ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

Shay Dawson is 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 is also an adjunct faculty member in the College of Medicine, specializing in disability and medicine trainings. Dr. Dawson has received the Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year Award and the David Austin Member of the Year Award from the Recreation Therapists of Indiana chapter. Shay was named a National Academy of Recreational Therapy fellow in 2025. 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 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, and Supervisor for the Therapeutic Services Behavioral Health Department at Bethesda Hospital. Shay has co-authored, with Dr. David Austin, the 9th edition of the textbook Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques: Evidence-Based Recreational Therapy.