2025 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions
October 18–20, 2025 | San Antonio, TX
The following is the Session Descriptions for the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. All sessions, times, and presenter information have been confirmed, though final adjustments may occur due to unforeseen circumstances onsite.
For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance
For information on our Bonus Day at Morgan's Sports on Friday October 17th, please visit: ATRA San Antonio Bonus Day: Morgan's Sports
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC approval is currently pending. Please check back for updates prior to the conference.
Note: Poster presentations may be eligible for CEUs in 2025. Final determinations will be reflected once CEU approvals are finalized.
For questions related to specialty certification areas, please refer to the PDF version of the program for designation icons and CEU-eligible sessions.
Code of Conduct:
All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and guests are expected to uphold the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct.
To review the Code, view it here.
Note on Non-ATRA Activities:
Please note that any events or activities not listed in the official ATRA San Antonio program are independently organized and not affiliated or sponsored by ATRA. ATRA is not responsible for independently coordinated events, meetups or activities not articulated in this program. Individuals interested in non-ATRA sponsored activities should contact their respective organizations directly for details.
Disorders of Consciousness: Diagnostic Overview and Treatment Implications for RT
Session Description
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.
Learning Outcomes
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.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a827d9e051dac3cf9f8c3031a97b7479.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Katy Mayer, Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital University of Utah Health")
Katy Mayer, Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital University of Utah Health
Biographical Information
Katy Mayer, TRS, CTRS, is a Recreational Therapist at the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital at the University of Utah, specializing in inpatient rehabilitation for patients with complex neurologic injuries and diverse medical diagnoses. Over the past year, she has collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to deliver research-driven interventions that promote functional recovery and improve quality of life.
Katy leads the hospital’s volunteer program, managing the integration of volunteers to enhance patient engagement and support diversional activities addressing social isolation and functional regression. She develops innovative programs, including therapeutic art groups and animal-assisted therapy visits, tailored to patient goals and preferences.
She also serves as an integral provider with the Center for Quality of Life After Stroke at University of Utah Health, contributing to research and clinical care initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for stroke survivors.
As an active member of the University of Utah Recreational Therapy Advisory Board, she contributes to curriculum development and helps advance the profession through education and advocacy. In addition, Katy facilitates student learning experiences, mentoring future recreational therapists in clinical practice.
Katy has presented at the Utah Brain Injury Alliance Generations Conference and the Utah Recreational Therapy Association Conference, sharing insights on effective therapeutic recreation strategies for patients recovering from neurologic injuries. Her presentations emphasize personalized, evidence-based approaches to enhance neurorehabilitation outcomes.
Outside of work, Katy enjoys biking, hiking, card games, and arts and crafts, which inspire her therapeutic creativity and holistic approach to patient care.