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.
Breaking Barriers: A Holistic Approach to Adaptive Sports in Recreational Therapy
Session Description
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.
Learning Outcomes
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.
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://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLavhWQAE7h17Nc5hmDIuP69kAShIaItsUgkMuNKIHYVL7bwtqs=s50 "Rita Penniman, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital")
Rita Penniman, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
Biographical Information
Rita Penniman, MS, CTRS, LRT 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://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c230f17cf8912a9dc371a03611f0c764.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Hanna Lydon, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital")
Hanna Lydon, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Biographical Information
Hanna Lydon, CTRS is a Recreation Therapist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA. Hanna has a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. She has many years of experience working with adults with physical disabilities in clinical settings and within the community. Hanna previously worked inpatient at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and with the Adaptive Sports Program. Currently Hanna works at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital serving a variety of diagnoses inpatient and within the outpatient Amputee Center of Excellence (ACE). Hanna has developed ACE’s wellness program to create a community and promote active leisure lifestyles for individuals with limb loss and limb difference within the greater Boston area. Hanna has a passion for both inpatient and community based recreational therapy that lead her to this presentation topic and her first ATRA Conference!