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.
Stay Informed
NEW!
We’ve added an
Advocacy and Legislation group in our
Member Forum on
ATRA Connect, where ATRA members can access
timely updates from our
Director of Advocacy and Legislative Affairs, Dr. Dawn DeVries.
MARCH 10, 2026
Action ALERT!
ATRA is calling for recreational therapists who live in Texas, Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and South Dakota to take action to speak out against the lawsuit (Texas v. Kennedy) regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the integrated community setting requirements. A sample letter is provided with this Action Alert. Read the full Action Alert at the button below.
MARCH 10, 2026
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 February 2026 Advocacy & Legislative Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
FEBRUARY 1o, 2026
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 January 2026 Advocacy & Legislative Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
Februay 1, 2026
RT Month Advocacy Message
Waves ofConnection: Turning the Tide on Loneliness Through Recreational Therapy comes at a time when millions of people across the world, of all ages and abilities, are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The world needs to hear that YOU, as a recreational therapist, are the expert in solving this major public health concern.
january 9, 2026
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 December 2025 Advocacy Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
DECEMBER 4, 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 November 2025 Advocacy Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
NEW!
ATRA Position Statement
ATRA is proud to announce the release of its official Position Statement on Social Prescribing, affirming that social prescribing is within the scope of recreational therapy practice.
“ATRA affirms that social prescribing, both in verbal and written forms, is within the scope of recreational therapy practice.”
Read ATRA's full Position Statement on Social Prescribing
HERE.
KEEP READINGGg
Less recent announcements are available in our Advocacy Announcements archive.
ATRA Sign-On Letters
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.
Powered by Membership
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.
