Since the start of 2016 I’ve had pretty significant successes contacting international organisations similar to Diversional Therapy Australia, with the aim of forging working relationships and embarking on possible collaborations with organisations around the world.
Firstly I was able to make contact with the President of the National Association of Activity Professionals, (NAAP), in the US. Her name is Alisa Tagg and she lives and works in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The following is what Alisa does in her working life:I began my career in the activity field over 25 years ago working as an assistant in the activity department and worked my way up as an activity director in the skilled nursing facility setting also known as a nursing home and some rehab. For the last 7 years I have been an independent consultant going into facilities including assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, residential and adult day care and provided auditing, education, and support of the programs. I ensure the programs are meeting certain federal regulations and guidelines. I also teach a course called MEPAP – Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals. This is a 180 hour classroom instruction plus 180 hour practicum that is required for national certification through the NCCAP – National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. I also teach home care certification training for caregivers who work in the home with elderly aging in place. I currently serve as the president of the National Association of Activity Professionals and have served before in the membership trustee position.
Alisa has invited Louise Absalom, President of DTA and myself as representatives from DTA to be part of a conference call to their Board meeting at their national conference in April which will be held in Dallas Texas and she says their organization looks forward to getting together with DTA and discussing efforts of collaboration and forming a working relationship between the 2 organisations.
Secondly, thinking outside the square slightly, I made contact with a representative from ATRA, The American Therapeutic Recreation Association, in the US. They were very excited to hear from DTA and though we are in very early stages, they are looking forward to organising a time when representatives from DTA and ATRA can talk about the possibilities of forming a working relationship and collaboration between their organisation and DTA.
Darren Robinson
Board Member, Diversional Therapy Australia