Iowa Therapeutic

Recreation Association January 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITRA  is  a  chapter  Affiliate  of  the  

American  Therapeutic  Recreation  Association  

 

Save the Date!!!

2014 ITRA Annual

Conference

Conference Theme

KEEP CALM &

REC ON

Thursday April 3,

2014 &

Friday April 4,

2014

UNI Campus Cedar

Falls, IA.

2013 – 2014 Board of Directors President: Laura Housel Members at Large President Elect: Jerra Buster 2Yr Term: Danae Besch Past President: Michelle Haney 2Yr. Term: Stevie Halupnick Sec / Treasurer: Jill Burt 1 year Term: Samantha Martin

1 year Term: Chelsea Peterson Regional Representatives: North East: Michelle Rhoades Student Representatives North Central: Stacy Lennon Iowa: Ellen Turner North West: Johnathan Mauk Iowa: John Moffett South East: Abby Slauson UNI: Sadie Wilson South West: John Spilde UNI: Sean Cummings South Central: Nate Stanford

If you would like to attend a meeting please email Lisa Jamieson at lajamieson1@gmail.com

Next board Meeting:

February 7 (UNI) April 3 (UNI)

ITRA Meetings for 2013 – 2014

Meetings are scheduled from 11:00 – 1:00pm Teleconferencing is available

Check  us  out  on  our  webpage  www.iowatra.org  and  on  these  sites!!!  

Facebook=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Therapeutic-Recreation-Association

Twitter=https://twitter.com/IowaTRA

Pinterest=http://pinterest.com/iowatra/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Regulatory Language in Recreational Therapy Practice by Thomas K. Skalko, Ph.D., LRT/CTRS, Federal Public Policy Team Co-Leader

A Message from the President and

President Elect Welcome to the board John Moffett Please help us welcome a new board member to the

ITRA Board. John Moffett.

He will be taking the open seat for University of Iowa Student Representative.

It is that time again, where you get to read about the updates of the ITRA CONFERENCE!!!

First off Thank You everyone who has volunteered to be a speaker for the conference we wouldn't have one without you! We have a variety of speakers covering various topics such as Substance Abuse, Outdoor Adapted Recreation, Domestic Abuse, Dementia, Yoga, Animal Assisted Therapy, Aquatics and Autism, and many more!!! Be sure to sign up early for registration to make sure you can join in all the fun! I could still use a few more speakers if interested!

It's getting closer to Conference Time! Stay Tuned and Get PUMPED!!!

 

SCHOLARSHIP from ITRA If  you  are  looking  for  a  scholarship  and  you  are  a  student  at  UNI  or  University  of  Iowa  please  look  on  our  web  page  for  all  the  information.    ITRA  will  give  a  $500.00  scholarship  to  one  student  from  each  school  that  is  enrolled  in  the  TR  program.    You  must  have  a  3.0  GPA  or  greater,  be  involved  in  volunteer  work  outside  of  class  and  be  a  junior  majoring  in  TR.    If  interested  check  it  out  on  our  web  page  at  www.iowatra.org  or  you  can  email  Michelle  Haney  at  mhaney1222@gmail.com  

Continuing Education Opportunities  Looking for more ways to stay up to date on TR news and

job openings? Go to, www.iowatra.org, www.atra-online.com & www.recreationaltherapy.com

   

About ITRA: ITRA is an independent, autonomous, professional organization in the state of Iowa. ITRA is a chapter of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). We involve professional and students on the grassroots level encourage networking with other professionals in and out of the state and focus on the values of the Therapeutic Recreation process within the healthcare delivery system.

OUR MISSION: To provide a statewide Therapeutic Recreation organization with the primary focus on promoting the needs of Therapeutic Recreation professionals and other related fields in health care and human service settings.

Our Vision: The Iowa Therapeutic Recreation Association is committed to the advancement of the therapeutic Recreation profession in the state of Iowa.

If you are planning to attend the ITRA Conference in April and are in need of a hotel, you need to book it now due to the wrestling tournament the same weekend as the conference. There are several in the area to choose from Super 8 motel on Hwy 58, Clarion on University Ave, Country Inn & Suites. These are the closest to the conference.

NCTRC | 7 Elmwood Dr. | New City | NY | 10956

Did you know ...

