ATRA San Antonio : 2025 Session Descriptions

2025 has been a year full of federal governmental changes in regulations, agency and operational structures, and service shifts. People with disabilities of all ages, recreational therapists, and the organizations we work in have all been impacted. In this general session, we will look at some of these changes and their impact and talk about what the future may hold. We will also explore what ATRA is doing and what we as individual recreational therapists can do to advocate for the people that we serve.

1. Identify 3 legislative changes that have impacted recreational therapists and/or people with disabilities.
2. Describe 3 potential issues that are on the horizon for recreational therapy and/or people with disabilities.
3. Explain resources available to help recreational therapists advocate in the public area.

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Recreational therapists are preferred providers of health and wellness services for older adults across various settings. This presentation by ATRA’s Older Adults Taskforce will dive into current trends and issues within the older adult service settings. Topics will include addressing ageism in RT services, the 4Ms of age-friendly healthcare, the concept of dignity of risk, and recent changes to CMS regulations that stress non-pharmacological interventions. Participants will engage in conversations with older adult practitioners in similar service settings throughout these topics.

1. Define the "dignity of risk" and how it impacts RT practitioners in older adult settings.
2. Verbalize two changes to CMS that impact RT practitioners in older adult settings
3. Discuss with other participants at least two solutions or advocacy steps for current issues for RTs in older adult settings at the personal, local, and national levels.

Older Adults

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Recreational Therapy (RT) is a powerful yet under-recognized service that supports students with diverse physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. This session explores the legislative foundations of RT in schools, highlights its role and benefits, and addresses systemic barriers limiting its visibility and implementation. The presentation showcases innovative teaching in higher education, including a university-led service-learning project that bridges academic training with real-world school practice. Attendees will review current research on school-based RT to advance evidence-based practice and examine emerging research on how school personnel’s perceptions can shape the future of RT in educational settings. A facilitated discussion will invite participants to share experiences, challenges, and innovations, fostering collaboration and peer learning. This session offers a comprehensive look at how RT can transform student outcomes and provides insight into future directions for RT in schools through practice, partnership, and advocacy.

1. Identify at least two student outcomes associated with school-based RT from the
research provided in the session.
2. Name at least two strategies to overcome a systematic barrier that impacts the
implementation of RT in schools
3. Identify one strategy to advocate for school-based RT.

Child and Adolescent
Higher Education
Research
Schools

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This session will focus on how the practitioner who holds the CTRS credential can use their certification to advocate for themselves and the profession. An overview of the various services and programs offered by NCTRC, as well as tips for using the credential for advocacy purposes will be discussed.

1. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to state at least two ways the Recreational Therapist can use the CTRS credential to advocate for themselves and the profession.
2. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to state at least two ways that certification and credentialing protects the consumer of recreational therapy services.
3. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to discuss at least three programs offered by NCTRC to help with advocacy.

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Presentation Focus:
Future of the Profession, Future of Advocacy, Future of Education, Organizational Leadership

Across the country, many recreational therapy professionals are feeling the effects of systemic transitions—closures of academic programs, legislative setbacks, and declining participation in state associations. This session shares the journey of the Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association (ASTRA), which faced potential dissolution but was brought back to life by a passionate, grassroots group of RTs.

Featuring a short video documentary, followed by a storytelling panel, this session will explore how ASTRA was rebuilt through intentional leadership, member-centered redesign, and a renewed commitment to inclusivity. Led by Beth Dietrich and a team of dedicated professionals, this effort illustrates how change is possible when advocacy meets collaboration.

Participants will walk away with an understanding of what it takes to reimagine a professional organization under pressure—and why the future of the field may depend on these localized ecosystems of support.

Participants will be able to:

Explain the systemic factors affecting state RT associations and their professional ecosystems.

Identify replicable strategies used by ASTRA to rebuild organizational infrastructure and membership engagement.

Engage in collaborative design thinking to create a plan for local, regional, or state-level RT advocacy and sustainability.

Reflect on their own role in professional stewardship and how to activate leadership at any career stage.

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Join us for an informative 90-minute panel discussion featuring recreational therapy professionals from diverse states who will share their expertise on Medicaid waiver programs. This interactive session will explore how different states incorporate recreational therapy services into their Medicaid waiver systems, providing valuable insights for practitioners seeking to understand and navigate these important funding mechanisms.

