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.
In the Zone: Where Theory Meets the Leisure Ability Model
Session Description
The Leisure Ability Model (LAM) has long guided recreational therapy practice and remains one of the field’s most widely used frameworks. While it offers a strong structure for service delivery, it has traditionally lacked a clearly defined theoretical foundation. As the profession moves toward more evidence-based and theory-informed practice, there is an opportunity to enhance LAM by aligning it with established learning theories.
This session introduces the Zones of Leisure, a theoretical framework based on Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Integrated into the WHEEL: Adaptive Cycling Curriculum, the framework offers a way to understand how clients progress from guided instruction to independent leisure participation. Combining LAM with this theory supports the design of more intentional, measurable, and effective interventions.
Participants will examine how the Zones of Leisure may complement or extend the Leisure Ability Model. The session will include discussion of practical application and invite attendees to share their perspectives on the clarity, feasibility, and relevance of this evolving framework.
Practitioners will have the opportunity to provide first-time feedback and contribute to the development of a theory-informed approach to recreational therapy. The session promotes critical reflection on the use of models and theories in practice and encourages dialogue about the future of therapeutic recreation frameworks.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the integration of the LAM and Zones of Leisure by providing 2 examples that show how the models support measurable skill development and independence in therapeutic recreation.
Examine how 3 theoretical foundations inform evidence-based practice and contribute to consistency in therapeutic recreation by using examples or case studies.
Assess the role of the Zones of Leisure framework by reviewing 5 sources and identifying 2 ways it is influencing the future development of therapeutic recreation models.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
All
Target Audience
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIeKIRa7svi7AEuA4UgXCFr6b4LvNa19hEYLepeEH5KuY1Ljw=s50-mo "Emily Higgins, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association")
Emily Higgins, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Biographical Information
Emily Higgins is a passionate Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) committed to promoting independence, wellness, and social connection for individuals of all abilities. Following her Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, she focuses on developing innovative, person-centered programs to improve the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of diverse populations. With hands-on experience in adaptive sports, volunteer management, and various therapeutic interventions, her research emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices in the creation of adaptive recreation programs. Dedicated to advancing the field, she advocates for the transformative power of adaptive sports, recreation, and specialized wellness programs.
Co-Presenter/panelists
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/2303/profile_8419476661e990bb0d52c7350cd4ad53.png "Dr. W. Thomas Means, CTRS, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse")
Dr. W. Thomas Means, CTRS, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Biographical Information
W. Thomas Means, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director for the undergraduate Recreational Therapy program at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Dr. Means has experience in behavioral health, community recreation, and summer camps, working with veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) and is Co-Chair of the Research Institute for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). His research focuses on the philosophy of science in leisure studies and how it intersects with social justice and research paradigms.
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fa195c82bc256a0638bd7f660ac1dc11.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Shay Dawson, PhD, CTRS, Central Michigan University")
Shay Dawson, PhD, CTRS, Central Michigan University
Biographical Information
Shay Dawson is an Associate Professor of Disability Studies & Community Inclusion as well as Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation within the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University. Dr. Dawson also leads a yearly training for future physicians focused on working with disabled patients within the College of Medicine. He is the 2024 Michigan Association for State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year recipient. Dr. Dawson received his PhD from Indiana University’s School of Public Health-Bloomington. His research interests focus on the development of evidence-based psychosocial support programs for clients impacted by disability and chronic illness. Shay offers a faculty led study abroad trip each summer focused on disability in Southeast Europe. Dr. Dawson is the former Director of Bradford Woods, Indiana University’s 2,500 acre universally designed outdoor center offering pediatric medical specialty camps through Riley Hospital for Children as well as therapeutic programs focused on veterans, families, and equine-assisted activities. Leadership roles include the former Board Chair for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), Recreational Therapy Undergraduate Academic Coordinator at Central Michigan University and Indiana University, Supervisor for the Therapeutic Services Behavioral Health Department at Bethesda Hospital, and as an Associate Editor for both the American Journal of Recreation Therapy and the Therapeutic Recreation Journal.