Welcome to Hillview !!

PROGRESS REPORT #1

This week signifies the beginning of a new journey for me. The first week of my Therapeutic Recreation internship! The mix of nerves and excitement makes my stomach turn but all of the jitters instaneously disappeared as I was greeted by the familiar faces of my supervisors. They welcomed me with open arms and were very warm about sharing the facility ins and outs with me. I was introduced to all staff as well as my fellow Recreation Therapy Department staff. They’ve been great in showing me, teaching me, giving advice as well as giving me opportunities to jump in. This is especially because this week was all about getting comfortable with the layout, policies, and the residents of the building. I am grateful for all their help!

ORIENTATION:

The introduction of my internship was a lot of orientation business. This may have been a little boring and repetitive but I understand the importance of knowing the policies and where things are. Making the tour is crucial to helping me be more independent when looking for something or carrying out a task in the future. However, I couldn’t wait to finish the orientation business so that I could dive right into the event programming. My responsibility was to sit in on programs and get a feel for how they were led. Everyday each one of the Recreation Therapy Assistants facilitates exercise. I learned quickly that everyone has a different style and way of facilitating. Some of the assistants count, some chat, some recite the daily schedule of events, some make small talk and some were silent, some laughter, some questioning. Either way, exercise is a familiar way to start the day and many residents attend regularly! It didn’t take but a couple days to learn the names and faces. However, I made sure to start recognizing common behaviors. Common behaviors could help me learn how some residents like to do things. Some resident’s are particular with the way things are run and some are very easy going. Therefore, I took mental notes so I could learn different resident limitations and strengths. This will help me so that I can recognize changes that may occur in the future. After a couple days of watching exercise I was already brainstorming of ways that I could adapt and improve the exercise program. In weeks to come, I will have a regular spot in leading exercise.

MOTIVATION

In between programs, my supervisor encourages me to do one-on-one visits. I visited with a few residents and got to learn their names and background. They opened up and shared with me personal stories about their children and family. They seemed grateful of my willing ear to listen. Ever since I put in the ten minutes of effort to get to know them, they recognize me and seem to respond to me in the hallways or when I ask about their interest in the event programming for the week. This is pure motivation for me to do more one-on-one visits.

PERSONAL INSIGHTS

The first weeks FLEW BY! I expected the initial transition to be more difficult than it has been! I had a permanent smile on my face as I walked the halls. I was constantly introducing myself because I am anxious to meet and know everyone! From my experience these first weeks, I’ve found it fairly easy to put myself out there and introduce myself as the new girl. I usually did this, when transporting residents back to their rooms or when I was exploring. Personally, I found it rewarding because most people positively received my presence and welcomed me to Hillview. This makes me feel so good about where am at in my life and that I can make this experience into something special. I can’t wait to find out what the rest of the semester has in store for me!

Striving for excellence!

What activities did you participate in?

I watched Kelsey Anderson give her presentation on undergraduate research. I also participated in self disclosing activities. These activities required the individuals to open up and publicly speak on behalf of ourselves. Some of the activities involved role playing and others were simply talking about yourself. My particular assignment was to "speak about myself for 20 seconds." We went all around the class with similar activities.

What you learned from the activities that will help your professional development?

I learned that it is hard to talk about yourself on command. Especially when it's associated with the pain of being forced to talk in front of the class. However, it couldn't be more relevant than this period of my life right now. Between filling out resumes, applications, interviews, starting an internship and applying to real-life jobs, it's just the perfect activity for practice. You must feel comfortable and confident about the characteristics that make you, you! It is what will make you *me stand out and win over the clients, application board, supervisor or future employer.

What you learned about myself this week?

I learned that I was somewhat negative about the idea of having to go up in front of class to follow through with the activity. I feel as if the apprehension hindered my performance and response to the question. I learned how I react under the pressure and that my answer was consequently affected. I remember my answer had about 10 too many "uhm's" as well as laughing to break the tension. Knowing this will help me with awareness to change these fillers for the future.

What you did to "strive for excellence" during that class?

