Comprehensive Program Plan

Community Parks and Recreation

For all Recreational Park

By:
Elizabeth Quintana
Veronica Banderas
Peter Petit-Homme
Gleidys Bernal
Sonoma Louis

Abstract

Our Comprehensive Program (CPP) is proposed for the South Florida

community. The South Florida communities in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and
Monroe provide Parks accessible to the public. A park named For All Recreational
Park is located in a city in South Florida named Hialeah. The park provides beneficial
recreational therapy to kids and adults with disabilities. Our paper contains facts,
reports, and valid information on segments on the community, agency, TR department,
clients, TR profession, and its components.

Table of Contents

Analysis
The Comprehensive program design is to focus on the client needs. In order to create a
potential program we need to use the TRAM: Therapeutic Recreation Accountability Model
(Appendix A). The most beneficial aspects of the comprehensive program are its stability,
flexibility, and accountability. The Analysis stages consist of five areas, which are: the
community, the agency, the clients, the therapeutic recreation department, and the therapeutic
recreation profession (Stumbo & Peterson, p.111). Planning a program you need sufficient
information for developing stages. The park we chose For All Park will be located in Hialeah,
which is located in South Florida.
The Community
For All Park is located at 2250 West 60th street in Hialeah, Florida. Map of the park is
located in Appendix B.
Demographics
In 2013, according to the latest data in the United States Census Bureau, Miami Dade
County had 2,617 million residents. In Hialeah, they had 224,669 residents since the last data
report in 2010 (Census.gov). Hialeah age group is 5% under the age of 5years old, 19.1% 5-18
years old, and 19.1% 65 years old and over. The Ethnicity is 94.7% Hispanic, 92.6% White
American, 2.7% Black or African, 0.4% Indian, and 0.1% Indian. In Hialeah, the disability rate
is 5.9% since 2014 (Appendix C & D). The Primary language is English but several households
also speak Spanish.
The religion orientation in the city of Hialeah is 24.6% catholic, 3.48% Baptist, 4.55%
Jewish and the rest are a small percentage to smaller affiliations (Appendix E).

Geographic Variables
The City of Hialeah is the 6th largest city in Florida. The primary coordinate point
for Hialeah is located at latitude 25.8699 and longitude -80.3029 in Miami-Dade County.
Hialeah is 7 feet above sea level. Hialeah Encompass a land area of 21.43 sq. miles and a water
area of 1.39 sq. miles. Hialeah and Miami-Dade reside under the Eastern Timezone (GMT -5)
(Appendix F).
Season Variables
The Average high temperature in Hialeah is 82.4F and the average low is 69.5F.
Hialeah doesnt have a cold snowy winter like other states up north. The average cold weather
Hialeah will get during winter is 67F. On an annual average Hialeah can get 70.44 inches of
rain a year. The rainy season starts May to the end of October. The weather is usually hot and
humid throughout the year. In Miami-Dade as well as the state of Florida has the chance of
getting impacted with a Hurricane during June 1 to the end of November. When a hurricane is
about to hit, the city advises residents to take precaution and to prepare by buying perishable
goods in case of an emergency. The city uses some schools or churches as a shelter to those in
need to stay in a safe place during the storm. During this time the city advises everyone to stay
home and all schools, offices, government jobs close to make sure they are out of danger.
Economic Condition
The city of Hialeah has had the highest home ownership between 2000-2006 and keeps
increasing minimal every year. They are also experiencing the population growth as well as an
influx of immigrants. The businesses in Hialeah increased 28% between 2005-2006. They
claimed back in 2008 that Hialeah is the second largest city in Miami-Dade County. The

employment rate last recorded in 2006 was 94.8%, which were roughly 96,550 residents that
were employed and 5.2% that were unemployed. The average income per household is roughly
32 thousand a year.
The top 3 business and 40% establishments for the city of Hialeah are: Retail trade,
Wholesale Trade, and Health Care and Social assistance. There are 3 top employers in the area
that create jobs for the community which are: Palmetto General Hospital, Palm Springs General
Hospital, and Hialeah Hospital. The smaller business establishments have less than 50 employees
but those businesses create more than 60% of the employment in the area.
Availability of resources and services
Hialeah is a full service city. They have accessible Police, Public works, Fire, and
Water & Sewer for the residents residing in Hialeah. Residents have access to 6 libraries and
have full access with their identification card. The libraries have computers, books, dvds, special
events all for their community.
The Fire department was incorporated in 1925. They provide 263 professional men and
women to on duty to service an emergency. The police department is currently the 75th largest
law enforcement agency in the state of Florida. They have over 355 sworn police officers to
protect us from harm.
Hialeah Parks and Recreation preserve 15 locations with lots of green grass to
play sports and as well as recreational facilities. At least 7 locations have a water park for kids or
adults that are looking to take a swim during the hot months. Adult Baseball, basketball, and
Zumba are offered to the adult community to keep them active. A hand full of parks offer

swimming lessons, swim team, and water polo to give the children a chance to interact with their
peers within the community (Hialeah.gov).
The Hialeah transit bus system has two routes, which are the Flamingo and Marlin
route. The transit system is available everyday except Sundays but at certain times. They provide
in person or online the hours of operation.
Afterschool programs are also available to students ages 5-12. The afterschool
camps offer literacy tutoring, activities, and indoor and outdoor games. The program costs $15 a
week per child; they have several locations around the city.
The City of Hialeah also provides a program for the disability population in their
community. They have a chance to find support and contribute to each other in their group. The
city special population program needs participants to join the Special Olympics to culinary arts
school. After school programs are equipped to serve elementary, middle and high school students
with special needs. The program also serves disabled adults from ages 18 to 65.

