AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP OF
NORTHERN VIRGINIA NEWSLETTER
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Monthly Meetings: |
First Tuesday of every month, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Telestar Court Building, Gemini Room, 2990 Telestar Court, Falls Church, Virginia |
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Contacts: |
Daphne
Burroughs, 703-369-2615 Joce Graham, 703-256-0245, jocegraham@cox.net |
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Web Page: |
www.inova.org/rehabilitation/amputee_support.htm |
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Mailing Address: |
c/o
Beth Harris, 6316 Sumerduck Rd., Remington, VA 22734-2308 |
Support Group Meeting
The Amputee
Support Group of Northern Virginia (ASGNVA) met at its regularly
scheduled meeting on July 5, 2005, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., at the
Telestar Court Building in Falls Church, Virginia. Patti Skinner led the meeting in the absence of Beth Harris who couldn’t attend the meeting due to some medical problems. Charlie Crone attended the meeting; he said that the soccer season is over and he should be attending more meetings now. We had two new members so it was beneficial to have a prosthetist in attendance.
One of the new members is a below-knee amputee and is in great need of your assistance. He's
waiting for his green card (from Libya originally), and therefore, does
not qualify for Medicaid (they say he has to work 10 years before he
will qualify). He has been working with Charlie but cannot get a prosthesis. He
doesn't have a job and, since he used to work part time with the Voice
of America, he doesn't qualify for COBRA so he has no insurance. He
has an official piece of paper stating that Immigration has received
his green card paperwork, but that it will take 30 days to process it. Also, he's in need of some durable medical equipment - a walker and some grab bars in his house. He’s ready to get into a prosthesis, but everyone is turning him down due to lack of funds. Do any of you have any ideas for him?
The
other new member is an above-knee amputee and spent most of the evening
showing us his suction socket; this helped our new below-knee amputee
to understand the world of AKs. It also helped Charlie explain some of the next steps that our BK will go through: shrinker socks and sockets, etc. The
AK amputee also shared his “first aid” kit that he carries with him to
assist him getting in and out of his socket (extra towel, band aids,
petroleum jelly, corn starch, toothbrush, etc.).
News and
Announcements
ASGNVA Funds and Donations –
There have been no donations to ASGNVA Fund 352 at the INOVA Health System
Foundation. This fund is where ASGNVA gets the finances to publish and
distribute our newsletter and our New Amputee Information Packets. ASGNVA has approximately four (4) months
of operating expenses remaining (these expenses are only used for duplicating
and mailing Newsletters and New Amputee Information Packets).
ASGNVA does not charge any dues, so please make
a donation today.
To obtain a donation form, call 703-289-2072.
To donate by check or money order:
Payable to Inova Foundation Fund 352,
Inova Health System Foundation, 8110
Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042.
To donate by credit card:
https://connect.inova.com/j/inovanet.srt/forms/donation/donatenow.htm.
Remember to indicate Inova Foundation Fund
352.
ASGNVA Newsletter Database Update – Remember to update your personal information
with the Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia as soon as
possible. Contact Beth Harris, 6316 Sumerduck Rd, Remington, VA
22734-2308, 540-439-3656, betheharris@earthlink.net or asgnva@earthlink.net. ASGNVA does NOT share your personal information AT ALL without your explicit
permission and only the Database Administrator has access to all of
your information. Failure to update your personal information may
result in being dropped from the newsletter distribution list. Here’s
the information requested:
- Name and Street Address, City, State, Zip.
-
Phone (home, work, fax, cell, whatever you have). -
E-mail address (if applicable).
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If you have a spouse or “significant other”, their name. -
Additionally, to help target subject matter and for statistical purposes, please include the following:-
Your birth date. -
Your association to ASGNVA (amputee, family member, friend, or type of professional). -
If you are an amputee:
The year(s) of your amputation.The cause of your amputation.If you use a prosthesis or not.If you use a prosthesis, who your prosthetist is.
To date I have only received four (4) updates. Even if you think ASGNVA has your information, please provide the information requested anyway. That way everyone’s information can be verified to ensure that it’s accurate. Thank you for your cooperation.
