American Therapeutic Recreation Association

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.

JOIN US LIVE ON FACEBOOK! 📣You're invited to a special ATRA Town Hall on Monday, February 16th at 6:00pm Eastern on Face...
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

Recreational therapists are experts in cultivating waves of connection, belonging, meaning, purpose, discovery, joy, and...
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

A message from ATRA's Board of Directors:"Black History Month invites reflection on the profound contributions, resilien...
02/08/2026

A message from ATRA's Board of Directors:

"Black History Month invites reflection on the profound contributions, resilience, and cultural legacy of Black individuals and communities. It is a time to honor both historical achievements and ongoing work, while celebrating traditions and bringing Black identity to the forefront. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of national commemorations of Black history, catalyzing healing, challenge, and connection.

By honoring Recreational Therapy Month alongside Black History Month, we affirm that wellness, dignity and joy belong to everyone. We celebrate the past, enrich the present, and commit to a more equitable and inclusive future. February reminds us that when history, culture, and compassionate care come together, they create space for individuals and communities not just to survive—but to thrive."

Please visit the link below to download the full message. 🧡

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

Happy ! Are you proud to be a Recreational Therapist? ATRA is incredibly proud of you! 🧡ATRA members are encouraged to ...
02/07/2026

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

Social Media Challenge! 📣Help ATRA amplify the message that Recreational Therapists are leaders in social connectednes...
02/07/2026

Social Media Challenge! 📣

Help ATRA amplify the message that Recreational Therapists are leaders in social connectedness and the preferred provider for activity-based social and relational interventions aimed at reducing loneliness—and be entered for a chance to win FREE ATRA membership for one year! 🌊

Comment the following information on this post to participate:

🧡 Write “Challenge Accepted”
🩵 Specify whether you are an RT professional or student
💙 Finish the sentence "RTs create by..."
🤍 Tag THREE recreational therapists or students that you nominate to continue the Wave of Connection!

Example Comment: "Challenge accepted! I’m an RT professional. RTs create by building meaningful therapeutic environments that nourish social exploration. I nominate , , and to continue the Wave of Connection!"

Leave your comment on THIS POST by Sunday, February 8th for a chance to win (only comments on the original post are eligible)! Two professional and two student winners. Current ATRA membership not required. Participation on more than one platform (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn) and multiple unique entries are both allowed. Participants must be following ATRA on the platform(s) they participate on to be eligible to win. 🫶

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

Some wholesome fun! 🌊 The City of Norfolk Therapeutic Recreation Center staff is making in Virginia with matching RT...
02/05/2026

Some wholesome fun! 🌊

The City of Norfolk Therapeutic Recreation Center staff is making in Virginia with matching RT Month shirts—their RT Month group photo shoot is an annual tradition, and we couldn't love it more! 🧡

Message-wear is a subtle but powerful act of professional advocacy, planting seeds of awareness and sparking meaningful conversations everywhere you go! Thank you for sharing your passion for our profession with the world. 🫶

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

WAVES OF CONNECTION MOMENT! 📣We're excited to share this from Laura Holmes, LRT, CTRS, CBIS, that showcases the power ...
02/05/2026

WAVES OF CONNECTION MOMENT! 📣

We're excited to share this from Laura Holmes, LRT, CTRS, CBIS, that showcases the power of Recreational Therapy to foster social connection. Laura is the owner of a home and community-based RT practice in North Carolina that primarily serves veterans and folks with brain injuries, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental health diagnoses. 🧡

Well done, Laura! Your Waves of Connection Moment truly embodies Recreational Therapy's incredible capacity to treat and prevent loneliness. Recreational Therapists make the world a better and more connected place. 👏

We know you've been RT change lives—join Laura 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

JOIN US ON THURSDAY 2/5! 📣New to ATRA? We'd love to meet you! Not new but want an update on your ATRA benefits? We'd lov...
02/04/2026

JOIN US ON THURSDAY 2/5! 📣

New to ATRA? We'd love to meet you! Not new but want an update on your ATRA benefits? We'd love to say hello! You're invited to join Brent and Dyann on Zoom for ATRA New Member Class! They'll review the benefits and resources that accompany your ATRA membership, answer any questions you may have, and connect you with other members and/or opportunities! 🧡

New Member Class takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30PM ET on Zoom. We hope to see you on Thursday, February 5th. We're excited to connect with you. 🫶

Please visit the link below for the Zoom link and details! ⬇️

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

RT MONTH ADVOCACY MESSAGE! 📣Your voice as a Recreational Therapist matters more now than ever. It's time to claim your e...
02/03/2026

RT MONTH ADVOCACY MESSAGE! 📣

Your voice as a Recreational Therapist matters more now than ever. It's time to claim your expertise as a leader in treating and preventing loneliness and social isolation in our healthcare systems and communities. Recreational Therapists make ! 🧡

ATRA's Director of Advocacy & Legislative Affairs, Dr. Dawn DeVries, reflects on the vital nature of this year's theme and the importance of professional advocacy during RT Month and beyond in a special RT Month Advocacy Message. This is a call to action. It's your time to shine! 🫶

Select from a library of FREE professional advocacy resources or access a PDF copy of the Advocacy Message at the link below. No act of RT Month advocacy is too small to make a difference. 🌊

P.S. While you're there, check out RT Month Giveaway #4 to learn how your Act of RT Month Advocacy could help you win FREE registration to ATRA SoCal! 🌴

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

Recreational therapists are leaders in social connectedness and the preferred provider for activity-based social and rel...
02/02/2026

Recreational therapists are leaders in social connectedness and the preferred provider for activity-based social and relational interventions aimed at reducing loneliness. 🧡

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

HAPPY RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH! 📣February is Recreational Therapy Month! Please join ATRA in emphasizing Recreational ...
02/01/2026

HAPPY RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH! 📣

February is Recreational Therapy Month! Please join ATRA in emphasizing Recreational Therapy’s essential role in promoting social connectedness during RT Month 2026! Let’s celebrate the unique expertise that makes Recreational Therapy such a powerful resource for social health in our communities and healthcare systems. 🧡

Recreational Therapists Make Waves of Connection! Together we can amplify the message that Recreational Therapists are leaders in social connectedness and the preferred provider for activity-based social and relational interventions aimed at reducing loneliness. 🌊

ATRA is here to empower you during RT Month with advocacy resources, opportunities, merch, and giveaways! Visit the link below for details. 🫶

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

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! 📣Registration for our Advance Your Practice Summit: Healing Loneliness and Disconnection throug...
01/29/2026

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! 📣

Registration for our Advance Your Practice Summit: Healing Loneliness and Disconnection through Recreational Therapy closes this Friday, January 30th! Step into your power as a leader in social connectedness. Review the full program and register now at the link below. 🧡

https://www.atra-online.com/ayp-summit

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