The Agency

For all Recreations Park is located in Dade county, Miami Florida. An overall
description, mission statement, accreditation, and agency resources are imperative in achieving a
successful Comprehensive Program Plan.
Description. For all Recreations Park is a private, non-profit parks and recreation
community center. Averaging 15 acres of land, For all Recreation Park offers a variety of
recreational activities including but not limited to a basketball court, a swimming pool equipped

for adaptive aquatics, horseback riding trails, soccer fields, picnic tables, a clubhouse and small
indoor gym. The pools wall height measures at 60 with a water depth of 4.5 feet, ensuring
proper accommodations for a wide range of users. The bottom is level and non-sloping (Aquatic
Therapy Source, n.d.). The community clubhouse offers both weekly and monthly arts and craft
classes, hosts intramural sport summer camps, as well as offers holiday parties for all ages.
Owners Savannah and Kevin Jones, husband and wife, stated For all Recreation was once an
idea that seemed impossible at the time. With what started as a handmade soccer field and a few
picnic tables turned into the largest, most adaptive and inclusive parks and recreation center in
the south Florida region. For all Recreation Park specializes in creating an accessible
environment for people with disabilities including but not limited to autism, deaf-blindness,
deafness, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, down syndrome, dementia,
traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and more. For all Recreation Park staffs a total of 40
employees.
Agency mandate, mission and vision. The Mission of For all Recreation park is to
provide quality of services and recreation opportunities/experiences for all individuals. Our
vision is to provide a center with high quality programs, services, and facilities which will act as
a catalyst for positive youth development and a stronger community. Our goal is to empower
children, youth, and families by promoting opportunities for healthy emotional, social, physical,
and cognitive growth. We take the extra mile to ensure our recreational community members can
thrive
Accreditation. To ensure best practice, guidelines are set through the appropriate
regulatory body (ies). Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation

Facilities, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human

services in the following categories: aging services, behavioral health, opioid treatment, business
and services management networks, child and youth services, employment and community
services, one-stop career centers, vision rehabilitation, services, medical rehabilitation, DMEPOS
(durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies) (Who we are, n.d.). To date,
measures do not exist for community-based recreation departments serving special populations,
however, the agency as a whole is accredited by CARF for child, youth and community services.
(Stumbo and Peterson, pg. 115)
It is important to mention the other main accrediting source- called Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. This nonprofit organization strives to improve and
maintain standards of quality in medical facilities across the United States. CARF is a very peer
consultative driven accrediting source. Accreditation was first mandated by our stakeholders, but
For all Recreation Park now chooses to stay with CARF because of the integrity of CARFs
accreditation process. Of course, there are standards the community center has to abide by.
CARF standards reflect current quality practices and leadership in the field. CARF has been
recognized by CMS and given national deeming authority to For all Recreation Park for
suppliers of canes and crutches, a patient lift for the pool, walkers, wheelchairs and their related
accessories (Who we are, n.d.). CARF also accredits child and youth services (CYS) for For all
Recreation Park in program areas such as early childhood development, child youth daycare,
home and community services and community youth development.
Alongside accreditation, For all Recreation Park follows all ADA guidelines.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became a law in 1990. This law is a civil rights law

that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life,
including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the
general public.
Organizational Chart. For all Recreation Parks organizational chart starts
with the Board of Director. Following the Board of Director is Administrative and Recreational
Services. The Vice President, Department Heads and Executive assistants are the framework to
running a successful, inclusive community center. They ensure effective therapy, reliable
equipment for all recreational departments and age appropriate activities for all youth. They also
oversee the financial and budgeting aspects of For all Recreation Park. Of course, department
specialists such as Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialists are staffed with their
appropriate departments. Organizational Chart. They ensure effective therapy, reliable equipment
for all recreational departments and age appropriate activities for all youth.These departments
include an aquatic area, indoor gym, clubhouse, horseback riding/hiking trails, soccer field and
basketball courts. Therapeutic services are offered in all above mentioned departments.
Resources. An understanding of available and potential resources must be clear in order
to develop a statement of purpose and goals. A clear understanding of resources enables the
recreational therapist to make program choices at a later time with constraints in mind.
Staff. For all Recreation Park is composed of many different professionals. In addition to the
obvious members (such as executive staff, CEO and Vice President), For all Recreation Park
staffs Program Safety Managers, Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialists, a maintenance
team, Project Coordinator, Accounting specialists, Marketing Coordinator, Member Relations

10

Manager, a Lifeguard, Camp Counselors and Coaches. Furthermore, volunteers and interns are
welcome to assist any areas they feel comfortable as sisting in.
Facilities. For all Recreation Park is a facility available to the public community as a whole.
Adaptive devices and assistive equipment is provided to ensure people with disabilities are given
the opportunity to experience the utmost recreational therapies and/or experiences possible.
Items like medical and exercise equipment, mobility devices and assistive devices can be used
for therapeutic recreation purposes. Facilities available at For all Recreation Park include an
aquatic center, trails, community clubhouse, exercise gym, soccer fields and basketball court.
Budget. The current budget for For all Recreations Park is composed from grants and
donations, occasional fundraisers and tax exemptions. Tax exemptions, grants and donations are
provided since the parks and recreation department provides charitable services. Grants and
donations make up 53% of the facilitys revenue, while 21% comes from fundraisers, and 26%
comes from tax exemptions. Each department within receive a spending budget from the Board
of Directors. At the end of the year, the Board of Directors get annual financial reports that show
how much was spent from operating revenue, non-operating revenue, and gain losses. They
review and make adjustments depending on if they exceed their budget. (See appendix)

