February is International Recreational Therapy Month, which recognizes the role of therapeutic recreation in helping those with physical, developmental, emotional, and/or intellectual disabilities engage in the activities of their choice.

NCS is celebrating this month by recognizing our Therapeutic Recreation Services team, which ensures that all Fairfax County residents are able to participate in programs that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence, and quality of life. Eligible participants may have developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and/or attention deficit disorders.

The team consists of 10 full-time staff, most of whom are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists credentialed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Supporting our program are 100+ part-time staff who share a passion for providing meaningful, even life-changing support to individuals with varying disabilities.

Currently, Therapeutic Recreation Services is offering a mix of in-person and virtual programs. Adult Social Clubs continue in-person programming once a month at various community locations; the wheelchair basketball team practices weekly; and Saturday programs are available for school-age individuals with disabilities at three locations throughout the county. Virtually, we hold programs at no cost via Zoom. These include socialization for adults, interactive sessions for preschoolers, and a monthly cooking class for families.

Coming this summer, Therapeutic Recreation Services will once again host our popular Summer Camp programs for ages 5-12 and 13-22. Programming includes special events, art activities, sensory play, games, sports, outdoor play, music activities and more. Staff-to-participant ratios range from 1:2 to 1:5 at each site.

You can find more information on our website or register for TRS programs via TRACERS, our centralized electronic system.