Session Information Brochure

Wednesday, May 13th, 2015: Pre-conference Sessions

8:30 am - 5:00 pm:

P1: Step by Step - Bringing Evidence to TR Practice, a Practical Approach

Presenter: Sheila Kennedy and Kellie Duckworth

Session Description: This all-day workshop will look at the benefits of using evidence in practice, the process of using and applying evidence, and take participants through the 5 steps of the process with an in-depth, hands-on approach to 3 of the primary steps involved (writing a clinical question, appraising evidence, and documenting practice change). By the end of the workshop, attendees will have started a personalized action plan to bring evidence-based practice to their workplace.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify 3 benefits of using evidence in practice (FKW)
  2. Define evidence based practice vs practice-based evidence (FKW)
  3. Identify and describe the 5 steps of the evidence based practice process (FKW)
  4. Write a clinical question using the "PICO" format (FKW)
  5. Describe, reflect on, and document one's current practice (PTR)
  6. Identify the 6 levels of evidence (FKW)
  7. Describe and start applying the critical appraisal process (FKW, PTR)
  8. Describe and apply the "traffic lighting" process for assessing evidence (FKW, PTR)
  9. Begin an action plan to bring evidence to one's workplace (PTR)

P2: Building & Enhancing Your Professional Practice & Marketability - Networking, Competencies, Resumes, and Interviews.

Presenter: Andrew Ritcey, Debbie Robinson

Session Description: This interactive session will provide participants (students, new practitioners, Intern Supervisors) with an experiential opportunity to discuss marketing and networking yourself and tips for resume and portfolio development. Explore related markets, competencies and credentials that can complement TR practice, and start on a plan to enhance your marketable skills. Develop interview and reference check questions; experience mock interviews and reference checks; and have the opportunity to refine their resumes.

Learning Outcomes:

Each participant will be able to:

  1. State 4 methods of networking that they can use to connect with other professionals.
  2. Name 3 health care credentials that could complement recreation therapy practice & increase a practitioner’s marketable skills.
  3. Discuss the differences between resumes, portfolios and CVs and identify when to use each in 3 different employment opportunities.

Wednesday, May 13th: Pre-Conference Sessions Continued

8:30 am - 12:00 pm:

P3: Globalization of TR Education: Role of Exchanges

Presenter: Doug Cripps, Rick Green, Tristan Hopper, Youngho Lee, and Jerry Singleton

Session Description: Experimental learning has been found to enhance students’ application of knowledge. Therapeutic recreation students will work in communities that are being influenced by migration patterns of people in transitions and diverse cultures. The purpose of the presentation is to explore how four universities can provide students with the opportunity to gain insights while immersed in an experimental learning in a foreign country and regionally unique diversity.

Therapeutic Recreation is a global phenomenon. TR as an emerging profession has developed at various rates and in Canada this diversity is reflected within the two Universities University of Regina and Dalhousie University. In Korea, Seoul National University presents a unique and diverse TR history. In the United States, the University of Southern Mississippi reflects a longer history within the continuum of development. Within each country, participants will have the benefit of developing a further understanding of diversity that is unique to each area represented.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify three diverse experiences students would learn from the represented regions.
  2. Describe the importance and impact globalization has on TR education.
  3. Identify how exchange learning and experimental learning in culturally diverse regions can benefit not only the student, but their future practice and the future of the profession.
  4. Identify how this could be introduced in their own educational institution or practice.
  5. Identify the impact taking an exchange student as an intern could have on the field.

1:30 pm - 5:00 pm:

P4: Expressive Arts as Adjunct to Therapeutic Recreation- the therapeutic benefits of creative writing and how to lead your group to success.

Presenter: Ava Jean Lawlor-Lunn

Session Description:RT/TR professionals would benefit from learning a new strength based treatment modality that would add to their toolbox of leadership skills in a small group setting, utilizing reflective listening, role modelling and other leadership techniques. In addition, this treatment modality, when presented in its completed form, provides an avenue for education to the community at large about the value of RT/TR and just what is possible with a strength based approach to service delivery.

Wednesday, May 13th: Pre-Conference Sessions Continued

P5: Facilitating Client Change: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Transform Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours

Presenter: Colleen Hood and Cynthia Carruthers

Session Description

The primary role of Therapeutic Recreation is to support clients' aspirations to make the changes necessary to live their most valued life, in spite of limitations and challenges. Successfully navigating significant change requires the ability to set one's course and navigate the thoughts and feelings that typically derail one's efforts. How do we as TR professionals facilitate this client change? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers us a framework through which to support clients to take the actions necessary to live a life of meaning. This session will introduce ACT and will support the development of skills related to implementing ACT strategies in practice.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify three clients goals that are congruent with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  2. Identify two intervention strategies related to cognitive defusion
  3. Identify two intervention strategies related to mindfulness
  4. Identify the role of behavioral activation therapy in supporting client change
  5. Identify two intervention strategies related to finding a valued life direction