Therapeutic Recreation Department Mission:

The Mission of the RT/TR department at For all Recreation Park is to provide quality
of services and recreation opportunities/experiences for individuals with disabilities. The main
purposes of our services in general are to re-establish, remediate or recover in order to improve

11

functional transfers and independence, and at the same time reduce the effects of the disabilities
of every individual. Our recreation program is available to clients needs for expressiveness,
performance, motivation, control, safety, and creativeness. The provision of recreation
opportunities can facilitate in achieving these goals as well as provide participants with other
positive outcomes such as fitness maximal level, relaxation, healthy lifestyle, decreasing stress
and satisfying socialization.
Our Community based Recreation/Activity Therapy Program is developed based on caring and
empathetic method to assist clients and their family members by the state and nations
regulations (certified or certification eligible CTRS/RT/RTs assistants who follow the Code of
Ethics and Standards of Practice as stated by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association
(ATRA)). Therapists have the purpose of being creative and original in order to attempt to offer
the activities for our clients/families to provide the highest quality of amenities. Also, our
program represents the profession as a role model to other institutions in the recreation field in
order to promote integrity and self-confidence.
Staff: Number of RT/TR staff
There are six RT/TR staff in the therapeutic recreation department at For all
Recreational Park. Therapeutic Recreation Program Staff consists of a Director who is MS,
CTRS and is the TR Unit Manager, who supervises the Therapeutic Recreation Department.
Under the director, there are three positions including a CTRS TR Programmer l who organizes
and coordinates the Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Lessons and Special Events, a CTRS-TR
Programmer ll who supervises additional staff and coordinates inclusion support for the

12

Therapeutic Recreation Program, and a CTRS-TR Programmer lll who coordinates inclusion for
Therapeutic Recreation Aquatics programs, in addition to supporting the overall inclusion
program. A Therapeutic Recreation Assistant (TRA) is also part of the staff and he/she helps the
CTRS in planning, researching, helping design a calendar/schedule and suggests ideas/statements
in therapeutic activities, among others. Also a Therapeutic Recreation Aide is needed in order to
assist recreational therapists and recreational therapy assistants to provide recreational therapy
activities under close supervision of CTRS or TRA with the delivery of basic recreational
therapy treatment/protocols, such as, but not limited to, aquatic therapy, exercise, strengthening
training, relaxation techniques, reintegration training, and the use of all therapeutic recreation
activities in general. The department is composed by full time and part time positions which are
distributed as follows: Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator (CTRS) TR Unit Manager
is a full time position (40 hours per week), the three CTRS-TR Programmers are also a full time
positions (40 hours per week), Therapeutic Recreation Assistant and Therapeutic Recreation Aid
are both part time positions (25-30 hours per week depending on activities schedule and amount
of participants). Regarding increasing RT/TR staff, about seven percent of therapeutic recreation
specialists work in community parks and recreation (Commission on Accreditation of Allied
Health Education Programs, 2010). For all Recreational Park has a Recreation Department with
professionals in charge of all specific functions but TR positions should increase as new
programs are added in the future.

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Appendix H provides the job descriptions for Therapeutic Recreation Program

Coordinator (CTRS) TR Unit Manager, CTRS-TR Programmer I, II, III, Therapeutic Recreation
Assistant, and Therapeutic Recreation Aide.
(https://parks.arlingtonva.us/therapeutic-recreation/therapeutic-recreation-program-staff)
https://www.caahep.org/Content.aspx?ID=61
Volunteers
Volunteers are a crucial component to For all Recreational Park. The major purpose of
the program is to utilize voluntary services in such a way that it is mutually favorable to both the
Recreation Department at the park and the participants. Volunteers are accepted without
discrimination regarding to race, creed, religion, age, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
impairments or disability. Volunteers are welcome to engage in the program because they can
fill an identified need/function. They are usually individuals or members of groups (e.g. schools,
organizations) with specific skills and/or interests who will perform a specific function or type
of work. Almost anyone may cooperate in the volunteer program. A volunteer is anyone who
executes work for the Division of Parks and Recreation for which he or she receives no
additional pay from the Recreation Department or Division. The volunteer may receive others
benefits such as pay, work acknowledge, academic credit/points, or other compensation from
places outside the Division of Parks and Recreation. Employees who are not part of the Division
of Parks and Recreation is allowed to volunteer as well as their family members. Students doing
mandatory coursework, and individuals from the private institutions whose employer is

