Exciting New Offer From ATRA!

ATRA Newsletter

As you know, the ATRA newsletter is now being done online instead of hard copies being mailed to the members. The newsletter test for CEUs will need to be printed, completed and mailed to us along with a check as always. Although we would like for our members to be able to take the test and submit it on-line, at this time we are unable to do that. So please do not forget to mail those tests into our office for the CEUs.

California Fires

ATRA wants to express our concern and sympathy for the victims of the Southern California wildfires. Our thoughts are with those whose lives are affected by this disaster.

If you have lost your transcripts due to these fires, please contact the ATRA office by October 31, 2008 and we will provide complimentary replacements of these for you.

In addition if you are interested in helping those impacted by the wildfires, you can contact the American Red Cross or check out the California Volunteers website at http://www.californiavolunteers.org/.

Newsletter Postcard Correction

The ATRA Newsletter is available at www.atra-tr.org/members/newsletter.htm. The postcard that was sent out to ATRA members erroneously listed it at an html address. What a difference one letter makes!

Calculating CEU Credit

Many members have the misconception that when NCTRC reguires 50 hours over 5 years for recertification, that means that they need 50 CEUs. That is not the case. CEU's are calculated as follows: 1 contact/classroom hour = .1 CEU, 10 contact/classroom hours = 1.0 CEUs.

CEU's are expressed in a tenth of a unit. CEUs are not expressed past the tenth place, and are, therefore, rounded to the nearest tenth. The total number of contact hours is calculated by the total number of education minutes divided by 60 minutes. From here, the above calculations are used to convert the minutes to CEUs.

Therefore, when NCTRC requires 50 hours over 5 years, the calcuation is 50 hours = 5.0 CEUs.

ATRA Newsletter Now Online

Same Great News! Faster, Easier Access!
ATRA is moving into the internet age with a fully online newsletter.

The ATRA newsletter is now available online to members at: www.atra-tr.org/members/newsletter.htm You will need your username and password to access this information. Postcards are being sent to all ATRA members letting them know that the newsletter is now exclusively online.

A hard copy is available upon the request.

And don't forget the CEU Newsletter test for $10 and .1 CEU.

In this Issue:

• 2007 Audio Program & New Publications
• Internship Supervision
• Sensory Stimulation
• Mental Health Resource - NAMI
• Aphasia and RT
• Medicaid in the Public Schools
• National Accessible Golf Update
• New Membership Listserv

Coming Soon: full color newsletter with more information and articles for your everyday practice.

Making Membership Count

The ATRA 2007 Annual Conference has come and gone. Attendees will soon be receiving their CEU transcripts and take a moment or two to reflect on the things they learned and the people they met. Unfortunately for some, this will be the extent of their involvement in ATRA programs until the 2008 Annual Conference rolls around. What some conference attendees fail to realize is that there are opportunities for networking, teaching, recognition, involvement, and continuing education year round. Don’t sell yourself short by only taking advantage of one of ATRA’s many member benefits. Make your annual dues count!

According to the 2007 Annual Overall Conference Evaluations, attendees valued the content and diversity of sessions, knowledgeable presenters, and meeting other professionals who work in similar settings. Here are some opportunities to find all of these things year round:

Content Rich Sessions
The 2007 Teleconference Schedule will close the year with a Mental Health Series. If your interests do not fall in mental health, browse through the Audio Programs available at http://www.atra-tr.org/academy/audiotape.htm and you’re sure to find a topic that meets your needs.

Knowledgeable Presenters
Many Annual Conference presenters often present via teleconferences as well. With teleconferences, you’ll have the opportunity to listen and ask questions from your home or office. Our team leaders are also invaluable as experts who have a wealth of knowledge to help you improve your day to day practice, as well as promote the profession. Find out who can help you at http://www.atra-tr.org/teamleader.htm.

Networking
The Treatment Network provides opportunities to learn from other professionals in situations that are similar to yours. Have a question about assessment in LTC, or need guidance in starting a new program at your facility? Your fellow ATRA members can be your best resource, and they are often a phone call or posting away. Contact your Treatment Network leader or post your topic on one of the bulletin boards.

Continuing Education - What Do You Need?

ATRA staff are busy working on 2008 Continuing Education, but we need your help.

