Charta Spring Conference In Review

Lucile Lisle and Emily Baker awaiting the masses!

Charta's Spring Conference was held at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute on 4/26/00. Over 40 Charta members registered for this event which included four 90minute educational sessions. Attendees were awarded .6 CEU's by ATRA .

The opening session featured Charlie Dixon, CTRS who spoke on "Exploring the World of Recreation Therapy via the Internet". This session was well received by the membership and featured Charta's Website. Members were given instruction on how to use the website; everything from signing in the Guestbook to posting a topic on the Forum. Since Charlie developed our website it was only fitting that he "be the one" to tell us how to use it. Charlie also provided instruction on how to locate recreation therapy resources on the Internet using different search engines and web browsers. All are encouraged to check out our website at www.gocharta.org.

The second session of the morning also featured Charlie Dixon. This time Charlie provided "Computer Applications in Recreation Therapy". The membership was informed about how and when to use spread sheets and databases in their work place to track patient progress (templates available at www.computr.net/download/trtemplates). Charlie also provided examples of existing software designed to do such tasks for us. Examples of R.T. software can be viewed at Charlie's website, www.computr.net.

For lunch, the membership was treated to pizza, sodas, fruit, and cookies. Charta organizers received no complaints.

The first session of the afternoon featured Mark Mattiko, CTRS on the topic of "De-Mystifying Research: Practical Considerations for the Clinician". Mark gave the membership a highly polished presentation with several humorous moments. The group now has a better understanding of research terms such as t-tests, p values, and the different types of research. Mark's presentation hopefully stimulated members to ponder outcome projects of their own.

The final session of the day was a panel discussion on "Current Trends/Issues in Recreation Therapy". The members of the panel, (Marcia Smith - mental health; Beth Albaneze - community; Robert Hood - long term care; and Linda Hutchinson-Troyer - physical rehabilitation), provided the membership detailed information related to several concerns to include, staff cut-backs, promoting the field, legislation, collaboration with other disciplines, and the importance of supporting professional organizations.

The Charta membership truly thanks Vanessa Roberts of the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute for hosting the conference.

Keep checking out the Charta Website for information about the Fall Conference. The Hebrew Home in Rockville, MD is currently exploring the possibility of being the host. If you have ideas for session topics or would like to present contact Vanessa Roberts at 703-207-7143 or you can e-mail her at vroberts@nvmhi.state.va.us. Those presenting receive $75 for their effort.

Click here for Conference Brochure and Conference info