14

providing their services to Parks and Recreation while still having them on their payroll are also
part of the volunteer program. Each university/college or agencies have their own volunteers
guidelines in addition to those of For all Recreational Park.
Appendix I -Volunteer Guidelines
http://www.ncparks.gov/sites/default/files/ncparks/37/volunteer-guidelines.pdf
Interns
All students who are majoring in therapeutic recreation are welcome to intern and those
who choose to perform their internship with us will: experience work within a Therapeutic
Recreational Department that is respected mentoring, leadership and feedback from high
qualified and professional supervisory staff, be given opportunities to participate and cooperate
with programs for the community, choose from broad or focused internship opportunities that
summarize their interest, and achieve all of this while engaging in a great community.
Mission
To help individuals of all ages achieve independence and quality of life through physical,
social, cognitive, and functional activities that promote well-being, confidence, and happiness in
a relax and safe facility.
Students interns must submit a completed application form , resume, cover letter and
three letters of references. Applications forms will be accepted during the following timelines:
Internship beginning in January: Application deadline October 31, Internship beginning in May:

15

Application deadline February 28, Internship beginning in August: Application deadline May
31.Appendix I Internship facility application form. Interns also have a security (background
check) including fingerprinting processed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is
the right of the agency to accept/deny students interns based on their background results.
Additional courses are need it such as: HIV, OSHA, Blood Pathogen, HIPPA, CPR, among
others. Each student intern is required to have Professional Liability Insurance in order to
protect them for any good samaritan liability, malplacement liability, personal injury liability,
and sexual misconduct. Universities recommended HealthCare Providers Service Organization
as a reliable source. Additional requirements include: being able to tolerate sun, lifting weights,
participants family members concerns and complaints, inappropriate clients behavior, etc.
Internship Length
Therapeutic Recreation Internships are a minimum of 320 hours (I internship) with 160
in community and 160 in clinical setting or combined clinical )during 7 weeks and 560 hours (II
internship) and 14 weeks. There is a minimum of 27 hours weekly for the first internship and 40
hours weekly for the second internship.
Interns are allowed to work with all CTRS in the Recreation Department but the
Director/Coordinator will be the supervisor in this case.The intern may have the opportunity to
rotate working (different activities/setting on weekly basis) in the different programs

16

offered by the Recreational Therapy Department. Interns will be evaluated on weekly basis based
on a writing report and with a final evaluation form. Appendix J Internship Therapeutic
Recreation Evaluation Form.
The internship is a non-paid position during the designated weeks with a schedule of
Monday-Friday from 8:00 am -7:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 am -5:00 pm (including any
special events and meeting if applicable)
http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Therapeutics/TRInternships/Pages/default.
aspx
www.hpso.com
Appendix J (page 63-64) Internship facility application form
Appendix J Internship Therapeutic Recreation Evaluation Form
Facilities
Facilities exclusive for RT/TR department use include many of the facilities, equipments
and supplies mentioned above in agency resources. Since RT Department cover a large part of
the park in general the gym area is only for the program's participants that include: stationary
bike to promote cardiovascular endurance, cuff weights, dumbbells and therapeutic elastic bands
(all colors with differents resistance) in order to increase strength, physioballs with a variety of
sizes to improve balance and coordination, the use of a gait bell for safety in order to prevent

17

falls or injury, wheelchair use for transportation, sliding board to transfers clients from W/C to
equipments, mats to complete stretching exercises in order to improve ROM/Flexibility. Etc.
The RT Department performs programming in conjunction with Special Transportation
Services previously requested by participants or RT Department. Appendix K Special
Transportation Services (STS) Application Form.
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/special-transportation-application.asp
Budget
For all Recreational Park- RT Department receives its current budget from Miami Dade
County The Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces MDCPROS department. Appendix L FY
2015-16 Proposed Budget. The percentage of the budget comes from third-party reimbursement
which is the same for the MDCPROS agency. As stated in Appendix L for fiscal year 2015-16,
RT Department is included at Park Operations section with a budget of $42,935 million dollars,
based on the chart it has the highest expenditures in compared with the others categories. The
budget is revised and approved by the main staff at all departments. Appendix M Park
Operations present all specific details about the budget designated to Recreation Services which
is $3.027 million dollars.
For all Recreational Park RT Department Staff, Facilities and Budget: Appendix N
RT-Department Budget will distributed as follow Salary including CTRS- Therapeutic
Recreation Program Coordinator (CTRS) TR Unit Manager, CTRS-TR Programmer I, II, III,
Therapeutic Recreation Assistant, Therapeutic Recreation Aid which in budget of $103.600,000

18

Benefits $70,527,272, equipment supplies $40.054.546, and additional cost $60.000.000. All
these distribution is based on the total of $275.181.818 given by MDCPROS per park (there are
11 parks in Miami-Dade county).

http://www.miamidade.gov/budget/FY2015-16/proposed/library/parks-recreation-and-open-spac
es.pdf

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The client
At For all recreation park we welcome and embrace all cultures, religions, ethnicity,
gender, and people with or without disabilities. Our priority is to assure clients a safe, accessible,
and enjoyable experience while participating in every activity. We welcome every south
Floridian to come spend their leisure time at our park. For all recreation park serves a diverse
range of disabilities including: Down syndrome, Alzheimers, Dementia, geriatric, vision and

