Therapeutic Recreation

This course introduces the causes, and characteristics, of a variety of physical and cognitive impairments, including those that occur as part of the aging process. Students then explore the implications of these impairments, and the role of therapeutic recreation in working with individuals affected with these impairments.

This course provides the student with the knowledge of the fundamental theories, models and practices of therapeutic recreation.  Topics include theories of play, recreation and leisure, ethics in TR practice, the history of the profession, and therapeutic recreation definitions and service models.  Students are challenged to develop their own personal philosophy of therapeutic recreation professional practice.

This course explores the therapeutic recreation process and provides students with the opportunity to design and develop client-centered programs and intervention plans.  Students learn the principles of program design including goal and objective development and activity analysis.  The therapeutic recreation accountability model is utilized to help explore the accountability that exists for the therapeutic recreation professional.

In this course, students learn about inclusion, advocacy and adapting recreation activities for individuals with disabilities.  Students also learn to apply principles of universal design to assess leisure and recreation resources in the community. 

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore leadership and management functions of the therapeutic recreation professional. Topics include leadership, supervision, motivation, communication, empowerment and team development. Each are explored from the perspective of working with clients, staff, volunteers and other team members.

This course provides the student with the knowledge required to participate effectively as a member of the multidisciplinary team. Students gain a basic comprehension of human form, function, biomechanics and lifespan development. Students are introduced to basic medical terminology and develop an appreciation of the expertise and roles played by various multidisciplinary team members.

Students are introduced to assessment tools used in TR practice and can assess and interpret an assessment of their choice.  Students also have the opportunity to create TR outcomes and implement the outcomes using program design while documenting using methods such as SOAPA (subjective, objective, analysis, plan, and assessment) notes.

This course provides students with an introduction to the philosophy, principles, and techniques of leisure education.  Implications for curriculum development, various settings and leisure service delivery systems are also explored.  Topics will include how to get started, review of specific leisure education programs already developed, what and how to teach, who to teach and leisure education in therapeutic recreation services.

This course introduces the causes, characteristics and implications of a variety of impairments related primarily to mental illness and addictions. Students explore the implications of these impairments, and the role of therapeutic recreation in working with these individuals through case studies and practical applications of the therapeutic recreation process. 

This course provides students with insight into a variety of issues and trends presently impacting the field of therapeutic recreation.  Students explore topics such as community development, professionalization of the field, ethical issues and advocacy for the role of TR in various practice settings. Issues and trends will be examined from multiple perspectives.

This course examines both the qualitative and quantitative research processes commonly used in Therapeutic Recreation, issues related to conducting Therapeutic Recreation research, and the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. Knowledge and application of these topics enables students to conduct basic research and write grant proposals for exploratory or systematic purposes. Additionally, students learn how to access and interpret basic research in their professional careers.

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore a variety of evidence-based processes, facilitative techniques, and modalities used by the therapeutic recreation professional for identified populations. Some of the topics covered include clinical decision-making, outcome-based activity selection, communication techniques, instructional and counselling techniques, social skills training, physical activity, inter-generational programming, and community integration.

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the range of skills and knowledge required to develop a plan to set up a small business or private practice in Therapeutic Recreation. With the view to developing a basic outline for a business plan, students focus on a number of key elements in this process including business and personal financial literacy, personal characteristics of a successful entrepreneur, the importance of gathering market information, basic marketing and business networking concepts, and relevant regulations and documents specific to running a Therapeutic Recreation business.

In these courses, students learn to apply all knowledge and skills gained throughout the program at an approved agency within the therapeutic recreation field. Students will choose one of two options including an 11-week or 18 week full-time unpaid internship placement.  Under the guidance of an onsite mentor, students gain hands-on experience and consolidate the skills required to become a practicing Recreation Therapist upon graduation