2019 Annual Conference

Topics covered remain the same whatever the duration, however longer sessions will allow more in-depth discussions, demonstrations, and potential for audience interaction, to dive deeper into each topic. 

Providing background and research information about the effects of role-playing gaming upon participants. Covers all formats: electronic, hybrid, live-action, solo adventure books, and tabletop.

Addresses many inculcated concepts in popular culture regarding role-playing games and gamers, and presents the existing relevant research.

Covers the potential benefits and caveats, where to find further information, service providers, consulting, and professional training options for interested Therapeutic Recreation Specialists wishing to incorporate these modalities into their practice.

The session will initially provide examples of each game format in a typical recreation setting, then proceed with the existing research using RPG for various educational and therapeutic interventions from other disciplines (psychiatry, psychology, education, sociology, cognitive, behavioral, etc.), then illustrate how the application of TR methodologies are an excellent fit for these activities as an intervention modality for many populations in group and individual settings.

Includes information on:

• Professional standards
• Formal training options
• Accessibility & adaptive considerations
• Facilities considerations, including mobile options
• Additional resources

Brief overview of specific real-world applied TR programs using RPGs.

Example facility applications covered:

• Community centers
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Mental health
• Summer camps
• Clinical to community transitions

Specific population program plans:

• Anxiety & social phobias
• ASD/PDD toddlers, youth, & adults
• At-risk & troubled youth
• Brain injuries rehabilitation
• Muscular Dystrophy & relevant others
• Social skills development