Advocacy
ATRA advocates for you.
representing your interests
Moving the Profession Forward
ATRA is the only national organization representing the specific needs and interests of all Recreational Therapists. ATRA envisions a world where all people have access to Recreational Therapy. To make that vision a reality, it is essential for Recreational Therapists to be recognized and valued in federal, state, and local governments. ATRA is devoted to promoting and supporting the recreational therapy profession through our strategic advocacy efforts, which ensure that lawmakers and other influential organizations are aware of recreational therapy’s vital services.
june 13, 2025
ACTION ALERT!
URGENT! The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a “direct final rule” that would eliminate a key protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A “direct final rule” allows an agency to issue a rule without going through the review process twice (one at the proposed rule stage and again as a final rule).
Contact your federal legislators by Sunday, June 16th to express opposition to eliminating accessibility protections for people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for new federally funded buildings. Click button below for full details.
june 9, 2025
Advocacy Update
ATRA’s advocacy activities are focused on bills, actions, or issues that directly impact the profession of
recreational therapy or people with disabilities. Download the May 2025 Advocacy Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
june 8, 2025
CMS Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Rule Comments
ATRA submits comments to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on FY 2026 Proposed Rules for Hospice, IPFs, IRFs, and SNFs.
june 5, 2025
RT VA Exemption
AWAITING OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION. Many are wondering whether recreational therapy has been added to the Department of Veterans Affairs exempt list. ATRA is monitoring this closely and awaiting official notification from the VA. We hope to have more news to share soon. Please see the VA's most recent response to ATRA's advocacy on this issue below.
MAY 16, 2025
AAPD Medicaid Action Alert
Join the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and send an email to Congress members on the impact of cuts to Medicaid for people with disabilities, using their provided virtual tool.
ATRA's Letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee regarding Medicaid Cuts
MAY 12, 2025
Medicaid 2025
Medicaid is on the Federal agenda. Please review the documents below to stay informed on potential budget changes that may impact individuals with disabilities.
APRIL 2025
Advocacy Update
ATRA’s advocacy activities are focused on bills, actions, or issues that directly impact the profession of
recreational therapy or people with disabilities. Download the April 2025 Advocacy Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
april 4, 2025
ACL and SAMHSA Action Alert
ATRA is asking for Recreational Therapists to contact their federal legislators to express concerns about the elimination of the Administration on Community Living (ACL) and the dissolution of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Download the full Action Alert for more information and actionable next steps.
march 31, 2025
Advocacy Update
ATRA’s advocacy activities are focused on bills, actions, or issues that directly impact the profession of
recreational therapy or people with disabilities. Download the March 2025 Advocacy Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
March 21, 2025
DOE Call to Action
In response to the Executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), we are asking you to call your Members of Congress and reach out to your state officials to educate them on the important work that the DOE does to protect and support students with disabilities and their families, and to talk to them about the role of Recreational Therapists in schools.
MARCH 11, 2025 @ 7:30 ET ON ZOOM
ATRA Town Hall
Standing Together: ATRA and the VA
Join us for a critical conversation on the recent changes affecting recreational therapy within the VA. Recording available on Facebook.
MARCH 5, 2025
Veteran Affairs
Call to Action
We are asking for all Recreational and Creative Arts Therapists to contact their federal legislators through email and phone calls to express concerns about the termination of recreational and creative arts therapists within the VA. Please use the sample letters, emails, and talking points for phone calls provided below.
March 4, 2025
Veteran Affairs Survey
If you have been affected by government efficiency measures and worked for Veteran Affairs, we want to hear from you. Please complete this short survey as we gather data to support our advocacy efforts.
february 28, 2025
We Hear You
Every day, we hear of new challenges threatening the profession we love. ATRA hears you. We're fighting for you. Please read the accompanying letter from ATRA's Executive Director to learn how ATRA is advocating for you and what you can do to help protect the profession.
february 17, 2025
Rapid Change and Uncertainty for RT
A timely message from ATRA's Executive Director. Please read, share, and take action.
february 14, 2025
Advocacy Alert
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the focus of a significant and high profile lawsuit. Seventeen states are suing the U.S. government saying that May 2024 revisions to Section 504 of the Rehab Act are unconstitutional. As of this date, the lawsuit is currently stayed (on hold) while the Trump administration reviews the law.
BE PROACTIVE. BE INFORMED.
Essential Advocacy Links
Meet your Advocate!
Dr. Dawn DeVries, DHA, CTRS, DFRT
Director of Advocacy and Legislative Affairs
Dr. DeVries is a nationally recognized expert in federal public policy and has dedicated over a decade to tracking legislation and aiding ATRA’s public policy efforts. Her extensive research, publications, and presentations on public policy have positioned her as a leader in this space, and we are grateful for her expertise in this role.
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ATRA membership is a powerful act of advocacy.
Member support allows ATRA to have a presence at the federal and state levels, advocating for the inclusion and recognition of recreational therapy to the policymakers who can influence the acceptance and recognition of our services.