Services and Products
Fairfax
County Park Authority Accessibility Guide - From the fitness room at Audrey Moore RECenter to the
off-shore fishing stations at Burke Lake, from 200-year-old Sully to the
wetlands boardwalk at Huntley Meadows, the Park Authority offers parks and
facilities that are accessible to all of Fairfax County's citizens. For
specific accessibility information or to obtain a copy of the Accessibility
Guide, please call 703-324-8563, or download a .pdf version of the Accessibility
Guide (56 KB).
Wired on Wheels (WOW!) - WOW! is a
not-for-profit Internet organization dedicated to accessibility. Their mission
is to empower people with disabilities so we can all make better decisions about
the places we visit. Restaurants are their first priority. Whether you're a
person with a disability or just someone who cares, they ask you to participate
as they rate America for accessibility. WOW! provides an open forum where you
can read restaurant accessibility reviews and contribute reviews of your own.
To participate, visit WOW! online at www.wiredonwheels.com.
ASGNVA Web Pages – INOVA Fairfax Hospital’s official
ASGNVA web page:
www.inova.org/inovapublic.srt/rehabilitation/amputee_support.htm.
The ASGNVA UNOFFICIAL WEB PAGE:
home.earthlink.net/~asgnva/ASGNVA.html.
Newsletters and other information will
continue to be added to the unofficial web page, as applicable. Let Beth Harris
know at 540-439-3656 if you want anything added to the page, find something
missing or wrong, etc.
I’ve
had a request for comments on handling phantom pain. Any ideas?
ASGNVA Lending Library – Come to a meeting and borrow a book
or see what new handouts are available. If you would like to borrow materials
from ASGNVA’s Lending Library, please contact Jason Bulger at 301-680-2159 or
Beth Harris at 540-439-3656 or e-mail asgnva@earthlink.net.
Member Updates
Doug Sloan – I e-mailed Kayla to find out how Doug was doing and she
replied with the following:
Doug is doing well. He had surgery Wednesday. Dr. Attinger did the surgery and we love him and his team. They are awesome. Doug had a lot more nerve damage than Dr. Attinger thought originally - he said he does not know how Doug was even walking. His main nerve was completely attached to the bone just below the knee (the small bone). They removed it from the bone and planted it in the muscle to hopefully give him some pain relief. He will be down for about 2 weeks. He has major cabin fever; he wants to be out painting something.
Jenny
Southerly – I received a
cheerful letter from Jenny with her updated information for the database. She moved to another part of Virginia
because she was unable to be the primary caregiver for her mother due to her
own medical needs. She sends a “Hi!” to
everyone.
Scheduled Events
ASGNVA Monthly Meeting – The next monthly meeting is August
2. We will be having a “Show and Tell”
demonstration from Area Access. This is
always fun and informative so please plan to attend the meeting. You will learn about assistive technology
that is available for you or someone you might know.
Do you have a subject or topic you would like to see covered? If so, please contact Beth Harris at 540-439-3656 ASAP. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Also,
a Meeting Facilitator is needed for the August meeting. You need to hold the meeting and then send
ASGNVA a meeting report for the newsletter.
Any volunteers?
ACA Annual Educational
Conference & Exposition – Make your reservations for the ACA 2005 Annual Educational Conference
& Exposition, August 11-13, in Dallas, TX. Changing
Direction: Leading the Way to Better Care
is the theme of the conference. Issues covered in sessions, events and social
activities are related to amputation, pain control, technology, fitness, gait
training, and advocacy and will be held at the Fairmont Hotel. The ACA room
rate is $100/night + taxes. To make a reservation, call the Fairmont toll-free
at 800/441-1414.
Calendar of Events
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1-31 |
UV Safety Month.
Materials available. |
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1 |
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO DR. MISSY WOLFF-BURKE AND AYALEW ASSAYE! |
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3 |
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5 |
Amputee Support Group of
Northern Virginia (ASGNVA)
– First Tuesday of the month, 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2990 Telestar Court Building,
Gemini Room, Falls Church, VA. Contact Beth Harris, 540-439-3656,
betheharris@earthlink.net or asgnva@earthlink.net. HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO REFUGIO VILLANUEVE AND ROBERTA WOODEN! |
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7 |
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10-16 |
National
Therapeutic Recreation Week. National Therapeutic Recreation
Society, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148-4501. Internet: http://www.nrpa.org. |
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10 |
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO BETTY ROBERTS! |
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11 |
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12 |
Fredericsksburg
Area Amputee Support Team (FAAST) – Second Tuesday of the month, 7:00-9:00 p.m., The
disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress Street, Fredericksburg, VA.
