About
Message From The NLTRA Board of Directors
The NLTRA Board of Directors would like to welcome you to the Newfoundland and Labrador Therapeutic Recreation Association’s newest website which was announced at the Newfoundland and Labrador Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Annual Conference and AGM in St. John’s, NL in October 2010.
The NLTRA had previously launched a website in 2004 but after a number of years, it was decided that the website was not as user friendly and informative as it could be. With technological advancements and the increase in demand from practioners and members to be able to access information online, our new website has been developed.
We have included information that will be useful to practitioners, students and educators. The NLTRA board of directors encourages you to explore our new website and utilize any of the information provided. If you are not an NLTRA member, we encourage you to join and avail of the important information found in the “Member Services” section of this website. NLTRA Membership information and application forms are available on this site.
We are always interested in suggestions on how to improve this Website. After reviewing it, if you have any suggestions please forward your comments to the NLTRA at the enclosed address.
Thanks to all and we look forward to working with you to enhance and support both the profession and the professional.
Mission Statement
The Newfoundland and Labrador Therapeutic Recreation Association exists to address the needs of therapeutic recreation practitioners in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in order to enhance the quality of services provided to the people we serve.
Goals:
• Promoting and advocating for therapeutic recreation.
• Supporting continuing education and professional development.
• Developing Standards of Practice.
• Networking with External Groups.
Definition of Therapeutic Recreation
Practiced in clinical, residential, and community settings, the profession of therapeutic recreation uses treatment, education, and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities, and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, independence, and well-being.
(Source: National Therapeutic Recreation Society, 1994)
Approved by NLTRA, Board of Directors, on November 30, 1998.
Our History
The history of Therapeutic Recreation within this province began in the 1970′s when the provision of recreation services in nursing homes and hospitals started. Increasingly the public and health care administrators became aware that all people have a need for and a right to recreation.. Within this environment and following national trends in the field, Therapeutic Recreation began to emerge. In 1982, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through its pay and classification division, created recreation positions in the health care system.
The need to form a provincial association representing practitioners in the field was identified and in 1986 the Recreation Workers and Activity Directors Association (RWAD) was incorporated. In 1986 the first Annual General Meeting was held and Maureen Goodyear was elected President. The RWAD became recognized and affiliated with the Newfoundland Hospital Association in 1986, and in 1989 the association adopted its first Standards of Practice and a Code Of Ethics.
In 1995, RWAD changed its name to The Newfoundland and Labrador Therapeutic Recreation Association. The process to redevelop standards of practice began in November 1996 and ended in October 1998 with the adoption of new standards at the Annual General Meeting held in the Janeway Child Heath Center.
Our Philosophy
The association and its members endorse the following philosophical statement:
The profession of Therapeutic Recreation believes in the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being and is committed to the value of acceptance, self-determination, and respect of the individual. Members of the Therapeutic Recreation profession believe that the social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical aspects of daily life are vital parts of human existence. The profession of Therapeutic Recreation recognizes leisure, recreation and play as integral components of quality of life. Therapeutic Recreation interventions are directed towards treatment, leisure education and participation opportunities. These interventions support the goal of assisting the individual to maximize independence in leisure, optimal health and the highest possible quality of life. Therapeutic Recreation believes that every individual has the right to the opportunity to explore these aspects of human nature to their fullest potential.
Approved by NLTRA, Board of Directors, on November 30, 1998.
Our Code of Ethics
The Association and its members endorse and practice the following ethical principles:
- Professionals act with integrity, protecting and promoting commitment to their service. Professionals act honestly through complete, accurate and clear communications. They do not misrepresent themselves or the profession. Professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills through educational opportunities.
- Professionals are loyal to and committed to the well being of the individuals they serve. They maintain privacy and confidentiality of the individual being served by practicing informed consent.
- Professionals strive to provide quality service based on professional standards. The purpose, results and implications of treatment practices are explained to the individual, striving to maintain their safety and well being in a client centered approach.
- Professionals practice mutual respect and work cooperatively for the benefit of those they serve. They practice professional and moral conduct in dealing with ethical issues. Professionals practice continued quality management to improve the professions ability to serve society. Professionals seek to improve the profession’s body of knowledge through ethical research and clinical teaching.
- Reference Note: Adapted from Codes of Ethics from the following associations: National Therapeutic Recreations Association American Therapeutic Recreation Association Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association
Approved by NLTRA, Board of Directors, on November 30, 1998.