To strive for excellence, I found myself really connecting to what Kelsey Anderson had to say about Undergraduate Research. I have been looking into studying abroad for years, however, always pushed it off because of the financial issue. However, after listening to Kelsey Anderson and her inspiring presentation, I realized what a perfect solution. It just reminds me that there are other options out there. It makes me want to strive to see how I can go about paying for Graduate School using scholarships and potential other means that are out there!

Laughter Therapy

Unfortunately, I was not able to make today's therapeutic program of laughter yoga. However, I made sure that I talked with my fellow classmates to hear what I missed. From what I heard from the class, the 252 laughter yoga session was a similar to my experience with laughter therapy. They said that it was fun, but that it was obvious that the laughter may have been a little forced at times and that they found it hard to truly get into character. Last Spring, in facilitation techniques (RTH470) one of the groups presented on the topic of laughter therapy. I remember enjoying it but thinking that there could be some things that I would do differently. This is only because facilitated laughter can be difficult to achieve the expected results. It can be difficult to predict what your clients will think is funny. In a structured setting- laughter may be hard to come by. Ideally, you want to break down the barriers or the structure to decrease the tension and awkwardness. Effective and appropriate icebreakers, will allow the clients to be open and willing to participate. In choosing tricks and activities I believe it's important to take into account your population and what they might think is funny. In order to reach, them it may take external sources or props to pull them in. I recommend using props such as a mustache, or a piece of costume to make everyone look silly. This helps the clients get into character and feel silly. If you're population is a group of college students, the approach may have to be a little different if you want the same reaction as other populations. However, in the sense that the laughter yoga was to be a typical session for general populations. The session is great to take away as quick tools for building rapport or lifting the spirits for clients. I enjoy laughter therapy and thoroughly believe it has a purpose. It can be very beneficial and used on a multitude of populations. Personally, I feel like I utilize laughter therapy without trying. It is a great way to build and maintain friendships, increase mood and get a workout ! Doesn't get better.

In the words of ee. cummings: the most wasted of all days, is one without laughter! :D

BATTLE of the BANDS

What activities did you participate in?

First, we busted out the Guitar Hero for a Jam Battle between groups. We competed with the song, Twist & Shout by the Beatles. Each group had to choose a Lead Singer, Guitar Soloist, and a Daring

Drummer. Whichever group got the highest score, WON!

To transition to the next activity my fellow group facilitator and myself dressed up as the spice gir

ls. We sang a parody to their hit song, "Wanna Be." It got everyone laughing and intrigued about our next activity. The activity was to branch off into groups according to their "BAND-anas" to create a parody of their own. The groups were divided by population, At-Risk Youth, Addictitons, and Geriatrics. We provided each group with a choice between three "Madlibified Songs," appropriate songs for their specific population. I worked with At-Risk Youth as a facilitator and overall, found the presentations of the songs to be HILARIOUS.

What you learned from the activities that will help your professional development?

I learned that the level of difficulty of the activities should be carefully assessed for the population you are working with. However, even as much as you plan.. a CTRS, must be adaptable

and flexible, because some difficulties cannot be planned and must be implemented "on the fly." For example, if a participant was not experienced in the activity - a therapist might adapt by putting it on an easier setting. If they didn't have the hand eye coordination required or the fine motor control to perform the task at hand the therapist could carry out a part of the task, or place the game piece better to fit the individual's needs.

What you learned about myself this week?

Being the facilitators this week, I felt a little more unprepared for this workshop than any other. Although, I

knew we had a solid idea of the sequence of events. I was unsure of how successful

the particular activities were going to be. This is because much of the success was dependent upon the participation by the participants. In the beginning, it was hard not to feel like there was more that we/I could do to make it more interactive and therapeutic. However, it was one of those times where I needed to learn to "go with the flow" and let things happen.

What you did to "strive for excellence" during that class?

To strive for excellence, I brought the costumes. I believe that this contribution helped the groups engage in the

activity as well as get into character. Originally we were having trouble deciding as a group if the costumes would be beneficial and if they were necessary. In my opinion, the fact that we dressed up and got silly, allowed the rest of the class to as well. In the prior activity of guitar hero, it was obvious that it was hard to get in front of the group and perform. We allowed the costumes to be an option for the groups and not mandatory. The groups who utilized them, seemed to really have fun with it.

