In schools, recreational therapists help counselors, parents, and special education teachers address the special needs of students. They are especially important in helping to ease the transition phase into adult life for the disabled. The transition phase extends from age 14 until high school graduation. Recreational therapists provide assistance in teaching the student about recreational activities and how to use community resources. The primary responsibility for these therapists is to integrate students into the community.
Recreational therapists observe and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress.
These records are used by the medical staff and others, to monitor progress, to justify changes or end treatment, and for billing. When working with clients during community integration programs, they may travel locally to instruct clients on the accessibility of public transportation and other public areas, such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurants, and theaters. Therapists often lift and carry equipment as well as lead recreational activities. Recreational therapists generally work a 40-hour week, which may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays. About 38 percent of salaried jobs for therapists were in hospitals and 26 percent were in nursing homes.