Therapeutic Recreation

Inclusion: Provides opportunities for people with and without disabilities to experience recreation together. It provides support in the form of extra staff, sign language interpreters, support partners, adapting rules and policies, behavior management support, disability awareness training, and other services necessary to include people with disabilities in community recreation.

Specialized Programs: These programs are open to everyone but designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities. They include sporting activities, adapted aquatics, arts and crafts, outings, and more.

Personal Needs Assistance

Persons needing assistance with feeding, medication, using the restroom, or dressing during a program or class are encouraged to sign up and participate with a personal care attendant. There is no fee for personal care attendants providing assistance unless otherwise noted; however, attendants need to register separately and note whom they will be assisting.

Volunteers

Volunteers are a vital part of our program. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lindsey Emmerich, CTRS, [email protected], 303.467.7007.

MS Hydrotherapy Program

Register for the MS Hydrotherapy Program

The Therapeutic Recreation program has partnered with the Rocky Mountain MS Center to offer an MS Hydrotherapy class. The cool water environment is ideal for individuals with MS for exercising and offers numerous benefits, including:

• Increased mobility
• Aerobic conditioning without heat liability
• Increased muscle strength
• Increased range of motion/flexibility
• Improved self-esteem
• Improved endurance
• Socialization opportunities

The class will utilize deep and shallow water exercise techniques, incorporating stretching, strength training, balance, coordination and endurance. The instructor will work with individuals to address specific needs. The class will be facilitated by Michele Harrison, a physical therapist with over 15 years of experience working with individuals with MS. Michele is certified in aquatic therapy, aquatic fitness and numerous hydrotherapy techniques. Personal attendants are required at no charge if there are changing needs or other bathroom needs.

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program

Register for AFAP

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) is a warm-water exercise program for people with arthritis and related conditions. It is designed to reduce fatigue, pain, and stiffness and improve mobility, muscle strength, and coordination.

Along with improving quality of life, therapeutic recreation also
has many other benefits:

• To offer activities that are meaningful to each client.
• To enhance or maintain cognitive abilities.
• To enhance or maintain physical abilities.
• To promote emotional and psychosocial well-being.
• To provide an opportunity for socialization.
• To offer an opportunity for creative expression.
• To offer an opportunity for decision-making, choice, and responsibility.
• To offer an opportunity for spiritual expression.
• To offer solace and relaxation.
• To provide an opportunity for fun, pleasure, and enjoyment.
• To offer an opportunity to share common interests, cultures, and experiences.
• To promote independence and decrease learned helplessness.
• To provide an opportunity to learn new skills, adapt old skills, and enjoy new leisure experiences.