This month, we celebrate our recreational therapists and the powerful role they play in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through creativity, play, and purposeful experiences, they foster confidence, connection, and joy—helping individuals build skills, express themselves, and feel a true sense of belonging in their communities. Their work goes far beyond recreation; it opens doors to inclusion, independence, and meaningful life moments.

Now, let’s meet the dedicated individuals behind this work and hear what inspires them every day.

Community Integration and Inclusion

Empowering people to live fully, be seen, and belong in their communities

For Jack, a recreational manager, the work isn’t about clinical therapy—it’s about connection, joy, and showing up in the world together. His focus is simple but powerful: fun games, meaningful activities, and real-life experiences that bring people into the heart of the community.

When he first started, Jack admits he didn’t know much about developmental disabilities. But that quickly changed. What stood out most was how much he loved taking individuals into everyday community spaces—stores, events, and activities—and helping bridge the gap with people who may have never interacted with someone with a disability before. His goal became clear: teach the community to treat individuals with disabilities just like anyone else. To shop, to explore, to participate, and to enjoy what they love. Each interaction helps normalize inclusion and build understanding, one moment at a time.

Jack believes confidence grows through experience. By repeatedly engaging in community outings and trying new activities, individuals gain familiarity—not just with places, but with people. Every experience is a chance to learn. Some activities click instantly; others don’t. That trial-and-error process is key, because you never truly know someone’s abilities or interests until you give them the opportunity to try.

One of Jack’s favorite parts of the job is discovering what activities resonate most with each individual. He shared the story of Karen, who has Angelman Syndrome and enjoys transferring sand or rice between buckets for hours—a repetitive and soothing activity common with her diagnosis. When Karen struggled earlier that day, Jack leaned into this process—observing her patterns, preferences, and rhythms to better understand what helps her feel grounded and engaged, a practice he has continued with others he supports.

Beyond planning activities, recreational staff often serve as advocates. For individuals who are non-verbal, Jack and his team act as interpreters—helping community members understand how to communicate and interact. They assist with purchases, navigate social situations, and ensure individuals can take part in everyday experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible. In these moments, advocacy becomes inclusion in action.

When asked what he wished the community understood most, Jack offered a message that guides everything he does: people with developmental disabilities are just like everyone else. They have the same humanity, interests, and desires—they may just express themselves differently or need support to participate fully. Recognizing that truth opens the door to genuine inclusion and belonging.

Opening Doors Through Recreation

Where everyday experiences open doors to confidence, connection, and belonging

Caroline is a recreational manager who works with individuals with developmental disabilities, creating spaces where people can express themselves, have fun, and connect with their communities. Her passion for recreational therapy was inspired by a love of working with people with developmental disabilities and finding creative, adaptive ways for them to participate in activities that bring joy and meaning to their lives. With a personal background in art, Caroline often incorporates adaptive art projects into her programming, helping clients explore their creativity in ways they may have never thought possible.

As a recreational manager, Caroline focuses on more than just activities—she designs experiences that break down barriers. She ensures venues are accessible and safe, and she bridges gaps that can leave individuals feeling isolated. Her work brings clients into the heart of the community, where they can participate fully and naturally, while educating others along the way.

The most rewarding part of Caroline’s role is seeing the joy and confidence her clients gain through recreation. She recalls taking Ron, a client with a profound physical disability, on a boat trip to experience open water for the first time. Watching his amazement and awe was unforgettable—a reminder of how even simple experiences can be life-changing.

Similarly, she sees clients like Natasha, who may not engage in any activities, come alive when swimming. The water provides physical relief and freedom, allowing her to laugh, move, and interact in ways she cannot elsewhere.

Recreational activities are also powerful tools for building relationships. Spending time together, learning about clients’ preferences, and trying new activities helps foster trust, confidence, and excitement. Caroline’s programs—from art clubs and DIY crafts to community outings like swimming—show that with the right adaptations, every person can enjoy, create, and thrive.

Caroline’s work extends beyond recreation. Her presence in the community helps educate others through natural, everyday interactions. She shares examples of children’s curiosity leading to teachable moments—like a young girl asking why a client uses a wheelchair or another reading a story to a client after learning about his hand differences. These moments show that inclusion starts with understanding and engagement.

Through her work, Caroline reminds us that people with disabilities want the same experiences, fun, and connection as anyone else. Recreation is not just a leisure activity—it is a bridge to confidence, friendship, and community. She encourages everyone to engage, ask questions, and embrace inclusion, helping to create a world where everyone belongs.

A Calling Rooted in Care

Where care, creativity, and joy come together to create belonging

Darian has always been drawn to people. While still in school, he noticed classmates who needed extra support and felt a strong pull to help—but at the time, he wasn’t sure what that path would look like. It wasn’t until Darian was referred to a recreational therapy role that everything clicked.

Recreational therapy, Darian explains, is a place to slow down, breathe, and just be. It’s not about pressure or intensity—it’s about creating a relaxed environment where people can unwind, connect, and take part in activities that bring joy. For many participants, it’s a space where they feel comfortable, supported, and free to express themselves.

And Darian truly loves what he does.

“There’s honestly nothing negative about this job,” he says. “I love what I do.”

One of Darian’s favorite parts of his role is facilitating creative activities. Whether it’s building something from scraps or collaborating on a hands-on project, creativity becomes a bridge—connecting people, sparking imagination, and turning everyday materials into moments of pride and accomplishment.

More than anything, Darian wants the community to understand this: the people he supports have the same emotions, feelings, and need for connection as anyone else. Recreational therapy isn’t just about activities—it’s about recognizing humanity, honoring individuality, and creating space for people to feel seen.

Through creativity, collaboration, and care, Darian helps make that space possible every single day.

From Direct Support to Meaningful Connection

Turning everyday moments into confidence, connection, and belonging

Ravon’s journey into recreational therapy began as a direct support professional (DSP), where she spent her days alongside residents—laughing with them, learning what brought them joy, and finding creative ways to make everyday moments meaningful. What stood out most wasn’t just providing support, but helping people experience life the way everyone deserves to: with choice, fun, and connection. That passion inspired Ravon to transition into recreational therapy.

For Ravon, recreational therapy is about meeting people exactly where they are. She focuses on each person’s abilities, adapting activities to fit individual needs. When someone has limited mobility or cannot use their hands, Ravon incorporates sensory-based approaches—engaging sound, texture, and movement to help individuals participate and feel connected. Her goal is always inclusion, making sure everyone has access to meaningful experiences in ways that work for them. 

The most rewarding moments, Ravon says, come from seeing pure joy on residents’ faces—especially when they experience something new. Whether it’s going on vacation, watching a movie, or enjoying a meal out, these experiences create memories many people take for granted. Seeing that happiness is what makes her work so fulfilling.

One moment that stands out involved a high-functioning resident who shared that he wanted a girlfriend. Ravon helped him craft a heartfelt message on Facebook, encouraging confidence and authenticity. The message received a response, and soon after, the two went on a date to the Olive Garden. For Ravon, it wasn’t just about dating—it was about building confidence, fostering connection, and helping someone feel seen as a person, not a diagnosis.

When it comes to group activities, Ravon’s favorite is Bingo—because residents genuinely love it. What began with small, immediate prizes evolved into a monthly reward system, where residents who win three Bingo games earn a restaurant outing. Her programming reflects the seasons as well: summer trips to the zoo and local parks, and winter activities focused on indoor experiences and dining out—all shaped by what residents enjoy most.

Community inclusion is central to Ravon’s work. By supporting residents in everyday activities like going to the movies or eating at restaurants, she helps create opportunities for connection. Community members often greet residents, strike up conversations, and build familiarity—small moments that bring big smiles and help reduce stigma.

Ravon believes it’s essential for people to understand that individuals born with disabilities have feelings, preferences, and dreams just like anyone else. They should be treated as equally important, not defined by their disabilities. Recreational therapy, she explains, is about trying new approaches when something doesn’t work and respecting individual choices—even when those choices are simple joys like listening to music or watching a favorite show.

At its core, Ravon’s work is about humanity—seeing people for who they are, honoring their choices, and helping them live full, connected lives, one meaningful moment at a time.