This page was developed to provide information about Therapeutic Recreation services at Five Counties Children's Centre. We are a community-based agency which provides rehabilitation services to children and teens who have physical disabilities, learning and communication disorders. If you are a client, health-care professional, community recreation provider, teacher, coach, potential staff, student, volunteer or any member of the general public, this page may be of interest to you! Below you will find the definition and benefits of Therapeutic Recreation, the purpose and types of services available at Five Counties Children's Centre, action pictures and some interesting links to similar or related therapeutic recreation services. Enjoy!

What is Therapeutic Recreation? Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation Purpose of Therapeutic Recreation at Five Counties Children's Centre Assessment Treatment Leisure Education Recreation Participation Referral Community Development Community Education Volunteers Where are Services Offered? How to Contact Us Links

What is Therapeutic Recreation?

The purpose of Therapeutic Recreation is to enable persons with physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social limitations to acquire the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will allow them to enjoy their leisure optimally, function independently with the least amount of assistance and particpate as fully as possible in society (Therapeutic Recreation Branch, Parks and Recreation Ontario, 1995). Therapeutic Recreation provides opportunities for development in all domains of life including physical, social, emotional and cognitive.

Benefits of Therepeutic Recreation:

	improved quality of life through ..
	improved physical abilities
	strengthened interpersonal skills
	increased confidence & self-esteem
	increased self-awareness
	increased independence
	improved ability to manage stress

Purpose of Therapeutic Recreation at Five Counties Children's Centre

Our purpose is to provide and/or promote quality recreation opportunities for children and teens with special needs from birth to age nineteen within our geographical catchment area which includes the counties of Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland, Haliburton and north Hastings. Different modes of therapeutic recreation service are used (treatment, leisure education and recreation participation), based on an assessment of each individual's strengths and needs.
 

Assessment

When a child or teen is referred for Therapeutic Recreation service, an initial leisure life assessment takes place involving the family, the child or teen and Therapeutic Recreation staff. The abilities and needs of the child or teen are discovered by the use of leisure interest inventories and other assessment tools, observation and interview. This allows for goals, objectives and a service plan to be set, taking into consideration the availability and appropriateness of Centre or community services and opportunities.
 

Treatment

Treatment offers an opportunity to develop specific skills or acquire specific equipment so that the child or teen may become more independently involved in leisure.
 

	Individual Skill Instruction
	Adaptive Equipment

Leisure Education offers opportunities for children, teens and families to gain leisure related knowledge, skills, attitudes and resources. It may be provided in a group setting such as an introductory activity clinic or information fair or through individual consultation about home, school, community or Centre leisure opportunities. Information and consultation are available regarding community, regional and provincial recreation, summer camps, adapted recreation equipment and competitive sports opportunities.
 

	Activity Clinics
	Introductory Workshops
	Community Program Information
	Summer Camp Information
	Competitive Sports Information
	Equipment Information

Recreation Participation

Recreation participation in the types of activities shown below provides opportunities for voluntary involvement in recreation interests and activities of both a specialized and inclusive nature. Every human being has the right to and a need for recreation. The choice of participation in group or individual, competitive or non-competitive, active or passive activities, including mental and physical games, creative hobbies, arts, drama, music and outdoor recreation, allows for expression of one's own leisure lifestyle.
 

	Music
	Team Play!
	Inclusive or Specialized Leagues
	Individual Leisure
	Games
	Hobbies
	Physical Challenge
	Outdoor Adventure

Referral

Children and teens may be referred to Therapeutic Recreation Services by the parent or caregiver, therapist, resource teacher or family physician. Referred families are contacted and admitted if any of the above services are needed. Families are placed on a mailing list to receive seasonal newsletters detailing programs and services available through the Centre and community.
 

Community Development

Community Development is an integral component of Therapeutic Recreation services at Five Counties Children's Centre. It is our belief that specialized and inclusive recreation opportunities should be available within our community and schools (programs, events, Physical Education). We are available to assist community recreation providers, including schools, in the offering of quality leisure opportunities which meet the needs of children and teens who have special needs. We strive to develop community partnerships by assisting with program development and activity adaptation. Staff are involved with community committees which respond to policies and advocate for the needs and interests of persons with disabilities regarding recreation issues.
 

Inclusive Recreation and Physical Education Consultation

Staff may be available upon request to provide training workshops or educational seminars about specific aspects or the general field of Therapeutic Recreation.
 

Volunteers

Volunteers offer important skills, enthusiasm and assistance to youth with special needs in our Five Counties Therapeutic Recreation services and in community programs. For more information, please contact us. 

Where are Services Offered?

The Therapeutic Recreation office is in our Peterborough Centre but staff work on an outreach basis in all of our counties. Programs, events, consultation and education may take place at the Centre or community locations such as recreation facilities or schools.
 

How to Contact Us

Peterborough County:
872 Dutton Road
Peterborough, ON
K9H 7G1
1-705-748-2337 ext. 250 or 1-888-779-9916 ext. 250
fax: 1-705-748-3526

Victoria County:
55 Mary St. W.
Lindsay, ON
K9V 5Z6
1-705-324-9320 or 1-888-706-4734
fax: 1-705-324-1936

Haliburton County:
Eastern Avenue
P.O. Box 1376
Haliburton, ON
K0M 1S0
1-705-457-9191
fax: 1-705-457-3492

Northumberland County:
c/o Multi-Care Lodge
174 Oliver Road
Campbellford, ON
K0L 1L0
1-705-653-1334 (phone & fax)

Cobourg:
700 D'Arcy Street Unit 03
Cobourg, ON
K9A 5T3
1-905-377-0192
fax: 1-905-377-9491

E-mail: (info@fivecounties.on.ca)