The following is the TENTATIVE program and schedule for the 2024 ATRA Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO. Presentations, times and other details are subject to change between now and the start of the conference in October.
Regarding CEUs, please note: NCTRC CE Pre-approval will be pending; all sessions may not have been approved by NCTRC. We will post an update when approval for sessions has been received and sessions appropriate for specialty certification as identified by NCTRC.
Please note that all attendees, exhibitors, and guests are expected to follow the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct. To review this, please visit https://www.pathlms.com/atra/courses/63978/documents/98441
APIED in Action: Exploring Recreation Therapists’ Role in Implementation of Adaptive Sports Camp for Youth with Physical Disabilities
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLavhWQAE7h17Nc5hmDIuP69kAShIaItsUgkMuNKIHYVL7bwtqs=s50 "Rita Penniman, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and Clemson University")
Rita Penniman, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and Clemson University
Credentials
MS, CTRS, RRT
Biographical Information
Rita Penniman, MS, CTRS/RRT is the Manager of Therapeutic Recreation at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and co-director of the MedStar NRH Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program in Washington, DC. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Recreational Therapy from Clemson University. Rita has worked as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, with an emphasis on community-based adaptive sports programs and inpatient physical rehabilitation, most specifically with spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities. She has presented on recreational therapy and adaptive sports at the Annual ASIA Scientific Meeting, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference, the SCI Model Systems Therapy Leadership Forum, and the Move United Education Conference. Her background advocating for a sibling with a physical disability and experiencing the benefit of adaptive sports has prompted a lifelong passion for facilitating inclusive sports and recreation programs, and serving as an ally to the disability community.
Co-Presenter/panelists
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKY2Hz-UgGzRA8tw_1fbhQ_kgpyClhQO4ELRdfitRwQiLHwHIQ=s50-mo "Elizabeth Parker, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital")
Elizabeth Parker, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
Credentials
MS, CTRS/RRT
Biographical Information
Elizabeth Parker, MS, CTRS/RRT is a Recreation Therapist at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital's National Center for Children's Rehabilitation in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Science from Bridgewater College in Family Studies and Human Development with concentrations in Family Life Education and Child Development and a Master of Science in Recreational Therapy Administration from East Carolina University. She has many years of experience working with both adults and children with complex medical conditions and physical and cognitive disabilities in clinical settings and within the community. As a part of her role at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, she is the manager for their competitive youth Sled Hockey team within the community Adaptive Sports Program. Elizabeth has obtained additional training in a multitude of areas including aquatic therapy, the therapeutic use of horticulture and multiple adaptive sports. As a second generation Pediatric Recreation Therapist, she is passionate about providing evidence-based practice and collaborating with other disciplines to be a well-informed and well-rounded clinician.