Jocelyn King; Michele Ward; Patricia Bartley-Walker; Aliaunda Laniya; Sherry Freels; Jolene Schweers; Desiree Cronkhite; Jennifer Laury; Andrew Weiss; Annette Gailey; Genne Atwater; Qiana Joyner-Mason; Stacy Cathrall; Amber Hauer; Haley Smith.

Brilliance Amongst Us

Submitted by Andrea Newbury

Hypothesis: People who gravitate to this industry and do well in the area of Therapeutic Recreation share acute personality traits and abilities. Not only do they possess a high level of self awareness, but they exhibit a keen understanding concerning the abilities and limitations of others. They possess a large mental and physical tool box of adaptable behaviors to accommodate whatever the environment dictates necessary. The ability to show compassion, empathy, support, and leadership at the drop of a hat appear to be common traits amongst the people I was able to observe at the recent PTRS seminars.

Twenty-five people were signed up for "Art is Contagious." Thirty-three people filed into the room. I should have known there was something different about the dynamics of this group when folks were staking out their territory in the front row. Usually you have more trouble moving people from the back of the room into the front seats. Thinking I could utilize peer tutoring, since there were so many people, I asked how many considered themselves familiar with art tools such as paint, brushes, etc. Only three hands went up. I then asked how many folks signed up for this seminar because it was outside of their comfort zone and they were looking for a challenge. The remaining thirty hands went up. Much to my delight, this group dove into each project with no preconception of self-doubt and completed all four projects that exceeded my expectations. The display of kindness and understanding amongst the attendees concerning shared space and supplies caught my attention in a way that I have not seen in other industries. They encouraged and complimented each other along the way until the class came to an end and everyone had produced amazing pieces. They thanked me and each other and continued on their way.

Later that evening I was in a role of support helping my Director and Assistant Director run a team building workshop called, "A Minute To Win It." The seventy people were broken up into ten groups of seven each. The tasks varied and became increasingly difficult as the class proceeded. The teams were given the objective of each task and the basic rules. The individual cells then had to quickly decide the arrangement of their team members into positions of talent in order to complete the tasks. The objective was to do it better than any other group in the allotted time.

I witnessed brilliance in how these groups were able to figure out who would lead, who would follow, and who would be in the role of support. With each new task the ability to reorder team members came without hesitation and an unusual amount of cooperation. No egos were too big and no one member shouldered the full burden of success or defeat. If one member found a quicker more efficient way to accomplish something while immersed in the task, they were able to communicate it and spread that communication rapidly amongst their members. The outpouring of encouragement amongst the team members, the understanding of the shared goal, and the accurate reading of the strengths of each person while under such competitive circumstances was an affirmation of my hypothesis. My faith in humanity was enhanced. 

The Infinite Possibilities That Recreation Therapy Can Reach

Every summer hundreds head to the beach. For most of us this is usually a relatively easy task, but what if you have had a spinal cord injury, or perhaps an amputation? Recreation Therapy services are delivered in a variety of settings depending on the needs of the consumer. Settings in which services are traditionally delivered include freestanding rehabilitation hospitals, rehabilitation units in general hospitals, long-term care, sub-acute care, skilled nursing facilities, substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare services, and residential facilities for persons with disabilities.

Recreation Therapists offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity to resume "normal" life activities and to establish or re-establish skills for successful social integration. Think about your own recreational interests or weekly routine. Can you imagine engaging in some of those same activities after sustaining a life-changing injury? What would you need in order to adapt? Recreation Therapists empower persons with disabilities to participate in activities that are meaingful to them.

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