American Therapeutic Recreation Association

10/10/2025

JUST ONE WEEK AWAY! 📣

We're so excited to see you in San Antonio for a Summit on the Future of Recreational Therapy! If you're joining us for the Bonus Day at Morgan's Sports, please be mindful of the warm weather and pack accordingly—we'll be mostly outside and moving our bodies. Be sure to check your email for the Know Before You Go guide and visit the ATRA San Antonio homepage at the link below for additional information. 🧡

The Future of Recreational Therapy Starts Here! 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/san-antonio

10/06/2025

SRTS EARLY BIRD RATES! 📣

Early Bird Registration is now open for Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium’s annual in-person conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 26-27th, 2026! Learn more and register now at the link below. 🧡

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

09/30/2025

SEPTEMBER ADVOCACY UPDATE! 📣

Interested in ATRA's advocacy efforts? Stay informed with our monthly Advocacy & Legislative Update, which highlights our most current advocacy efforts, including a summary of key issues addressed, a review of action alerts, advocacy initiatives, and issues we're monitoring closely.⁠

In September, there has been limited Congressional activity. The House of Representatives has not returned to DC but is expected back in early October. Various agencies have been active with other actions and initiatives. ATRA members are encouraged to stay connected and join the conversation on Advocacy issues in ATRA Connect.

Read our September 2025 Advocacy & Legislative Update at the link below. This is ! Be proactive. Be informed. 👏

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

09/25/2025

JOIN US ON THURSDAY 10/2! 📣

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, October 2nd. 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

09/24/2025

NJ/EPA-TRA REGISTRATION OPEN! 📣

NJ/EPA-TRA is excited to announce that registration is now open for their Fall 2025 hybrid conference, in-person on November 17th, 2025 and virtual (November 19th through December 17th)! Learn more and register now at the link below. 🧡

https://www.pathlms.com/atra/courses/104602

09/22/2025

ONE WEEK DEADLINE REMINDER! 📣

We're seeking expert presenters to contribute pre-recorded presentations or participate in live panels and keynotes at our upcoming Advance Your Practice Summit: Healing Loneliness and Disconnection Through Recreational Therapy (January 12 - February 7, 2026). Priority topics, include: Assessment Tools, Social Prescribing, Technology and Virtual Engagement, Advocacy and Public Policy, Serving High-Risk Populations.

Share your expertise. Help others deepen their understanding of loneliness as a clinical concern. Presentation proposals are due September 29th, 2025. Learn more and submit a proposal at the link below. 🧡

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

09/19/2025

NEW ATRA BLOG POST! 📣

Interest in in-person events is surging across professions, and American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s (ATRA) national conference is no exception. This year’s conference filled faster than anyone expected, reflecting a nationwide trend as attendance surpasses pre-pandemic levels. While space was limited by venue contracts set long ago, the excitement is clear: our community is eager to gather, learn, and grow together again. In the September edition of Purposeful Fun, we explore what this shift means for the future of conferences. Read and share at the link below. 🧡

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

09/17/2025

National Concussion Awareness Day is September 19th. ATRA is a proud member of Concussion Awareness Now, a coalition of organizations aiming to create a future where every person with a concussion receives the correct diagnosis, the best possible care and the resources and information they need. Learn more and get shareable resources at concussionawarenessnow.org

According to a Brain Injury Association of America survey, 81% of people are unaware that concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. To help change that, join as we acknowledge National Concussion Awareness Day on September 19. Protect your brain, stay informed, and spread the word. Learn more at concussionawarenessnow.org/ncad

09/13/2025

ORDER YOUR MERCH BY 9/15! 📣

Last chance! We won't be selling any conference merch on site, so make sure to order your official ATRA San Antonio shirt or sweatshirt in advance! With a variety of memorable designs to choose from, you're sure to find something you love. Order by September 15th to ensure delivery before conference. And as always, proceeds from ATRA merch sales fund the Martha Judge Scholarship for First-time Conference Attendees. 🧡

Saturday, October 18th is ATRA gear day in San Antonio—show your passion for the profession by wearing your fave ATRA design! Shop for merch with a meaning now at the link below. The Future of Recreational Therapy Starts Here! 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/san-antonio

09/12/2025

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS ON LONELINESS! 📣

We're seeking expert presenters to contribute pre-recorded presentations or participate in live panels and keynotes at our upcoming Advance Your Practice Summit: Healing Loneliness and Disconnection Through Recreational Therapy (January 12 - February 7, 2026). Priority topics, include: Assessment Tools, Social Prescribing, Technology and Virtual Engagement, Advocacy and Public Policy, Serving High-Risk Populations.

Share your expertise. Help others deepen their understanding of loneliness as a clinical concern. Presentation proposals are due September 29th, 2025. Learn more and submit a proposal at the link below. 🧡

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

09/09/2025

AUGUST 2025 ADVOCACY UPDATE AVAILABLE! 📣

Interested in ATRA's advocacy efforts? Stay informed with our monthly Advocacy & Legislative Update, which highlights our most current advocacy efforts, including a summary of key issues addressed, a review of action alerts, advocacy initiatives, and issues we're monitoring closely.⁠

July and August were quiet months in legislative activities. During this time, we updated our Advocacy and Legislative Priorities, developed advocacy and legislative assignments for universities, and sent a letter sent to Director Cruz of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research regarding NIH research plan on rehabilitation themes.

Read our August 2025 Advocacy & Legislative Update at the link below. This is ! Be proactive. Be informed. 👏

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

09/07/2025

ORDER YOUR MERCH BY 9/15! 📣

We won't be selling any conference merch on site, so make sure to order your official ATRA San Antonio shirt or sweatshirt in advance! With a variety of memorable designs to choose from, you're sure to find something you love. Order by September 15th to ensure delivery before conference. And as always, proceeds from ATRA merch sales fund the Martha Judge Scholarship for First-time Conference Attendees. 🧡

Saturday, October 18th is ATRA gear day in San Antonio—show your passion for the profession by wearing your fave ATRA design! Shop for merch with a meaning now at the link below. The Future of Recreational Therapy Starts Here! 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/san-antonio