Therapeutic Recreation Month

WHEREAS, therapeutic recreation is the provision of treatment services and provision of recreation services to persons with illness or disabling conditions; and

WHEREAS, therapeutic recreation is a systemic process that utilizes recreation and other activity based interventions based upon assessed needs of individuals with illness and/or disabling conditions; the primary purpose of therapeutic recreation is to restore, remediate or rehabilitate in order to improve an individual’s functioning and independence as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability; and

WHEREAS, therapeutic recreation is an important part of Alabama communities in both clinical, residential and community settings; and

WHEREAS, therapeutic recreation uses treatment, education and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, therapeutic recreation is provided by professionals who are trained and certified, registered and/or licensed to provide therapeutic recreation services; its professionals help individuals with disabilities enhance their quality of life as well as improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation of life; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of Therapeutic Recreation Month is to enhance public awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and recreational therapy services, promote inclusive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities and recognize the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist as the qualified provider of recreation therapy services:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of January 2014, as

Therapeutic Recreation Month

in the State of the Alabama.