1. Session attendees will be able to identify at least three different types of Medicaid waivers that can fund recreational therapy services.
2. Session attendees will be able to list at least three populations receiving RT services with Medicaid waivers.
3. Participants will demonstrate the ability to develop at least two concrete advocacy strategies they can implement to expand recreational therapy services within their state's Medicaid waiver programs, based on successful models presented by the panel.

Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent
Community
Management
Older Adults

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This session will introduce role playing games (RPGs) as a therapeutic tool in a behavioral health setting. Specifically diving into the world of Dungeons and Dragons this approach is taking a unique therapeutic angle across multiple editions and platforms. Participants engage in collaborative storytelling and role-playing to address issues such as social skills, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Through guided gameplay, individuals will develop coping strategies, enhance communication, and explore personal growth in a supportive and creative environment. D&D offers a unique opportunity to build resilience, improve problem-solving abilities, and foster a sense of belonging, all while having fun in an imaginative, low-stress setting.

1. Be able to identify and define how RPG games can translate to recreational therapy treatment using the four frames of reference.
2. Provide two examples of recreational therapy concepts in a DnD session.
3. Describe the roles needed within the RPG space to complete both a standard and therapeutic session.

Behavioral Health

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This session offers an in-depth exploration of disorders of consciousness (DOC), with a focus on practical applications for recreational therapy within an interdisciplinary rehabilitation framework. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of traumatic brain injury (TBI), definitions and classifications of DOC, and evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on the role of recreational therapists in providing multimodal sensory stimulation, integrating family involvement, and enhancing patient engagement through meaningful, individualized interventions. Attendees will also examine clinical considerations, ethical challenges, and strategies for collaboration across disciplines. The session will conclude with a case study and a review of emerging research and community resources to support continued care and advocacy for individuals with DOC.

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Describe the impact and clinical characteristics of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Define consciousness and various disorders of consciousness (DOC).

Identify tools and methods used in diagnosing DOC.

Explain the role of the interdisciplinary treatment team in managing patients with DOC.

Discuss the contributions and therapeutic strategies of recreational therapy in DOC treatment.

Recognize the importance of integrating families into the treatment and recovery process.

Apply key considerations and strategies for effectively treating patients with DOC.

List community resources available for patients and families affected by DOC.

Evaluate the need for continued research in the diagnosis and treatment of DOC.

Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This session will explore how Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) leverages adaptive sports as a dynamic tool for fostering independence, resilience, healing and community among veterans with physical disabilities. Using insights from our Warrior Survey, we will highlight the impact of adaptive sports programming on warrior well-being and long-term recovery.
Rather than operating in competition, we utilize strategic partnerships and collaborative planning with like-minded organizations to cultivate the most supportive environment possible for participants. Through multi-day and single-day clinics, stipend support and joint efforts that blend logistical and programmatic support, we’ll show how aligning strengths leads to a more holistic, effective outcome for our warriors.

1. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to explain the key differences between the primary programs offered by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), including goals and delivery models.
2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to describe at least two actionable strategies for building or strengthening adaptive sport partnerships that reduce service redundancy and improve warrior outcomes.
3. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify and describe at least two practical tools for initiating collaboration conversations with aligned organizations.

Adaptive Sports
Community
Management
Military/Veterans

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

In this interactive session, I will explore overnight programming as a viable tool for building community and addressing a client’s social goals. I will define key terms that contribute to the inherent benefit of overnight programs across different populations serviced by CTRSs, as well as explore theoretical frameworks that both explain why the benefits are consistent across populations as well as provide a foundation for programmers to foster a stronger sense of community in their programs.
This session will include the speaker’s personal perspective, a brief and synthesized review of literature, theories related to the benefits and outcomes of overnight programs, and a reflection on what has been covered and achieved through discussion. Attendees will have opportunities to discuss their own experience and the populations they work with and will gain a deeper understanding of how to foster community and address social goals for their clients.

1. Attendees will be able to identify at least 3 ways that overnight programs foster community across different populations.
2. Attendees will walk away with at least 3 ways that they can foster community in their own programs.
3. Attendees will gain an understanding of communitas and liminality as a function of therapeutic programming.

Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent
Community
Management
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Education is the starting point of all recreational therapists; therefore, strong academic programs are critical to the success of the profession. Over the years, RT programs, faculty, and students have experienced a variety of successes and challenges, pushed through with perseverance, and evolved over time. This session will address the current state and future of RT education.

Identify 2 or more major events impacting higher education in RT
Discuss 3 or more trending topics in higher education in RT
Identify 1 way they can help support RT students and academic programs.