20

hearing impairments, spina bifida, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Arthritis, stroke, and
much more.
South Florida has a population of nearly 6.7 million people and is one of the most
popular places for tourism. Our participants may include south Florida residents or tourist from
all parts of the world.
Our park will provide a variety of activities for all age groups from the youth to the
elderly. Children are able to participate in activities as young as age 4 and can mount to 65+.
Young adolescents and teens have a high activity level and tend to be more involved in physical
activities. Middle aged to older adults tend to be less active and focus more on lower level
physical activities.
Common disabilities may include intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, memory
loss, physical and mental health, vision and hearing impairments, chronic illness, and autism.
The levels of severity for a condition may range from mild to moderate to severe. A person with
mild functioning may function in most cases like a person without a disability but may lack
certain levels of comprehension. With an IQ 50 to 70 the individual is able to function in daily
life. Moderate level of severity may experience issues problems with communication and may
need minimal supervision and an IQ 35 to 49. A person with sever level functioning depend on
caretaker and struggle with communication at a high level, IQ 20 to 34.
Typical secondary conditions may occur from loneliness, death of a spouse or
friend/family. Results from these conditions may put the individual in a depressive state and may

21

suffer from depression. To avoid these types of secondary conditions we encourage friendships
and close relationships with our clients. Other types of secondary conditions may include pain,
overweight, injury, bladder problems, or anxiety.
Our population has an equal number of young men/boys and young women/girls, which
is roughly 50 percent of our general population. The other half includes older women 15 percent,
older men 20 percent, and our seniors at 15 percent. Due to south Floridas large variety of
diverse groups of people, we have served people from all parts of the world. Our most popular
group are Hispanic descent, second is white American, than African American. We also served
Asian descent, and native Americans. Service is provided to the lower class, upper class,
doctors, barbers, school teachers, students, all is welcome.
The Hispanic culture has had a major influence in south Florida, which explains why
speaking Spanish is important. Our predominant religion is catholic, followed by Christianity.
The targeted population are decreasing in severity due to our adaptive activities that help
improve physical, behavioral, and psychological health. Clients will go home to families after
participating in activities If any conditions occur that may need a specialist attention clients may
be referred to the best out-patient facilities if possible, so that clients can continue participating
in the activities they enjoy.
When providing service to a broad range of disabilities, functional problems may occur.
For individuals with learning disabilities, certain activities may be challenging because these
individuals may have problems with learning new skills or processing knowledge. Other types of
functional problems may include people with spinal cord injuries, which movement and

22

sensation can prohibit leisure involvement. Allowing these individuals to participate in adaptive
activities will improve level of functioning. All activities can either be modified or provide
equipment to assure leisure participation.
Secondary conditions are less likely to occur in participants at For all recreation park
because we encourage individuals to live a healthy lifestyle. Some of the things we stress to
participants is good eating habits, exercise daily, meet new people, and most importantly learn
more about their condition. Learning these steps will lower the chances of secondary conditions
and improve the teamwork between the staff and participant.
Clients are aware that when coming to our park, they are allowed to spend their leisure
time however they feel comfortable. Staff can show participants the variety of activities that our
park has to offer but its important for the clients to determine what is best for themselves.
Clients leisure skills are measured by how one uses his/her free time, and coming to this park for
leisure time proves that all clients have great leisure skills. Resources to inform clients how to
spent their time are located on maps, activity session flyers, and our friendly staff are opened to
all questions.
For most clients social interactions begin with the staff. It is the staffs job to create a
relaxed and welcoming environment to promote networking between clients. some clients can
experience barriers to leisure by lack of social networking which can put the client in a state of
loneliness or in other cases depression. All clients have the ability to make choices which is
beneficial in leisure involvement and self-worth.

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An appropriate leisure lifestyle for our clients would be to find a specific activity that
brings pleasure but also keeping an open mind for different activities. It is important for clients
to enjoy activities not only for the health benefits but also for personal benefits. In order for
clients to have success when participating in activities, clients must develop community, social,
leisure, and activity skills.
The Therapeutic Recreation profession
A. Recreational Therapy (RT) is a profession that involves the provision of adapted
recreational opportunities designed to improve physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
functioning of people with disabilities, illnesses or limitations, as well as prevent secondary
health conditions, and enhance independent living. In schools, recreational therapists (RTs) plan
and implement interventions designed to improve academic skills, identify and amplify
strengths, minimize weaknesses, or cope with interpersonal or family-based problems.
B. The professional organization of standards for the practice of recreational therapy, it
was published in 2013 that consist of the 12 standards and self-Assessment guide. The
guidebook was written in a format that provides a comprehensive description of recreational
therapy practice. It is also reliable with necessities of accrediting, the quality of recreational
therapy and regulatory agencies. All 0f the 12 standards include structure criteria, rational, focus
in the provision of the services for example interactions and interventions strategies. Reflects in
the parameter of the practice with the resources and the facilities. The outcomes are reflected in
the achievement of adjustment in the patient or the clients condition. In other hand the
self-Assessment Guide includes the data collection methodology, collection instruments, and

24

scoring worksheets to be used to evaluate compliance of recreational therapy together with the
standards, determine, evaluate. In chapter 12 in the book Therapeutic recreation Program
Designs there was many interesting facts about evaluations. The evaluations processes can be
recognized to regulate the successes and areas that need to be improved. Evaluations could be
conducted only on well-designed and thought-out programs that have measurable goals. The
evolutions starts with identifying outcomes that are important and applicable, creating and
implementing programs aimed at achieving those outcomes and then measuring the success of
delivering those outcomes. The main outcomes goals, programs, and outcomes is strong one. The
American Therapeutic Recreation Associations Code of Ethics is to be used as a guide for
endorsing and conserving the maximum standards of ethical behavior. The term Recreational
Therapy personnel include Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), recreational
therapy assistants and recreational therapy students. Acceptance of membership in the American
Therapeutic Recreation Association requires a member to devotion to these moralities.
C. Before becoming part of our recreational park it important to have some professional
or some credentials preparation. All employment applications must be completed online and
submitted electronically this application can take up to 20 to 40 minute of complication. Very
important to have a background check and have Drivers licenses number, license class and
expiration date. Having the list of employers, with employment dates and occupational titles.
Previous list of schools, with attendance dates and the degrees obtain. Licenses and the
certificates required, issue and expiration dates, names of licensing or certifying.

