Expanding the Reach of Recreation Therapy: Advocacy, Education, and Inclusion

Описание: Recreation therapy (RT) is a systematic process that utilizes leisure and activity-based interventions to enhance the skills, abilities, and overall well-being of individuals facing specific health conditions. Despite its impact, there is a persistent misunderstanding of the profession within the healthcare landscape.

In this video, we explore how social media serves as a multifaceted asset for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) to bridge this gap. We discuss three emerging themes identified in recent research: advocacy for the profession, community engagement and education, and the strategic expansion of services.

In this video, you will learn about:
• Breaking Barriers: How digital platforms allow RT professionals to reach homebound or geographically isolated clients through virtual programming.

• Multi-Sensory Learning: Why YouTube is a powerful tool for delivering therapeutic content, such as guided relaxation and adaptive exercises, to support diverse learning styles.

• Public Education: The role of social media in dispelling myths, sharing success stories, and fostering a broader understanding of how recreation impacts the mind, body, and spirit.

• Digital Professionalism: Insights into maintaining ethical boundaries and professional language while engaging with a global audience online.
By leveraging social media for collaborative exchanges, recreation therapists can improve health outcomes and facilitate positive social engagement, countering the feelings of isolation often associated with chronic illness or disability.


Journal Article Citation:
Cassady, E., Bradley, M.J., & Woolery, J. (2025). Expanding the reach of recreation therapy: Leveraging social media for advocacy, education, and inclusion. SHAPE Arkansas Journal.