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Therapeutic Recreation

About Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation Programming
Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Recreation division provides specialized programs, services, opportunities, and events for individuals with disabilities. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations (upon request), support, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities in our general recreation programs. The Therapeutic Recreation staff will work with participants, parents/guardians, and staff to help ensure an enjoyable recreational experience. Our certified staff is dedicated to maintaining an atmosphere that empowers participants to enjoy life and reach their goals every day. 

For more information, please email Jaimie Belch at jbelch@isleofwightus.net or call (757)-365-1663

What is Therapeutic Recreation? 
Therapeutic Recreation, also known as Recreational Therapy, uses recreation and leisure activities to help people with disabilities improve their skills, abilities, quality of life, overall health and well-being.

What do Recreational Therapists do? 
Recreation Therapy services are provided by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), also referred to as Recreational Therapists. The CTRS is the qualified provider who works with the participant and their family to incorporate specific interests and needs into therapy-based interventions to achieve optimal outcomes that transfer to everyday life. The Recreational Therapist has a unique perspective regarding the social, cognitive, physical, and leisure needs of the participant. The therapy process provided by the Recreational Therapist incorporates the individual’s interests, family, and community, making the practice meaningful and relevant. 

* Therapeutic Recreation programs promote community recreation and participation and are not intended to provide behavior therapy interventions. Participants will be expected to manage their own behavior with minimal staff intervention and must have a desire to participate in programming. Participants requiring 1:1 assistance are welcome with their own personal aide at no extra cost.


Upcoming Events

Picnic & Play Flyer


Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation- Therapeutic Recreation is happy to share that we will have a new and exciting program for you and your loved ones this Fall! Picnic & Play is an opportunity for parents/guardians of children with disabilities ages 5-15 to join together in the park for a support and resource group. Parents enjoy coffee or even bring a small picnic basket of snacks while your children play in the park with the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She will also be there to update you on any resources she is aware of and share future programs she will be having in Therapeutic Recreation.

The first event will be held on 9/23/2023 in Nike Park at picnic shelter A and the playground beside it. The second event will be held on 10/7/2023 in Camptown Park at the picnic tables and playground. Both Saturdays will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. These programs have no cost associated with them.

For more information and how to register, please contact Jaimie Belch, CTRS at 757-365-1663 or jbelch@isleofwightus.net


Flyer - Copy

Why is Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation smiling from ear to ear like a carved pumpkin? Because we are pleased to announce our first-ever Halloween special event for all ages and abilities! Trick or Trot and Halloween Hullaballoo will be fun for everyone!
Trick or Trot is a 1-mile fun walk, run, or roll. Registration is required and cost $10. All Trick or Trot participants will receive a t-shirt and participation award. The first walk, run, or roll starts at 4 p.m. The course is wheelchair accessible. Registration is now open and available online through our Parks and Recreation website.
Halloween Hullaballoo is free and open to the public. It consists of free Halloween-themed games, activities, trick-or-treating vendors, and a costume contest! Enjoy this event if you’re not participating in the Trick or Trot or after you finish your mile.

This event will be held on October 14, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Hwy. Windsor, VA. 223487.

For more information, please contact Jaimie Belch at 757-365-1663 or jbelch@isleofwightus.net OR Jenilee Hallman at 757-357-5959 or jhallman@isleofwightus.net

RISE Flyer
 

 Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation- Therapeutic Recreation is excited to announce its first-ever Therapeutic Recreation Day program for adults with disabilities ages 18 and up. The RISE Program (Resilient-Independent-Social-Empowerment) will begin November 3rd, 2023, and run continuously every Friday throughout the year, excluding holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nike Park Mary W. Wells Senior Building B (13036 Nike Park Road Carrollton, VA. 23314).
The goal of this program is to promote socialization independent living skills, and provide opportunities for participating in recreation activities for people with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a group that shares common goals and abilities. Activities will include, but most certainly not be limited to, group activities, arts & crafts, pop-up field trips, physical activities, outdoor activities, workshops, and much more.
This program is free; however, registration is required along with an assessment paperwork and an in-person portion process. Pop-up field trip fees will be the responsibility of the participant. Registration begins September 18th, 2023, and will be ongoing until full.
For more information and how to register, please contact Jaimie Belch, CTRS, at 757-365-1663 or jbelch@isleofwightus.net





Therapeutic Recreation Brochure