By: Megan Keating

Recreation is defined by Merriam-Webster as “refreshment of strengths and spirits”.

Therapeutic Recreation is the collaboration of treatment, leisure activities, and recreation services to enhance the quality of life of individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or social limitations. (Keating, 2011)

 Mental Health  Elderly  Youth at Risk  People recovering from severe injuries  People with Disabilities  Physical  Cognitive  Behavioral  Social

 Hospitals  Nursing Facilities  Residential Settings  Community Settings  Outpatient Facilities  Day Treatment Centers  Schools  Correctional Facilities

 Fitness  Special Olympics  Therapeutic horseback riding  Dances  Music  Aquatics  Theatre  Arts & Crafts  Community Outings  After school programs  Sensory activities  Games  Summer camps  Gardening  Sports  Special interest groups  Volunteering  Day Trips

 Increased emotional control  Improved physical condition  Improved mobility  Improved communication skills  Decreased symptoms of depression  Improved social skills  Increased leisure knowledge  Increased life satisfaction  Increased cognitive abilities  Friendship development  Reduced anxiety  Independence

 STARS Program  Through AID: Association for Individual Development and FVSRA  Became involved this past summer  Day program for adults with developmental disabilities  Members of the STARS Program are individuals who live in group homes and need a place to go during the day  Stars Program provides these individuals with the opportunity to participate in daily activities that include exercise, community outings, volunteerism, cooking, gardening, and much more.

 Prior to involvement in the STARS program, members were:  Sedentary  Lacked social interaction  Health Concerns  Poor Diet  Little to no community involvement

 Members experienced many positive changes  Many lost significant weight due to daily exercising  Became active members of the community, volunteering their time at least 3 times a week  Built friendships with others in program  Learned how to handle money and act in public settings from community outings  Improved eating habits, by participating in healthy cooking sessions each week  Improved communication skills

“Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do.” - John Wooden

 Stumbo, O. J., & Peterson, C. A. (2009). Therapeutic recreation program design, principles and procedures. (5 ed., pp ). Benjamin-Cumming.      program-slot/ program-slot/     10SpecialOlympics.html 10SpecialOlympics.html     an-option-people-with-disabilities-can-still-obtain-the-benefits-of-physical-activity/ an-option-people-with-disabilities-can-still-obtain-the-benefits-of-physical-activity/     