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/
A Message from the President and Welcome to the board John Moffett President Elect 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! Understanding Regulatory Language in Recreational Therapy Practice by Thomas K. Skalko, Ph.D., LRT/CTRS, Federal Public Policy Team Co-Leader 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/onlinebased 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 preapproval 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 # Job Category Department Post Date Description 657 Professional/Technical- Clinical AH RECREATIONAL THERAPY 12/22/13 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 Full Time position working 76 Hours/Period Hours DAYS-M-F, SOME WEEKENDS Education Qualifications Work Experience Skills BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in RECREATIONAL THERAPY DIPLOMA in RECREATIONAL THERAPY 1 year : HEALTH CARE 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!