2019 Annual Conference

Social skills training is often under the purview of recreational therapists.  The use of techniques such as modeling, training and role-playing help individuals with disabilities learn to navigate the verbal and non-verbal social skills needed to interact in an increasingly social world.  The goal of a social skills intervention is to “…increase interactional and communication skills, promote positive peer experiences and enhance self-esteem” (Osonoff and Miller, 1995). Yet is social skill training enough? Does it truly prepare individuals for experiences with peers, supervisors, and co-workers?   Social affiliation, social empowerment (and other related concepts regarding social roles, relationships, and support) are also key concepts in preparing individuals to interact within their communities on a more meaningful level. This session will seek to define these social variables, introduce assessments that can measure them, and potential interventions a recreational therapist may consider when trying to meet varied social goals.