ARTA -- What Do You Think?
I have had prior posts on a name change for ATRA. But I think it is time to raise the issue again.
There is a growing movement to change the name of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) to the American Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA).
A number of reasons have been put forth for changing the name to ARTA. Some of the reasons for the change follow.
First, to change the name of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association to the American Recreational Therapy Association makes the organization's name congruent with both the vision and mission of the organization. The Mission Statement reads: “The mission…is to serve a member driven organization that collectively supports the recreational therapy profession.
The Vision Statement reads: “The Vision…is to be the premiere professional membership association representing recreational therapists, consumers and stakeholders.”
Second, the term recreational therapy also offers a focus consistent with the language in the Medicare Project that refers to recreational therapy (not therapeutic recreation).
Third, the term recreational therapy sets boundaries for the profession – so the organization is not trying to be “all things to all people.”
Finally, perhaps as important as any other reason is that the general public understands the term recreational therapy – but they are confused when they hear the expression therapeutic recreation.
What do you think? Any comments on the name change?
There is a growing movement to change the name of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) to the American Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA).
A number of reasons have been put forth for changing the name to ARTA. Some of the reasons for the change follow.
First, to change the name of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association to the American Recreational Therapy Association makes the organization's name congruent with both the vision and mission of the organization. The Mission Statement reads: “The mission…is to serve a member driven organization that collectively supports the recreational therapy profession.
The Vision Statement reads: “The Vision…is to be the premiere professional membership association representing recreational therapists, consumers and stakeholders.”
Second, the term recreational therapy also offers a focus consistent with the language in the Medicare Project that refers to recreational therapy (not therapeutic recreation).
Third, the term recreational therapy sets boundaries for the profession – so the organization is not trying to be “all things to all people.”
Finally, perhaps as important as any other reason is that the general public understands the term recreational therapy – but they are confused when they hear the expression therapeutic recreation.
What do you think? Any comments on the name change?
posted by Hoosier RT | 9:06 AM
1 Comments:
Just a quick note to support your initiative to change the name of the professional field from Therapeutic Recreation to Recreation Therapy. This is really a "no-brainer" and is about 25 years overdue. The profession should understand your point that "recreation therapy" is much more reflective of what the profession is or should be about. Also RT helps o define boundaries and is an occupational title that others can understand and feel comfortable with. Good luck with you efforts.
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