Contact Greg Wright, 540-899-2655 or 800-333-4102. |
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19 |
Washington
Amputee Association (WAA) – Third Tuesday of
the month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving
Street, NW, Washington, DC, Ground Floor Dining Room (rear section, near the
windows and behind the partition). Contact Roy Dwyer, 301-897-2816. HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO FRANK RACKLEY AND KEITH BRIDGETT! |
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20 |
Kernan
Hospital Amputee Support Group – Third Wednesday of the month, 6:00-8:00 p.m., SCI Gym
Room G604, Kernan Hospital, 2200 Kernan Dr., Gwynn Oak, MD. Contact
Mark Senker at 410-581-7027. |
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22 |
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24 |
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO PAT BAKER! |
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28 |
Ability With
Mobility – Last Thursday of
the month, 6:00-8:00 p.m., 2nd floor, Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of
Maryland, 9909 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD. Contact Sandy
Shehadeh, 240-864-6200. |
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29 |
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1-31 |
National Pain
Awareness Month. Materials available from the National Pain Foundation, 3511 South Clarkson Street, Englewood, CO 80113, (303) 783-8899,
e-mail aardrup@nationalpainfoundation.org, web
page www.painconnection.org/NationalPainAwareness/default.asp. Contact: Mary Pat Aardrup |
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1 |
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2 |
Amputee Support Group of
Northern Virginia (ASGNVA)
– First Tuesday of the month, 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2990 Telestar Court Building,
Gemini Room, Falls Church, VA. Contact Beth Harris, 540-439-3656,
betheharris@earthlink.net or asgnva@earthlink.net.
Featured demonstration of Assistive
Technology by Area Access. |
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6 |
Happy Birthday to Andy Ryder |
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7 |
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9 |
Fredericsksburg
Area Amputee Support Team (FAAST) – Second Tuesday of the month, 7:00-9:00 p.m., The
disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress Street, Fredericksburg, VA.
Contact Greg Wright, 540-899-2655 or 800-333-4102. |
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11 |
Happy Birthday to Barbara Johnson |
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15 |
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16 |
Washington
Amputee Association (WAA) – Third Tuesday of
the month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving
Street, NW, Washington, DC, Ground Floor Dining Room (rear section, near the
windows and behind the partition). Contact Roy Dwyer, 301-897-2816. |
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17 |
Kernan
Hospital Amputee Support Group – Third Wednesday of the month, 6:00-8:00 p.m., SCI Gym
Room G604, Kernan Hospital, 2200 Kernan Dr., Gwynn Oak, MD. Contact
Mark Senker at 410-581-7027. |
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18 |
Happy Birthday to Joann Levin |
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20 |
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25 |
Ability With
Mobility – Last Thursday of
the month, 6:00-8:00 p.m., 2nd floor, Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of
Maryland, 9909 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD. Contact Sandy
Shehadeh, 240-864-6200. |
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO BILL SHAFFER!
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO STEPHEN McCARTHY!
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO DEBBIE PEARCE AND HELEN WEINBERGER! 
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY TO IRVIN AXELROD!
Happy
Birthday to Ernesto Gomez
AMPUTEE RULE #37: NO SWEATING ALLOWED
Almost all amputees suffer during the summer
months from sweating in their sockets.
After some research, I discovered that there is a condition called
Hyperhidrosis[1]. This condition is characterized by excess
sweating in the hands, feet, armpits and/or groin region.
Amputees
suffer from this condition mainly in the hot summer months when sweat accumulates
in their prosthesis. This is not dangerous to your health,
but can create an environment for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria
and fungus or contact dermatitis, all of which can, in turn, produce
infections.
If you
have excessive sweating on your feet, specialty socks with fibers designed to
keep perspiration away from the foot, to guard against these types of ailments,
are available. This is not true for
stump socks. We can learn, however,
from information obtained about hyperhidrosis.
