Quick List of Benefits of including Recreation as a Related Service on an IEP Summarized from the Therapeutic Recreation in Public Schools (Project Trips) web site Info by Dr. Janet Sable, Dr. Lou Powell, and Ms. Linda Aldrich, Department of Recreation Management and Policy, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire. Strengthening of Friendships      Establishes friendships with disabled and non disabled peers      Indicates preferences of friends      Invites friends to engage in play      Responds to friends invitations      Mutually shares during play Enhance Self Concept / Self Esteem       Appraises own strengths / abilities       Demonstrates confidence in abilities       Expresses opinions       Aware of cultural, spiritual, and ethnic self       Accepts challenge and adventure       Embraces humor Directly Impacts on Successful Transition to Work / Community      Accesses a variety of community resources       Follows a schedule       Manages personal belongings       Copes with less structured environments       Obtains and conveys information relating to use of community resources       Knowledge of where to seek assistance Develop and Improve Communication Skills      Makes choices       Makes requests       Expresses rejection / refusal       Greets others       Follows instructions       Responds to questions       Sustains communication with others       Uses alternative means of communication Reinforcement of Academic & Daily Living Skills       Aware of directionality       Discriminates colors, shapes, and sizes       Aware of spatial relations       Uses resource materials (newspaper, telephone directory, address book)       Uses a clock       Applies money management skills (budgets, purchases)       Applies telephone skills (answers, calls, uses public telephone) Refines Socialization Skills      Initiates social interactions       Sustains social interactions       Terminates social interactions       Maintains socially acceptable behavior       Accepts assistance from others       Accepts feedback from others       Shares with others       Takes turns with others       Follows directions / rules / procedures Practices Decision Making Skills       Expresses preferences       Selects activities from options available       Makes choices during play       Recognizes need to prioritize       Develops planning skills Contributes to Development of Motor Skills      Develops strength, flexibility, and coordination       Improves and maintains physical fitness through recreation activity       Improves gross and fine motor skills Development and Improvement of Coping Skills      Develops strategies for relaxation       Utilizes stress reduction techniques       Practices planning skills       Learns to prioritize       Develops natural supports Opportunities for Self Expression & Self Development      Develops advanced skills in areas of interest      Expresses emotions in a variety of forms       Expresses ideas       Experiences success through fantasy play       Recognizes rewards of creative expression   See also the Therapeutic Recreation in Public Schools (Project Trips) web site  benefits page ~ top of page