Bridging the Gap Conference

April 06, 2010

Patchogue, NY April 7, 2010 St. Josephs College and the Long Island Leisure Services Association (LILSA), in conjunction with the Therapeutic Recreation Association of Long Island (TRALI) and the Therapeutic Recreation Association of Suffolk County (TRASC), will present "Bridging the Gap, a conference on effectively combining therapeutic recreation and leisure services management in the current heath care system on Friday, April 16, 2010, at 8 a.m. in the McGann Conference Center on the Colleges Long Island Campus.

"Bridging the Gap was designed to bring students and professionals in the community and therapeutic recreation fields together to collaborate on ideas, network and participate in relevant workshops. Students will be given the opportunity to connect with professionals prior to their internships and entry into the work force. Trained professionals will hold several interactive presentations, addressing specific issues in the fields of therapeutic recreation and leisure services management. Registrants will receive continuing education units for their participation in the program.

Eight workshops will be held throughout the conference, concluding with a panel discussion entitled, "Your Future in Recreation: How to lay the groundwork for a successful career.

"This conference will provide the foundation necessary in bridging the gap between both therapeutic recreation and leisure services management, said Chairperson of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at SJC Gail Lamberta, Ph.D. "As the health care movement continues to move toward deinstitutionalization, both therapeutic recreation and leisure services management professionals must work closer together in order to provide the best programs to both meet the needs and improve upon the quality of life for all persons.

The cost of this event is $5 for students, $30 for LILSA, TRASC and TRALI members and $35 for professional non-members. The cost of entry without preregistration is $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information, please contact Anthony Martino at [email protected].