As the years go by I find that the world is changing and leaving me behind. I’m sure these were feelings and thoughts my parents and grandparents felt. As time goes along there appears to be less civility among us. Cursing openly on streets, in public transportation, and in public venue even amongst children seems [...]
Since we are near the time when voting on the ATRA name change will begin, I want to offer some final thoughts I have in support of the motion to change the name of the organization to the American Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA). While I very much appreciate all of the thoughtful and heartfelt comments so [...]
ATRA or ARTA? Members of ATRA is being aske to comment on a proposed name change from ATRA to ARTA with emphasis on Recreation Therapy. If you are a member of ATRA you will want to submit your comments: 1.) On the ATRA website (www.atra-online.com) home page, click the “Networking” tab. Then click Members’ Forum. [...]
Recently 23 instructional videos produced by the Recreation Therapy Video (RTV) Project directed by Professor David R. Austin, Ph.D., CTRS, of Indiana University have been posted at the Indiana University web site. Topics of the RTV videos range from an introduction to recreation therapy, provided by “To Serve a Purpose,” to developing such skills as engaging in [...]
Over the course of this past several months I have heard from about six employees that they are having a difficult time finding someone to take their recreation therapist or activity director job opening. They say that they have posted job openings at the Therapeutic Recreation Directory, Monster.com, local newspapers, etc and was not able [...]
As of late there has been an increase in the number of TR/RT groups at www.facebook.com. As of yesterday there are now nearly 40 TR/RT groups at Facebook. Facebook provides a great way to interact with fellow TRs. However, having so many TR/RT groups means that to stay in touch with everyone you would have [...]
by Charlie Dixon, MS, CTRS I recently went on vacation to Hawaii with 10 other family members. Each member of the group wanted to do different things but also wanted to do things with each other. Several members didn’t like to plan and just wanted to do things as it came up. But in order [...]
by Charlie Dixon, MS, CTRS Just this past week I had become a consumer of services. My aunt with dementia needed hospitalization and then a transfer to an assisted living care facility or 24 hour live-in service. Since my aunt lived 4 hours away and I was the closest relative I had to take care of her [...]
by Charles Dixon, MS, CTRS In 1970 Walt Kelly wrote on an Earth Day poster, “We Have Met The Enemy and He Is Us.” In a recent Gallup Poll Americans were asked what countries were the greatest threat to America. Iran is number one followed by Iraq, China, and Korea. Afghanistan and THE UNITED STATES were [...]
by Lisa Morgan, CTRS and Thomas Skalko, Ph.D., LRT/CTRS ATRA Co-Chairs for Federal Public Policy Update on March 12, 2008 The American Therapeutic Recreation Association has initiated the largest grassroots effort in the history of our profession for the future of Recreational Therapy. Many things have occurred in recent months with the progression of this [...]