Relief
and Prevention Of Problems Associated With Excessive Sweat In Your Prosthetic
Socket:
- Keep
your stump clean and dry.
- Shower
regularly with anti-bacterial soap.
- Use
powders and sprays specifically designed to keep you dry. See below for products
available.
- Use
anti-perspirants regularly.
- Change
your socks often.
- Wear
socks that specifically provide cool comfort (cotton vs. wool, for
example).
Recently, doctors have started using
Botox to curb hyperhidrosis symptoms. According to WebMD.com, some people have
found that one Botox treatment can provide up to a year’s relief from excessive
sweating.
Local prosthetists and doctors have
suggested the following products:
Ultra
pure Ampu-tect Skin Care Oil was developed for patients who wear
prosthetic devices to improve skin conditions and reduce unwanted bacterial
growth, in the most difficult and under the most sensitive conditions. Specific
criteria for development were high purity, rapid absorption and the ability to
inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Amputees in
Europe tested ultra pure Ampu-tect Skin Care Oil for an 18-month duration. The long-term
effect was evaluated with over 90% of the clients finding improvement in skin
condition reducing redness, soreness, and roughness. The positive results were
seen as early as the first month of testing.
Ampu-tect
Skin Care Oil contains the highest quality raw materials. With the added anti-microbial
ingredient, ultra pure Ampu-tect Skin Care Oil inhibits bacterial growth on skin
and any odor formation resulting in a well-tolerated improvement in skin
elasticity and overall improvement in skin hydration.
Ampu-tect
Skin Care Oil can be used with all liner types, but is most beneficial with a
silicone liner.
SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus
First Aid Antiseptic with
antimicrobial action. SyDERMA®
is formulated as a topical skin lotion to protect injured or exposed skin from
harmful or annoying irritants and to help prevent bacterial contamination of
treated skin. It complies with the Food and Drug Administration's monographs
for skin protectants and first aid antiseptic drug products for over the
counter human use. SyDERMA® has
been assigned a National Drug Code number by the Food and Drug Administration.
When
used properly, SyDERMA® will
help prevent skin irritation and will temporarily provide protection for
previously compromised skin. It addition, its first aid antiseptic properties
help prevent skin infection and bacterial contamination. SyDERMA® is used to protect skin from
abuse by irritating solutions and to prevent bacterial contamination in those
environmental situations where extra protection of this nature is desirable.
It
does not block skin pores, therefore allowing the skin to breathe and perspire
normally. It does not compromise the normal sensation of touch nor interfere
with the natural dexterity of the skin.
An
application of approximately 1 cc is usually sufficient to treat an area the
size of an average sized pair of hands. Upon application it should be allowed
to dry thoroughly for a period of 1 to 3 minutes. Once dry it resists removal
by repeated washing or scrubbing. The diminution of SyDERMA® on the skin surface occurs gradually over a period of
several hours as the epithelium layer of skin is sloughed off. It should be
applied as needed to replenish protection up to three times daily. SyDERMA® is effective as both a
bacteria growth inhibitor and a skin protectant for up to 6 hours following
application.
SyDERMA® provides
effective protection for up to 6 hours from potential irritants such as
concentrated Hydrochloric Acid causing harm to the skin. In vitro tests have
shown that SyDERMA® protects
against solutions such as water, blood, saliva, urine, hydrogen peroxide,
alcohol and detergent for an extended period of time. SyDERMA® provides an effective zone of inhibition on treated skin
for up to 6 hours against the growth of bacteria most commonly found on human
skin. As a bactericide it kills 99.9% of common strands of bacteria within 30
seconds of contact. Active Ingredients:
Triclosan, 0.3%; Dimethicone, 3.0%.
Harris Poll Results
- According to the National Organization on Disability/Harris survey 31
percent of people with disabilities report inadequate transportation is
a dilemma affecting their quality of life. 
Diversityinc.Com Releases Top 10 Companies For
People With Disabilities
DiversityInc
Media, a company dedicated to providing education and clarity on the business
benefits of diversity, recently released its annual Top 50 Companies for
Diversity List, which highlights those companies that work to diversify their
workforce and consumer base. This year, for the first time, they have added a
new specialty list, which highlights companies that hire, promote, market to
and do business with people with disabilities.
