Jasmine's Beat®- An Adaptive Dance Company for Persons of All Abilities

By: Devynn Wyatt TR Intern, Grambling State University 

National Therapeutic Recreation Month is celebrated in February to recognize recreation therapists and the benefits of recreation therapy. The month highlights the importance of recreation therapy and the positive impact it has on people’s health and well-being. The month is an opportunity to educate people about recreation therapy and be an advocate for all persons who benefit from TR and how it provides inclusion through activities for all people with disabilities. 

What is Recreation Therapy ?

Recreation therapy is a field that focuses on improving people’s health and well-being through leisure activities. Recreation therapists are trained clinical providers who help people build confidence, socialize, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) emphasizes that recreational therapy is a systematic, evidence-based practice designed to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate one’s level of functioning and independence in life activities. The goal is to promote health and wellness and reduce or eliminate activity limitations caused by illness or disabling conditions (atra-online.com). CTRS offers individuals with disabilities opportunities to engage in activities that enhance their cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being, facilitating full participation in life. Participants have expressed that CTRS programs help them socialize, build friendships, and develop independence.  

Recreational Therapy Month serves to highlight the essential role that recreational therapy plays in enhancing wellness, promoting healing, and fostering inclusion in healthcare settings and communities. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the expertise, commitment, and positive impact of recreational therapists. Together, we can elevate the understanding of recreational therapy as a vital therapeutic service and make meaningful strides toward a shared vision: a world where every person has access to recreational therapy (atra-online.com).  It’s important to acknowledge the dedication of recreational therapists and the positive impact they have on the lives of individuals across various settings. Their work not only aids in recovery and rehabilitation but also enriches the lives of those they serve, fostering a sense of community, inclusion, and well-being.

Recreational therapy utilizes diverse activities tailored to individual needs. These activities are designed to promote engagement, independence, and overall well-being. Some Recreational Therapy activities include: wheelchair fitness, adaptive dance/yoga, music/art therapy, and board/trivia games. These activities can tailor to a variety of populations; pediatrics, young adults, and geriatrics that all have some type of disability.   There are many places that offer Recreational Therapy to patients such as: hospitals/rehabilitation centers that help people recover from illness, injuries, and/or surgeries; nursing homes/assisted living that help geriatric patients enhance quality of life and help those that have dementia; veterans/military programs to help with PTSD, injuries, and provide community reintegration; also home health providers that provide personalized therapeutic activities for individuals who have limited access to therapy programs due to mobility issues, chronic illness, or disabilities. It supports the patient being in the comfort of their own home but still being able to improve their quality of life and maintain independence. Home health can also be provided through virtual sessions to expand the accessibility of digital literacy.Virtual TR allows individuals in remote areas or those with mobility challenges to receive therapy without the need for travel. Clients can participate in a wider range of activities, such as virtual fitness classes, guided meditation, and online art therapy. Clients can participate in a wider range of activities, such as virtual fitness classes, guided meditation, and online art therapy.Virtual TR allows for one-on-one customized sessions, accommodating personal schedules and needs.

The Impact of Recreation Therapy/ Therapeutic Recreation

Recreational Therapy Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the impact that recreational therapists have on individuals of all abilities. Through meaningful activities, TR enhances physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being, helping people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. As we honor this profession, we also have the opportunity to advocate for greater awareness, funding, and access to recreational therapy services. Whether it’s through education, community involvement, or simply sharing the importance of TR, we can all play a role in supporting this essential field and the individuals it serves.