Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada (TRAAC)

Overview:

Profession(s): Recreational Therapy
Member Type(s): Recreation Therapists, Students and supporters of the field of Recreation Therapy
Scope: Regional - Atlantic
Formed: 1999
Address: c/o Heather Baker, 604-41 Cowie Hill Road, Halifax, NS, B3P 2M7, Canada
Email: membership@traac.ca
Website: www.traac.ca

Description:

ACS for CTRS was established on February 19th, 1999. This was the result of the initiative of a group of individuals who wanted to enhance the Therapeutic Recreation profession. The initial executive was comprised of Andrea Waters President, June Burke-MacDonald Treasurer, Tim MacKinnon Secretary, Jerry Singleton and Andrew Ritcey directors at large.

The 2003-2004 executive decided that a name change would be beneficial to the society to make it more inclusive of all members. At the annual general meeting in March 2004, the name change was passed and ACS for CTRS is now known as Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada. To coincide with the name change TRAAC has also developed a new mission statement, vision and goals for the association.

Mission/Aims:

Mission:

The Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada promotes excellence in Therapeutic Recreation through advocacy, resource development and continuing education.

Vision:

Therapeutic Recreation is an essential service for health and wellness.

Goals:

Advocacy - To advocate on behalf of the membership for the Therapeutic Recreation professional, practitioner and students.

Resource Development - To respond to the needs of the membership and the profession through the development of resources.

Continuing Education - To support and enhance continuing education on behalf of the membership.

Code of Ethics (Approved March, 2004):

The Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada membership will endorse and practice the following principles.

Professional Virtues:

Professionals act with integrity, protecting and promoting commitment to their service. Professionals act honestly through complete, accurate and clear communications. They do not misrepresent themselves or the profession. In the practice of fairness, intent and implications of service are explained and services/resources are used equitably and conscientiously. Professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills through educational opportunities and maintain certification as applicable.

Obligation to the Individual and Society:

Professionals advocate the importance of recreation, leisure and play by supporting equal opportunity and personal choice. Professionals are loyal and committed to the well being and confidentiality of the individual being served by practicing informed consent and seeking permission prior to releasing information. The purpose, results and implications of practice are explained to the individual, striving to maintain their safety and well being in a client centered approach.

Responsibilities to Colleagues and the Profession:

Professionals practice mutual respect and work cooperatively for the benefit of those they serve. They practice professional and moral conduct in dealing with ethical issues. Professionals seek to improve the professions body of knowledge through ethical research and clinical teaching.

Philosophy Statement (Approved March, 2004):

It is the Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada's belief that our members provide and support Therapeutic Recreation Services across the continuum of care. This process of care incorporates functional intervention, education and participation focused on the participants needs, abilities and interests. The outcome of this care is to assist individuals who experience illness and/or disabling conditions, along with their supporters, in achieving personal goals toward wellness and maintaining quality of life. Our members believe TR Services are provided in a wide variety of settings, such as community, home based, care centres, day programs, long term care facilities, recreation centres and in schools. TRAAC initiatives are embraced by all members; professional, supportive or student.

Principal Activities:

Advocacy
Resource Development
Continuing Education

Member Benefits:

Access to the annual conference with CEU credits
Bi-annual newsletter
Elect members to represent the TRAAC Board of Directors
Access TRAAC website for job postings, internship placements and resource information
Network with peers in the field of Therapeutic Recreation
Help develop and shape the profession in Atlantic Canada
Learn the newest trends in Therapeutic Recreation
Share information among peers and other professionals
Learn about regional research in Therapeutic Recreation and how to get involved
Advocate for Therapeutic Recreation and have a voice in the strategic directions for TRAAC

Affiliations:

Associations to which we are a member:
Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia (GANS)

Verification Criteria:

Recreation Therapist: Bachelor's Degree with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation. Certified through NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification).

Recreation Programmer: Diploma in Recreation with a focus in Recreation Therapy.