The History of TRAAC

Atlantic Canadian Society for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (ACS for CTRS) was established on February 19th, 1999. This was the result of the initiative of a group of individuals who wanted to enhance the Therapeutic Recreation profession. The initial executive was comprised of Andrea Waters President, June Burke-MacDonald Treasurer, Tim MacKinnon Secretary, Jerry Singleton and Andrew Ritcey directors at large.

The 2003-2004 executive decided that a name change would be beneficial to the society to make it more inclusive of all members. At the annual general meeting in March 2004, the name change was passed and ACS for CTRS is now known as Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada. To coincide with the name change TRAAC has also developed a new mission statement, vision and goals for the association.

Mission

The Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada promotes excellence in Therapeutic Recreation through advocacy, resource development and continuing education.

Vision

Therapeutic Recreation is an essential service for health and wellness.

Goals

Licensure - To advocate for our members and those we serve to ensure the best possible care is received.

Marketing - To gather and disseminate information that promotes the profession of Therapeutic Recreation.

Education - To support and enhance continuing education on behalf of the membership.

Code of Ethics

Approved March, 2004

The Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada membership will endorse and practice the following principles.

Professional Virtues
Professionals act with integrity, protecting and promoting commitment to their service. Professionals act honestly through complete, accurate and clear communications. They do not misrepresent themselves or the profession. In the practice of fairness, intent and implications of service are explained and services/resources are used equitably and conscientiously. Professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills through educational opportunities and maintain certification as applicable.

Obligation to the Individual and Society
Professionals advocate the importance of recreation, leisure and play by supporting equal opportunity and personal choice. Professionals are loyal and committed to the well being and confidentiality of the individual being served by practicing informed consent and seeking permission prior to releasing information. The purpose, results and implications of practice are explained to the individual, striving to maintain their safety and well being in a client centered approach.

Responsibilities to Colleagues and the Profession
Professionals practice mutual respect and work cooperatively for the benefit of those they serve. They practice professional and moral conduct in dealing with ethical issues.  Professionals seek to improve the professions body of knowledge through ethical research and clinical teaching.

Philosophy Statement

Approved March, 2004

It is the Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada's belief that our members provide and support Therapeutic Recreation Services across the continuum of care. This process of care incorporates functional intervention, education and participation focused on the participants needs, abilities and interests. The outcome of this care is to assist individuals who experience illness and/or disabling conditions, along with their supporters, in achieving personal goals toward wellness and maintaining quality of life. Our members believe TR Services are provided in a wide variety of settings, such as community, home based, care centres, day programs, long term care facilities, recreation centres and in schools. TRAAC initiatives are embraced by all members; professional, supportive and  student.