• There are CTRSs residing in more than 15 different countries • Canada has over 300 CTRSs residing in 13 provinces and territories • The number of CTRSs in Canada has increased over 200% in the

last five years

Volunteer CTRSs Needed for New Job Analysis Study A critical step in the establishment of a valid credentialing exam program is the completion of a comprehensive Job Analysis (JA) Study. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) standards require that a new JA study be conducted every 5 to 10 years for occupations with moderate growth. This recommended time period is followed to ensure that the credentialing exam adequately reflects current professional practice. NCTRC will conduct its next JA Study commencing in January 2014 with the process to be completed within a six month time period.

In order to complete the JA study, NCTRC is seeking the assistance of 30 volunteer Subject Matter Experts (SME) to serve on three (3) identified committees:

1. Task Force Committee (12-15 members): Serve as SME to review and revise the list of tasks and knowledge areas for competent practice in TR. The JA Task Force Committee will also participate in the review of the JA survey instrument. This committee will participate in a two-day meeting in Princeton, NJ in February of 2014. (All expenses paid by NCTRC).  

 

2. Pilot Survey Committee (10 members): Serve as a reviewer of the pilot JA survey. A copy of the survey will be mailed to each committee member for the purpose of ensuring that the instrument is clear, easy to follow, and reflective of TR practice. (March 2014)  

3. Test Specification Committee (5-7 members): Serve as a member of the committee that will review the results of the JA survey and convert findings into the test specifications for the NCTRC Exam. This process will involve a two-day meeting to be held in Princeton, NJ in June of 2014. (All expenses paid by NCTRC).  

Subject Matter Experts must have a minimum of three years of experience. Continuing education credit will be awarded to all CTRSs who participate in the project. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please contact Noelle Molloy, NCTRC Credentialing Specialist atnmolloy@nctrc.org.

CTRS: The Qualified Provider of RT Services NCTRC has initiated a new marketing campaign to promote the CTRS credential. The goal of this new campaign is to educate the healthcare community about the CTRS credential and to identify the individuals who possess the CTRS credential as the qualified providers of RT services. In an effort to maximize this strategy, NCTRC requests your help. Please share with NCTRC any organizations that you are aware of that hire non-CTRS personnel to perform recreational therapist job functions. The submissions can be sent anonymously via email, postal mail, or fax. NCTRC will mail out a marketing packet with information about the CTRS credential to all identified employers. By reaching out to these organizations, NCTRC hopes to protect the public, expand the RT field and to promote the CTRS credential.

NCTRC Recertification Deadline Whether you're a CTRS veteran or a recently certified CTRS, it is imperative to know the facts about NCTRC Recertification. However, if your five year expiration date is December 31, 2013, you should definitely be aware of the rules and standards governing NCTRC Recertification. A complete copy of the NCTRC Recertification Standards can be reviewed at www.NCTRC.org. Please submit your recertification application postmarked no later December 31, 2013 with the appropriate fee. Please be aware that the Recertification process can take from 4-6 weeks. If you are required to be certified for your employment, do not wait until the

deadline to submit your application. For your convenience, the recertification process can be completed on-line by visitingwww.NCTRC.org and logging into MY NCTRC LOGIN. Please be advised that NCTRC cannot accept recertification applications after the December 31, 2013 deadline.

Important NCTRC Recertification reminders:

• Please do not submit Continuing Education documents with your application. If your application is randomly pulled for audit, you will be sent a letter requesting that you submit your original official documents to NCTRC.

• Make a copy of the completed application and keep it for your records.

• If you mail your application by postal mail, it is advisable to send it by certified, return-receipt mail.

• A letter of verification is required if your 480 hour TR work requirement has been met with either part time or volunteer work.

• All continuing education hours must be related to one of the NCTRC Job Analysis Knowledge Codes (FKW – Foundational Knowledge, PTR – Practice of TR/RT, ORG – Organization of TR/RT and ADV – Advancement of the Profession) and need to total 50 hours completed over the five-year period.

Continuing Education: the Opportunities are Endless

• Hospital/Agency Education - Many work-related educational sessions or in-services may be appropriate for recertification. (Please note: topics such as Infection Control, CPR, First Aid, and Life Saving are not accepted.)

• Academic Courses - Coursework can be audited (8 hours per academic credit) or taken for credit (15 hours per academic credit). Academic courses may be taken online or through correspondence.

• Teleconferences/Audio Seminars - A growing number of continuing education providers sponsor teleconferences.

• Home Study Programs - Several organizations provide continuing education via professional journal review and home study courses. Similar too many online programs, educational material can be purchased for completion over an extended time period.

