Recreation is not only pure enjoyment but also helps the body, mind, and spirit.  Recreation is what people have done since the beginning of time as a way of escape from the pressures and impairments of the world.  Recreation can be a number of activities that help all people, especially those who are physically and socially impaired.  Recreation activities are often coordinated by recreational therapists who provides services for people with disabilities or illnesses, strives to improve the clients' health, and integrates clients with surrounding community. 

    Community organizations are the ones who often have recreational therapists.  Recreational therapists may be found at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, homes for the elderly, substance abuse centers, community organizations for people with disabilities, schools that offer special education programs, correctional facilities, and community centers.  The programs that each place offers vary depending on the nature of the client.  Some examples of treatment are therapy through the use of art, music, dance, sp0orts, games, animals or community outings.  Doctors, psychologists, social workers, caretakers (elderly), schoolteachers, or community members may refer clients. 

    Clients are referred usually for disabilities or illnesses.  Programs that recreational therapists offer help their client's well being mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Programs in various facilities not only reduce stress and anxiety, but they also are proven to cure depression.  Programs may also teach disabled the basic motor functioning skills and abilities.  Also, it builds confidence and self-esteem in the clients so that they may be socially integrated with the rest of the community. 

    In addition to coordinating services and looking out for the client's overall well being, recreational therapists must do assessments of the client, develop a plan, and implement it as well.  The therapist usually works forty-hour weeks but may have to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Although some recreational events are held in activity rooms, a therapist may be asked to travel into the community to assist the client with the disability or the illness.  Most recreational therapists need to have a degree in recreation and a minor in therapy along with certification by the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation.

    Currently, this field is growing and is expected to continue growing due to the increasing elderly population as well as the long-term care of physical and psychiatric rehabilitation services for people with disabilities.  In 1998, 39,000 jobs were held with 38%  in hospitals and 26% in nursing and personal care facilities.  Approximately one out of three recreational therapist are self-employed through a contract of an organization and are held accountable to develop, coordinate, and supervise the recreational activities.  The average salary for this occupation is $27, 760.  The range in salary for this occupation is $16, 380 to 42, 440 (in 1998).  Although this is a growing job field, the number of job openings is still relatively low.

     More emphasis is being put on helping those who are disabled or ill.  Recreation is one way to help.  More emphasis is being put on controlling health care costs.  Recreation keeps one healthy overall in the long run, in turn reducing health care cost.  More emphasis is being put on integrating the disabled with the community.  Recreational activities is the transition and key to an overall better community.

 Amy Brantham