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1. What makes an internship with Eugene Adaptive Rec unique?

Adaptive Recreation in Eugene has been operating for more than 50 years and has been nationally acclaimed as one of the longest-running community-based programs in the country. Our programming is based out of the Hilyard Community Center, a fully accessible building built in 1989. Hilyard Community Center is designed to provide community gathering space for individuals and groups that provide services for people with disabilities in the greater Eugene area.

Adaptive Recreation is part of a larger Recreation Division, which provides service areas including Aquatics, Athletics, Youth & Family, Outdoor and Seniors. There are over 50 full-time employees within Recreation who are all passionate about providing quality programs and services to the community.

2. What populations or disability groups does an intern work with?

The ongoing programs offered by Eugene Adaptive Rec are for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. However, interns will gain experience working with many of our program partners which includes various disability organizations and populations.

In addition, we provide a variety of adaptive bikes and all-terrain wheelchairs to the community. Interns will learn how to provide fittings and assessments for a variety of adaptive bikes including hand cycles, tandems and trikes.

3. How many CTRS do you have on staff?

Currently, we have three Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists on staff who all have extensive experience supervising interns. In addition to our full-time regular staff, we use instructors to facilitate and teach our classes, programs and trips. CTRS staff do not facilitate programs on a regular basis but coordinate and supervise programming and staff.

4. Will this internship prepare me to become certified through NCTRC?

Eugene Adaptive Rec is a community recreation site, and while our therapeutic process is not as formal as a clinical site, we still have all the steps in place. You will get a chance to perform assessments, plan and implement lessons and/or programs, document progress and conduct program evaluations.

Under the supervision of a CTRS, this internship program has been designed to align with the NCTRC job analysis areas and meets NCTRC internship standards. The intern assists in planning and facilitating a variety of recreational programs for individuals with disabilities in a community setting, as well as completing a case study on an individual to complete the APIED process.

5. How long is the internship?

Our internships are 15 or 16 weeks and up to 600 hours. Interns will work an average of 40 hours per week, with some weekend and evening requirements. The general schedule of internships coincides with our quarterly 10-week program terms.

• Winter/Spring Internship: 1st week of January – mid-April (apply by October 1)
• Summer Internship: 1st or 2nd week of June – end of September (apply by March 1)
• Fall Internship: 1st week of September – mid-December (apply by June 1)

6. What does a typical day look like for an intern?

Interns will have a dynamic and busy schedule! The start of the internship will include 2-3 weeks of orientation and observation. Interns will then be provided with a set schedule for 10-week program sessions. These programs occur Monday–Friday with occasional weekend events and trips. Programs could be one hour or all day. We strive to give interns two days off per week, though not necessarily consecutive days. View our current program schedule.

Therapeutic Recreation students will be fully integrated into the behind the scenes and direct service of the day-to-day operations at Adaptive Recreation Services. Tasks include staff meetings, program design / planning / implementation, community outreach and collaboration, event planning, and various tasks involved with working for a local government, including administration, budget, long-term planning and management.

7. Will I get paid for the internship?

City of Eugene provides a stipend of $150 per week. Half is paid at the midterm evaluation and the other half at the final evaluation.

8. Is housing provided?

No, we do not offer housing. However, Eugene is a college town so there are often sublets and month-to-month rentals available. Staff can provide guidance and resources to find housing. Please note that the City of Eugene is not responsible for any housing choices, rental agreements or relationships.

9. Will I need a car?

A car is helpful for getting around town or out of town but is not required. Eugene is a very bike-friendly town and transportation via bus is sufficient. Uber and Lyft operate as well as reliable taxi companies.

10. Are there opportunities for employment after the internship?

Full-time jobs within the City are hard to come by, but we offer part-time instructor positions for interns who stick around after their internship. We love hiring TR interns into our programs after they have completed an internship!

CTRS positions are limited around Eugene, though the state of Oregon has both clinical and community-based settings where jobs often come available, and as an intern you would be connected to those resources and partners. Eugene is a great place to experience living and working on the west coast!

11. What are our values?

The City of Eugene Recreation Division strives to make recreational opportunities welcoming for everyone. Eugene Rec works to ensure its programs are accessible and inclusive for all people, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. We have values statements for staff and community members on racial and gender equity.  

Within Adaptive Recreation, we strive to have a culture where we care for the whole person, interns included. As a team, we value teamwork, collaboration, creativity, empathy and self-care. We strive to play as hard as we work! Interns are encouraged to get out and explore and experience all the wonder that Oregon has to offer.