• Internet - A simple search for “continuing education” will provide many opportunities for consideration. Many of the internet/online-based continuing education programs can be purchased for a reasonable fee.

• Conferences - Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, or CE sessions in related disciplines are accepted as long as the content relates to the NCTRC Job Analysis Knowledge Areas.

• Recertification and Annual Maintenance Deadlines Approaching • NCTRC would like to remind you that if your five-year recertification

cycle ended on November 1, 2013, you will need to submit your recertification application postmarked by December 31, 2013. NCTRC does not accept recertification applications postmarked after this date. Annual maintenance applications are also due no later than December 31, 2013. To submit your application online, log in to MY NCTRC LOGIN or visit www.nctrc.org for more information.

• • May 2014 Recertification Exam Option • If you are coming to the end of your five-year recertification cycle in

June 2014, then you can take the NCTRC exam to meet the requirements for recertification. The May 2014 exam is the only exam available that meets the May cycle Recertification requirements. The registration deadline for the May 2014 exam for recertification is March 1, 2014. Visit the NCTRC websitewww.nctrc.org to access the exam registration form. From the home page, click on “exam” or use your log in information to access the form. There are two options for submission. You can complete the registration form online and submit it with a credit card payment, or print out the registration form, complete it, and mail directly to NCTRC with a check, money order, or credit card number. The dates for the May 2014 exam are May 5-17, 2014.

moving Forward and Making a Difference

March 9-12, 2014 | Rockville, MD

We're planning a different format for 2014's Mid-Year Conference in Rockville, Maryland in March. First, the conference spans four days instead of the usual three. Second, we will be offering the best of both worlds: a regular session track and a "Hill" track. We will be seeking NCTRC pre-approval of CEUs for both tracks. Participants can choose either track or attend all four days for the most CEUs at the best price. More details will be forthcoming shortly, but the basic structure is that Sunday (March 9) and Monday(March 10) are primarily regular sessions; while Monday night, Tuesday (March 11) and Wednesday(March 12) will be involved in public policy and "Hill" activity. Topics will include:

• Update on licensure • Evidence-based interventions • Update on ATRA's strategic plan • Definition task force • Treatment networks • Chapter sustainability • Professional networking

• ATRA's new web site • Professional issues • Student sessions • Higher education at the crossroads • Public policy • Preparation for Hill visits

Updates and involvement in public policy and visiting representatives on Capitol Hill is a major component of the 2014 Mid Year.

Imagine 500 Recreational Therapists on Capitol Hill!!! 2014 is our moment. When was the last time you interacted with your U.S. Congressman or Senator? Do they understand our profession, the needs of our consumers, and the issues of access to our professional services? This is your opportunity to make a difference! Every two years, ATRA hosts the Mid-Year Conference in the Washington, DC area. The intent is to promote the interaction of the RT professional with their elected U.S. Congressman or Senator. The conference is our profession's opportunity to educate elected officials on the needs of our consumers and the role of the profession in serving those individuals' needs. "If you're not at the table, then you're probably on the menu" (Thompson, 2013). Not sure of its importance? Health care is changing quickly and dramatically. "If you're not at the table, then you're probably on the menu" (Thompson, 2013). This is our opportunity to be at the table to speak with our elected officials and to create lasting, positive change for the profession. We will supply you with the message, the tools, the confidence, and the opportunity to be "at the table" and to interface with your elected officials and their staff. The ATRA Mid-Year will feature an exhilarating, full day on Capitol Hill. We will be seeking NCTRC pre-approval for CEUs for these Capitol Hill activities! Let's bring in the troops and represent the profession. It is time to become active in the policies and laws that impact our consumers and our profession. "Be at the table, not on the menu!" Registration packages will be available for one day, two days, three days, and all four days. The best registration prices for the most CEUs will be for those who choose the "bridge package" of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sessions. Stay tuned for more details! ATRA has negotiated a reduced rate of $99 single/double (+ 15% tax) at the

Washington DC Rockville Hilton. Make reservations by calling 1-800-HILTONS. This low rate for our block of rooms expires February 14, 2014, so make sure to register for your guest room at the hotel before that date.

