Sessions Include:
SUNDAY
TR Welcome/Ice Breaker/ Networking
Welcome to or welcome back to the Therapeutic Recreation Institute. This session will provide you with the logistical information you need for the week and introduce you to those who will be attending along with you. An icebreaker will allow you to become familiar with your classmates, understand their backgrounds and expertise, and establish that network that will live on long after the Institute concludes.
Social Narratives for Inclusive Recreation Services
Jorge Batista
Recreation and Inclusion Therapist, Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces
Carolina Mugar
Recreation and Inclusion Therapist, Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces
Gisel Prado
Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Manager, Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces
A social narrative is a story formulated for neurodiverse individuals that represent social behaviors and future social situations. Recreation professionals can develop social narratives through short descriptions and visual aids to assist individuals with neurodiversity on their visit to their neighborhood parks.
Tell a Story- Through the Eyes of the RT
Mary Palacios, CTRS
Recreation Specialist II, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation
Tell a story about the successes, challenges, and goals accomplished during your work as
a Recreational Therapist. It is important to tell a story that will be a great way to market your program to a new client, a parent, or your administration. Everyday tell a story through the eyes of the Recreational Therapist.
http://www.frpa.org/conference/tr
Partnering Recreational Therapy
Stella Husch, MSA, CTRS
President, Strive Recreational Therapy Services
Learn how to access various resources needed for inclusion and how to partner with various organizations to build more opportunities for involvement in recreation, sport, and leisure programs for individuals with disabilities.
From Vision to Action: Disability Recreation Programs Anywhere
Sara Carlson
Recreation District Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation
Rachel Hyde
Recreation Services Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation
Discover practical ways to start recreation programs designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. Explore examples from small, low-resource efforts to large, well-funded initiatives. Through guided, interactive learning, participants will assess community needs, identify available resources, and develop actionable steps to launch or expand recreation opportunities that fit their setting.
MONDAY
Nurturing Nonprofits Through Structure and Sustainability for Therapeutic Programs
Diana Bonet
Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Therapist, Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Arlene Bouza-Jou, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Therapist, Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Featuring lessons learned from Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Unit, this session offers a behind the scenes look at the process of utilizing a sustainable idea to support the mission of our non-profit organization.
Designing Effective Inclusion Processes
Sara Carlson
Recreation District Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation
Rachel Hyde
Recreation Services Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation
Austin Parks and Recreation’s Modification and Support team ensures inclusive access across all programs. Grounded in ADA principles, this session outlines the process from participant contact through ongoing adaptation, featuring data tracking, therapeutic assessment, and individualized modification plans that enhance participation, promote success, and strengthen inclusive recreation experiences.
The Benefits of Sports as a Supplemental Intervention for Individuals with Autism
Elizabeth Reisinger
Recreation Services Manager, Els for Autism
This presentation will introduce the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports programs. The therapeutic value of sports (i.e., golf, tennis, fitness, & aquatics) for individuals with autism will be discussed. The presentation will specifically review how programs can enhance the development of social/communication, and physical skills in inclusive and accessible settings.
TUESDAY
Diving into Possibilities: Accessible Learn-to-Swim Class
Nadia Argüelles-Goicoechea
Program Coordinator, Miami Parks and Recreation
Nicolle Martinez
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Miami Parks and Recreation
Barry Tucker, MBA
Pool Supervisor, Miami Parks and Recreation
Discover how ‘Accessible Learn-to-Swim Class’ can empower swimmers of all abilities to safely experience aquatic environments. Most children with disabilities are 20 times more likely to drown, creating a need for adaptive techniques, accessible considerations and creative programming that make learn-to-swim possible for everyone.