P6: Aquatic Therapy: Theory and Practice

Presenter: Airdrie Miller and Anne Mack

Session Description: Participation in this half-day aquatic therapy pre-conference session will introduce conference delegates to the facilitation technique of aquatic therapy and explore avenues of gaining expertise, benefits, appropriate populations, indications and contra-indications, aquatic therapy techniques and modalities within TR. This half day session will include a lecture-style presentation as well as a practical, in-pool opportunity to experience techniques, equipment and the unique properties of the water to enable health recovery and leisure enjoyment.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Increase awareness of aquatic therapy as a TR facilitation technique
  2. Understand who can benefit from aquatic therapy; select interventions based upon clientele.
  3. Understand for whom aquatic therapy is indicated
  4. Understand some contra-indications for aquatic therapy
  5. Demonstrate appropriate use of aquatic therapy equipment
  6. Experience 3 or more aquatic therapy techniques
  7. Experience benefits of aquatic intervention for a variety of diagnostic groups; learn modifications dependent upon client groups
  8. Learn how certifications and expertise can be gained in aquatic therapy

Thursday: May 14th, 2015

8:30am - 9:30am:

K1: Charting Your Own Course: Becoming an Instrument of Change in the Field of Therapeutic Recreation

Presenter: Colleen Hood

Session Description: The field of Therapeutic Recreation is facing many pressures associated with changes in health care. Sometimes it feels like we are adrift on the high seas, alone and without a compass. How do we navigate these seas? Are we powerless, blown to and fro by the winds or can we harness the power of the wind to bring us into the future? How can we become an instrument of change with our clients? Our agencies? Our profession?

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify three challenges facing the field of therapeutic recreation
  2. Identify three personal characteristics necessary for becoming agents of change in the field of therapeutic recreation
  3. Identify three strategies for supporting client change in TR practice

9:45am - 10:45am:

A1: Pathways to Wellbeing: What Does the Framework for Recreation in Canada Mean for Therapeutic Recreation?

Presenters: Susan Hutchinson, and Anne-Marie Sullivan

Session Description:The Pathways to Wellbeing document is a framework for recreation in Canada that recognizes the important role that recreation plays in fostering the well-being of individuals and communities. There are five goals and priorities for action that have been identified through a consultation process representing the provincial and territorial governments, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and provincial/territorial recreation and park associations, including: (1) fostering active living through physical recreation, (2) increasing inclusion and access to recreation for populations that that face constraints to recreation. At the conference the purpose of the panel will be to present information on the National Framework, and then to facilitate small and large group dialogue about the implications for therapeutic practitioners and the provincial and national therapeutic recreation associations.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify the five goals and priorities for action associated with the Framework for Recreation in Canada
  2. Describe ways in which therapeutic recreation can contribute to one or more of the priorities for action.
  3. Identify one way they and/or their provincial/national organizations can respond to and/or take on action one or more of the priorities for action.

A2: Interdisciplinary Student Services: An Innovative Approach to Student Placements

Presenters: Kari Medd

Session Description: The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital provides an innovative clinical placement opportunity within the Specialized Rehabilitation Outpatient Program for students from across the spectrum of the health discipline professions. Students from Recreation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Language Pathology have the opportunity to develop the clinical competencies required by their discipline as well as the competencies identified within an interdisciplinary model. Clinical Educators from each health care discipline collaborate to provide learning opportunities for students that develop the skills and knowledge required for engaging in interdisciplinary practice. The session will provide knowledge related to the learning objectives of the Interdisciplinary Student Services program, student and patient experiences and benefits to the program area offering the placement.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. be able to identify and understand the 4 components of professional competency within the realm of a Collaborative Interdisciplinary Placement Model
  2. be able to identify the role of an Interdisciplinary Student placement to the advancement of health care professions.
  3. be able to identify benefits to patient care and program capacity with the implementation of an Interdisciplinary Student placement

A3: "What about us?" Accessing community physical activity for youth with impairment: The parental perspective

Presenters: Bobbi-Jo Atchison, and Amanda Ebert

Session Description: Locating suitable inclusive community physical activity and sport programs for youth with impairments and their parents can be difficult. While research on the perceived and actual barriers for youth undergoing these transitions exist within the literature, very little attention has focused on the impact on parents, their lived experiences and how they cope as they undergo the transition process of supporting their children. Understanding the experiences of parents may provide insights into how they negotiate the barriers and facilitators to inclusive physical activity and recreational sport opportunities for their children. This presentation will explore the findings of two research studies that capture parent (counter) stories of the everyday hidden labor and transitional experiences involved in securing physical activity opportunities for their youth with impairments. This presentation will also look at the direct application to the practice of Therapeutic Recreation along with future goals and tools that can be used to assist in supporting families through this transition process.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify three distinct hidden labor barriers that impact the participation of families of youth with disabilities preparing to access community physical activity
  2. Describe three key facilitators essential for a successful transition to community physical activity for families of youth living with disability
  3. List three elements that constitute a dignified physical activity experience for youth living with disability
  4. Determine two implications of research findings that can be applied to one’s own professional practice

