Munroe-Meyer Institute
UNMC_Acronym_Vert_sm_4c
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Michael Crawford, PhD

Emeritus Professor, MMI Department of Recreational Therapy

Michael Crawford, PhD

Michael Crawford, PhD, has been a leader in the field of therapeutic recreation for over 45 years. He joined MMI after heading recreational degree programs at the University of Nebraska Omaha for five years and University of Missouri-Columbia for 15 years. During his 20 active years at MMI, he built the recreational therapy program in the number one rated program in the field of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities nationally. In addition, he is a nationally recognized expert in the field of playground design and children's play. He is the author of five college textbooks and over 50 research-based journal articles.

  • PhD: Recreational Therapy/Adapted Physical Education, Indiana University,1983.
  • MS: Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1977.
  • BA: Special Education/Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1975.

Specialty Certifications, Licenses, Skilled Training:

  • Adapted Aquatics Instructor Trainer, American Red Cross.
  • Certified Adapted Physical Education Teacher, State of Indiana.
  • Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, State of Nebraska.
  • Certified Special Education Teacher, State of Nebraska.
  • Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
  • Curriculum design for participants with severe and multiple disabilities.
  • Social skills interventions for persons with autism.

Selected Publications

  • Crawford, M. (in press) Therapeutic Recreation: An Introduction, 4th Edition. Boston, MA :Allyn and Bacon.
  • Behavioral therapy for persons with severe genetic disabilities.
  • Children's dynamic play behaviors.
  • Playground designs.
  • Playground safety.
  • Social skills acquisition for persons with autism.

  • Chancellor's Outstanding Behavioral Researcher Award, University of Missouri.

  • Mable Lee Award as Outstanding Researcher, American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

  • National Recognition Award, Top 25 Researchers in the Field, National Association for Recreational Therapy.

  • Tommy Wilson Outstanding National Service Award for Outstanding Therapeutic Recreation Demonstration Service Project, American Association for Leisure and Recreation.
  • American Association for Leisure and Recreation National Committee on Play.
  • American Therapeutic Recreation Association.
  • Annual in Therapeutic Recreation Editor.
  • Leisure Today Journal Editorial Board.
  • National Association for Recreational Therapists.
  • National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

  • Red Cross National Aquatics Board.

  •  

    Therapeutic Recreation Journal Editorial Board.