25

D. Professional memberships would be every important in order to have a successful

park or organization. We can have a group professional work for the county for example
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and teachers or teacher assistance.
In our organization we focus on children and adults with disabilities, RT is a great combination
of therapy and teaching for patients in need. Becoming a CTRS is a qualified professional
providing recreational therapy to those in need. As a Recreational Therapy to become certified
you will have to take the exam called NCTRC. The NCTRC certification signifies that a
recreational therapist has the knowledge, ability, and skills that is needed and well recognized as
having the essentials for the practice of recreational therapy. In order to take the exam you must
meet all standards, which include education, experience and ongoing professional growth.
E. Continuing education is always important and very well encourage. Employees are
always encouraged to attend seminars that can be outside or inside the states. Some of the
seminars are very educational and talk about physical education or having the council on health
systems. Now the employees that are CTRS are supported to continue their education by going
back to school and obtaining a Master's degree in Recreational Therapy. For those TR Assistants
in advised to continuing their education in obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
F. Other professional resources that are Therapeutic Recreation that will keep up to date
with the latest trends and the importance of the department of therapies. The city of Hialeah has
15 gorgeous parks with hundreds of green areas and most of all recreational facilities for the
whole community.

26

Work Cited Page

Basic Facts - Understanding Spinal Cord Injury

27

http://www.spinalinjury101.org/details
Become a CTRS. (n.d.). Retrieved October 01, 2016, from
http://nctrc.org/new-applicants/become-a-ctrs/
Bureau, US Census. "Census.gov." US Census Bureau. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2016.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/relatedconditions.html
City of Hialeah, Florida - City of Hialeah, Florida. (n.d.). Retrieved October 01, 2016,
from http://www.hialeahfl.gov/index.php?option=com_content
City of Hialeah, Florida - City of Hialeah, Florida. (n.d.). Retrieved October 02, 2016,
from http://www.hialeahfl.gov/index.php?option=com_content
Comission on Accreditation of Allien Health Education Program . (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.caahep.org/Content.aspx
Data, U. C. (n.d.). Temperature - Precipitation - Sunshine - Snowfall. Retrieved October 01,
2016, from http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/hialeah/florida/united-states/usfl0196
Healthcare Providers Service Organization. (n.d.).
Retrieved from www.hpso.com
Hialeah, FL Profile: Facts, Map & Data. (n.d.). Retrieved October 01, 2016, from
http://florida.hometownlocator.com/fl/miami-dade/hialeah.cfm
Leisure Education
http://www.nchpad.org/discoverleisure/find3.html
Samantha Gluck
http://www.healthyplace.com/neurodevelopmental-disorders/intellectual-disability/mild-moderat
e-severe-intellectual-disability-differences/

28

Mecklenburg County, NC. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://charmeck.org
/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Therapeutics/TRInternships/Pages/default.aspx
Miami Dade Transportation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.miamidade.gov
/transit/special-transportation-application.asp
Miami-Dade . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.miamidade.gov
/budget/FY2015-16/proposed/library/parks-recreation-and-open-spaces.pdf
National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.ncparks.gov/sites/default/files/ncparks/37/volunteer-guidelines.pdf
(n.d.). Retrieved from (https://parks.arlingtonva.us
/therapeutic-recreation/therapeutic-recreation-program-staff)
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.miamidade.gov/budget
/FY2015-16/proposed/library/parks-recreation-and-open-spaces.pdf

Therapeutic Recreation Resources for recreation therapy, recreational therapy, and activity directors.
(n.d.). Retrieved October 02, 2016, from http://www.recreationtherapy.com/

Appendices
Appendix A:
Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning Model

29

Appendix B:
Map of Hialeah

30

Appendix C:
Census Bureau

PEOPLE

31

Population

iPopulation estimates, July 1, 2015, (V2015)

237,069
iPopulation estimates base, April 1, 2010, (V2015)
224,667
iPopulation, percent change - April 1, 2010 (estimates base) to July 1, 2015, (V2015)
5.5%
iPopulation, Census, April 1, 2010
224,669
Age and Sex

iPersons under 5 years, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015)

X
iPersons under 5 years, percent, April 1, 2010
5.0%
iPersons under 18 years, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015)
X
iPersons under 18 years, percent, April 1, 2010
19.1%
iPersons 65 years and over, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015)
X
iPersons 65 years and over, percent, April 1, 2010
19.1%
iFemale persons, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015)
X
iFemale persons, percent, April 1, 2010
51.7%
Race and Hispanic Origin

32

iWhite alone, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015) (a)

X
iWhite alone, percent, April 1, 2010 (a)
92.6%
iBlack or African American alone, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015) (a)
X
iBlack or African American alone, percent, April 1, 2010 (a)
2.7%
iAmerican Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015) (a)
X
iAmerican Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent, April 1, 2010 (a)
0.1%
iAsian alone, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015) ( a)
X
iAsian alone, percent, April 1, 2010 (a)
0.4%
iNative Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015) (a)

iTwo or More Races, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015)

