The Top 10 Reasons to Join ATRA

There has been much discussion recently about the small number of professionals that are ATRA members. We have 18,000 nationally certified recreation therapists and only 16% or less than 3000 belong to a professional organization. In order for Therapeutic Recreation to continue to move forward as a profession we need support from more than 16% of the CTRS’s. It is truly amazing what ATRA has been able to accomplish in the past years with such little support. As a member of a professional organization you should know what your money is being used for. Listed below are the top 10 things ATRA does for you the professional:

10. Representation on the CARF (Commission on Accreditation for Rehab Facilities) Board. This costs money and without this representation probability is high that Recreational Therapists would not be part of the core treatment team on Inpatient Rehabilitation Units.

9. Representation on the CMS (formerly HCFA) board. Recreational therapy in in-patient rehabilitation has been a reimbursable Medicare service since 1984. This can be directly attributed to ATRA’s close working relationship with CMS. T

8. Representation on the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) five accreditation programs for hospitals, behavioral health, ambulatory care, home health and long term care/assisted living.

7. Paid Lobbyist. Peter Thomas is ATRA’s legislative counsel in Washington, D.C. He is a tremendous advocate for recreational therapy on Capitol Hill. Without support in Washington, D.C. and on Capitol Hill we lose a tremendous amount of credibility as a profession. The more members ATRA has, the more resources we have to pay for lobbying and other legislative/regulatory activities at the federal level.

6. Chapter Affiliate Grant Funding. An annual stipend or grant is set aside yearly for state chapter enhancement.

5. National Conferences. Excellent opportunity to learn, grow and stretch yourself as a therapist. The information presented at these conferences is tremendous.

4. Recreation Therapist Advocacy Service. Consultation with ATRA leadership may be one of the most frequently utilized benefits. If you are having a problem with another profession or an administrator ATRA can help. ATRA is an excellent educator.

3. ATRA web site. This site is loaded with information and resources.

2. Treatment Networks. The ATRA Treatment Networks are set up exclusively for ATRA members to network and support each other with daily practice issues.

1. It is the right thing to do! Care enough about your profession and help us advance the field TODAY!

Please consider meeting your professional obligation and joining one of our two professional organizations. An ATRA membership costs $95 and can be made in monthly payments. Imagine the impact it would have on salaries, job security and national awareness if we had 100% membership as opposed to 16%.

Doug Boleyn CAC Chair-Elect
Melinda Conway Callahan ATRA President-Elect