American Therapeutic Recreation Association

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American Therapeutic Recreation Association

ATRA is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists.

Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions. ATRA, was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1984 as a non-profit, grassroots organization in response to growing concern about the dramatic changes in the healthcare industry.

02/18/2026

Some wholesome fun! 🌊

The Grand Valley State University Aquatics Intensive class brought the Waves of Connection theme into the pool to make their own waves in celebration of their future profession! We're celebrating with you! 🧡

https://www.atra-online.com/rt-month

02/16/2026

Happy President's Day! Come get to know your ATRA President's a little better!

02/16/2026

If professions had a love language, ours would be belonging. You're not alone. You matter. You belong. 🧡

Download FREE professional advocacy resources, including a You're Not Alone poster, to emphasize the important work you do each day to makes as a recreational therapist at the link below. It's your time to shine. 🫶

https://www.atra-online.com/rt-month

02/15/2026

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SRTS! 📣

Program Preview & Regular Registration Rates are now available for Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium's upcoming annual conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia! 🧡

Download the program preview and register now at the link below! 🫶

https://www.pathlms.com/atra/courses/113533

02/14/2026

Happy ! Are you proud to be a Recreational Therapist? ATRA is incredibly proud of you! 🧡

ATRA members are encouraged to request personalized promotional assets (like those pictured) at the link below. Be sure to check out ATRA's many FREE professional advocacy resources (membership not required) designed to help you promote the important work you do as an RT during RT Month and beyond. 🫶⁠

Recreational Therapists make ! 🌊

https://www.atra-online.com/rt-month

02/13/2026

INTERNATIONAL RT MONTH! 📣

Did you know that RT Month is celebrated internationally each February? From Canada to New Zealand to Japan (and places in between), Recreational Therapy is celebrated around the globe in February! 🧡

We're honored to share a special International RT Month Greeting from Takako Serizawa, President of the Diversional Therapy Association of Japan. What a beautiful message to lift us up and connect us during this shared professional celebration! 🙏

Happy RT Month to all, near and far! Recreational Therapists make the entire world a better place. Download the full greeting at the link below. 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/rt-month

02/13/2026

RT EDUCATORS SUPPORT GROUP 📣

Recreational therapy educators and practitioners connected to or interested in the educational process are invited to attend the upcoming connection-focused ATRA RT Educators Support Group on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 PM Eastern on Zoom.

Session description: Following ATRA’s focus on combatting loneliness for RT Month, this support group session is designed to bring RT educators together in a welcoming space to address feelings of professional loneliness, (re)connect with other educators, and work through shared challenges. The session will emphasize mutual support, collective wisdom, and renewed connection to the purpose and joy of educating future RT professionals. 🧡

This virtual event is hosted by The ATRA Higher Education Committee. Zoom link is available at the link below. 🫶

https://www.atra-online.com/live-events

02/12/2026

WAVES OF CONNECTION MOMENT! 📣

We're honored to share this from Alicia Gonzales, MS, CTRS, that showcases the incredible power of Recreational Therapy to foster social connection. Alicia works both as a recreational therapist at a skilled nursing facility and as an adjunct faculty member at Arizona State University, Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions. 🧡

Well done, Alicia! Your Waves of Connection Moment truly embodies the best of Recreational Therapy, showing how skillfully planned and facilitated interventions that center the individual can spark a felt sense of belonging and mattering. Recreational Therapists make the world a better and more connected place. 👏

We know you've been RT change lives—join Alicia in showing the world that Recreational Therapists are leaders in social connectedness by sharing your own Waves of Connection Moment at the link below. 🌊

https://www.atra-online.com/rt-month

02/11/2026

JANUARY ADVOCACY UPDATE! 📣

In January, ATRA released its 2026 Advocacy & Legislative Priorities, formed a CPT Code group, and launched a new Task Force focused on Social Prescribing, chaired by Dr. Betsy Kemeny. Additionally, ATRA prepared comments regarding “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel: Reporting Requirements for Disability-Related Complaints” and has been active in sharing timely information on the ATRA Connect A&L page.

ACTION ALERTS – Please take action!

1. How is AI impacting your practice? Offer input on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare on ATRA Connect A&L – Comments are due by 2/23.

2. Watch ATRA Connect A&L and your email for an upcoming Action Alert about Section 504 of the Rehab Act and a lawsuit coming from several states challenging its constitutionality

Read the full January 2026 Advocacy & Legislative Update at the link below. Be Proactive. Stay Informed. YOU are ATRA and this is ! 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/advocacy

02/10/2026

NEW ATRA BLOG POST! 📣

In the February edition of Purposeful Fun, we explore storytelling as a powerful tool for professional advocacy. Recreational Therapy Month arrives each year with a theme that reflects the heart of our work. This year’s theme, Waves of Connection: Turning the Tide on Loneliness Through Recreational Therapy, invites Recreational Therapists to notice and share the small but meaningful shifts in connection that help reduce isolation.

We know you've seen RT change lives. Share a Moment and read this important blog post at the link below. It's your time to shine. 🧡

https://www.atra-online.com/atra-blog

02/10/2026

JOIN US LIVE ON FACEBOOK! 📣

You're invited to a special ATRA Town Hall on Monday, February 16th at 6:00pm Eastern on Facebook LIVE. Hear from and connect with ATRA's President, Nancy Nisbett, President-Elect, Ashley Bowen, and Past-President, Tameka Battle. Come refill your cup with us and enjoy some quality time with ATRA's Presidents! 🧡

Registration is not required—simply tune in on ATRA's page and be sure to say hello and share your feedback and questions in the comments! 🫶

www.facebook.com/atrainaction

02/09/2026

Recreational therapists are experts in cultivating waves of connection, belonging, meaning, purpose, discovery, joy, and flow. Leave a heart in the comments if you agree. 🧡

Download FREE professional advocacy resources to emphasize the important work you do each day to makes at the link below. It's your time to shine. 🫶

https://www.atra-online.com/rt-month

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Reston, VA

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http://www.atra-online.com/

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