August Premier: Breaking Barriers: Unlocking the Power of Therapeutic Recreation Practices in Community Programs

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- Non-Members - $50
- Members - $35
- Premier Members - Free!
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Recreational Therapy is for everyone! This session will emphasize modified recreation, community programming, and person-centered approaches, offering valuable insights for parks and recreation professionals, TR specialists, and community leaders. Learn how to develop inclusive programs tailored for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical limitations, and senior adults. Through practical strategies and real-world applications, you'll gain actionable tools to enhance program development, participant engagement, and overall community impact. Connect with peers, advocate for inclusive recreation, and make a lasting impact by ensuring everyone—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to engage, thrive, and belong. Let's build more inclusive communities together.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will analyze the unique recreational needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, physical limitations, and senior adults, and apply evidence-based adaptive techniques to create inclusive programming.

2. Attendees will identify key components of effective therapeutic recreation programs by analyzing best practices for program design and implementation.

3. Participants will assess the impact of Therapeutic Recreation programs in fostering community engagement, enhancing quality of life, and promoting overall health and inclusivity within a city or town.

This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

Chandra Fontenot

Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

City of Clinton, MS Department of Therapeutic Recreation

Chandra Fontenot is an accomplished professional in the field of Therapeutic Recreation with over 18 years of experience. A native of Hattiesburg, MS, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Arts in Health and Wellness from Liberty University.

After completing her internship at the VA Medical Center in Biloxi, MS, Chandra became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She has since played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the only municipally operated Therapeutic Recreation Department in Mississippi. As the Director of Therapeutic Recreation for the City of Clinton, she develops and oversees a wide range of programs for older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Chandra has been actively involved in the Mississippi Recreation and Parks Association, serving in multiple leadership roles, including President, President-Elect, and District Representative. Her dedication to the field has earned her recognitions, including Mississippi Recreation and Park Association Recreation Therapist of the Year and Parks and Recreation Professional of the Year. She has also served as President of the Mississippi Therapeutic Recreation Alliance.

Chandra’s passion for inclusive recreation continues to drive her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all abilities.

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