If you plan to live into "old-age" the chances are that at some point in your life you will have some type 
of "disability." Whether you suffer from a bout with tennis elbow, carpel tunnel or something much more life-changing such as a stroke or heart attack, one thing is certain... Disabilities are going to be part of life for just about everyone. Therapeutic recreation has made great progress by positioning itself as a critical part of the health care community. Practitioners are working together to brand Therapeutic Recreation as a fine alternative or partner with other forms of rehabilitation and "therapy" for those learning to live, with permanent or temporary forms of disabilities. There's even a benefits logo specific to Therapeutic Recreation and a whole collection of promotional tools ready for you to customize with your information.
Canada has long been a leader in the parks and recreation "benefits" movement. It's good to see that the Benefits of Parks and Recreation is still very much alive and kicking (especially with the help of Therapeutic Recreation professionals.) This article, written by Kim Coulter from the Lindsay Post in Ontario Canada, is a beautiful tribute to one hospital's Therapeutic Recreation program and it's practitioners.
The article highlights the value of TR as a form of physical, emotional, mental and social therapy. While you can read the entire article on-line at the newspaper's website, here are some of the most compelling benefits statements:
"By getting to know each patient, Therapeutic Recreation Practitioners connect people with activities that have the most positive impact. It's not about filling time, but making the most of time. That could be attending the Hospital's church service, or enjoying a performance by local singers and musicians. For each of us, there are activities that evoke emotional responses, and create a sense of contentment.
Barb Hilts and Melissa Aschaber run the Recreation Therapy program in the Continuing Care unit. One of their favorite activities is silk scarf painting. Both women and men participate, blind patients and those with mobility challenges - all of them choose and mix their colors, and for a time, they forget their worries, and create something beautiful. Often, patients will give them to their loved ones as gifts. Sometimes it's the last token of love their able to give, making it even more precious.
Therapeutic Recreation plays an important role within the Mental Health Program as well. There, Kathy Glynn works with clients who are overwhelmed by negative feelings and have forgotten what it feels like to achieve something positive. By finding lost or hidden talents, Kathy helps to create successes, building clients' self-esteem and confidence. While people work on their projects, they talk and laugh and forget their worries for a while."
Does your community or facility also have a therapeutic recreation program? Why not forward this story to your local media with this pitch...
Dear Editor (of course use their name, easily found on their web site. Send to the health editor)
Have you ever hear of therapeutic recreation? Well, it exists right her in (your town) and it's much more than fun and games, especially for those recovery from major trauma such as a stroke or heart attack. Chances are, every single person living in (your town) will suffer from some life-changing disability at some point in time -- from tennis elbow to arthritis. (You may even have some aches and pains of your own right now that could use a little recreation therapy.)
This viable form of rehabilitation is one of the fastest growing areas of health care today. I'd love to help you develop a story, such as the one attached from a Canadian newspaper that will educate your readers/listeners about a vital resource right in their neighborhood. I will call you in the next few days to answer questions and, possibly, schedule a visit to our busy "Therapy Garden (highlight a unique part of your "operation."
IN THE MEANTIME FEEL FREE TO LEARN MORE AT (www.yourwebsitehere.com -- but only if it tells an interesting story; otherwise leave out of your pitch.) Or call me on my cell phone at (555.555.1234)
I look forward to introducing your readers to this excting community resource.
Sincerely,
(your name, title, contact info)
What have you done to promote TR in your community. COMMENT below to let me know.