Higher Education

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Academic-practice partnerships in recreational therapy (RT), which establish collaborations between universities and RT practice settings offer numerous benefits and challenges for various stakeholders. Benefits can include enhanced learning opportunities for students, access to student help to support programs and projects, improved health promotion, recreation and sport experiences for people with disabilities, and workforce development that bridges gaps between education and employment. Other benefits include community building, collaboration in research, grantwriting, and evaluation that addresses practical challenges, enhancement of strategic priorities, resource sharing, recruitment and retention, and policy impact. Academic-practice partnership challenges can include misalignment of goals and imbalance of dual objectives, inability to sustain ongoing commitment and resources, differences in organizational culture and communication styles, and difficulties measuring impact and success of each entity in the partnership. Effective management of academic-practice partnerships requires clear agreements, shared vision and values, continuous communication, and mutual respect to maximize benefits and address challenges.

This session highlights a long-standing academic-practice partnership between the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) therapeutic recreation (TR) and adaptive sports program, and Northeast Passage, a community-based TR and adaptive sports program, and chapter of Move United, providing services to individuals with disabilities and their families across a range of contexts and settings in New England. We share insights about how the partnership model developed over time, discuss benefits of the partnership for all stakeholders, share assets and facilitators that have enhanced the strength of the partnership, and offer practical suggestions for ways to address challenges that can constrain successful academic-practice partnerships.

1. Identify at least three key components of a successful academic-practice partnership model that integrates education and practical training of students, cutting-edge research, and community engagement to enhance recreational therapy and adaptive sports programming for individuals with disabilities.

2. Describe two ways in which collaboration between academic institutions and community-based settings can improve service delivery and outcomes in recreational therapy practice.

3. Develop an outline for implementing a similar partnership model in their own professional setting, including strategies for knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and inclusive program development.

Adaptive Sports
Community
Higher Education

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This session will present a series of four online educational videos focused on recreational therapy (RT) assessments. The series, packaged as the RT Playbook, aims to offer brief, accessible education and training to Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) to empower their professional practice. The assessments were selected from a pool of fifteen instruments that RTs reported high interest in learning more about and expressed the desire to receive additional training on in the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) competency study in 2019. Each video provides information on a specific assessment including psychometric properties, structure, scoring, use in RT practice, and availability. Permission and approval were obtained from each assessment's respective author or publisher. Findings from a preliminary evaluation of the series by members of a state RT organization will also be presented along with future plans for development and dissemination.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1) Describe two findings from the 2019 ATRA competency study and how they relate to rationale for the development of the RT Playbook.

2) Identify three components depicted in each video that are essential elements for assessment education.

3) Recognize one finding from the preliminary evaluation data of the RT Playbook.

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

The Leisure Ability Model (LAM) has long guided recreational therapy practice and remains one of the field’s most widely used frameworks. While it offers a strong structure for service delivery, it has traditionally lacked a clearly defined theoretical foundation. As the profession moves toward more evidence-based and theory-informed practice, there is an opportunity to enhance LAM by aligning it with established learning theories.

This session introduces the Zones of Leisure, a theoretical framework based on Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Integrated into the WHEEL: Adaptive Cycling Curriculum, the framework offers a way to understand how clients progress from guided instruction to independent leisure participation. Combining LAM with this theory supports the design of more intentional, measurable, and effective interventions.

Participants will examine how the Zones of Leisure may complement or extend the Leisure Ability Model. The session will include discussion of practical application and invite attendees to share their perspectives on the clarity, feasibility, and relevance of this evolving framework.

Practitioners will have the opportunity to provide first-time feedback and contribute to the development of a theory-informed approach to recreational therapy. The session promotes critical reflection on the use of models and theories in practice and encourages dialogue about the future of therapeutic recreation frameworks.

Analyze the integration of the LAM and Zones of Leisure by providing 2 examples that show how the models support measurable skill development and independence in therapeutic recreation.
Examine how 3 theoretical foundations inform evidence-based practice and contribute to consistency in therapeutic recreation by using examples or case studies.
Assess the role of the Zones of Leisure framework by reviewing 5 sources and identifying 2 ways it is influencing the future development of therapeutic recreation models.

All

New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals

Research and evidence-based practice are needed components of our field but may seem intimidating to many. This session will break-down some of the perceived barriers to research and EBP participation, with a focus on how to find and use existing research, an overview of research funding, and accessible ways for all recreational therapists to generate and disseminate practice-based evidence. Case examples of accessible and effective practitioner-based research projects will be discussed.