January Webinars

ATRA is pleased to announce a series of webinars that have been organized to contribute to your professional development. All of these webinars will occur in January so if you have a resolution to become more professionally active, these webinars are for you!2013 Series M webinars are FREE as a new membership benefit. A1 - 1/15 Dare to Share: Making Presentations for Recreational Therapy M1 - 1/15 ATRA Update: Staying Informed and Staying Involved M2 - 1/17 How to Prepare a Successful Application to Present at Conferences/Webinars A2 - 1/22 Writing for Publication in Professional RT/TR Literature M3 - 1/23 Workshop Pre-Approval: Making Sure Your Application Materials are Complete

A3 - 1/29 The Impact of CARTE on the CTRS Practitioner

February 2014 is TR/RT Month

February 2014 will be here before you know it! February has been designated as the international month to celebrate our profession! In early January, look for promotional items in the ATRA bookstore and for additional ideas to celebrate OUR MONTH!

Help Wanted!

ATRA's Vision and Mission Task Force is working to develop updated ATRA vision and mission statements. The plan is to identify a group leader and participants, review past ATRA mission and vision statements, draft statements for presentation to the board, and then seek member feedback about the drafted statements. If you are interested in helping your national organization in a time limited task and can participate in some conference calls, this is the task force for you! Please contact ATRA President-Elect Debbie Robinston, MS, CTRS/L, FACHE.

Join us at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois on April 14-16, 2014 for the

43rd Annual Midwest Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation and Adapted Physical Activity

Call for Proposals: To submit a proposal, CLICK HERE to enter the submission system. Proposals are due December 2, 2013. Click HERE for the NCTRC Knowledge Domains list needed for proposal.

Sponsored by:

University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

School of Natural Resources – Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Northwest Missouri State University - Maryville, Missouri College of Education and Human Services

Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

In cooperation with the MU Conference Office and PALAESTRA Magazine

MU Conference Office 2013 © | 344 Hearnes Center | Columbia, Missouri 65211 |

573-882-4349; Toll-Free 1-866-682-6663

Jobs, Internships, and

Practicum Opportunities Internship  Information  

 

Good  day  all  employers!  We  at  ITRA  would  like  to  help  you.  If  you  offer  internships,  we  would  like  to  place  your  information  on  our  website.  We  are  currently  creating  a  database  that  students  can  access  to  look  for  internships  in  the  state  of  Iowa  (or  nearby.)  If  you  would  like  your  facility  added  to  this  list  please  send  the  following  information  to  iowatrec@gmail.com   Facility  name    Type  of  Facility  (aka:  long  term,  hospital,  community,  etc)    Facility  website  address  (if  you  have  one)    Contact  person  (email  and/or  phone  number)    when  the  internship  is  offered  (aka:  summer,  spring,  fall,  year  round)    Paid  or  non-­‐paid    

If  you  have,  any  questions  feel  free  to  contact  Laura  Housel  at  iowatrec@gmail.com  

Job Title: Activity Therapist

Description: Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Psychiatric Social Work and

Adjunctive Therapy, the Activity Therapist is responsible for the provision of activities groups to

adult and adolescent inpatients. The Activities Therapist assists with the assessment process,

develops and provides Activity Therapy services, and functions as a member of the

Interdisciplinary Treatment Team.

Detailed Work Activities:

Assisting and Caring for Others

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization

Controlling Machines and Processes

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Developing Objectives and Strategies

Documenting/Recording Information

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material

Tasks include:

Assures the Activity Therapy equipment and its use meet safety and infection control

requirements.

Charts on each assigned patient per operating procedure. May maintain other records,

as assigned.

Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.

Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.

Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.

Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient

interests, and objectives of therapy.

Required Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services field (psychology, sociology, or social work) or in a

therapy discipline (recreational therapy, music therapy or art therapy) is required.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, CTRS

Please apply online at www.jpshealthnet.org. EOE

January 15

Recreational Therapy Supervisor

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center has a long, distinguished history of service and

excellence in the delivery of quality-driven patient care. We are equally committed to offering an

innovative and collaborative work environment to our employees, one that enriches their

professional development and enhances their clinical practice. The following opportunity is

currently available to individuals who share our dedication to excellence.

In this role, you will develop recreation programs, supervise therapy aides, create department

budget, complete requisitions for supplies and equipment, develop policies/procedures for the

department, and coordinate volunteer services and paid entertainment.

To qualify, a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy or closely related field is required. Two

years of experience, CTRS certification, and AHA CPR Card are also required.

Bring your desire and commitment to excellence to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and

you will help us remain among the top medical centers in the nation. In return for your

dedication, we’ll cultivate your career with rewarding opportunities and a supportive

environment. Apply today at www.bayviewjobs.org and reference job ID 14528.

EOE/AA M/F/D/V Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center is an equal opportunity/affirmative

action employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of

outstanding faculty, staff, and students. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to

apply.

