dolphin therapy

"The dolphin brought the laughter back to my child."

http://www.dolphinaid.org/index2.htm

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOQRC7Z2KEU&feature=related

What is the activity:

Dolphin therapy involves the utilization of trained/certified dolphins as a way for children with disabilities to engage in a motivating and bonding experience. The dolphin is different than any other animal assisted therapy because of their very sophisticated communication system. They have a very keen sense of curiosity; it is said that the dolphins investigate us as much as we investigate them. However, it is the experience of wildlife and of the natural environment that is a strong motivation for children with disabilities and their families. Therefore, significant improvement in communication skills are seen in those who participate.

Instructions on how to facilitate activity:

Dolphins must be accompanied by their their skilled trainers. The children work on a swimming dock according to a schedule with at least one dolphin who is able, in a playful way, to miraculously and immediately realize the child's deficiency. Together they can work on functional improvements specific to the participant and their needs. The therapist can utilize toys such as rings and balls to help facilitate purposeful activities.

Who might benefit from this:

Research has proven that children with autism, attention deficit disorder and down syndrome benefit from dolphin therapy. This is because it is considered a sensory experience, due to the feeling of the dolphin, water, splashing etc. However, for this same reason it could benefit those with visual impairments because it allows them to connect with a gentle animal and use their hands to create a mental picture. The positive impulses lead to an amazing progress in development and has endless positive consequences.

Contradictions:

While swimming with dolphins may be a fun, novel experience- no scientific evidence exists for any long-term benefit from dolphin assisted therapy. It has risks for both people and dolphins. Dolphins are wild animals, even when highly trained, and can be hard to predict. Nevertheless, research has shown that, by working with dolphins, disabled children are able to learn up to four times faster and more intensively. When exploring their surroundings. In order to achieve positive treatment, dolphin therapy should be carried out for not less than two weeks.

Materials needed:

DOLPHIN! May be hard to come by as well as the certification/training involved to work with children with special needs.

Special Considerations:

Safety, safety, safety. Having a trained individual leading the therapy as well as keeping constant supervision on the client/animal interaction.

ipad therapy

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS: http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/medicalreports/MI92056/

http://childrenshospitalblog.org/can-the-new-ipad-take-therapy-based-apps-to-the-next-level/

What is the activity:

Ipads are the latest technology that is loaded with entertaining applications. However, Ipad therapy "not just for entertainment." It is a technical tool that is used to overcome speech and language problems. It is a multi-sensory approach because the individual has to touch the iPad and it gives them more immediate feedback. Through exploration and repetition the clients learn language and expand their vocabulary.

"It has been called, a Game Changer."

Instructions on how to facilitate activity:

This is because the ipad needs almost no facilitation. The ipad promotes independence with its unique technology. The client must be set up with the ipad and educated about how to use it and navigate. They are then walked through appropriate applications with the therapist or they are allowed the freedom of choice to choose which interests them. The therapist can then utilize purposeful applications to work on functional skills. In the article they mentioned a specific application for example, "the Story Builder Program which allows a client to create a story in chronological order, while pictures and sounds give prompts to respond in full sentences.

Who might benefit from this:

It was suggested that child with speech and language problems with direct therapy utilizing the ipad. However, there is much research going on about the ipad's therapeutic qualities for children with autism. It has the ability to promote independence and development. This is because the apps allow them to work on functional skills. For example, zippering, buttoning, saying hi and bye.. anything you can imagine can be practiced on the ipad. "Techonlogy plays a big role in enriching the lives of many people with communication disorders, not just children on the autism spectrum, but people with motor impairments like cerebral palsy or people who are deaf or hard of hearing as well. These new devices are giving people communication options that weren't available a few years ago."

Contradictions:

Alisa Kruzel, Memorial Speech and Language Pathologist says, that "it's just made therapy so much more interesting and motivating for the kids." They say it holds a child's attention more than traditional books or flashcards, therefore, the children tend to learn faster. I believe this is true but the wave of technology is easy to get "caught up in." We need to continually make decsions based on what's best for the child, not what's being touted as the 'next big thing.'