Explain the different types of evidence relevant to evidence-based practice.
Identify different funding sources for research.
Develop a research question.

Adaptive Sports
Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent
Community
Higher Education
Management
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Research
Schools

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

As the recreational therapy profession evolves, ATRA created a scope of practice that is both broad and comprehensive to serve as a guide to our current practice, education, and advocacy. This session presents the results of ATRA’s scope of practice subcommittee to write a scope of practice that defines our current professional identity, support licensure and reimbursement, and aligns with current standards.

This scope of practice was composed through a comprehensive review of national and international (Australia and Canada) recreational therapy scopes of practice documents, current state licensure laws and Medicaid waivers, ATRA Standards of Practices, NCTRC Job Analyses and legal paper, the Delphi study (Part 1 and 2), and accreditation standards (CARTE and COAPRT). A diverse working group of ATRA members practicing across various populations and settings contributed to content review and development. Before finalization, key stakeholders, including ATRA, NCTRC, and state licensure boards reviewed the revised scope to ensure accuracy, alignment, and utility.

Attendees will learn about the development process, key updates, and practical ways to utilize ATRA’s scope of practice.

Describe the 1 justification for creating this scope of practice, including current limitations and the need for modernization considering evolving professional roles and service settings.

Identify 2 comprehensive sources and stakeholder engagement process used to inform the development of the revised scope of practice, including national and international documents, certification standards, licensure laws, and accreditation guidelines.

Discuss 2 applications of the proposed components of the updated scope of practice and explain how they will impact professional identity, education, licensure, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the profession of recreational therapy.

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This presentation is designed to strengthen participants' skills in evidence-based programming and grant research. Attendees will learn practical strategies for finding research funding and developing grant proposals. The session will cover key tools and resources for identifying collaborators, along with insights into primary funding sources. Presenters will share expert guidance on securing the right funding to support research and advance evidence-based practice. Additionally, various grant opportunities relevant to RT practitioners, students, and educators will be explored.

1) locate and evaluate primary funding sources to support research and evidence-based practice.
2) gain practical strategies for writing grant proposals and connecting with collaborators to strengthen their applications.
3) explore relevant grant opportunities for RT practitioners, students, and educators, and learn how to effectively utilize funding to advance their work

Research
All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Recreational therapists frequently face both perceived and actual barriers when delivering effective group programming. This session will explore practical strategies to minimize these barriers and improve patient outcomes using evidence-based tools and resources. Attendees will examine how group interventions can support falls prevention, promote neuroplasticity, and reduce behaviors, social isolation, and loneliness.

An in-depth example will be shared of a community-based recreational therapy program developed for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. While this example focuses on older adults, the session will emphasize best practices that are adaptable across various settings and populations. Participants will leave with the knowledge and confidence to develop new group programs or enhance existing ones, ultimately advancing patient-centered care through recreational therapy.

Identify perceived and actual barriers to implementing group programming in recreational therapy across various settings.

Explain the therapeutic benefits of group-based interventions targeting falls prevention, neuroplasticity, behavioral symptoms, social isolation, and loneliness.

Design or enhance a recreational therapy group program using evidence-based practices, with adaptable applications for diverse populations, including individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Adaptive Sports
Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Community
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

The session will provide a general overview of the purpose of CARTE and the Accreditation Process. The main topic will be Accreditation Site Visitor Training for CARTE/CAAHEP accreditation.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the evolution of CARTE and the rationale for CAAHEP-CARTE
accreditation.
2. Complete essential aspects of a self-study for academic accreditation under CAAHEP
including forms and curriculum.
3.Identify three methods for tracking program outcomes related to CAAHEP accreditation
through CARTE.

Higher Education
Management
Research
Other

New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

In this session, participants will engage in a dynamic discussion related to the three pillars of evidence-based practice (EBP): best research evidence, clinical expertise, and stakeholder values and beliefs. Strategies for utilizing EBP and knowledge translation including the Knowledge to Action Framework, PDSA Cycles, and the 5 “As” will be reviewed and discussed. Participants will learn how Nationwide Children’s Hospital has developed an evidence-based practice and research program with tangible strategies that can be incorporated in other places of practice. The session will engage participants in a discussion of EBP related strategies and will create an action plan for increasing participation and utilization of EBP and knowledge translation in one’s practice.

1. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify the three pillars of evidence-based practice and how they can be considered in Therapeutic Recreation.
2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify a minimum of two strategies for translating evidence into practice.
3. By the end of the session, participants will create an action plan with steps to increase participation in EBP in the workplace.

All

New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Imagine if therapy could be prescribed just like a medicine, with a specific dosage for each patient tailored to their needs. Dosage of rehabilitation is measured using four elements: frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT). FITT documentation has been implemented across Nationwide Children's Hospital to better support our patients. This type of documentation allows TR teams to build evidence for our practice and support the transition of documentation from volume to value. FITT documentation seeks to modernize SOAP notes through flowsheets to better capture a child’s dosage of therapy. During this session, participants will learn the history of FITT documentation, how FITT was created through the lens of Therapeutic Recreation, and initial implementation and data reports. Following, participants will have the opportunity to explore several case study examples where FITT documentation was utilized and engage in a demonstration of FITT documentation considerations.

Identify the definitions of frequency, intensity, time, and type of therapy as defined by FITT documentation

Explain focus areas, interventions, and uses as they relate to FITT documentation

Review at least two FITT documentation case studies

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

What happens when ET's glowing finger meets the heart of recreational therapy? This thought-provoking general session explores the sweet spot where cutting-edge technology enhances rather than replaces the human connection at the core of our profession.
Drawing from both pop culture metaphors and real-world innovations (Khalid et. al, 2024), this session explores a balanced approach where technological capabilities amplify rather than replace the human-centered core of recreational therapy. Through compelling case uses and forward-looking analysis, attendees will examine current Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications while confronting essential questions about maintaining therapeutic authenticity in an automated world (Maggio et al., 2023; Radanliev et al., 2023).
But technology without wisdom is just expensive distraction. We'll tackle the thorny ethical questions head-on: How do we preserve privacy when everything is tracked? Who gets left behind in the digital divide? Can algorithm-driven therapy ever capture the spontaneous magic that happens in human connection?
This isn't just crystal ball gazing. This general session offers practitioners, educators, students, and researchers a roadmap for navigating a future where technology and therapeutic presence coexist in complementary rather than competitive ways. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how AI might reshape professional identity, practice standards, and educational preparation while ensuring that recreational therapy remains fundamentally human-centered in an increasingly technological world.

1. Identify at least one specific AI application(s) currently being implemented in recreational therapy settings and explain their impact on assessment, intervention, and documentation processes.
2. Differentiate between three ethical considerations unique to AI implementation in recreational therapy using a provided ethical decision-making framework.
3. Develop a personal professional development plan that includes two specific action steps for integrating AI competencies into their recreational therapy practice or education within the next six months to a year.

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This session will introduce NeuroDrive, a golf-based therapeutic intervention program designed to address key symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will learn how targeted golf exercises can be utilized to improve executive functioning, emotional regulation, and body awareness across diverse populations and varying abilities. The session will emphasize that clinicians do not need to be experienced golfers to effectively facilitate NeuroDrive interventions, as the program is designed with simple, structured exercises that can be easily implemented with basic equipment. Participants will receive foundational information about using golf as a therapeutic intervention, engage in hands-on practice with golf clubs and adaptive training equipment, and explore simulator exercises applicable to recreational therapy sessions. Additionally, the session will explore how recreational therapists can leverage NeuroDrive as a niche, research-informed model to enhance private practice development. Attendees will gain insight into billing strategies using applicable CPT codes and implementing a specialized service line that differentiates their practice.

1. Assess the impact of targeted golf-based interventions on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and body awareness in clients with ADHD and ASD by identifying three specific therapeutic exercises that can be incorporated into recreational therapy treatment plans.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in facilitating two golf-based therapeutic exercises that align with recreational therapy goals, including a pre-shot routine for emotional regulation and a balance-focused swing drill, as evidenced by participant feedback and instructor observation.
3. Basic understanding of launching NeuroDrive, a golf-based therapy model into a recreational therapy private practice, outlining at least two client populations to target and two evidence-based justifications for using golf as a therapeutic modality.

Adaptive Sports
Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

As climate change reshapes our environment, its emotional impact - ranging from eco-anxiety to grief - calls for thoughtful therapeutic approaches. This presentation introduces recreational therapists to foundational concepts and strategies for addressing these complex emotions in clients.