January 15

Anderson Hospital Rehab Center in Maryville, IL.

Therapist, Recreation Job Opening # 657 Job Category Professional/Technical- Clinical Department AH RECREATIONAL THERAPY

Post Date 12/22/13

Description

The recreational therapist is responsible for providing safe and effective delivery of patient care through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient and family needs within the parameters of the Council for Therapeutic Recreation in order to deliver care promoting optimal recovery and rehabilitation. The recreational therapist is responsible for evaluating and treating patients and communicating to the team information concerning leisure activities. The recreational therapist promotes safe and effective care to age groups from adults to geriatrics, coordinating care with the supervising occupational therapist, physician, and any others involved in the patients care.

Shift

Hours Full Time position working 76 Hours/Period DAYS-M-F, SOME WEEKENDS

Qualifications

Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in RECREATIONAL THERAPY DIPLOMA in RECREATIONAL THERAPY

Work Experience 1 year : HEALTH CARE

Skills CERTIFIED THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST

You can see job opportunities on their website under careers http://www.andersonhospital.org

Here Comes Summer at Camp High Hopes

Camp High Hopes opened its doors to campers with disabilities in September 2012 to address the need for more recreational services for people with disabilities in the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota Tri-State area. Just over a year, later Camp High Hopes is proud to announce having served over 300 campers through its various summer, fall, and spring programs as it gears up for its second summer starting in June 2014.

Camp High Hopes programs are open to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities along with individuals with chronic illnesses and medical conditions. Through the assistance trained staff and volunteers, campers are able to enjoy a variety of adaptive activities from archery to canoeing to swimming to fishing to crafts, camp truly offers an experience like no other.

Both Spring 2014 and Summer 2014 sessions are now open for registration. To learn more about Camp High Hopes, its campers, and programs visit www.camphighhopes.com or call 712-224-2267.

Jonathan Mauk, CTRS Camp Director Camp High Hopes

     

       

Introducing  Camp  High  Hopes  2014  Smiles  Ambassador:  Anna  Lewis  

 

                                                                                         Shelly  and  Kyle  Lewis  had  big  dreams  of  having  happy,  healthy,  independent  children.    Their  12-­‐year-­‐old  daughter,  Anna,  was  diagnosed  with  a  physical  and  intellectual  disability.    Multiple  medical  specialists,  surgeries,  medicines,  constant  out  of  town  travel  for  medical  appointments  became  the  norm.  The  Lewis’s  describe  their  initial  dreams  as  being  chipped  away  and  now  forced  to  reform  those  dreams  due  to  the  special  needs  required  by  Anna.    Fortunately,  one  big  dream  came  true!  Camp  High  Hopes!  Shelly  describes  Camp  High  Hopes  as  exciting  and  special  because  that  is  one  dream  they  had  envisioned  was  for  Anna  to  attend  a  camp  as  they  did  growing  up.    That  dream  became  a  reality  in  September  of  2012  when  Camp  High  Hopes  opened  their  doors  to  children,  teens,  and  adults  with  disabilities.    Anna  experienced  her  first  camp  session  on  October  12,  2012.  She  is  now  an  avid  camper  at  Camp  High  Hopes.    The  Lewis’s  celebrate  sharing  that  Camp  High  Hopes  has  positively  impacted  Anna’s  overall  quality  of  life  as  well  as  their  family.    Anna  now  has  the  same  privileges  of  experiencing  camp  as  others  do.    This  dream  is  sweet  for  Anna  as  well  as  for  their  family  as  it  allows  Kyle  and  Shelly  to  do  things  as  a  couple  while  being  able  to  spend  quality  time  with  their  son,  Josh.    It’s  a  balancing  act  and  inadvertently  at  times,  those  relationships  become  overlooked,  neglected,  or  taken  for  granted.    Shelly  shares  that  Camp  High  Hopes  has  fostered  the  development  of  Anna’s  self-­‐independence,  self-­‐esteem  and  her  sense  of  accomplishment.  “One  such  activity  that  builds  and  reinforces  Anna’s  confidence  is  archery,  Anna’s  favorite!  To  see  your  loved  one  engaging  in  ‘normal’  activities  that  fit  her  needs  in  a  supportive,  trusting  environment  is  huge!    It  is  here  at  Camp  High  Hopes  where  the  dreams  and  smiles  we  hoped  and  prayed  for  are  now  a  reality!”