Tentative Schedule for the 2022 ATRA Annual Conference (subject to change)
Empowering to Travel through Self-Advocacy
Session Description/Research Abstract
Research indicates a disproportionate number of individuals with disabilities avoid travel when compared to individuals without disability. This avoidance is often due to perceived barriers. The goal of this session is to provide the tools and resources to Recreation Therapy practitioners to help our clients to feel more confident to navigate travel accessibility. The session leaders will review current laws pertaining to accessibility in air travel, cruise travel, and hotel accommodations as well as resources the traveler can access in planning their travel to help make their experience as stress-free as possible. We will review some travel education and also explore virtual training tools and online resources. Throughout the session we will provide tips and tricks for how to advocate through all phases of travel, from making the initial reservation through arriving at the terminal, boarding the plane or ship, and arriving at the destination. We will discuss when to advocate, to whom to advocate, and how to problem solve through any surprises along the journey. We will provide resources and do active problem solving with session participants to build their knowledge repertoire so they can then assist their clients in building their own.
Primary Presenter
Cecilia Y Rider, MS, CTRS, Shepherd Center
Credentials
MS, CTRS
Biographical Information
Cecilia Rider, MS, CTRS is currently the Associate Manager of the Recreation Therapist Department at Shepherd Center, in Atlanta, Georgia. Cecilia started her tenure at Shepherd Center working as a primary Recreation Therapist on the inpatient SCI unit where she worked for 6 years before moving to the outpatient SCI unit for another 6 years. As the coordinating therapist for her facility’s accessible travel education program, Cecilia works closely with representatives from Delta Airlines, AirServ, and TSA to coordinate staff disability awareness education and hands-on training as well as her facility’s client travel education program. Cecilia is actively involved in institutional research projects to promote departmental growth and evidence-based practice. Cecilia obtained her BS in Psychology from Auburn University Montgomery and her MS in Parks and Recreation Management from University of North Carolina Greensboro. Cecilia has personal experience with facilitating accessible travel for a family member with mobility limitations, which has fostered her passion for increasing awareness and education within the travel industry.
Head Shot
cecilia_headshot.jpg
Co-Presenter/panelists
Katie Murphy, CTRS, Shepherd Center
Credentials
CTRS
Biographical Information
Katie Murphy, CTRS is a Lead Recreation Therapist at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Katie has been at the Shepherd Center for 14 years where she started as a student intern. Katie has worked with various teams throughout her tenure at the Shepherd Center but has primarily worked on the inpatient spinal cord injury unit. As Lead Recreation Therapist, Katie is responsible for new staff training and continuing education for current staff, as well as carrying a full caseload. One of her responsibilities is to educate patients about travel options and empowering them to travel post injury. She is involved in many committees within the hospital including: the communication committee, patient and family experience committee, optimization workgroups, sexuality and intimacy steering committee, and the women’s health initiative. Katie obtained her degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Longwood University. In her free time, Katie enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.