Participants will explore eco-resilience, emotional literacy, and adaptive coping skills, along with key concepts like psychological safeness, the "Hope Gap," and balancing emotional well-being. The session will include practical ideas such as mindfulness exercises, nature-based activities, and visualization techniques to inspire hope and action.

Designed to inform and inspire, this presentation equips therapists with a framework for helping clients navigate climate-related emotions while fostering resilience and meaningful engagement in their communities.

Understand Eco-Resilience and Emotional Responses:
Learn to define eco-resilience, identify emotions like eco-anxiety and hope, and explore strategies to foster psychological safeness in therapy.

Develop Emotional Literacy and Adaptive Coping Skills:
Gain tools to help clients articulate emotions, reframe negativity, and use mindfulness, grounding, and nature-based techniques to cope.

Foster Hope and Inspire Proactive Action:
Discover methods to bridge the "Hope Gap," counter negativity bias, and encourage action using visualization, goal-setting, and community engagement.

Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent
Higher Education
Older Adults
Schools

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Heart, liver and stem cells, oh my! Join us as we discuss how to form an approach that utilizes recreation therapy when working with transplant patients. Recreation therapists at Mayo Clinic Arizona (MCA) will discuss the different types of transplant patients that they see while in the acute care setting. Topics will include types of transplants, medical background, contraindications, and common goals and objectives. Presenters will also review unique case studies of transplant patients engaged in recreation therapy services at MCA. After completion of case studies, attendees will have an opportunity to engage in experiential intervention for treatments that may be seen with these patient populations. Other factors will also be addressed regarding evidence-based practice. At the presentation's end, there will be time for questions about implementation of recreation therapy with transplant patients.

The learner will be able to identify 3 evidence-based interventions that can be utilized with transplant patients.
The learner will be able to identify 3 contraindicators for treatment with transplant patients.
The learner will be able to identify 3 factors that contribute to TR consultation for transplant patients.
The learner will be able to identify common goals and objectives for transplant patients.

Other

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Working in adaptive sports is not just about identifying a sport someone might enjoy—it requires understanding the whole person and the complex web of internal and external factors that influence participation. Breaking Barriers: A Holistic Approach to Adaptive Sports in Recreational Therapy explores the broad range of barriers faced by adaptive sports athletes and equips recreational therapists with practical tools and strategies to foster success through a person-centered lens. This session is ideal for recreational therapists working in clinical rehabilitation, community adaptive sports programs, or those seeking to expand their knowledge in this dynamic area. Attendees will engage in interactive group activities and discussions, collaboratively developing implementation strategies that support equitable access and long-term athlete engagement. Participants will leave better prepared to integrate adaptive sports into their practice in ways that are inclusive, empowering, and sustainable.

1. Identify and describe internal and external barriers affecting participation in adaptive sports at the community level.
2. Apply person-centered strategies to address barriers and enhance athlete engagement and inclusion.
3. Locate and utilize resources to support adaptive sports programming and education within clinical or community settings.

Adaptive Sports
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This presentation will focus on the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and suicide risk among diverse ethnic groups within the context of recreational therapy. Mental health challenges and suicide ideation can manifest differently depending on cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and recreational therapists play a vital role in identifying these concerns early. By integrating cultural awareness and competency into therapeutic practices, recreational therapists can better understand the unique needs and expressions of distress within various communities. The session will explore culturally specific signs of mental health struggles, provide strategies for early identification, and offer practical approaches for therapists to support clients, colleagues, interns, etc. from all backgrounds. The goal is to enhance the cultural sensitivity of recreational therapy interventions, promote early intervention, and reduce suicide risks within ethnically diverse populations.

1. Participants will enhance their cultural competency in recreational therapy by gaining the knowledge and skills to recognize mental health issues and suicide risk in diverse populations. This session will equip recreational therapists to identify at least three culturally specific signs and symptoms associated with mental health challenges and suicide risk across various ethnic groups. By applying this knowledge in case-based discussions, participants will strengthen their ability to deliver culturally responsive care in therapeutic settings.

2. Participants will improve their ability to identify and intervene early in cases of mental health distress and suicidal ideation. This session will equip recreational therapists with practical strategies and tools to recognize at least three early indicators of psychological distress and suicide risk in clients from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. By the end of the session, participants will be able to accurately identify these warning signs in case-based scenarios and outline appropriate, culturally responsive intervention steps to support early and effective care.

