Analyzing the results of assessments serve as indicators for the needs of the individual supported. The
formal assessment, as well as Individual Intake Form, will allow the Recreational Therapists to identify strengths
and weaknesses. The weaknesses revealed should be the start to choosing goals and objectives. For example,
within the Individual Intake Form is a Safety Assessment. Responses to the Safety Assessment may reveal an
individual does not know how to evacuate their home safely. Or, responses may reveal an individual does not
know how to repair or maintain their adaptive equipment. Or, responses may reveal an individual does not
know how to call a first responder in the event of an emergency. If safety is the highest priority, then
Recreational Therapy goals and objectives need to be focused on independence skills related to safety.
The Recreational Therapist should focus first on safety and health, prior to focusing on larger life goals, such as
obtaining a driver’s license or securing employment.
The General Recreation Screening Tool (GRST) is a functional, step-by-step assessment, that may reveal certain
weaknesses in developmental milestones, such as body coordination, recognizing object permanence, understanding the
concept of time, and more. The Recreational Therapist must assist in meeting developmental milestones before pursuing
larger goals, such as making the competitive sports travel team or graduating from high school.
The Functional Assessment on Characteristics of Therapeutic Recreation – Revised (FACTR-R) is an observational
assessment, which could reveal an individual has weaknesses with vision, hypotonia (low muscle tone), balance,
attentiveness, abstract thought, emotional regulation, and more. Goals and objectives should be designed to improve the
low score(s) initially received on the Functional Assessment on Characteristics of Therapeutic Recreation – Revised (FACTR-R).
Furthermore, the optional Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), may reveal weaknesses in short-term
memory, fine motor skills, and more.
Once again, goals and objectives should be chosen based on the failed assessment criteria. In summary, goals and objectives
should be determined based on a hierarchy of needs for which individuals supported should accomplish before setting
advanced goals: 1.) safety and security, 2.) basic life needs, including independence in activities of daily living, 3.) healthy
living, including exercising, eating healthy, and maintaining a healthy environment, 4.) learning and practicing rights
promotion and self-advocacy, and 5.) other areas of life importance. In short, start simple, progressively working beyond
independency to fulfillment.