X
iTwo or More Races, percent, April 1, 2010
1.6%
iHispanic or Latino, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015) (b)
X
iHispanic or Latino, percent, April 1, 2010 ( b)
94.7%
iWhite alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent, July 1, 2015, (V2015)
X

33

iWhite alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent, April 1, 2010

4.2%
Population Characteristics

iVeterans, 2010-2014
2,158
iForeign born persons, percent, 2010-2014
73.0%
Housing

iHousing units, July 1, 2015, (V2015)

X
iHousing units, April 1, 2010
74,067
iOwner-occupied housing unit rate, 2010-2014
48.5%
iMedian value of owner-occupied housing units, 2010-2014
$152,700
iMedian selected monthly owner costs -with a mortgage, 2010-2014
$1,409
iMedian selected monthly owner costs -without a mortgage, 2010-2014
$423
iMedian gross rent, 2010-2014
$1,002
iBuilding permits, 2015
X

34

Families and Living Arrangements

iHouseholds, 2010-2014
68,878
iPersons per household, 2010-2014
3.34
iLiving in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1 year+, 2010-2014
93.6%
iLanguage other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5 years+, 2010-2014
92.7%
Education

iHigh school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2010-2014

70.9%
iBachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2010-2014
13.2%
Health

iWith a disability, under age 65 years, percent, 2010-2014

5.9%
iPersons without health insurance, under age 65 years, percent
43.7%
Economy

iIn civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2010-2014
58.3%

35

iIn civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2010-2014
50.6%
iTotal accommodation and food services sales, 2012 ($1,000) (c)
238,127
iTotal health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2012 ($1,000) (c)
1,242,074
iTotal manufacturers shipments, 2012 ($1,000) (c)
837,426
iTotal merchant wholesaler sales, 2012 ($1,000) (c)
1,380,458
iTotal retail sales, 2012 ($1,000) (c)
2,455,980
iTotal retail sales per capita, 2012 (c)
$10,589
Transportation

iMean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16 years+, 2010-2014

24.0
Income and Poverty

iMedian household income (in 2014 dollars), 2010-2014

$29,959
iPer capita income in past 12 months (in 2014 dollars), 2010-2014
$14,148
iPersons in poverty, percent
25.8%

36

BUSINESSES

iTotal employer establishments, 2014

X
iTotal employment, 2014
X
iTotal annual payroll, 2014
X
iTotal employment, percent change, 2013-2014
X
iTotal nonemployer establishments, 2014
X
iAll firms, 2012
48,274
iMen-owned firms, 2012
25,462
iWomen-owned firms, 2012
19,341
iMinority-owned firms, 2012
45,245
iNonminority-owned firms, 2012
2,227
iVeteran-owned firms, 2012
2,181
iNonveteran-owned firms, 2012
45,376

37

GEOGRAPHY

iPopulation per square mile, 2010

10,474.1
iLand area in square miles, 2010
21.45
iFIPS Code
1230000

Appendix D:

38

Appendix E:

39

Religion
Religions of Hialeah
Percent Religious

38.34%

The percentage of the population that affiliates with a religion.

Catholic Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Catholic Church.

24.60%

Protestant Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with a Protestant Church.

0.00%

LDS Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

0.34%

Baptist Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Baptist Faith.

3.48%

Episcopalian Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Episcopalian Faith.

0.36%

Pentecostal Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Pentecostal Faith.

1.00%

Lutheran Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Lutheran Faith.

0.34%

Methodist Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Methodist Faith.

0.56%

Presbyterian Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Presbyterian Faith.

0.32%

Other Christian Percentage

The percentage of the population that affiliates with a Christian Faith not listed.

2.45%

Jewish Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Jewish Faith.

4.55%

Eastern Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with an Eastern Religion.

0.03%

Islam Percentage
The percentage of the population that affiliates with the Islam Faith.

Appendix F:

40

Area of Hialeah

Appendix G:

41

Climate Hialeah - Florida

C | F
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Average high in F:

75

76

78

82

85

87

Average low in F:

59

62

65

68

72

76

1.93

2.48

3.74

3.54

6.5

11.5

Days with precipitation:

Hours of sunshine:

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average high in F:

89

89

88

84

80

76

Average low in F:

77

77

76

73

67

62

7.32

9.53

10.83

6.93

3.62

2.52

Days with precipitation:

Hours of sunshine:

Av. precipitation in inch:

Av. precipitation in inch:

Hialeah weather averages

Annual high temperature:
82.4F
Annual low temperature:

69.5F

Average temperature:

75.95F

Average annual precipitation - rainfall:

70.44 inch

Days per year with precipitation - rainfall:

Annual hours of sunshine:

Av. annual snowfall:

42

Appendix H
Job Descriptions for TR Department

Job Description - Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator (CTRS) TR Unit

