National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

When a CTRS helps an adult with intellectual disabilities enroll in a community program, which mainstreaming principle is applied?

1. Advocacy

2. Deinstitutionalization

3. Least restrictive environment

4. Discharge planning

The correct answer is: Advocacy

The principle being applied when a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) helps an adult with intellectual disabilities enroll in a community program is advocacy. Advocacy in this context involves promoting and supporting the individual's right to participate fully in community activities and services. By assisting them in accessing a community program, the CTRS is ensuring that the individual is empowered to engage in social, recreational, and leisure activities alongside their peers without disabilities. This approach is vital as it not only fosters inclusion but also helps to break down barriers that individuals with disabilities may face when trying to access community resources. Advocacy implies actively championing for the needs, preferences, and rights of the person being supported, thereby facilitating their integration and participation. The other principles, while important in their own right, do not directly address the action of enrolling someone in a community program. Deinstitutionalization focuses on moving individuals from institutional settings to community-based living arrangements, and the least restrictive environment emphasizes providing services and supports in a manner that minimizes limits on independence and choice. Discharge planning relates to preparing individuals for moving to less restrictive environments but is more about transitioning out than accessing community services.