Beyond Sight: Nature-Based Recreation Therapy for Belonging and Connection

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.

Session Description

Belong is a fundamental human need, yet many recreation experiences unintentionally rely on visual engagement, limiting access and connection for individuals with diverse sensory needs. This session invites recreation therapist to rethink how belonging is created by shifting toward multi-sensory, nature based approaches that engage all individuals more fully through meaningful leisure experiences. Nature offers a unique and powerful pathway to connection, not only to others but to oneself and the world around us. In moments of isolation or limited social access, sensory engagement with nature can foster a sense of grounding, identify and belonging that extends beyond traditional social instruction . Through a recreation therapy lens, these experiences are intentionally designed as leisure based interventions. Drawing from practical applications in school and community based setting, this session will provide adaptable strategies such as sensory scavenger hunt, sound mapping, grounding techniques, and nature based adaptations to help support regulation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain how multi-sensory, nature based interventions support connection, belonging, and emotional regulation across diverse populations. 2. Modify recreation therapy activities to engage multiple senses and increase accessibility beyond visual based approaches. 3. Design a sensory rich environment and interventions that fosters a sense of belonging through connection to nature and shared experience.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

Target Audience

Primary Presenter

Vanessa Gonzalez, MS, CTRS, CNIT, Maryland school for the blind and ATRA

Biographical Information

Vanessa Gonzalez is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Certified Nature-Informed Therapist working on the transition team at the Maryland School for the Blind. She supports students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities as they build independence, explore leisure interests, and prepare for life after school. Her work focuses on creating accessible, strengths-based recreation experiences that support engagement, confidence, and everyday participation. She is interested in how sensory-based and nature-informed activities can be used to support connection, regulation, and a sense of belonging. In her practice, she works closely with students to help them access meaningful leisure opportunities in both school and community settings

ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

October 17–19, 2026

The Embassy Suites, Brea, California

2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions