Therapeutic Recreation provides and/or supports opportunities for children and youth with disabilities to develop and maintain skills, knowledge and behaviours in the areas of recreation and leisure to allow them to enjoy their leisure optimally.

PARENT QUOTE:

“Thank you for the positive experience for me and my family. I love that you put us first, our concerns and well being are your priority and it shows” (February 2007).

Where?

Therapeutic Recreation services can be delivered at home, daycare, school (eg, physical education class, during recess), TVCC Opportunities to Participate programs and in community recreation programs and settings, through individual, family or group interventions.

What are the benefits?

Therapeutic Recreation provides opportunities for development in all areas of a child/youth’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive life. Successful opportunities can enable children to enjoy their free time, be more independent, and participate as fully as possible in recreation and leisure activities at home, school, and in their communities. Benefits include:

• Life long leisure skills
• Healthy active lifestyle
• Enhanced physical abilities
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Increased independence
• Stronger social skills
• Improved quality of life

What is available for me and my child?

Therapeutic Recreation uses leisure and recreation to work with you/your child, your family and therapists to explore and identify goals and treatment plans to meet individual needs, abilities and interests. We can help with:

• Skill Development . Assist with learning specific skills (eg. adapted water activities, skating), equipment adaptations and adapting activities so everyone plays.
•  Leisure Education & Awareness : Assesses child/families interests, likes, dislikes, dreams, and visions for recreation participation. Provide information on recreation and leisure resources at home, school and in the community and how to access them. 
• Recreation Participation : Provide and/or support individual or group leisure opportunities to promote readiness to participate in community programs. Assist families with integration into community activities. 
• Community Development: Educate and support community recreation providers to offer leisure opportunities that meet the needs of children with disabilities. It is our belief that specialised and inclusive recreation opportunities should be available within the community.

RESOURCES

Getting Ready for Community Recreation Participation

Helpful books and websites

Tips for Including Children with Disabilities in Games and Activities

Current OTP Brochure

For further information about Therapeutic Recreation at Thames Valley Children's Centre, please call (519) 685-8680, or toll free 1-866-590-8822 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it