You never know when you're crazy box of random

costumes/clothes will come in handy!!

SENSORY ARTS & CRAFTS//DRAMA THERAPY

What activities you participated in?

This particular innovative activities class was broken up into two different group facilitation activities. The first part was Arts and Crafts and the second was Drama. The first part of arts and crafts consisted of four stations. Each station was designed to help us understand activities that could be used for visual impairments. The first I participated in was tissue paper art. I created a flower. The second portion was a messy activity involving shaving cream. In this activity we were asked to draw shapes and pictures in the cream with our fingers. Throughout the activity we had to experience this activity with and without a visual impairment, utilizing goggles and blindfolds. The third activity was making noise makers out of paper plates and macaroni and seeds. The trick was that we were blindfolded to simulate blindness. I found this to make coloring the outside very difficult. Lastly, we were blindfolded once again and asked to string fruit loops and life savors on a string to make a necklace or a bracelet. My necklace was long and delicious :) ... i call it, tomorrow's breakfast.

The second part of the class was dedicated to drama. It was geared specifically towards at risk youth. First, we sat in circle and were distributed a hat. Each hat represented a different identity. This is where I really saw our class step outside their comfort zone by truly getting into character. We created a hilarious story. I was fortunate enough to be the Pretty Pretty Princess Mai's pet unicorn from the "High Kingdom." I will never forget Rachel owning her "Peggy Sue" character and Sarah's ridiculously hideous mohawk man face. I geek out just thinking about it! The class only got better as we branched off into groups and created 3 minute skits out of random costumes. We created a story called, Darla's Dream. Which was inspired by Cinderella due to the silver shoes, obnoxious dress, pumpkin, window sweeper and pencil/wand we were given as props. I played the character of Cinderella... too bad it was a dream!

What you learned from the activities that will help your professional development?

I believe I got the most out of the drama facilitation. I found it to be therapeutic and could easily see all the benefits it has. The facilitation was geared towards youth at risk but I could see almost any population benefiting from this. It is a great icebreaker and helps put everyone on the same level because everyone looks/acts silly. In class, we discussed hospitalized patients, particularly youth or those with cancer reaping the most benefits. It is fun and allows individuals to escape their identity and be someone completely different (if only for a few minutes).

What you learned about myself this week?

Somedays it's hard to think of a block of 2:15-7:00 class as something to look forward to. That feeling immediately changes once I step foot in the class.. I always seem to forget how much fun we have in class. I learned that as much as this class is technically a time commitment, it is worth it. I found myself belly-laughing throughout almost the entire class period. I will take this reflection remember this feeling and take it to heart. I think it applies with all "time commitments" in our lives. It's all about the way we think about them. Always good to have an attitude check every once in awhile!

What you did to "strive for excellence" during that class?

To strive for excellence, I found myself being the leader of idea in our acting "Spectacular/Spectacular"activity. Our group was stumped in a direction with our mix of costumes. I was very aware that we seemed to be going in the direction of one idea of mine and I felt as if my group was looking to me to keep it flowing. I helped by digging deeper into the ideas and making sure my group was confident with our direction. I felt somewhat responsible to make sure that everyone was included and contributed a fair share to make it as fun as possible! In the end, I believe we succeeded and was satisfied with my contribution to make a solid group collaboration.

DIGITAL WHEEL ART

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/v/iuYEJah2-rM

What is the activity?

Digital Wheel Art is an interactive system that helps individuals with disabilities express themselves artistically. A user drives own wheelchair in a room while the system follows the movement of wheelchair by detecting infrared signals, and the system projects the lines onto screen in real-time. It also gives general audiences an opportunity to explore and rethink disabilities through art.

"Digital Wheel Art is a rare and uplifting example of how the tools of technology and art can be combined in new ways to help unlock hidden creative talents, providing those with physical challenges, who are so often left behind, a dynamic and powerful new vehicle for self-expression." - Kathleen S. Wilson (VP, Creative Director, Viacom Interactive Services)

Instructions on how to facilitate?