Use this blog posting to let us know what topics you would like to see covered in ATRA's continuing education program... What topics do you want to see in continuing education in 2008?

CEU Repository

Did you ever wonder at NCTRC recertification time, "Now what did I do with those CEU transcripts?" If you have moved and misplaced the box containing your ATRA files, accidentally threw them away, your dog ate them, or just plain can't remember where they are - you are not alone. Every year in March and September ATRA receives numerous calls from members needing copies of their transcripts from the last 5 years. If you are one of these people, the CEU Repository is for you!


Requirements are that you must:

1. Remain an ATRA member in good standing.

2. Update your personal information with ATRA.

3. Pay the Annual CEU Maintenance fee ($25) for which you are billed annually.

4. Purchase a transcript at the conference you are attending. ATRA CEU Repository tracks ATRA conferences and CEUs provided by ATRA to other workshops. You are responsible for non-ATRA CEU workshops.

Transcripts will be sent out around September 15th for November 1st recertification or March 15th for May 1st recertification. ATRA will also provide an annual update on the number of CEUs received during that year.

You can also save money by using the CEU Repository. This year ATRA provided 25 transcripts to a person who took advantage of the CEU Repository. If they had not had this service, it would have cost them $375 for duplicate transcripts. Instead, it only cost the annual CEU Maintenance fee of $25 per year.

So go to the CEU link on our website, http://www.atra-tr.org/, complete the application, maintain your ATRA Membership, and the nominal CEU Maintenance fee. At your five year NCTRC recertification, ATRA will send you copies of your ATRA transcripts from the five year cycle. It's that simple!

ATRA in the News

Visit http://www4.uwm.edu/chs/news/TRconference.html for an article on the Milwaukee conference and information on the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, which provided registration support and a sponsorship for the conference.

CMS Seeks Therapists for PAC-PRD Participation

Want your inpatient rehabilitation facility to be a part of CMS' upcoming Post Acute Care Payment Reform Demonstration (PAC-PRD)? The agency is actively soliciting participants for the next phase of the project, which CMS hopes will beget a new reimbursement tool and payment structure uniform to all types of postacute care.

To be considered, contact Barbara Gage, the principal investigator at RTI, at 781/434-1717 or bgage@rti.org. The demonstration and data collection will begin in January 2008; RTI is CMS' contractor for the project.

ATRA's RT Medicare Project Update

We are very pleased to provide this update on behalf of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association's Recreational Therapy Medicare Project.

Next week the United States House of Representatives will be introducing the "Ensuring Medicare Access to Recreational Therapy Act of 2007". The legislation will assure Medicare beneficiaries will have access to Recreational Therapy services in Inpatient Rehabilitation, Inpatient Psychiatric and Skilled Nursing settings. You will be hearing directly from our Federal Public Policy Team leaders in the near future that we need you to contact your Member of the House of Representatives. Please wait for their contact and then follow their directions as soon as possible.

We are within reach of finally having recognition on Recreational Therapy by the Medicare program in the inpatient Rehab, Psychiatric and Skilled Nursing settings. Success in these settings is the necessary order before we are able to look at additional gains in the outpatient arena.

To successfully complete this process we must raise $60,000 in the next 60 days specifically for the costs of lobbying this legislation through Congress. We kicked this goal off with the "R.T. Medicare Project Goal Line Offense Fund" earlier this week at the ATRA Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During the first 48 hours of this campaign we raised $6,500 from Conference attendees.

We need your financial support and assistance within the next two weeks to push this legislation through Congress! We need you to assist as an R.T. Medicare Project 1st & 10 Team Leader and help us raise the remaining financial $53,500 goal. Through your generous contribution and by your contacting the Recreational Therapy professionals, organizations and supporters in your area you can have a tremendous impact in assuring the success of the R.T. Medicare Project.

If you can assist, in sharing this important project update and request for support of the R.T. Medicare Project please contact G.T. using the contact information below. We have talking points prepared to make your participation simple and easy to complete.

While anyone can learn from history, we have the opportunity to be part of making history with the support of this landmark Recreational Therapy project.

