Discusses the implications of the rapid, dramatic changes taking place in therapeutic recreation for individuals with physical disabilities. The article notes the impact of changes in managed care, examines programming trends in therapeutic recreation (adventure/outdoor education, competitive sports, handcycling, health enhancement activities, and…

Reviews recent research on outdoor adventure (risk) recreation which exposes participants to real or perceived danger. The research examines several professional issues (leadership certification, leadership style, program outcomes, and retention and turnover of program staff), and discusses social, individual, and therapeutic benefits. (SM)

Therapeutic recreation faces changes that impact educational preparation and professional practice. This article examines the changes, suggesting the need to rethink how the field operates in order to secure its future. The recent reorganization of Temple University's therapeutic recreation curriculum is presented as one example of a proactive…

This paper examines the basic rationale for the necessity of multicultural sensitivity in therapeutic recreation practice, noting ways to exercise an innovative mindset (make a commitment to consciousness, use culturally consistent language, embrace a flexible interpersonal style, be aware of interdependent orientations, and promote multicultural…

Therapeutic recreation professionals often use aquatic therapy to improve physiological and psychological functioning, and they have reported improvements for people with many different types of disabilities. The paper discusses aquatic therapy methods, water as a therapeutic environment, professional training and development, and lifestyle…

Therapeutic recreation is important in treating substance abuse problems. It addresses attitudes and behaviors leading to substance abuse (inability to experience pleasure or control). It encourages participation in activities that help abusers cope and obtain enjoyable states, reducing reliance on drugs. The article discusses the theory of flow…

The Promoting Accessible Recreation through Networking, Education, Resources and Services (PARTNERS) Project, a partnership between Northeast Passage, the University of New Hampshire, and Granite State Independent Living Foundation, helps create barrier-free recreation for individuals with physical disabilities. The paper describes PARTNERS and…

Describes Detroit's Youth Restitution Program which combats juvenile delinquency using self-esteem-building leisure programs. Developed through county juvenile court community service programs, it places youth in recreation centers where restitution workers assist them with tasks like supervising children's activities and beautifying the center.…

Presents a list, by state, of all institutions that offer baccalaureate programs accredited by the NRPA/AALR Council on Accreditation. The list includes school, accreditation, options, location, and contact person. A total of 37 states and the District of Columbia are listed. (SM)

Most research on the effectiveness of therapeutic recreation in substance abuse treatment is either theory-based and programmatic or descriptive. This paper examines the research, noting multicultural and interdisciplinary issues. The few existing studies present generally positive results, though not always due solely to the therapeutic…

Examines the importance of leisure education to help older adults gain a leisurely lifestyle to enhance their quality of life. Leisure education helps them redefine recreation, enhance self-esteem, and increase health-promoting attitudes. It involves leisure awareness, social interaction skills development, increasing skills in leisure activities,…

Reviews elements that impact the delivery of therapeutic recreation services, emphasizing elements that are external to the discipline and influence practice and elements that are internal to the discipline and must be addressed if therapeutic recreation is to continue its evolution as a competitive health and human service discipline.…

North Dakota's Rural Recreation Integration Project disseminates innovative training and technical assistance from therapeutic recreation specialists to recreation and human service providers. The information helps facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities into recreation/leisure activities. To make the training accessible, they use the…

The study of recreation in correctional settings has received little attention, and the majority of available research focuses on incarcerated youth. The article examines research on recreation in youth and adult correctional settings and explains the implications for correctional recreation professionals. (SM)