RT Blog: Views on ARTA?

About Me

Location: Indiana, United States

I became a Professor Emeritus after serving 29 years as a recreational therapy faculty member at Indiana University. I'm a long-time Hoosier, having grown up in Hanover, Indiana. My RT practitioner work was in psych/mental health. After completing my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, my first faculty position was at the University of North Texas. RT has been a wonderful profession for me as I have had the opportunity to serve as an author and national leader.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Views on ARTA?

What do you think about the proposed change from ATRA to ARTA (Amcrican Recreational Therapy Association)? A survey showed that most ATRA past-presidents favor the change to ARTA. I personally favor the change. But what do you think?

2 Comments:

Danny Pettry said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:47 PM
Danny Pettry said...: I support the proposed name change to the American Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA). In general, we’re known as “recreational therapists.” People who I work with identify me as a “rec. therapists.” I think the name change would help identify, us, as professional recreational therapists.

Recreational therapist is easier to remember compared to therapeutic recreation specialists, (based on my personal experiences).

Recreational therapist sounds similar to other therapists. Here are some examples: physical therapists, vocational therapists, respiratory therapists, etc.

I had told my colleagues at work that I was going to attend the “Rec Therapy” conference (opposed to ATRA conference) in Minneapolis before leaving.

I had recently written a self-improvement book for teens and young adults. I identified myself as a “Recreational Therapist” on the cover of the book.

The certification board is a separate entity from ATRA, as we already know. I think it is interesting to note that the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is using “Rec Therapy” more often in their literature when they identify, us, as professionals. Here are three examples:

NCTRC’s (2004) scope of practice is for “recreation therapy” (2007)
NCTRC (2007) identifies their position on legal regulation for the practice of “Recreation Therapy.”

NCTRC’s (2004) brochure, “Why hire a CTRS?” says “Recreation therapy” along the side and the first question inside of the brochure is, “What is Recreation therapy?” It goes on to explain the need for Certified Recreational Therapists.

Regardless, if the name changes or if it does not change, I’ll continue to support the association. It is the leading association that represents, us, recreational therapists.

Online Sources:
http://www.nctrc.org/documents/NCTRC%20Scope%20of%20Practice%202004.pdf

http://www.nctrc.org/documents/NCTRCLegalRecognitionPaper.doc

http://www.nctrc.org/documents/65145_Hire_web.pdf; 10:30 PM