Following
are the top ten companies that, according to Diversity Inc. are leaders when it
comes to actively pursuing, serving and employing the disability community.
1. Merrill Lynch
& Co., New York, NY - Merrill Lynch
found its place at number 1 thanks to their dedication to serving people with
disabilities and their family members. Via their Disability Awareness
Professional Network and special-needs financial-services, they assist families
plan for the long-term financial future of their family members with
disabilities.
2. Procter &
Gamble, Cincinnati, OH - Proctor and
Gamble is on the list largely due to their People With Disabilities Task Force,
whose mission is "to enable hiring, on-boarding, retention, advancement
and contributions to people with disabilities."
3. Hewlett-Packard,
Palo Alto, CA - Hewlett Packard has
earned its place in the top 10 thanks to their employee-resource group for
workers with disabilities and their Accessibility Program Office, which works
to improve accessibility to technology and information. Beyond that, the
company also offers a variety of resources for people with disabilities on
their website.
4. JPMorgan
Chase, New York, NY - This financial-services
company has workplace initiatives that specifically target people with
disabilities as potential employees. In addition to making this list, they were
also named a "top company for people with disabilities" by Enable
magazine.
5. Verizon Communications,
New York, NY - A long-time Top 50
winner, Verizon has a Disabilities Issues Awareness Leaders (DIAL)
employee-resource group. They also specifically include companies owned by
people with disabilities in their supplier diversity efforts.
6. SSM Health
Care, St. Louis, MO - This
health-care company actively recruits people with disabilities and supply
companies owned by people with disabilities.
7. General
Motors, Detroit, MI - General
Motors, via their GM Mobility program, has recognized the importance of people
with disabilities as a consumer group.
8. Sodexho
U.S.A., Gaithersburg, MD - This
hospitality-services company makes a strong effort to utilize disability-owned
supply companies and also actively seeks partnerships with disability organizations.
9. Merck &
Co., Whitehouse Station, NJ - Merck is a
national leader in recruiting and promoting the abilities of people with
disabilities.
10. Prudential
Financial, Newark, NJ - Prudential
works to recruit people with disabilities via their Abled and Disabled
Associates Partnering Together (ADAPT) employee-resource group. It also offers
specialized services and long-term financial-planning products for people with
disabilities.
Medicare Policy Needs A Second 
Millions of Americans who are elderly and/or
have disabilities depend on Medicare coverage to pay for essential medical
supplies and equipment, including mobility devices such as wheelchairs and
scooters. You would think that Medicare would cover such equipment with no
hesitation. This is not the case. Medicare will only cover the cost of a
mobility device if you are "bed or chair confined" and need a
wheelchair for use only "in-your-home." If you want to leave your
home to go to your pharmacy, grocery store, bank, place of worship, or even
your physician's office, you're out of luck. The rationale behind this policy
is unclear, though one thing is for certain; this outdated policy is only
fueling the perception that less-than-perfect people should not participate in
life outside their homes.
In
an effort to reverse Medicare's in-the-home policy, the United Spinal
Association, a national disability rights organization, launched a website,
Rightwheelchair.org. This website serves as a vehicle to make your story known.
It also offers an easy way to contact your Congressmen to let them know how
this policy has impacted you or someone you know. To learn more about this
campaign, visit http://rightwheelchair.org.
Celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week July 10-16, 2005
The purpose of National Therapeutic
Recreation Week is to enhance public awareness of therapeutic recreation
programs and services, and expand recreation and leisure opportunities for
individuals with disabilities. Therapeutic recreation uses treatment,
education, and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities,
and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance
their health, functional abilities, independence, and quality of life.
National
Therapeutic Recreation Week, which was established by the National Therapeutic
Recreation Society, has been celebrated during the second week of July every
year since 1984. During the nationwide celebration, agencies and individuals
host health fairs, career days, festivals, wheelchair athletic events,
workshops, receptions, information booths and open houses. Proclamations, press
releases, articles and public service announcements also help enhance awareness
during National Therapeutic Recreation Week.
The
U.S. Department of Labor defines recreational therapy as “a variety of
techniques, including the use of arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance
and movement, drama, music, and community outings, [that are used to] treat and
maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of clients.” Essentially, therapeutic recreations, or recreational
therapy, is any organized activity undertaken for the purpose of mental and/or
physical rehabilitation or benefit.