Manager
Job Duties and Tasks:
A- Responsible for oversight and administration of the program for clients with
disabilities.
BPerceive, analyze, and record client's participation, responses, and
improvement during recreational therapy sessions, adapting treatment programs
as needed.
CDevelop treatment plan to encounter needs of participants, based on goals
assessment, clients interests and purposes of therapy.
D- Encourage and educate clients with special needs and surroundings to
obtain new skills and get involved in leisure activities, such as sports, games,
arts and crafts, and gardening at the facility.
EReceive and train groups of interns/volunteers in all recreation activities
that part of the program at the facility.
FObtain data from medical records, medical staff, family members and the
clients themselves about the medical history to assess participants' abilities,
needs and interests.
G- Plan, establish, direct and contribute in the therapeutic recreation program
to facilitate clients reintegration into the community and prevent additional
medical complications.
H- Facilitate in-service training of other staff members, debate about their
assessments and program objectives, and consult with them about particular
concerns.
IMaintain all medical records required by regulations/standards and
Medical Records Department and also including activity assessment, progress
notes, and D/C report.
JEnsure that the department has enough supplies and report any broken
equipment to the manufacturer.
KResponsible for all staff members to carrying out their job/duties within
recreational therapy department.
Minimum Education and Experience:
A- Completion of Bachelor degree or higher with concentration in recreational
therapy (therapeutic recreation) in addition to specific support coursework

43

BCompletion of a minimum 14 week / 560 hour internship supervised by a

CTRS
CPass the NCTRC Certification Exam in order to become Certified
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
D- Activity experience including 4,000 hours within past 5 years.
EContinue education: 30 clock hours (Body of Knowledge) within past 5
years.
FModular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP).
G- National Exam in order to become Activity Director Certified (ADC)
H- Basic computer skills
CTRS TR Programmer l
Job Duties and Tasks:
A- Organizes and coordinates the Therapeutic Recreation Adapted
Lessons and Special Events.
BScheduling events, programs, and activities of the adapted lessons
and special events.
CProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates
by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person regarding adapted
lessons special events.
D- Developing, designing, or generating new applications, ideas,
contacts, systems, or products, including special events contributions.
EMonitoring and revising information from resources, events, or the
environment, to detect or assess difficulties in order to have another plan.
Minimum Education and Experience:
A- Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation preferred.
BPass the NCTRC Certification Exam in order to become Certified
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
CHave experience in teamwork and skills in planning and organizing
events and lessons.
CTRS TR Programmer ll
Job Duties and Tasks:
A- Supervises addition staff and coordinates inclusion support for the
Therapeutic Recreation Program at the facility.
BObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all
relevant sources regarding inclusion support.

44

CIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing

differences or similarities, and detecting changes during inclusion
programs.
D- Getting additional staff to work together to accomplish tasks.
Minimum Education and Experience:
A- Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation preferred.
B- Pass the NCTRC Certification Exam in order to become Certified
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
CPrevious experiences in activities, and recreational program in an
inclusive setting while carrying out execution of programs and activities.
CTRS TR Programmer lll
Job Duties and Tasks:
A- Coordinates inclusion for Therapeutic Recreation Aquatics program,
in addition to supporting the overall inclusion program.
BSupervision of pools staff including schedules, job duties, cleaning,
equipment, etc.
CUsing significant information and individual decision to determine
whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
during inclusion program.
D- Communicating with individuals outside the department,
representing the inclusion program to people, the public, government, and
other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in
writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Minimum Education and Experience:
A- Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation preferred.
B- Pass the NCTRC Certification Exam in order to become Certified
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
CPrevious experiences in inclusive programs in community/clinical
settings
D- Experience in aquatic therapy with good knowledge on basic
skills/techniques in an inclusive program.

Therapeutic Recreation Assistant (TRA)

Job Duties and Tasks:

45

A- Helps the three CTRS (TR Programmer) at the facility in planning,

researching, helping design a calendar/schedule and suggests
ideas/statements in therapeutic activities including, among others.
BMay provide recreation resources and opportunities to increase
participants health status and well-being through different activities at the
facility.
CAssess and treat participants using interventions designed by the
CTRS to restore, and remediate, to improve function/mobility and
independence in ADLs as well as to decrease or eliminate the effects of
the disability/condition.
Minimum Education and Experience:
A- Graduate of an associate Degree program with a major track in
therapeutic recreation that includes completion of an internship
(community/clinical setting); meets any state or national requirements for
certification, registration or licensure; and has demonstrated competence to
practice as a therapeutic recreation assistant.
Therapeutic Recreation Aide
Job Duties and Tasks:
A- Assist recreational therapists and recreational therapy assistants to
provide recreational therapy activities under close supervision of CTRS
or TRA with the delivery of basic recreational therapy
treatment/protocols, such as, but not limited to, aquatic therapy, exercise
that include ROM, stretching and strengthening training, cardiovascular
endurance, relaxation techniques, reintegration training, gardening, arts
crafts and the use of all therapeutic recreation activities in general.
BAssists with or conducts group and individual activities under the
supervision of a CTRS or TRA at the facility.
COrders and maintains recreational equipment clean before/after
being used.
D- Organizes clean up and maintenance of activity areas.
Minimum Education and Experience:
A- One (1) year of full-time experience equivalent to a Recreation
Therapy Aide with the County of Miami Dade in a recreation therapy
department or rehabilitation setting, for example: Recreation Therapy
Aide, Activity Assistant, Activity Director, etc.
BA high school diploma and the ability to perform the work.
Appendix I

46

Volunteers Guidelines

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

Appendix J

55

56

Appendix K

57

58

59

60

61

62

Appendix L

63

64

65

66

Appendix M

67

68

69

Appendix N

70

Appendix O

71

72

Appendix P

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

Appendix Q

84

85

86

87

88

89