Materials needed:

The only thing necessary is an iPAD and the technological savviness to operate them!

Special Considerations:

-What types of applications (appropriate)

-Safety about personal information.

-Expensive technological equipment.

Overall, I believe the ipad is a wonderful innovation to incorporate into therapy practice to help advocate for people of all abilities.

Elephant Assisted Therapy

N.A. (n.d).Elephant Assisted Therapy. Equine Therapy, Retrieved from http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com/elphant-assisted-therapy.html

What is the activity:
Animal assisted therapy is a popular technique to use to bring about goal achievement. Typically, the animals used are cats or dogs. However, in South Africa and Jerusalem, animal assisted therapy is done with ELEPHANTS! They are amazing, intelligent, caring, funny, and protective beings. They can be used for therapy because they are known for being gentle with their young, and having a sense when they are near a child with a disability.

Instructions on how to facilitate activity:

A therapist would facilitate therapy in a zoo or an environment that is beyond the scope of the child's everyday life. It must be a exciting place that the child looks forward to experience. They are excited to be working with the elephant. It is a unique experience that gives the child the experience of feeling special and important.

Week by week they are awarded with visits to elephant when goals are achieved. For example, Rentia (visually impaired) had goals set and after she acheived each goal, she was rewarded with another visit to the elephant as therapy. Each week she gained new skills and increased confidence. By the end of three months, she could walk up and down steps by herself, use the bathroom alone, button her school blouse independently and read braille.

In therapy, the children learn concentration and self-discipline in order to form a connection with the elephant. The child has to take responsibility and adapt to the elephant's needs, and that becomes a part of the development. In therapy, a child will feed, pet, clean the animal, which are normally activities that are done for them by their parents or caretakers. The act of doing these tasks gives the child a sense of empowerment because it allows the child to decide what to feed the elephant, when to clean it, and how t make the animal trust him/her. Additionally, the child must control emotions such as anger and frustration in order to get the animal to cooperate and this control transfers beyond therapy. Other issues are also addressed, such as family support and parental protection when a child observes the way an elephant functions within a social herd. This experience helps the child learn to cope with the realities of their daily life.

Who might benefit from this:

Generally, children with disabilities would benefit from this type of therapy to develop skills and behaviors to help them overcome their disabilities. The article suggested a children with physical disabilities such as visual impairments and cerebral palsy. "The physical and emotional contact is essential for kids who do not get that contact in their family or their environment at home or school." However, I believe anyone can benefit because of the "wow" factor based on their size that it acts as a motivating experience.

Contradictions:

The only contradiction I can think of is that animal behavior is that their size can be quite intimidating and the child may not feel comfortable "getting close" with such a large animal.

Materials needed:

The materials needed are an ELEPHANT! As well as, tools for further facilitation such as, elephant cleaning supplies, and food/feeding equipment.

Special Considerations:

This is most definitely unconventional because elephants are not readily available. However, when working with elephants safety should always come first. This includes temprament of the animal and knowing protocoal for controlling behavior of both the client and animal.

Overall, many children with disabilities need therapy and behavior interventions that may not be conventional. Elephants are hard to come by, but have the ability to work magic with children with special needs.

Hoopapalooza!!

What activities you participated in?

All day I was excited for 252 class! All because one of my favorite fellow TR students was presenting on one of my favorite activities, HULA HOOPING! We began the class learning about the purpose and the benefits of hula hooping. One of the videos was: The Hooping Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBaWPTCzhM4 which explained that hula hooping is a revolution that anyone and everyone can join. It pumped me up to get to making our OWN hula hoops! We used piping and connectors to create the shape and then colored duct tape to personalize each one of the hoops. My hoop was green, yellow and white for the packers. I wish there had been other colors to choose from but I liked how mine ended turning out with what we had! Lastly, we took the finished hoops out for a spin in the courtyard. Stephen and Ally led us through some hooping activities and we even made a competition out of it at the end.

