The PATH-Way Home: Promoting Access, Transition, and Health for Veterans with Disabilities

The purpose of this article is two-fold; first it describes an effective and efficient community-based recreation therapy program, and second, it explains how recreation therapists can successfully interface with the VA healthcare system by utilizing this or other programs. PATH (Promoting Access, Transition, and Health) is an in-home/community health promotion program delivered by state licensed Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists to veterans who have sustained disabilities in current combat, Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and New Dawn (OND). The PATH program is guided by Healthy People 2020 concepts, the World Health Organization’s ICF health framework, and Bandura’s (1986) self-efficacy theory. The description of the PATH intervention protocol includes the referral process, assessment, treatment planning and interventions focused on veteran needs, discharge planning, documentation and reimbursement. A case example of one veteran who completed the PATH program is presented to illustrate ways in which the intervention addresses unique veteran issues.