Explored the status of ethics education within therapeutic recreation. Researchers surveyed all entry-level undergraduate and graduate therapeutic recreation training programs in one state, examining responses for differences in content and delivery. Programs appeared consistent with regard to ethics instruction, integrating similar content…

Although animals have been historically associated with promoting physical and mental health benefits for humans, only recently has there been support for such claims in the literature. This article is a preliminary attempt to bring together scientific studies and anecdotal reports that provide evidence of the benefits of using animals in…

Presents a sense-making process in defining health, particularly as related to people with chronic illness and disabilities, reviewing existing concepts of health, examining how people make sense of their disability and illness from an existential perspective, offering two concepts (life story and sense of coherence) relevant to this existential…

Suggests that is it important for therapeutic recreation organizations, training institutions, and certifying bodies to require cross-ethnic understanding in their curriculums and professional organizations, describing system directed service delivery and presenting several approaches, which include the bridging approach, multicultural agency…

A parent describes her son's participation in Challenger Little League, a special division which allows children with disabilities to play competitive baseball. The division now has 560 leagues with an estimated 20,000 participants. (DB)

Decsribes the use of a dog in individual and group therapy with youth and adults. The presence of, and interaction with, the dog stimulated patients, facilitated discussions around pet memories and experiences, elevated patients a bit from their status as chronic dependents, and allowed children to engage in normal cooperative experiences. (SAS)

Introduces a special issue on youth, discussing current youth-focused therapeutic recreation research and practice, comparing this issue with another theme journal on youth (emphasizing the roles of professional preparation and professional organizations), examining the role of therapeutic recreation and adventure therapy, and noting theoretical…

The article describes an early intervention approach to aquatics for preschool children with autism. The Aquatic Nursery program successfully taught both the children and their parents to become involved in swimming. Specific programming details are provided in relation to people with autism, and particular attention is paid to aquatic skill…

Recently, the lack of physical activity and increasing rates of childhood obesity have received a great deal of attention in the United States. One way to combat inactivity in children is to utilize physical education programs as a means to promote active lifestyles. There is not, however, a consensus concerning how physical education programs can…

This paper defines the field of adventure therapy and relates it to other types of adventure activities. Outdoor adventure may have recreational, educational, or enrichment goals that focus on having fun, increasing participant knowledge, or building skills such as communication in a target group. Adventure therapy, on the other hand, has the…

The paper examines the role of therapeutic recreation with disabled children. The underlying philosophy of the field is interpreted and its development from beginnings in World War II is reviewed. Three specific levels of services within a comprehensive model are delineated: therapy (to improve functional behavior through assessment, planning,…

The use of adventure programming with families has increased tremendously during the past 10 years. Like traditional adventure activities, adventure interventions with families have been well received for their capacity to fully engage participants in dynamic interactions that create therapeutic movement. These activities are especially powerful…

A distinct characteristic of the technology age is that people have more leisure time while the ways of recreation are getting more material and unified. Each step-up of technology has been fully used to produce more sensory attractive and lower unit-cost recreation products. In contrast, art recreation always means being highly devoted, creative,…

Discusses culturally biased assumptions in human services, reviewing three newer therapeutic recreation (TR) models (self- Determination and Enjoyment Enhancement, Aristotelian Good Life, and Optimizing Lifelong Health Through TR) and providing multicultural critiques of each model. Suggestions for the future include: conduct cross-cultural…

The resource section provides a directory of 46 national recreation organizations which serve the disabled. Listings include organization name, address, a phone number, and a brief description of services. (DB)