3. Participants will learn to promote inclusive therapeutic practices by developing and demonstrating culturally sensitive recreational therapy interventions and communication strategies. By the end of the session, participants will be able to design at least two intervention plans that address the unique cultural needs of clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. They will also practice and evaluate at least two communication techniques that support client engagement and therapeutic alliance. Through interactive activities and case-based discussions, participants will demonstrate an understanding of how these inclusive practices can improve client participation and mental health outcomes.

Behavioral Health
Community
Higher Education
Management
Older Adults
Research

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This presentation will review the history of Veterans on federal lands and various efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Park Service, and others to encourage the use of these lands for Veteran therapy, health, and wellness.

1. Identify 3 notable Veterans who have influenced the National Park Service.
2. List 3 partnerships which have well-established Veteran programs.
3. Describe 3 main reasons for recreation therapists to introduce outdoor experiences to Veterans.

Behavioral Health
Military/Veterans
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine

New Graduates/New Professionals
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This session will provide an overview of Recreational Therapy services at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center, with a focus on the neurological patients served, specifically patients diagnosed with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) and the important role RT has on addressing functional needs across the domains. Case studies of long-term patients will also be presented as part of this session to illustrate the role of RT.

(1) Understand the role of Recreational Therapy in supporting patients enrolled in clinical research trials.
(2) Understand the diagnosis of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), its symptomology, prognosis and the impact on quality of life of patients and their family members living with the disorder.
(3) Understand at least three evidence-based interventions that can be utilized to treat patients with PML and similar neurological conditions.

Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Research

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This interactive session introduces a/r/tography—an arts-based, process-focused approach—as a leisure resource for self-expression and identity development in recreational therapy. Drawing from creative inquiry, participants explore how a/r/tographic methods, such as photography and visual journaling, foster emotional resilience, autonomy, and social connection. Blending theory with hands-on application, the session guides attendees through an experiential art activity, reflective analysis, and clinical debriefing strategies. Case examples from pediatric and rehabilitation settings will demonstrate how a/r/tography complements goal-directed RT interventions while promoting holistic well-being. Attendees will leave with practical tools to integrate expressive arts into RT assessments, treatment planning, and leisure education across populations and settings.

Define a/r/tography and describe its relevance as a leisure-based intervention in RT.

Identify at least three health domains positively impacted by a/r/tographic practice.

Facilitate an adapted a/r/tography-based activity to support client self-expression.

Apply a framework to integrate art reflection into RT documentation and goal setting.

Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent
Community
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Research
Schools
Other

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Adaptive sports offer more than just physical engagement; they serve as a powerful foundation for long-term health and wellness when paired with intentional, supportive practices. This session will explore how recreation therapists and program leaders can integrate holistic health and wellness elements into adaptive sports to better support veterans and service members in achieving lasting independence and well-being.
Attendees will learn how to identify and address common barriers to wellness, such as loss of structure, shifts in identity, changes in functioning and culturally ingrained behaviors that may persist after military service. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, this session will demonstrate how wellness touchpoints—like goal-setting, mindfulness, nutrition, recovery education, and routine-building—can be woven into existing adaptive sports programming. Attendees will walk away with practical tools and strategies that move beyond the game, to embed these practices into their own therapeutic or community-based settings.

1. By the end of the session, participants will be able to list at least three common health and wellness barriers faced by veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.
2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to explain at least two ways that wellness programming can increase autonomy in adaptive sports participants.
3. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to explain how integrating structured health routines into adaptive sports programming enhances long-term participant outcomes.

Adaptive Sports
Community
Military/Veterans

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

This presentation will discuss the findings from two Canadian studies conducted from 2023-2025 on School-Based Recreation Therapy for children and youth with diverse needs. The first study, titled "Assessing the Need for Recreation Therapy Services (RTS) for Students with High and Complex Needs within the School System," analyzed the scope of recreation therapy services in schools and identified reasons students were being referred to these services and highlighted existing gaps. The second study examined the benefits of providing therapeutic recreation (TR) services to children and youth with mental health, physical, developmental, and/or learning disabilities across two school divisions and five different school program areas. The session will conclude with a question-and-answer segment to explore future research and funding opportunities in this field.

1. Explain how the results of the research studies support the implementation of recreation therapy services in schools.
2. Identify three reasons for referring students to recreation therapy in a school setting.
3. Describe two benefits identified in the research project on school-based recreation therapy.

