Recreation Therapy Success and Outcomes
100% of clients surveyed had positive responses and feedback regarding their recreation therapy experience in 2024.
Teresa loved to hike prior to her accident. She is unable to do so now due to poor balance. Thanks to the track chair and some help from her therapist, she is learning to hike again!
Our therapist Claire organized a wood burning group class with her 3 clients and it went really well! Giovanni taught Ben and Rob how to do the wood burning and they each made their own piece. Everyone enjoyed it and they are doing it again in July. These guys had a blast and learned a great skill.
Thanks Giovanni!—HCRT
HCRT partnered with Wheels in Motion to take some of our clients for an accessible pontoon boat ride. Wheels in Motion is a non-profit organization that creates Barrier-Free opportunities for Boating, Adaptive Mountain Biking, and Offroad Adventures. Thank you to our therapists and volunteers who made this event possible!
Julie and Rodger both worked on art to enter for Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) Art from the Heart show. This remarkable event celebrates the talents and creativity of artists with disabilities. This special evening showcased a vibrant artwork gallery with many unique pieces available for purchase, offering a rare chance to acquire beautiful art while supporting a great cause. In addition to exploring the beautiful art on display, tickets included dinner and live entertainment. The night also featured exciting auctions and raffles.
Great Job Julie and Rodger—HCRT
One of our amazing therapists started to brainstorm outdoor, nature + adventure therapy ideas to safely help get clients outdoors to work on their goals through the winter months. Snowshoeing was a great option but required supplies and funds and the therapist ideally wanted to purchase equipment so that clients could check out a variety of trails and not worry about rental costs. Our therapist applied for a $250 grant, received it, and were able to purchase 2 sets of snowshoes + hiking poles. Multiple clients have participated, and they love it. It's been a new leisure pursuit for all of them.
When Eva started RT she wasn't a big fan of the outdoors but since implementing nature walks, hiking, and snowshoeing she's come to love being outdoors and has learned the benefits of what nature provides from a fitness and emotional perspective. She will often comment about how peaceful it is and how relaxed it makes her feel. Snowshoeing is also working on her balance, bilateral integration, and so much more. It's been impactful to see clients benefit so greatly from a simple snow sport like snowshoeing.
Roger’s goal was to ride 10 consecutive miles in one session. He racked up just over 200 miles in total in 2020. He has goals of increasing productive community participation and increasing awareness of resources in his community. Biking was a great way for him to explore new parks and parts of his community.
Marlene began Recreation Therapy following a motor vehicle accident and diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. She was recently discharged after participating in a comprehensive RT program. She benefited from aquatic therapy, creative interventions, and other activities that improved her cognitive, physical and emotional well being. Following discharge we checked in with her family to see how she was doing. Marlene’s daughter shared that her mom paints pictures, plays Uno and keeps busy doing the things she learned from us. “I'm certain she misses you. Thanks for caring.”
Marlene is seen here with some planters she painted.
Eva lives at home with her parents and sometimes the chaos of her parents and her home frustrates her. She would often say during our at-home sessions that she couldn't think with all the stuff and loud voices around her. Her Mom gave us permission to create a meditation space in their extra bedroom that was being used as storage (the first photo is the before photo). Eva decluttered the space, organizing and sorting items during RT and also outside of RT with her Mom to demonstrate self-initiative. Once it was cleared out she completed an online workshop on how to create a sacred space and then she filled the room with items that were recommended during the workshop. The second photo shows Eva and her dog in her new space. This space will be used for meditation, RT sessions, adaptive yoga, and eventually a quiet space for her to do coursework when she begins college classes.
During this project, we found lots of makeup bags and purses that weren't being used. Eva and I discussed ways she could donate them and she decided on a "community mission project" that she titled - Women's Hygiene Bag Drive. During our session yesterday she submitted a grant through a local organization for $250 to purchase supplies for the bags that she will donate to a local charity that provides housing for women in need. It was great to see how one project led to another! See next picture of her mission project success! ~ Eva’s RT
Our success stories include a young man with a brain-injury who uses technology for organization and has left his wheelchair behind to volunteer and participate in a fitness program at the YMCA; a former active swimmer who, post-brain injury, has improved beyond all expectations through aquatic therapy. A gentleman with quadriplegia who's using adaptive equipment to fish again and much more.
"I love getting to exercise with my therapist. I like RT because I feel more independent; like I can choose and do things for myself. I also like interacting with people in the community that are doing the same things. I don't feel so alone.”
— Mr. M.
