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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 is the Session Descriptions for the 2026 ATRA Annual Conference in Brea, CA. 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 On Demand Conference offerings, please visit: ATRA SoCal On Demand
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC pre-approval is pending fr all sessions for CEUs.
Once the program is pre-approved; 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 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.
Disability, Built Environment, and Psychosocial Well-Being: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area
Session Description
This study explores how neighborhood environments shape psychosocial well-being, with a specific focus on differences experienced by individuals with disabilities. Using data from a large-scale survey of adults in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, this session examines how perceived built environment features—such as walkability, safety, access to recreation, and neighborhood cohesion—relate to outcomes including life satisfaction, flourishing, and social support. Participants will be introduced to a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework that integrates environmental, social, and behavioral factors. The session will highlight how disability status influences these relationships, revealing distinct pathways through which neighborhood conditions support or constrain well-being. Findings draw on validated measures of neighborhood cohesion, physical activity, and psychological well-being embedded within the survey design, offering a comprehensive view of how community-level factors intersect with individual health and participation. Designed as an interactive research institute, this session moves beyond traditional presentation. Attendees will engage in real-time interpretation of model pathways, contribute insights on measurement and variable selection, and help identify limitations and future directions for analysis. Guided discussion will focus on translating findings into practice, particularly within recreational therapy, inclusive program design, and community health planning. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how built environments differentially impact individuals with and without disabilities and will contribute to shaping a disability-informed research and practice agenda that advances equitable, community-based well-being.
Learning Outcomes
Interpret Structural Pathways Participants will be able to interpret a Structural Equation Model (SEM) examining relationships between built environment accessibility, neighborhood cohesion, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being. Examine Disability as a Moderator Participants will be able to evaluate how disability status moderates relationships between environmental, social, and well-being variables, including identifying differential pathways and inequities. Apply Findings to Practice and Research Participants will be able to apply study findings to inform recreational therapy practice, inclusive community design, and future research directions focused on equitable, disability-informed well-being.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Research
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/3074/profile_d282687757c7039082e54d9189238317.png "Christina J Coleman, Arizona State University")
Christina J Coleman, Arizona State University
Biographical Information
Dr. Christina J. Coleman is an Assistant Professor of Recreational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Her work focuses on leisure, health, and well-being, with an emphasis on inclusion, the built environment, and quality of life. She is committed to teaching and mentoring students in both research and practice, supporting their development through hands-on learning and engagement in research.