Recreational therapists utilize play, recreation, and leisure activities to improve the physical, cognitive and social/emotional abilities of infants, toddlers, children, adolescents and young adults. The primary purpose of their treatment is to identify, improve and/or enhance the functional abilities and independence of the children through leisure and play as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability.   Recreational Therapist’s also address community integration where patients will be placed in situations that will challenge their skills acquired during their rehab stay and apply them in a practical community-setting in preparation for discharge to home. Our specialized services include animal assisted therapy, aquatic therapy, special events and community-adapted recreation programs.

The recreational therapists at Children’s Specialized Hospital are prepared at the bachelor's and/or master’s level in Therapeutic Recreation. They are certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification and are an integral part of the rehabilitation team programs.