Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) was created in 1999 with the goal of uniting and advancing the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) profession, by providing guidance and support for its members. In addition to networking opportunities and educational events, TRO provides resources to help TR professionals develop quality services and advocates to advance the profession in order to protect the rights of individuals across diverse delivery settings throughout the province.
Philosophical Statement for TR
The purpose of Recreation Therapy is to enable all individuals to achieve quality of life, and optimal health through meaningful experiences in recreation and leisure. We believe in the inherent capacities of individuals for personal growth, happiness and freedom. Recreation Therapy is a profession which provides service to, and advocates for individuals with physical, mental, social, behavioural or emotional limitations in a variety of settings such as hospitals, long-term care settings, day programs, community-based programs, and mental health centres. The Recreation Therapy profession recognizes the right of all citizens to have access to and the freedom to choose recreation and leisure opportunities regardless of their physical, financial, developmental, emotional, or social challenges OR the barriers imposed on them by society at large.
The foundation of the Recreation Therapy profession is the establishment of authentic relationships with the individual receiving services and all other key stakeholders. Utilizing a collaborative approach, Recreation Therapy follows a systematic process of assessment, goal-setting, program/intervention development, individual and group facilitation, documentation, and evaluation. Programs are designed to promote independent functioning within the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, behavioural and social domains, and to educate individuals about the skills and resources required to participate in recreation and leisure. The Recreation Therapy profession utilizes evidence-based practice to create outcome-based interventions suitable to the client’s abilities. As part of its advocacy, Recreation Therapy is committed to educating society about the rights and capacities of all citizens to participate in recreation and leisure.
Strategic Plan
With the goal of reflecting members’ needs and interests and striving to elevate and advance the Therapeutic Recreation profession, the following four Strategic Priorities have been identified for TRO for 2019-2021: Technology, Engagement, Advocacy and Sustainable Growth. A number of objectives have been identified under each Strategic Priority that will be implemented both in the near future and over the next three years. Read more here: 2019-2021 TRO Strategic Plan
Bylaws
Read here: Current TRO Bylaws
Team
Click here to meet our Board of Directors. Click here to meet the TRO Staff.