Through the use of adaptive equipment, direct instruction and a focus on social awareness students of every grade level can be successful in inclusive participation in recreation based activities.
Northeast Passage’s School Based Recreational Therapy program (TREK – Therapeutic Recreation Empowering Kids™) is designed to work with parents, students, administrators, physical education, special education and classroom teachers, as well as other related service providers, to ensure equal opportunity for students with physical and developmental disabilities.
Services are provided at every grade level – from elementary school to post-grad – and can be provided on an individual or group basis. Programs are conducted by certified and licensed Recreation Therapists (CTRS/L). The TREK program helps students with disabilities develop skills across multiple domains through the process of assessment, goal development, and participation in goal-directed recreation activities.
Assessment
Assessments evaluate a student’s current leisure functioning, strengths, interests, and abilities. Comprehensive assessments will look at motor function, cognition and social development as they relate to leisure and recreation in various environments.
IEP Development
Recreational Therapy Services are included as a Related Service in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Recreational Therapy Services may be written into a student’s IEP following a comprehensive assessment of motor function, cognition and social development as they relate to leisure and recreation in various environments.
Individual & Group Interventions
TREK therapists use recreational interventions to accomplish functional outcomes across all domains for students with disabilities and those demonstrating various social challenges. All interventions are goal based with purposeful activities planned to meet the individual and group needs and abilities.
These services occur during the full duration of a single school year, typically on a weekly basis. Services may be implemented at the school or in the community throughout the school year and/or extended school year. These services are available to schools within a 25 mile radius of Durham, NH.
Leisure Education
Leisure education is a process of teaching leisure and recreation-related skills, attitudes, and values. This could range from teaching sport-specific skills to exploring recreation opportunities in a student’s own community.
Transition Programming for Young Adults
TREK seeks to help students between the ages of 14 and 21 learn skills for successful transition from high school to community life. Through participation in community recreation experiences, students can learn a multitude of skills that will help them become happy, healthy, independent members of their community.
The TREK program assists students to better access recreation in their schools and communities by consulting with stakeholders to create and refine effective inclusion practices.
Program, Student, Structural
Observations and assessments may be conducted in order to assess the structure and implementation of a program, a student’s needs, or structural considerations such as playground, equipment, and building access. Detailed findings and recommendations will be provided.
Training & In-Services
Activities, experiences, and equipment will be utilized to enhance programming and knowledge of inclusion, disability awareness, activity modification, and facilitation techniques. A customized training can be created on a variety of topics to meet the needs of any program or group of professionals.
Group Recreation Opportunities
Northeast Passage can plan and implement inclusive sports and recreation opportunities for your group. Northeast Passage currently runs several out-of-school recreation programs on a contract basis with various community organizations. For more information, visit Contracted Services.
Trip Facilitation
More and more teachers are accessing wilderness, beaches, bike trails, and other areas where access can become challenging for students with disabilities. Hire a Northeast Passage staff member to accompany your class, provide staff training, or rent adaptive equipment for any field trip! For more information, visit Contracted Services page or Equipment Rental.
Similarity Awareness Programming
As part of our commitment to teaching and education, we offer Similarity Awareness programming in schools and communities to foster a culture that is inclusive of people with disabilities. Northeast Passage staff members are available for presentations and speaking engagements for your school or community organization.
Funding
- Recreation Services are included as a Related Service in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Therapeutic Recreation Services may be written into a student’s IEP
- Although recreation services are not reimbursable by Medicaid, some schools have had success including services in a “bundle” for reimbursement
- Other Funding sources used in the past include: General Special Education Budget, Grants, Private Funding, Community Recreation Funds.
School Based Fee Structure
- $150 per hour for one staff member
- $175 per hour for a group of students (max. 6-10 students per group)
- Mileage to be reimbursed at rate set by the Federal Government
- $150 per hour for consultations and meetings