Best Regards,
G.T. Thompson, M.Ed., CTRS, NHA/L
Recreational Therapy Medicare Project Co-Chair

Melinda Conway Callahan, MPA, CTRS, CFRE Recreational Therapy Medicare Project Co-Chair

2007-2008 ATRA Board of Directors

At the ATRA Annual Conference Membership Meeting, the 2007-2008 Board of Directors were installed. These include:

President: Marcia Smith
President-Elect: Mary Ann Keogh Hoss
Secretary: Missy Armstrong
Treasurer: Vicki Scott
Members at Large: Mary Ann Aquadro, Charles Bond, Carla Carmichael, Janice Elich-Monroe, Judi Voelkl
CAC Chair: Heather Sedletzeck

We also had the opportunity to thank the outgoing President, Sandy Negley, Treasurer Kelly Parker and CAC Chair Karla Belzer for their service.

2007 ATRA Annual Conference - A Success!

The 2007 ATRA Annual Conference was a tremendous success with over 450 attendees and presenters. Thanks to Patty Thomas and the Milwaukee Host Committee for a fabulous conference and for all of their hard work. Kudos to you all! Thank you also to the PEG Connolly Scholars for their hard work.

Congratulations to the 2007 ATRA Awards Winners, and in particular to Sharon Nichols, who was awarded the Distinguish Fellow. This is ATRA's highest honor.

Feedback on the conference was extremely positive - ranging from the excellent quality of the session topics and speakers to the food to the networking opportunities. Of course, there were the usual complaints about the rooms being too cold.

We in the National Office are recovering from the conference and catching up. We'll post more info on the conference shortly.

10 Days Until the ATRA Annual Conference

Early registration is closed for the conference, and will only be accepted onsite at this time. Also at this time the Dementia Practice Guideline training is sold out.

If you haven't registered, consider joining us in Milwaukee for a great opportunity to network and be challenged in your practice.

2007-2008 Board Announced

The 2007-2008 Board election results are in! President Sandy Negley announced the results on the recent Leadership Briefing:

- President-Elect: Mary Ann Keogh Hoss, Ph.D, CTRS
- Treasurer: Vicki Scott, MS, CTRS
- Members-at-Large: Carla Carmichael, CTRS and Janice Elich Monroe, Ph.D, CTRS
- CAC Chair Ad Hoc Member: Heather Sedletzeck, CTRS

- Kari Kensinger, Ph.D, CTRS was elected as the Chair-Elect of the Chapter Affiliate Council

ATRA thanks all the candidates who participated in the election process. And congratulations to the new Board members.

July/August Newsletter

is in the mail. You should receive yours shortly.

ATRA Update from President Sandy Negley

The ATRA Board of Directors (BOD) has received many questions and concerns regarding the changes within ATRA. The BOD has been as open and transparent as possible, but it is difficult to get timely information to the entire membership.

Membership numbers have slowly declined (a national trend for associations) and this has been a major concern for ATRA. To understand the issues, membership surveys were conducted, consultants hired, and membership plans designed. Projects like e-ATRA, the Medicare Project, representation on numerous healthcare organizations, and additional continuing education opportunities were undertaken as a means to increase membership while continuing to promote the profession. Membership numbers have not grown and our reach exceeds our available resources. ATRA must “right-size” and prioritize projects.

The first, most important responsibility of the BOD is to ensure that ATRA is a viable and strong organization. This BOD has examined every aspect of the Association in the last eight months and took strong actions to ensure ATRA continues to be a sound membership driven organization.

Below are some of the major actions of the BOD:
- The finance committee made recommendations of over $150,000 in expense reductions.
- The Membership Ad Hoc Committee revised the membership plan, which is now in Phase I.
- The BOD analyzed the profit margins and level of membership participation of Mid-Year Forums and other continuing education programs. Membership continues to ask for more local and regional opportunities and this is evident by attendance at Mid-Years. It was decided to cancel the 2008 Mid-Year and suspend the 2009 Mid-Year for further analysis. A subcommittee is being formed to investigate this entire process and address progressive implementation.
- Past Presidents were informed of the changes that were taking place and the Board’s efforts to address the issues.
- BOD makes personal calls to non-renewing members to request their renewal and seek ways to improve services.
- An Interim Strategic plan (2 years) was written to address ATRA changes and bridge the gap between previous plan and future plans of ATRA.

At this time, the ATRA membership is just over 2,550. We must grow to meet the current needs of the Association, our members, and the profession.

