Real Ideas From the RT Community
Every February, Recreational Therapy Month provides an opportunity to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the profession. As part of our January giveaway, we asked recreational therapists a simple question:
“How do you usually celebrate Recreational Therapy Month?”
The responses revealed something powerful:
Recreational therapists are already promoting the profession in meaningful, creative, and authentic ways—even when formal recognition is limited.
Advocacy Starts With Speaking Up
One of the most common themes was advocacy through education.
Many therapists shared that they celebrate RT Month by:
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Explaining recreational therapy to coworkers, friends, and family
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Posting about RT on social media
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Informing others about the benefits of RT
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Advocating for the profession within their organization
One respondent shared:
“I try and advocate for the profession by posting on social media and explaining to friends and family what the profession is and its importance.”
Another simply put it:
“Through advocacy!!”
Recreational Therapy Month becomes a platform for visibility—helping others understand what RT is and why it matters.
Celebrating Through Education and Awareness
Several respondents described celebrating by teaching others.
Examples included:
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Writing weekly educational blurbs on topics like adaptive biking or deep breathing
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Providing in-services for staff, families, and residents
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Hosting “Rec Therapy 101” sessions
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Sharing written handouts about therapeutic recreation
One therapist shared:
“I provide inservices for staff, family members, and residents about what Therapeutic Recreation is and how it benefits residents.”
Education is advocacy—and recreational therapists are leading the way.
Highlighting the People Behind the Profession
Some respondents shared creative ways they spotlight their teams.
Ideas included:
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Agency-wide emails highlighting recreational therapists
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Bulletin boards designed with clients
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Sharing impact stories
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Office recognition and small gifts
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Group celebrations, luncheons, or park outings
One response described a thoughtful approach:
“Sending a weekly agency-wide email highlighting one of our amazing Rec Therapists, having clients help us design a bulletin board, and sharing impact stories widely.”
Celebrating recreational therapists helps reinforce their value within organizations.
When Celebration Is Limited—or Missing
Not all responses were celebratory—and that honesty matters.
Some therapists shared that:
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Their facility doesn’t celebrate RT Month
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Only certain disciplines are recognized
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They aren’t sure how to celebrate
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They are new to the profession
One respondent wrote:
“My job doesn’t celebrate anyone except the RNs.”
Another shared:
“I honestly don’t. My last position barely acknowledged our very small department.”
These responses highlight why advocacy and visibility are still so important. When organizations don’t celebrate recreational therapy, recreational therapists often take the lead themselves.
Reflection, Self-Care, and Professional Growth
Several therapists described quieter, more personal ways of honoring the month.
They shared that they:
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Reflect on the impact they’ve made
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Set professional goals
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Identify areas for growth
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Remember to take time for themselves
One response summed it up simply:
“Remembering to take time for me.”
Recreational Therapy Month isn’t just about outward celebration—it’s also about renewal.
Recreational Therapy Month Looks Different Everywhere—and That’s Okay
Across all responses, one thing was clear:
There is no single “right” way to celebrate Recreational Therapy Month.
Whether through:
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Advocacy
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Education
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Team recognition
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Reflection
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Or simply starting the conversation
Every effort helps move the profession forward.
Promoting recreational therapy—even in small ways—builds understanding, respect, and visibility.