Our programs and 1:1 services provide leisure and hands-on learning opportunities in real world settings. Programs are available to children and youth who have disabilities and are inpatient clients of Holland Bloorview. Our goal is to maintain and improve the health and quality of life for children and youth while in the hospital.
Benefits of participation:
- Increase self-esteem and confidence
- Build social skills and meet new friends
- Stimulate senses in multi-sensory stimulation programs
- Explore leisure interests and try new activities
- Improve quality of life
- Learn about recreation resources in your home community
Program offerings
Programs are offered 365 days a year to clients of all ages from the BIRT, SODR, and CCC units. Clients 0-6 years of age from all units are invited to participate in Therapeutic Playroom programs. Clients 7+ years of age are invited to attend programs with the unit on which they are housed.
See links below for specific program calendars.
See links below for upcoming special events.
What is recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation?
Recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation (TR) is a systematic process that utilizes recreation (leisure) and other activities as interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being.[1] Recreational therapy may also be simply referred to as recreation therapy, in short it is the utilization and enhancement of leisure.[2]
The work of recreational therapists differ from other professionals on the basis of using leisure activities alone to meet well-being goals, they work with clients to enhance motor, social and cognitive functioning, build confidence, develop coping skills, and integrate skills learned in treatment settings into community settings. Intervention areas vary widely and are based upon enjoyable and rewarding interests of the client. Examples of intervention modalities include creative arts (e.g., crafts, music, dance, drama, among others), games, sports like adventure programming, exercises like dance/movement, and skill enhancement activities (motor, locomotion, sensory, cognition, communication, and behavior).
- Elizabeth (Lizzy) Luff TRS
- Jelena Vicentic TRA
- Heather Elo TRA
- Chelsea Rauh TRA
- Shawna Perkins Coordinator
- Madison Da Silva TRA
- Randy Mulder TRA
- Shreeya Poudyal TRA
- Kendra Abbey TRA (on leave)
- Michelle Champagne TRS
- Rachel McBurney TRS
- Carter Wickson TRA
- Kyle Brisbane TRA