Separate from this process, Executive Director Ann Huston resigned effective August 5, 2007. In May of 2006, Ann discussed with me as President-Elect her thoughts of pursuing new career options. At the 2007 Mid-Year, she discussed with the Personnel Committee the need for a transition plan. In April, the Finance Committee began negotiations with Ms. Huston on her desire to resign. The decision was made by Ann and was a positive, mutually acceptable agreement. As with any negotiations, Ms. Huston’s resignation remained confidential until both parties reached agreement and were ready to inform the membership. Ann’s work for ATRA is highly honored and her leadership will be greatly missed.

Upon the formal resignation of Ms. Huston, an organizational structure subcommittee was formed. The committee will include a Chair, two Past Presidents, two Members-at-Large (non-board members), the BOD Personnel Committee, a representative from the CAC, and a representative from the National Office. At this time, Kelly Parker has accepted appointment as Chair of the subcommittee.

The responsibility of the committee will be to cover three areas: review the organization structure, review all job descriptions of the national office and BOD, and develop a search committee for the new Executive Director position.

Many have devoted their entire career to the success of ATRA. Your current BOD is comprised of such members and has taken this responsibility seriously. They have made hard decisions in order to address the changes needed for a strong and viable ATRA. Each has sacrificed countless volunteer hours and personal resources for ATRA.

Please forward this update to others who may not have received or who have contacted you with questions. The BOD wants every member to know and understand what is happening in THEIR organization. If individuals have additional questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Board of Directors and we will do our best to answer questions.

Sincerely,
Sandra Negley M.S., MTRS/CTRS
President

Minneapolis...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all ATRA members in Minneapolis and those affected by the bridge collapse that occurred on 8/1. This is an awful event, and our hearts go out to all of those touched by this tragedy.

Teleconferences

There is still time to take advantage of the ATRA 2007 Teleconferences. Series D: Communications/Therapeutic Relationships and Series E: Mental Health are still available. For information on these opportunities and how to register, visit the ATRA website under Continuing Education or call the ATRA National Office.

Office of Continuing

For those who need to be recertified by NCTRC in November 2007 and need a copy of a CEU transcript, we must have that request by October 15, 2007. The request must be received in writing (ceu@atra-tr.org) and include as much detail as possible regarding the workshop/conference (i.e. name, date, location) to assist ATRA in locating the transcript. The individual should also provide their full name (including maiden name if applicable), current address and daytime phone number. In addition, payment for the transcript must be received prior to processing the request. For members, there is a $15 duplication fee per transcript and for non-member the fee is $20 per transcript. These fees may be paid via credit card or check. The normal processing time is 7-10 business days.

For transcript requests made after October 15, 2007, you will need to pay an additional fee of $15.00 to have the transcript expedited.

Annual Conference - Something for Everyone

If you haven't looked at the program, be sure to check it out! There is something for everyone.
1. If you are a student, there are 3 specific sessions geared towards student issues - interviewing, professionalism, NCTRC certification. Then, of course, there are all types of practice sessions.
2. If you are in aquatics, there are 3 sessions exclusively on aquatics - the treatment network, interventions/update, and research.
3. In community inclusion, there are a number of sessions on adaptive sports, accessible recreation, assistive technology, adult day care.
4. For developmental disabilities, there are sessions on Aspergers, assistive technology, accessible recreation and adaptive sports.
5. In general medicine, there are sessions on Multiple Sclerosis, evidence based practice, interventions, models and research.
6. For geriatrics, there are sessions on falls prevention, sensory stimulation, interdisciplinary partnerships, CMS regulations, adult day care, PACE and interventions.
7. For mental health, there are sessions on evidence based practice, coping, multi-trauma, dealing with behaviors, and coverage.
8. In pediatrics, there are sessions on assistive technology, sibling involvement/education, journaling and bibliotherapy.
9. In physical medicine and rehab, you can find sessions on multi-trauma, LCDs, coverage, CARF and adaptive sports.
10. In the schools, there are sessions on Aspergers, adaptive sports and recreation, transitioning students, sibling involvement/education and interventions.

- And of course there are sessions on NCTRC, JCAHO, research, public policy, Standards of Practice.
- Specialized institutes are planned on Outcomes, Assistive Technology, Educators, Research.

