Tentative Schedule for the 2022 ATRA Annual Conference (subject to change)
Therapy in 3-D: Exploring Virtual Reality Applications for RT Practice
Session Description/Research Abstract
The rapid growth and evolution of virtual reality (VR) has introduced new ways to participate in recreational activities. Commercial VR equipment and applications (apps) are also being used for therapeutic purposes. However, before introducing VR activities to clients, therapists need general competency in using equipment and familiarity with a variety of different VR apps. This will allow them to structure appropriate recreational therapy (RT) treatment interventions. In this experiential session, participants will set-up and use the Oculus Quest 2 VR system in simulated RT practice sessions. Multiple VR applications will be introduced so practitioners can gain experience with apps that have relevance for diverse clients and service settings. Attendees will have the opportunity to role play VR sessions from both a “practitioner” and “client” perspective. Through informal and formal discussion and feedback, participants will share their clinical insights on how to follow the APIE(D) process to generate clinical outcomes in VR sessions offered through their professional practice.
LIMIT OF 30: Pre-Registration Required
Primary Presenter
Rhonda Nelson, University of Utah
Credentials
Ph.D., MTRS., CTRS, MT-BC, FDRT
Biographical Information
Presenter(s) Bio
Rhonda Nelson, Ph.D., MTRS, CTRS, MT-BC, FDRT is an Assistant Professor, Recreational Therapy (RT) Program Director, and Director of RT Graduate Studies at the University of Utah. She has extensive experience as an RT practitioner, and is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice and professional collaboration. Rhonda is the founder and Director of RT2: The Recreational Therapy Research and Training Lab which aims to bring faculty/researchers, students, RT practitioners, and clients/consumers together to work on projects that advance the RT profession. Rhonda is also committed to quality RT education and professional service. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE).
Head Shot
rhonda_nelson.jpg
Co-Presenter/panelists
Chad Romoser, University of Utah
Credentials
MS, TRS, CTRS
Biographical Information
Chad Romoser, M.S., CTRS is a Ph.D. student in the College of Health’s interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Sciences Program at the University of Utah and a graduate assistant in the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies. Chad is currently involved in a study investigating the impact of VR exergaming on physical activity and anxiety levels on adolescents. Chad is currently employed as a recreational therapist at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and previously had experience practicing in settings including: forensic behavioral health, community based programs, and feeding disorder programs.
Conflict of Interest Explanation
T. J. Ferrill, University of Utah
Credentials
MPA
Biographical Information
T.J. Ferrill, MPA, is the Head of Creative Spaces at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah. As a part of the Creativity & Innovation Services team, T.J.'s responsibilities revolve around expanding access to expensive, complicated, or otherwise difficult-to-use technologies. T.J. and his team have been supporting VR adoption in research since 2016 and currently maintain three VR lab spaces and more than 75 headsets in various configurations.