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.
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.
AUGUST 5, 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 July 2025 Advocacy Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
july 11, 2025
Announcement
Recreational Therapy has been added to the Department of Veterans' Affairs "Exempt from Hiring Freeze" list as of June 26, 2025. This is exciting news for VA recreational therapists and the profession. Thank you to every person who reached out to your Congress people for their help to reverse the mass layout of VA recreational therapists who provide direct care and services to our veterans. Your words, action, and support have made a difference!
July 8, 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 June 2025 Advocacy Update below to learn about ATRA's advocacy efforts this month.
KEEP READINGGg
Less recent announcements are available in our Advocacy Announcements archive.
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.