Research
has found that therapeutic recreation has positive effects on social and motor
skills, as well as intellectual abilities in people with mental illnesses or
disabilities. Those who participate in
therapeutic recreation show improvement in social interaction, play and
recreation, and vocational abilities.
For further information, contact NTRS,
22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148, Phone (703) 858-0784 * Fax (703)
858-0794 * Email: tmcadory@nrpa.org.
Recreational Therapists
Nature of the Work
Recreational
therapists, also referred to as therapeutic
recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation
activities to individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of
techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and
movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists treat and maintain
the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Therapists
help individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor
functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize
effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence, as well as reduce or
eliminate the effects of their illness or disability. In addition, therapists
help integrate people with disabilities into the community by teaching them how
to use community resources and recreational activities. Recreational therapists
should not be confused with recreation and fitness workers, who organize
recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.
In acute healthcare settings, such as
hospitals and rehabilitation centers, recreational therapists treat and
rehabilitate individuals with specific health conditions, usually in
conjunction or collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social
workers, and physical and occupational therapists. In long-term and residential
care facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities—especially
structured group programs—to improve and maintain their clients’ general health
and well-being. They also may provide interventions to prevent the client from
suffering further medical problems and complications related to illnesses and
disabilities.
Recreational therapists assess clients
on the basis of information the therapists learn from standardized assessments,
observations, medical records, the medical staff, the clients’ families, and
the clients themselves. They then develop and carry out therapeutic
interventions consistent with the clients’ needs and interests. For example,
clients who are isolated from others or who have limited social skills may be
encouraged to play games with others, and right-handed persons with right-side
paralysis may be instructed in how to adapt to using their unaffected left side
to throw a ball or swing a racket. Recreational therapists may instruct
patients in relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension, stretching and
limbering exercises, proper body mechanics for participation in recreation
activities, pacing and energy conservation techniques, and individual as well
as team activities. In addition, therapists observe and document a patient’s
participation, reactions, and progress.
Community-based recreational therapists
may work in park and recreation departments, special-education programs for
school districts, or programs for older adults and people with disabilities.
Included in the last group are programs and facilities such as assisted-living,
adult daycare, and substance abuse rehabilitation centers. In these programs,
therapists use interventions to develop specific skills, while providing
opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, creativity, and fun. Although
most therapists are employed in other areas, those who work in schools help
counselors, teachers, and parents address the special needs of students,
including easing disabled students’ transition into adult life.
Training,
Other Qualifications, and Advancement
A
bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, or in recreation with a
concentration in therapeutic recreation, is the usual requirement for
entry-level positions. Persons may qualify for paraprofessional positions with
an associate degree in therapeutic recreation or a healthcare-related field. An
associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music
therapy; or qualifying work experience may be sufficient for activity director
positions in nursing homes.
Approximately 140 programs prepare
students to become recreational therapists. Most offer bachelor’s degrees,
although some also offer associate, masters, or doctoral degrees. Programs
include courses in assessment, treatment and program planning, intervention
design, and evaluation. Students also study human anatomy, physiology, abnormal
psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses
and disabilities, professional ethics, and the use of assistive devices and
technology.
Most employers prefer to hire
candidates who are certified therapeutic recreation specialists. The National
Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is the certificatory agency.
To become certified, specialists must have a bachelor’s degree, pass a written
certification examination, and complete an internship of at least 480 hours.
Additional requirements apply in order to maintain certification and to re-certify.
Recreational therapists should be
comfortable working with persons who are ill or who have disabilities.
Therapists must be patient, tactful, and persuasive when working with people
who have a variety of special needs. Ingenuity, a sense of humor, and
imagination are needed to adapt activities to individual needs, and good
physical coordination is necessary to demonstrate or participate in
recreational activities.
Therapists
may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. Some teach, conduct
research, or consult for health or social services agencies.
Sources of Additional
Information
- National Therapeutic Recreation
Society, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148-4501. Internet: http://www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentid=530
- National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, 7 Elmwood Dr., New City, NY 10956. Internet: http://www.nctrc.org.