The system works by sending data from a Wiimote attached to a wheelchair over Bluetooth to a painting program displayed on the screen. The program then draws lines based on the path of the wheelchair, and the user can change colors by tilting his or her head on a ball on the right side of the

chair, which cycles through the different options.

Then the drawings can be saved. The saved drawing data include the actual brushstrokes of the dynamic drawing process so it is expected that we can have a profound understanding of creative moments.

Who might benefit from this activity?

Anyone in search of alternate methods of self-expression for people with physical disabilities. Especially those who use a wheelchair for mobility.

Materials: Wiimote, bluetooth, display screen, and wheelchair!

Contradictions:

There is no question of this products ingenuity and are no contradictions to be found other than the cost. It clearly is a wonderful opportunity but it seems like an expensive technology and settings with people with physical disabilities may not have the funding to provide such an activity!

Special Considerations:

Therapist may want to talk about stigma of the wheelchair. This is because of the transformation this technology has to change the wheelchair from a practical tool that assists a person with a disability (a symbol of stigma) into a tool for self-expression and art-making!

"Digital Wheel Art is the best example I've seen in a long time of how technology can enable and empower personal and artistic expression. It proves, in a truly elegant and emotional way, that physical limitation need not be a barrier to creative expression." - Nancy Hechinger (Adjunct Professor, New York University)

BETA FISH THERAPY

submitted by Rebecca Neeley of Methodist Healthcare, Skilled Nursing Facility on February 25, 2002

What is the activity:

Beta Fish Therapy is a one on one/in room therapy. Beta Fish are very "socially oriented" creatures. For this reason are perfect to use for animal-assisted therapy.They see in color, which sometimes makes it possible to get their attention with certain colorful objects. They are very inquisitive and constantly interested in what is going on around them! It has multiple outcomes that may be expected including, lowered blood pressure, decrease in depression, reminiscences of animals that patient may have had in the past.

Instructions on how to facilitate the activity:

The facilitation of the activity is quite simple...once you have "Beta" in his new home just put him on the cart and take off for room visitation, but there are a few things you need to know about putting the bowl together and the care of Beta.

First, place artificial plant in bowl, then add marbles. Next, fill bowl with tap water that is between 70-80 degrees F (it is a good idea to purchase an aquarium thermometer). Add appropriate amount of Stresscoat (product removes the chlorine from the tap water). As simple preventatives, add a tsp. of Aquarium salt to water. This helps Beta's gills function more effectively. Add a few drops of Aquarisol to guard against ICH. After all has been added to water, place Beta in bowl.

After the fish is set up, it is simple :) one on one individualized therapy from here! You can get as creative as you'd like.. Beta fish are special in the way that you can even try to teach it tricks. For example, jumping up and take a piece of food off your finger.. patients will think that it's SOOO GREAT!

Materials: Clear/glass bowl or vase, Male-beta fish, fish food, tap water, small artificial aquarium plant, colorful flat floral marbles, aquarium thermometer, Stresscoat Water Conditioner, aquarium salt, Aquarisol drops(guards against ick infection), small cart for transport of fish, Rubbermaid rubber shelf-lining to put on top of cart for non-slip surface, and a small fish net.

Materials Needed: Male Beta Fish, clear glass bowl or vase, colorful flat floral marbles, small artificial aquarium plant,

Contradictions: It may sound like a lot of trouble for upkeep of the fishbowl and beta fish, but it really isn't!

Special Considerations:

Cleaning the Bowl - Always clean bowl with WATER ONLY and just use a soft washcloth to wipe off the residue on inside of bowl and rinse well.

Wherever you plan to keep Beta, it should be in a draft-free location and not in direct sunlight; fish are very sensitive to sudden temperature changes and will get sick very quickly if subjected to extremes.

Wherever you plan to keep Beta, it should be in a draft-free location and not in direct sunlight; fish are very sensitive to sudden temperature changes and will get sick very quickly if subjected to extremes.

Feed the Betas twice a day, 7-8 pellets at a time. You might want to start out with less and see how much your individual fish wants to eat.

Change water once a week.