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

Through my professional experience with Occupational Therapy, I have seen hula hooping in a therapeutic setting. However, this program opened my eyes to the ENDLESS possibilities and potential populations. I believe that therapeutic hooping is best implemented through TR. This is because TR allows us to address the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individual. Hula hooping has benefits such as cardio/fitness of the dance and use of hips/abdominals. The hoop itself spinning on your torso requires a comfort level of physical touch that may help look at self confidence, self esteem and self image. Hooping can be done alone or in a group! It is a holistic approach that is unique and unmatched.

What you learned about myself this week?

I got a burst of refreshment of how much I enjoy and loveee hula hooping. It was a childhood favorite activity and have always been known for my skill with hooping. I was always the one jumping in to compete for the "longest" hula hooper! It's been awhile since I have picked up a hula hoop, however, after this presentation I have learned to look at it in a whole new light. I can honestly see myself hooping for fitness and fun!

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

I strove for excellence during the class by really thinking of what I could do with this activity. It got the gears started turning for different populations. Immediately, it got me thinking that maybe we need a Hula Hooping Club on campus! It will defintely be something I will look into! I can see it now! I had a blast with hula hooping and I thank both Ally and Stephen for their enthusiasm for sharing this wonderful opportunity to make our own hoops!

TRAMPOLINE THERAPY

Trampoline Therapy :))

North, C. (2011). Trampoline therapy. Livestrong, Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/351315-trampoline-therapy/

What is the activity:

Trampoline therapy is an activity that utilizes the joy and exhilaration of jumping high and feeling weightless while airborne for therapeutic purposes. It is facilitated as a low-impact form of aerobic exercise.

Instructions on how to facilitate activity:
Who might benefit from this:

A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist will have different goals for the many different populations that can benefit from trampolining. A therapist would most likely supervise the client as they rebounded for safety and observation purposes.

Trampoline therapy has the potential to work with many different populations. Populations that may benefit from this are children with down syndrome, cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. It would help them gain skills such as self confidence, balance, and coordination. It can be facilitated for children with autism to help with sensory issues. It could also be a great opportunity for people who have hearing and visual impairments. It's therapeutic quality also proves to bring joy to children with emotional issues and attention deficit disorders.

Contradictions:

There were no contradictions to be found.

Materials needed:

To facilitate therapeutic trampolining you will need a client, therapist and a trampoline!

Special Considerations:

However, to indulge in this fun therapeutic activity liabilities must be considered. Safety must also be taken into an account. This means making sure the trampoline is in a location that is clear of buildings and other dangerous objects (whether it's inside or outside.) It must also be on flat and stable ground. A therapist may want to include a safety net or a handle for balance and stability. You might want to consider making sure the springs are covered with a shock-absorbing safety pad, as well as using some type of trampoline enclosure system.

Once all these considerations are made, trampolining can be utilized as a holistic activity that is undeniably fun!

Welcome to the Art Show

What activities you participated in:

The class project was to come up with an Art Show. The only materials

that could be used were tape and suran wrap to make TAPE ART. As a group, we were all instructed to create tape structures and then a tape art wall mural. My group taped waterbottles, bowls, boxes, pad of paper and even a BUBBLER!

What you learned from the activities that will help your professional development:
As a

After partaking in this collaborative activity. I was able to walk away with knowledge and experience to back up the benefits of collaborative activities. It

is a great activity to challenge a diverse group of people with diverse skill levels. It utilizes creative expression and fine/gross motor skills. Utilizing individual strengths, a group can then create and think as one. Therefore, working on interpersonal communication and problem solving skills. Most importantly, these activities develop a senses of group identity by making memories to develop a tangible finished product.

