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.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

William James

Thursday, November 29, 2012

ATRA Webinars Next Year



A tentative schedule for the 2013 ATRA Academy is now available on the ATRA website. Look for registration links in mid-December.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

RT Lecturer Postion Opening at IU

Indiana University

Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies (RPTS)

Non-Tenure Track Faculty Position
Position: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Non-tenure track, 10 month appointment)

Primary Responsibilities: Provide highest quality instruction in the undergraduate recreational therapy program. Teach courses in recreational therapy, and provide leadership in field based course components, as well as building community partnerships. Support, direct, and facilitate the recreational therapy internships and public health community engagement programs supporting the health and functioning of individuals with disabilities. Provide service to the department, institution and profession. Create and maintain direct relationships with scholarly and professional institutions and organizations. Lead recruitment activities of undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals who seek advanced education degree or certificates.

Qualifications: Advanced degree commensurate with appointment. Demonstrated record of recreational therapy practice, teaching excellence, curriculum development, and student engagement required. Professional level credential by NCTRC is required (CTRS).

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: Open until filled; review of applications beginning January 10, 2013.

Application: Send letter of application outlining your ability to meet the qualifications identified above, curriculum vita, and the names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of five references to:

Dr. Marieke Van Puymbroeck, CTRS
Associate Professor, Recreational Therapy Coordinator
Search committee chair
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies
1025 E. Seventh Street, HPER 133
Bloomington, IN 47405

Telephone (812)855-4711; Fax (812)855-3998; Email: mvp@indiana.edu

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

New Board for the Recreation Therapists of Indiana

RTI Board 2012-13:


President: Mandy McQueeney, CTRS
President Elect: Erin Clampitt, CTRS
Treasure: Laurie Lee, CTRS
Secretary: Jenny Weber, CTRS

Members-at-Large:
Annie Cornett
Michelle Davenport, MA, CTRS
Melissa Kiser, CTRS
Brittany Mendenhall, CTRS
Patricia Whitener, CTRS

Call for Presentations for ATRA Annual Due

Call for Presentations for:
2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

BUILDING BRIDGES OF POSSIBILITIES

SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 2, 2013
Sheraton Station Square Hotel
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Due March 15, 2013

Monday, November 26, 2012

disability.gov Quote of the Day

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."
Frederick Douglass

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Proposals Due for ATRA Midyear

From Audra Love Gibson:

LAST CHANCE!!!! 5 MORE DAYS!!!!

If you are planning on presenting a session at ATRA Mid-year in TN, you have until FRIDAY to submit your proposals!!!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Position Opening in Indianapolis

Active Day is a medical adult day center that is looking for a Program Manager for the Indianapolis West location.
Active Day, the largest provider of adult day services has an immediate opening for a manager of our activities program in the west part of the city. The Program Manager is responsible for planning an activities program that meets the needs and the interests of our clients The position is responsible for creating the monthly calendar of activities, implementation of the daily program, and supervision of activity staff. The PM is a part of the management team and works closely with the nurse and director to provide a meaningful day for our clients. Position is full time, Monday to Friday. We are looking for an energetic, creative person that has experience in working with seniors and/or adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Degree in recreation or related field preferred or activities director certification with experience in developing and leading activities. Contact Ryan Skinner at tskinner@activeday.com or 317-271-2939 for more information.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Disability.gov Quote of the Day

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Agatha Christie

Thursday, November 08, 2012

RT Opening in Lafayette, Indiana

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Sycamore Springs 
Details:

Location: IN - Lafayette Job Type: Health Care
Base Pay: N/A Required Education: 4 Year Degree

Bonus: Required Experience: At least 2 year(s)

Other: Required Travel: Not Specified

Employee Type: Full-Time Relocation Covered: Not Specified

Industry Healthcare - Health Services

Description:

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

The CTRS is responsible for directing and leading Activity Therapy staff and developing programming for use in the Recreation Therapy department. This position administers the treatment program to patients to achieve the greatest benefit and resolution of symptoms through established therapeutic procedures, providing a high level of quality patient care. Responsible for therapies with all patient populations ( General Psychiatric, Older Adults, Addictions)
Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university and certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation
Experience: A minimum of two (2) years experience in a Mental Health setting preferred.

Additional Requirements

Requirements: Thorough knowledge of JCAHO, OSHA regulations and state and federal regulatory standards.

•Complete all assessments within 72 hours and contribute to assessment workload balance between therapists.

•Provide therapy treatment procedures according to the treatment plans and make modifications where needed

•Understand the age differences and the corresponding developmental needs

•Approve and develop standards for Activity Therapy programming and activities

•Complete monthly PI audits for Recreation Therapy department and report data to PI committee



This is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Friday, November 02, 2012

Position Open at Temple

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Health Professions and Social Work at Temple University is seeking applicants for a full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position at the assistant or associate professor rank. This new, cutting edge Department is uniquely focused on conducting innovative research and educating students in promoting occupation, community participation, and active living of individuals with disabilities or who are at-risk for long-term disabilities. Our interdisciplinary faculty at this world-class university teach in highly esteemed programs in occupational therapy (M.O.T. and D.O.T. degrees), therapeutic recreation (B.S. and M.S. degrees), and a health ecology Ph.D. program. Also housed in the Department is a nationally-recognized research and training center focused on the community inclusion of adults with psychiatric disabilities (www.tucollaborative.org).


The ideal candidate for this position will have a doctoral degree and a well-defined program of research in the promotion of occupation, physical activity, leisure, or community participation (e.g., work, school, dating, parenting, etc.) of individuals with disabilities or who are at-risk for long-term disabilities. In addition to establishing a fundable program of research, the faculty member will advise students at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral level, and contribute to innovative curricular advances and teaching excellence that our programs are known for. Successful candidates will be occupational therapists, recreational therapists, or individuals from other relevant disciplines, including psychology, sociology, rehabilitation, social work, public health, special education, disability studies, and nursing. Rank, salary, and tenure status will be commensurate with experience and credentials.

The search committee will review applications in strict confidence beginning immediately, and will continue to do so until the position is filled. Candidates should forward the following materials electronically to mark.salzer@temple.edu: 1) A personal statement that summarizes your research background and interests and explicitly states which population they work with and the specific aspects of their work that they believe fits within the Department’s unique mission; 2) a CV; 3) teaching philosophy and interests; and 4) sample publications.

Thursday, November 01, 2012

ATRA Webinars Scheduled for 2013

I just read that ATRA has announced an extensive schedule of webinars for 2013. The first will be held on January 16 from 1:00 to 2:00 EST and will feature Professor  Deborah Hutchins from Slippery Rock. The topic will be "Designing a Practicum or Internship Handbook."