Therapeutic Recreation

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Therapy does not have to be all work and no play. Through Therapeutic Recreation, patients build upon physical skills from other therapies, resume previous recreational interests, learn new ones, and move forward on the path of mental and emotional healing through different leisure activities. You will have the chance to meet new people, many of whom face the same challenges you do. Inpatients and families can explore various fun and therapeutic opportunities through music therapy, art therapy and animal-assisted therapy.

What makes Therapeutic Recreation at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab unique?

• Animal-assisted therapy
• Using accessible Chicago Transit Authority trains and buses
• Exploring accessible activities such as movies, cultural events and outdoor recreation
• Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program

Our therapeutic recreation staff works closely with you and your loved ones to help find activities and events that match your interests and help you meet everyday needs (for example, commuting on the train or safe money handling).

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The Clinical Therapeutic Recreation Program is an integral part of a patient’s rehabilitation process while at  the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The team works closely with other allied health professionals to devise treatment objectives that can range from leisure skills training and community reintegration outings, to leisure education sessions and recreational resource awareness. Based on a leisure assessment, a treatment plan is developed to aid the patient’s rehabilitation goals and leisure interests. Therapies may involve recreational therapy, music therapy, horticultural therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.

An internship with the Therapeutic Recreation Department is great for people who want exposure to a variety of patient populations and experience in helping individuals lead healthy and active lifestyles as independently as possible through the use of recreation activities, education, skill development, and community reintegration opportunities.

Interested in applying for an internship or more information? Click links below for an application and general Information or visit the Sports-Fitness-T-Rec Internship page.

For information on other internship and career opportunities within the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, click here now.