What you learned about yourself this week:

When it comes to art work, I typically have a vision. I am usually not

afraid to speak up about my ideas but I felt that my group wanted to go in a different direction so just went with the flow. There was a lack of leadership and direction of the art. This made me feel lost and disconnected to the

project. It was a little unsettling. I believe it may be due to a slight issue with perfectionism. It was very apparent that that in the context of art, I was very picky about what the creation was going to be because I had high expectations. This was accurately represented in both activities. I was easily disappointed when the tape art structure did not come together as I'd imagined as well as the tape art wall mural. I could not seem to stop editing the wall art till it was just perfect. I found myself compromising my teammates work because I felt that I could do it better. It was somewhat compulsive and controlling. I noticed it as I was doing it, but felt slightly helpless to my

perfectionism.

What you did to "strive for excellence" during the class:

Honestly, I was not impressed with my performance as a group member with this collaborative activity. I feel as if I fell below par on all four categories of: leadership, communication, effort, and enthusiasm. I did not plan or communicate my vision as a potential leader, I did not communicate up to my ability, I found my group moral slip when we did not complete the activity as successfully as expected. I'm probably being more harsh than I should.. because I just believe I can do better.

It wasn't all negative either, because as a group when we faltered, we used our materials to contribute to another group and picked up moral by moving on to the tape art mural which turned out fantastically :)) thanks to a great vision by April and work by my team.. with the fine detail due to my perfectionism.

Although, I wasn't overall pleased with my performance this week, I promise to strive for excellence for the next activity. I am looking forward to improving next week and walking away with an attitude and experience to be proud of!

Creativity takes Courage

Leadership: Creativity and Innovation

I got this article from:
Klemm, W. (N.D.). Leadership: creativity and innovatio. Concepts of AirForce Leadership, Retrieved from http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/au-24/klemm.pdf

When and how did you locate this article:

I located this article when I was researching this article for this assignment.

Two paragraph synopsis of what you learned in this article:

The article went into detail about what creativity is, where it comes from and how leaders can extract/promote the creative process. Creativity are the new ideas that arise naturally and comprehensively from certain everyday abilities of perception, understanding, logic, memory, and thinking style. It occurs when a person considers many options and invests time and effort to keep searching rather than settling for mediocre solutions. It depends on freeing of our right brain from domineering control of the left brain.

Ironically, the typical leader tends to reward people for left-brain thinking (rigorous/precise thinking). This rigorous and precise thinking may be stifling creativity. As a leader you need to inspire a desire to be creative, a belief that there is a creative solution and that they CAN find it. Leaders have more control over the creative process than they think. They should foster an attitude and environment that distinguishes fear of being penalized for failure, not getting adequate support, or having enough time. There should be plenty of time for “mental freedom” to let emerging ideas take them where they will. A leader is to provide challenge, but not so much that it becomes a burden. Although leaders can’t force creative thought, they certainly can be receptive to it and recognize and value it when it happens. The best way to express value for an idea is to implement it.

How will you apply this knowledge to your professional development:

I will apply this knowledge to my professional development by taking this concept with me to my internship as well as future agencies I may be working for. “Creativity takes courage.”

As a creative person, I promise to never be afraid of speaking up about my new ideas. The article stated that “a focus on the old ideas run the risk of being obsolete.. moreover, just how sure can you be that the old ideas are the best ideas?” I think this is important to keep in mind because content-ness with the mediocre can be stifling.

Even if the agency can’t afford to be creative, the article suggests that ‘maybe they can’t afford NOT to do new things.” Creativity is quality in my mind which is especially critical to the profession of TR. It is the driving force behind the quality of service. We are expected to be leaders and creative at all times. It can be exhausting, however, the extra effort is a challenge that I am willing to continue to pursue.

Would you recommend this article for other TR students:

I would most definitely recommend this article because it offers a positive concept of creativity and leadership. It suggests that creativity and innovation are not mysterious forces over

which leaders have no control. It offers leadership initiatives that have the potential to enlighten leaders to stimulate creativity and innovation in any work setting.