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ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description
October 17–19, 2026
The Embassy Suites, Brea, California
2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions
October 17–19, 2026 | Brea, CA
The following session descriptions represent the planned educational program for the 2026 ATRA Annual Conference in Brea, CA. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, session content, presenters, schedules, and locations remain subject to change.
For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC pre-approval is pending for all sessions for CEUs.
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 SoCal 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.
Seen, Safe, and Supported: Amplifying Voces Perdidas of DACAmented Students to Advance Equity in Recreational Therapy
Session Description
Recreational therapy practice requires addressing systemic barriers that influence who feels safe, seen, and able to belong. This session equips recreational therapists with an equity-focused framework to better understand and respond to the needs of DACAmented and undocumented individuals. Drawing from composite narratives of eight DACAmented college students, the session examines experiences accessing U.S. healthcare and the structural factors shaping health and well-being. Grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT) and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), this session centers lived experiences as critical knowledge for advancing equitable practice. Through composite storytelling, it highlights often unheard voices (voces perdidas) and explores how immigration status, systemic racism, and policy intersect to influence access to care, mental health, and quality of life. Participants will identify how these narratives inform recreational therapy practice and will learn strategies to design culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and equity-driven programs. Emphasis is placed on advancing equity by addressing systemic barriers and promoting access, safety, and belonging within recreational therapy settings.
Learning Outcomes
1) Describe at least two systemic barriers (e.g., policy, immigration status, racism) that influence healthcare and leisure access for DACAmented and undocumented individuals. 2) Analyze one composite narrative (“voces perdidas”) by identifying at least two barriers and one expressed need relevant to recreational therapy practice. 3) Develop and share one culturally responsive recreational therapy strategy that promotes belonging, safety, and access for marginalized populations.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Higher Education
Research
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd476e1d0ee97c9667e7bf3645725d25.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Alicia Delia Pola, Arizona State University (ASU)")
Alicia Delia Pola, Arizona State University (ASU)
Biographical Information
Dr. Alicia Pola is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for nine years and an educator in higher education for seven, she brings a strong commitment to advancing recreation therapy through teaching, scholarship, and community engagement. Dr. Pola is passionate about creating learning spaces where students explore the value and impact of recreation therapy services while critically engaging with issues of equity and social justice. Her teaching emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices that center leisure, play, recreation, and health as vital components of well-being. Her professional pursuits focus on amplifying voices within the field, fostering dialogue, and promoting equitable models of service delivery. By bridging theory and practice, Dr. Pola aims to prepare future practitioners to meet diverse community needs and contribute to a more just and accessible approach to health and recreation.