Child and Adolescent
Research
Schools

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Social Prescribing is a relatively new movement in the US, but is well developed in the UK and Canada. Holz (2024) brought national attention to the movement in her book, The Connection Cure. Social prescribing is a "healthcare approach" that links individuals to activities in their communities to address social, physical, emotional needs, aiming to improve health and well-being. Using a human-centered design for discussion, this session will focus on the intersection of Recreational Therapy and Social Prescribing for a range of different populations. Moreover, discussion will lead to developing advocacy materials to inform the profession and key informants about RT as "link workers" in the social prescribing movement.

1. Describe social prescribing as a movement and implications for Recreational Therapy practice.
2. Explain their own role as a stakeholder and how RT can best interact with this movement.
3. Name 3 concrete methods for advocating for the unique role that RT can play in this movement.

Adaptive Sports
Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent
Community
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Schools

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

According to the APA (2023) stress is rising at a significant level in our county leading to an increase in chronic illness, increasing rates of anxiety and depression, and limiting the autonomy for individuals to take action in their community and lives (Fogelman, et al., 2022). In this session we will review the data to better understand this phenomenon while also exploring how we can work within our scope of practice to help clients across the lifespan and across diverse patient populations heal (APA, 2023; Flynn, et al, 2023). We will explore how Recreational Therapists can identify trauma responses, and develop EBP interventions to offer trauma informed, healing interventions to clients across the lifespan. By delivering nature-based, therapeutic art, and psychosocial education interventions rooted in mindfulness, Recreational Therapists can offer clients functional tools to increase self-awareness, coping strategies, and resilience to heal (Eichner, 2022).

At the end of the session participants will be able to identify:

3 negative health outcomes linked to trauma and stress
3 trauma responses clients can exhibit
3 EBP Recreational Therapy interventions to utilize for individuals across the lifespan and across diverse populations served by Recreational Therapists

Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent
Community
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Imagine this: A documentation system so nimble that it ignites understanding of recreational therapy's powerful impact across all settings, drives data driven evaluation, and simultaneously enriches therapist practice through intentional planning and process reflection.

At Northeast Passage we dove headfirst into Salesforce and emerged with a documentation system so slick, it practically wears a superhero cape. This isn't your grandma's charting we're talking about, its a high-powered tool that is:

• Strategic Messaging: Clearly articulating RT outcomes in a language that directly
addresses priorities and needs of referring partners
• Building Bridges: Fostering seamless collaboration within healthcare/academic teams
using language that resonates and is instantly valued.
• Empowering the Future: Cultivating consistent, high-quality practice among our team and
providing invaluable learning infrastructure for the next wave of RT professionals.
• Driving Discovery: Fueling robust program evaluation and cutting-edge research with
meaningful insights.

We will explore “common language” and other design elements that are applicable across practice settings (or documentation platforms) that can empower our profession to demonstrably communicate value, generate compelling data, and support consistency of outcomes across settings.

Ready to ditch the dull and dive into dynamic documentation? Join the conversation for 90 minutes that could redefine how you see (and use!) documentation! (#gethere)

1. Describe one way documentation systems can be leveraged to reflect client outcomes as
well as function as a powerful tool for messaging
2. Identify language relevant to messaging RT outcomes in their practice setting from the
payment structure or service mandate.
3. Identify one way in which documentation systems can be used to build capacity and
consistency across practitioners as part of workforce development
4. Discuss potential for unified documentation systems and conceptual language in the field
of RT that can support research.

Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent
Community
Higher Education
Management
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Research
Schools
All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Conferences are more than events; they are catalysts for change, connection, and inspiration. As we conclude our Summit on the Future of Recreational Therapy, this closing session invites you to pause and reflect on the insights gained across five key pillars of our profession: advocacy, education, research, practice, and the profession itself.
Guided by the group development model - forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning - we will explore how this shared journey has shaped us both personally and professionally. Together, we'll identify meaningful takeaways and translate them into practical steps that carry the momentum of this summit into your everyday work.
In a fast-moving field, the greatest gift we can gives ourself, and each other, is the gift of time: time to reflect, connect, and set intentions. Let's close this summit not just with ideas, but with clarity, energy, and commitment to action.
The Future of RT Starts Here.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Reflect on core insights from the summit's five focus areas: advocacy, education, research, practice, and the profession.
2. Analyze how the group development process parallels their own professional growth and collaborative experiences.
3. Identify specific, actionable commitments for applying new knowledge and strategies in their recreational therapy practices.
4. Articulate how reflective time contributes to intentional leadership, growth, and impact within the RT field.

All

Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals