A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE HISTORY OF RECREATIONAL THERAPY

I believe it is not only worthwhile, but necessary to study the past in order to understand the present and foresee the future.

Development and growth of the recreational therapy profession has historically been preceded by event (war/epidemic) generated health care needs. Essentially, these health care needs are what create health care jobs.

The concept of wars and epidemics causing a need for health care and job growth is not new. It's not my intent to document this concept, but to document the growth and development of recreational therapy as a result of historical events.

The events cited are merely the catalysts for change, which provided opportunities for growth. The true cause of the growth and development of recreational therapy into a profession has been the individuals who advocated the use of recreational therapy during these opportunities.

Jeffrey A. Mansfield