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Get ready to celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Month throughout the entire month of February! This special month recognizes and celebrates the important role that therapeutic recreation plays in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities or other health conditions. Whether it's through sports, leisure activities, or creative arts, therapeutic recreation helps individuals enhance their physical, emotional, and social well-being. So join in on the fun and activities this month as we highlight the positive impacts of therapeutic recreation!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Recreational Therapy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) was founded, promoting the significance of recreational therapy in healthcare.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Educational Program</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first recreational therapy curriculum was established at the University of Minnesota.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Licensure and Certification</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) was created to credential recreational therapists.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Americans with Disabilities Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Americans with Disabilities Act increased recognition and demand for recreational therapy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Acceptance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 2000s saw a wider acceptance of therapeutic recreation, with increases in both research and practice.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Therapeutic Recreation Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Therapeutic Recreation Month was established to raise awareness and encourage participation in engaging therapeutic activities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a therapeutic recreation event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local events or workshops that are being held in honor of National Therapeutic Recreation Month. Attend one to learn more about the importance and benefits of therapeutic recreation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a recreational therapy program</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Contact your local hospitals, nursing homes, or community centers to see if they have any recreational therapy programs that could use some extra help. Spending time volunteering can be a great way to celebrate and give back during this special month.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a new recreational activity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take advantage of this month to try out a new recreational activity that you've always been curious about. It could be something as simple as painting, yoga, or hiking. Trying new things can be therapeutic and fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your own story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you or a loved one has benefited from therapeutic recreation, share your story with others. This can help spread awareness and encourage others to try it out for themselves.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a therapeutic recreation themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a fun and educational party celebrating National Therapeutic Recreation Month. Have activities and games that showcase the benefits of therapeutic recreation and raise awareness about the field.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes the importance of leisure activities for overall health and well-being</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Therapeutic recreation utilizes recreational activities to improve physical, emotional, and social well-being. National Therapeutic Recreation Month highlights the significant role that leisure and recreation play in rehabilitation and quality of life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the hard work and dedication of therapeutic recreation specialists</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Therapeutic recreation practitioners are highly skilled professionals who use creative and purposeful intervention techniques to support individuals with disabilities or illnesses. This month is an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to improving the lives of others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness and understanding about the positive impact of therapeutic recreation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many people may not be aware of the benefits of therapeutic recreation for those with disabilities or illnesses. National Therapeutic Recreation Month helps to educate others about this specialized field and the positive changes it can bring to individuals' lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Therapeutic Recreation Enhances Physical Abilities</h3><p class='facts-content'>Therapeutic recreation services are often designed to help individuals improve or maintain their physical abilities, such as coordination, strength, flexibility, and endurance through activities they enjoy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Therapeutic Recreation Boosts Mental Health</h3><p class='facts-content'>By participating in activities they enjoy, individuals can relieve stress, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of mental health disorders, all integral aspects of combating mental health problems.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Therapeutic Recreation Fosters Socialization</h3><p class='facts-content'>Therapeutic recreation encourages individuals to build relationships and engage with others, fostering a sense of community and support.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Therapeutic Recreation Promotes Independent Living </h3><p class='facts-content'>These services are often aimed at teaching new skills or enhancing various habits that promote independent living and a higher quality of life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Professional Recognition for The Profession</h3><p class='facts-content'>The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) serve as key professional organizations, showing the recognized importance of this field.</p></div></div>
National Therapeutic Recreation Month is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024 National Therapeutic Recreation Month will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 1
Wednesday
2024
Feb 1
Thursday
2025
Feb 1
Saturday
2026
Feb 1
Sunday
2027
Feb 1
Monday
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