The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the largest, national membership organization representing the interests and need of recreational therapists. Recreational therapists are health care providers using recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions. ATRA, was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1984 as a non-profit, grassroots organization in response to growing concern about the dramatic changes in the health care industry. As a result of this response, ATRA has grown from a membership of 60 individuals in June 1984 to 4,500 in 1999.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 1996 there were approximately 38,000 recreational therapists. "Employment of recreational therapists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006 because of anticipated expansion in long term care, physical and psychiatric rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities" (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1998).
ATRA defines therapeutic recreation as "the provision of Treatment Services and the provision of Recreation Services to persons with illnesses or disabling conditions. The primary purposes of Treatment Services, which are often referred to as Recreational Therapy, are to restore, remediate or rehabilitate in order to improve functioning and independence as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability. The primary purposes of Recreational Services are to provide recreation resources and opportunities in order to improve health and well being. Therapeutic recreation is provided by professionals who are trained and certified, registered and/or licensed to provide therapeutic recreation (1987)."
For additional information regarding the American Therapeutic Recreation Association contact us at our national office: ATRA, 1414 Prince Street, Suite 204, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 683-9420 or visit our website at www.atra-tr.org.