Recreation
Recreation facilitates the development of appropriate leisure life-style through the means of therapy, leisure education and participation in recreational activities. The purpose of the program is to improve the individual’s functional behaviors and to assist the individual in realizing the potential of recreation within Massachusetts Hospital School, home and the community.
The Recreation Department of the Massachusetts Hospital School partakes in an interdisciplinary approach and, thereby contributes to the process that endeavors to bring about a change in the individual and improves ones quality of life. This approach is unique in that it deals with the entire individual, not simply the disability. Each child is given the opportunity to grow as an individual, developing a level of skills and self-assurance that will serve them a lifetime. Through our varied recreational and therapeutic activities, individuals begin to acquire new skills and interests. In addition to our extensive programming the department develops and maintains a competitive athletic program. Which serves as a resource center for wheelchair sports through Massachusetts, and strives to heighten community awareness and understanding, of community-based recreational programs.
All individuals, regardless of their abilities, have the right and the need to participate in recreation and leisure experiences at school, at home and within the community.
The Recreation Department facilities the development of appropriate leisure lifestyle through the means of therapy, leisure education and participation in recreation activities. The programs are designed to improve individual’s functional behaviors and to assist in the individual realizing the potential of recreation with MHS, home and community. The therapist addresses these ends by exposing the individual to a variety of recreational activities, encouraging skill acquisition, promoting skill utilization and ultimately encouraging the individual to establish, express and provide independent leisure functioning. Every child longs to play. Yet for most physically and cognitively challenged children and young adults and active lifestyle mains only a dream their desire typically surpasses the availability of recreational outlets. At MHS, we offer each our patient’s access to an extensive recreational program and facility unlike any other. We allow these individuals to be participant and to realize their full potential as never before.
Recreation at MHS offers something for everyone, with over 56 various programs, including:
- Competitive Team Sports - Football, Motor Soccer, Basketball, Class 1 Track, Hockey, Track & Field, Swim Club, Table Tennis, Sledge Ice Hockey, Road Racing.
- Recreational Sports Activities – Archery, Bowling, Team Sports, Power Games, Matmadness, Girl’s Intra, Cheerleading, Boy’s Intra, Golf, and Bocci.
- Hobbies and Leisure Activities – Sail Free, Ham Radio, Woodworking, Games & more, Spice of Life, Photography, Stitches, Radio Station, Movies
- Creative Arts – Arts & Crafts, Dance, Dance Company, Harmonica & musicology, Recreation News, Painting
- Outdoor Activities – Gardening, Fishing, Outdoor Education, Skiing, Boating, Horseback Riding, Animal Care, Windsurfing, Pet Therapy
Recreation Department
- Fitness – Fun’n Fitness, Weight Training, Aerobics, Water Aerobics, Swimming, Cross Training, Bike
- Leisure Education – Introduction to Recreation, Community, Leisure Education, Girl’s Leisure Awareness.
The Recreation Department Staff includes the Director of Athletic & Community Recreation, Assistant Director of Athletic & Community Recreation, Coordinator of Therapeutic Recreation, Coordinator of Athletic Recreation, Coordinator of Community Recreation, Coordinator of Aquatic Recreation, Recreational Therapist – Ross Unit, Recreational Therapist – Baylies Unit, Recreational Therapist – Reservoir Farm, Administrative Assistant, Recreational Therapist – Gates Unit, Recreational Therapist – Nelson Unit, Adapted Physical Education, Recreational Therapist – Ellis Recreational Therapist
Recreation – by definition – implies a process of re-creating, restoring one’s health, spirit and self-esteem to they’re fullest. Through our varied recreational and therapeutic activities, students begin to acquire new skills and interests. Whether competing in an athletic tournament, gardening, riding a horse for the first time, learning to shoot free- throws, or crossing the finish line at a big road race, our patient continue to learn about themselves, their capabilities and the world around them