A4: Recreation Therapy in the Primary Health Care Setting: Engaging, Empowering and Effective

Presenters: Jeff Kopp

Session Description: Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) recently initiated a Recreation Therapy program for physician-referred patients who are socially isolated and seek to improve their quality of life. Through a comprehensive assessment, the Recreation Therapist engages the patient in identifying personal interests, strengths and barriers and develops a strengths-based, personalized action plan to improve health. The patient is empowered to connect with community resources such as fitness centres, social programs and RDPCN programs e.g. lifestyle and mental health groups. In 2013-14, 185 patients were referred: mean age – 53 years; 71% female, 29% male. Quality of life using the SF12v2® was assessed six months after initial assessment (N=17); increased mean scores indicated patients were more confident, had more energy, were better able to develop and maintain social relationships, and experienced better mental health. This session will highlight Recreation Therapy program development, results and lessons learned in the primary care setting.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify key principles and approach utilized in a community-based recreation therapy program for physician referred patients
  2. Communicate key evaluation findings of this recreation therapy program
  3. Apply learnings from this primary care recreation therapy program to other community settings

A5: The Therapeutic Recreation Champion

Presenters: Karen Hirshfeld

Session Description:The term champion has been used and valued within the healthcare field as a role responsible for innovation, organizational change and quality improvement (Aitken et al, 2011; Barnett et al, 2011; Kirchner et al, 2010; Shaw et al, 2012). The role of champions within the Therapeutic Recreation field is particularly important at this time due to the shifting landscape within the profession and the growing need and requirements for professional practice, quality care and improved client outcomes. This session will examine the results of a research study at Brock University designed to determine the characteristics, qualities, and behaviours of the Therapeutic Recreation Champion as well as the professional development opportunities deemed important in creating future champions within the profession.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify 3 characteristics or traits associated with the TR champion
  2. Identify 3 professional development opportunities to develop one's self as a champion
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the value of TR champions in moving the field forward

A6 - Part 1:The Case for Community-Based Leisure Education: Leisure Education and Rural Low Income Families' Leisure Behaviour

Presenters: Jacquelyn Onescu

Session Description:The purpose of this presentation is to highlight how leisure education can be applied in the community context with families living in poverty. Typically delivered in healthcare and rehabilitation settings to individuals experiencing barriers to recreation participation as a result of disease, illness or disability, leisure education is not as often applied to other marginalized cohorts in the community. This presentation will highlight the details of a community-based leisure education program and the possibilities for strengthening partnerships between Therapeutic and Community Recreation practitioners to advance the profession in broader community contexts.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Illustrate leisure education beyond therapeutic settings
  2. Explore the application of leisure education in a social ecological model
  3. Discuss strategies for incorporating and/or advocating for leisure education within the broader community.

A6 - Part 2:More than just keeping busy- understanding aging well from the perspectives of individuals living in retirement.

Presenter: Jenna Johnstone, and Kristin Prentice

Session Description: This session discusses the role of leisure in regards to aging well through the perspectives of residents living in a retirement facility. This session will describe current theories of aging and how the gaps in the literature assisted in developing the purpose, need and methodology of the study. This session is meant to promote public awareness and advocacy of the profession of TR in assisted living facilities by expanding on existing knowledge about aging in retirement as well as share the experiences of persons who live in a retirement facility. Leisure is undoubtedly an integral component to aging well and there are other contributing factors that support individuals to age well that will be discussed. Additionally, this session is meant to educate students and practitioners on the theories of aging and how they are related to the profession of TR.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. By the end of the session delegated will be able to verbally identify at least two theories of aging
  2. By the end of the session delegates will be able to identify three factors to age well.
  3. By the end of the session delegates will be able to verbally discuss in a small group ways in which the can implement factors of aging well into their TR practice

10:45am - 12:15pm:

B1:Marketing the RT Profession: An International Perspective

Presenters: Bob Riley, Debbie Robinson, and Chris Richard

Session Description:Recreational Therapy as a profession needs to have a unified and cohesive narrative to demonstrate its importance to key stakeholders. Join us for a discussion of national membership efforts and how their collaboration with credentialing body efforts can expand the reach of RT to those who fund, regulate and accredit our work in order to provide consumers greater access to our services.

B2:Operationalizing Leisure Literacy

Presenters:Charlene Shannon, Jackie Oncescu, and Brenda Robertson

Session Description:A group of Canadian academics and practitioners met last May post CCLR to discuss strategies to advance the leisure education agenda in the country. One of the initiatives that resulted is aimed at defining and operationalizing the concept of leisure literacy which is becoming more widely used, and was central to the National Recreation Framework discussions in Toronto in November 2014. This facilitated discussion is designed for participants to share and discuss perspectives on the intended outcomes of their leisure education initiatives as a means of developing an understanding of what it means to be “leisure” literate. More complex than physical literacy, leisure literacy encompasses a much broader set of skill and knowledge. The session will attempt to identify the basic components of leisure literacy as well as specific knowledge and skills required at various points across the lifespan and experiencing particular life events.