February 2020 has officially been declared Therapeutic Recreation (TR)Awareness Month in Saskatchewan, thanks to the Minister of Health, Hon. Jim Reiter and Minister of Rural and Remote Health, Hon. Greg Ottenbreit.
TR is a health care profession that utilizes a therapeutic process, involving leisure, recreation and play as a primary tool for each individual to achieve their highest level of independence and quality of life.
TR professionals work in a variety of health care and community settings. They work with people with a disability, illness and/or chronic condition to improve, maintain or prevent a decline in health. Leisure based treatment plans are purposeful, meaningful and based on individual strengths and values identified through assessment.
“TR Professionals help Saskatchewanians live their best lives.”, says S.A.R.P. Executive Director, TJ Biemans. “The professionis an essential ingredientto Saskatchewan’shealth care system and TR professionals’innovative approach to new therapy programs is nothing short of remarkable. I am pleased to see the profession being recognized again this year, as it brings awareness to a line of work that is not well known.”
Celebrated since 1996, TR Awareness Month has been recognized across the country by S.A.R.P. and our national partner, the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA).
Therapeutic Recreation Professionals work in a variety of settings such as acute care, rehabilitation centres, supportive living, long-term care homes, day programs, mental health, addiction services, child services, adolescent services, correctional facilities, schools, community and private practices.
“The sky is the limit with TR Professionals and our hope is to shed light on an undervalued profession that is doing wonders for individuals living in our communities”, says TJ Biemans..
About S.A.R.P.
Over 200 members strong, The Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (S.A.R.P.) is a member organization committed to the recreation profession by representing and supporting current and future recreation professionals. Happily supporting Saskatchewan recreation professionals since 1970. Learn more at SARPonline.ca.
