Certified recreation therapy specialists are part of the Recreation Therapy Section of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department. The purpose of the recreation therapy services in both the in-patient and out-patient areas is to respond to the unique needs of children and adolescents. As part of the multidisciplinary team, the recreation therapist provide treatment services to address physical, cognitive, social and emotional areas of concern. The program includes leisure education designed to respond to the patient's and family's basic need for leisure and to increase awareness about new and/or adapted leisure pursuits. Some select goals of the recreation therapy program are:

• To offer preferred play and recreation activities to all patients, thus continuing as much as possible, a sense of normalcy in their lives and assisting in adjustment to illness/hospitalization
• To arrange specific opportunities for play whereby fantasies or traumatic experiences in relation to illness, hospitalization and/or treatment can be played out or worked through
• To provide pleasant , safe and secure environments which foster developmentally appropriate play and recreation experience, and which encourages interaction among children, adolescents, and family members

The recreation therapists offer the following activities bedside and in the unit/clinic playrooms: animal assisted therapy; medical play; art therapy; computer fun; magic therapy; laugh mobile; arts and crafts; Nintendo games; pinball; videos; music; adaptive resources; and toys/activities for all ages.

Additional general recreation therapy areas and activities located on the 14th floor include: large playroom; adult craft room (for patients over 13); game room; gym/table games; weight room; game room; billiards; climbing wall; library; a relaxation room (sessions available with vibro-acoustic chairs); weekly bingo games and community outings. Opportunities for patients and family members to increase knowledge, awareness, and skills in relaxation are offered individually or in a group setting. Monthly pediatric theme parties, special events/visitors and programs such as Look Good Feel Better are also available.

Last UpdatedMay 3, 2007->