnificant job of organizing and conducting the event. We need more faculty like Michelle who will take time away from their normal university duties to bring continuing education opportunities to practitioners.

I also need to applaud the efforts of Brittany Toombs, Michelle's graduate assistant. Brittany assisted Michelle in organizing and conducting the workshop and did a splendid job. She also displayed a winning personality, which will take her a long way once she leaves EKU to become an M.S., CTRS.

I should also mention that those attending (from all over Kentucky and several from Ohio) were enthusiastic learners. It was good to see such positive attitudes displayed by RTs -- although it didn't surprise me as over the years I've found that RTs are largely positive, optomistic individuals.

In short, the EKU Workshop was well organized and well conducted. I was glad to be a part of it.

Great Day at EKU

I just returned from Richmond, Kentucky, where I spoke at the RT Workshop sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University. I really enjoyed the experience and will plan to post more on it in the next day or two -- just too tired now following the 4 hour drive home.

Call for Presenters -- ATRA Poster Session

From Sandra Klitzing comes this announcement:
NEW!!! CALL FOR PRESENTERS - ATRA PRACTICE POSTER SESSION
2012 ATRA Annual Conference, October 12-15, 2012, Phoenix, Arizona

ATRA invites therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy professionals, educators, and students to submit abstracts for the 2012 ATRA Practice Poster Session. This is the first time a practice poster session will be held at the ATRA Annual Conference. The primary purpose for practice poster presentations is to showcase intervention programs that produce outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity to share recent successes and challenges with fellow professionals.

Session Format: Presenters create a poster that will be fastened to a freestanding display panel. Suggested size for posters is up to 36 by 60 inches. Design, coloration, etc., is up to the author, but the poster should look professional and be easy to read from four feet away. Further details will be communicated directly to poster presenters.

During the poster session, attendees will circulate among the displays, talking informally with presenters. The poster session is two hours long.

Benefits of Participation: Earn contact hours toward NCTRC recertification...network...initiate collaboration efforts...provide service to the profession...receive feedback for professional development...help promote the benefits of therapeutic recreation / recreational therapy among a diverse audience of ATRA delegates!

Proposal Format: Send your proposal to the ATRA National Office at: conferences@atra-online.com. Please send a duplicate of your proposal to the Practice Poster Session chair: slklitz@ilstu.edu.

All abstracts must include:
↘ Poster Title (10 word limit)
↘ Program overview (300 word limit; brief synopsis of the program including the setting and population served)
↘ Goals (minimum of three)
↘ Assessment tools/techniques (100 word limit)
↘ Staffing (50 word limit)
↘ Operational aspects (200 word limit; describe how the program is planned for and implemented)
↘ Evaluation (150 word limit; how the program is evaluated; outcomes)
↘ Suggestions for replication (100 word limit)
↘ Presenter(s) and contact information (Name as you want it printed in the final program, agency/facility/institution, address, phone, fax, and email. Note: The first presenter listed will be considered the primary contact person.)

Proposal Deadline: July 2, 2012

For questions or clarifications please contact the ATRA Practice Poster Session Chair:
Sandra Klitzing, Illinois State University, 309-438-8396, slklitz@ilstu.edu

Speaking at EKU Workshop Thursday

I'm looking forward to giving the keynote address at the Eastern Kentucky University Workshop on Thursday of this week. One thing I'll suggest is that, by 2025, the entry-level degree for RT be the M.S. degree. Do you agree?

NART Postpones Think-Tank

The National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) has decided to postpone its think-tank scheduled for May in Omaha. NART will announce a new meeting date and location as soon as plans are firm.

Lessons Learned sold at Online Prices

I just went to the Sagamore Publishing website where I learned that my most recent book, Lessons Learned: An Open Letter to Recreational Therapy Students and Practitioners can be purchased at reduced online prices.

The paperback copy of Lessons Learned sells for only $17.96 (rather than the usual $19.95) and an ebook version of Lessons Learned is only $13.00 from the Sagamore Publishing website.

What deals!