There really is something for everyone! With 81 scheduled sessions, you will be able to find something that relates to your current position, career goals and professional development; plus, you will have great opportunities to network with recreational therapists from around the world. Don't miss out.

Annual Conference - Early Bird 7/16

Just want to remind everyone that the Annual Conference early bird registration rate ends 7/16 (that's next Monday). Be sure to get your registration and payment in to get the early registration rate. Purchase orders received by that date will also guarantee the early rate.

Open registration continues until 8/5 if you need more time to get your registration done. After 8/5, registration is on-site only.

Contact ATRA with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Milwaukee.

RT Week

RT Week is here! We are impressed with the enthusiasm and involvement of recreational therapy professionals and students across the country. Many people have inquired about RT Week activities and ideas. ATRA has posted over 100 RT Week ideas online at http://www.atra-tr.org/promotions/index.htm. These ideas are great for marketing the profession year round. If you see positive results from your RT Week activities, consider making them a regular part of your program.

We'd also love to hear from you! Please feel free to share RT Week success stories, ideas, and tips here on the ATRA Blog.

2008 Mid-Year Professional Issues Forum

The 2008 Mid-Year Professional Issues Forum, which was scheduled for March 2008 in Tulsa, OK, has been cancelled. The Board of Directors has decided to cancel this event as they look at broader participation in local and regional conferences in order to better serve the membership and reach out at a more grassroots level. .

As we know that professional development (and CEUs) are important, we hope that you will take advantage of the many other continuing education opportunities that ATRA provides, including:

1. Teleconference Program and Replay Services
2. 2007 Annual Conference - September 9 - 12 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3. Newsletter (for members only)
4. Annual in TR (online for members complimentary) - Volumes 11 - 15
5. LTC Monographs
6. Dementia Practice Recommendations (follow up to the Dementia Practice Guideline training)
7. Audio Program (2002 - 2006)
8. 2008 Annual Conference - September 29 - October 2 in Reno, Nevada

For information on any of these opportunities, be sure to visit the ATRA website or call the ATRA National Office. Additional continuing education opportunities are being developed, including 2 web-based programs, due out in early 2008.

Annual Conference Brochure

Please be aware that there was a typo for non-member rates in the brochure that was mailed out. The professional non-member rate is $455, and the student non-member rate is $280. The program descriptions listed on the website contains all of the correct information. Our apologies for the mix up.

As RT Week Approaches

With only two weeks left until RT Week, many recreational therapists are putting together programs and displays to spread awareness and celebrate the profession. ATRA is eager to support its members through providing recreational therapy promotional products. This year, a free RT Week flyer with a logo designed by TR student Jami Gerard is available to ATRA members at http://www.atra-tr.org/members/index.htm. To access this page, members will need their login information, which may be found in the welcome letter included in their membership packet, or by contacting the National Office.

In addition to this year’s flyer, more promotional items may be viewed and purchased online at http://www.atra-tr.org/promotions/index.htm. Also included on the ATRA promotions web page is “Over 101 Ways of Promoting and Publicizing Recreational Therapy”. This extensive list is full of great ways to educate and excite people about what we do. If you have ideas that you would like to contribute to the list, let us know!

ATRA Announces Huston Resignation

ATRA has announced the resignation of Ann Huston, Executive Director. Ms. Huston will be leaving the Executive Director position as of August 5, 2007. In a statement, ATRA President Sandra K. Negley said, “It is with regret that we accept Ms. Huston’s resignation. We are grateful for her unending commitment to the association.”

In 1994, Ms. Huston was selected as the first Executive Director of ATRA. In the last 13 years she has been instrumental in the growth of ATRA: building a national office with an outstanding national staff in Alexandra, Virginia, securing legislative representation for ATRA on Capitol Hill, developing coalitions with other healthcare organizations, leading the development of many ATRA continuing education and professional development programs including the successful ATRA Academy, and much more. During her tenure, Ms. Huston was responsible for creating a national presence for ATRA and the recreational therapy profession in Washington DC.

The ATRA Recreational Therapy Medicare Project is the result of Ms. Huston’s vision and passion for access of recreational therapy services and her incredible advocacy work. Her greatest desire is to see legislation in the next year making access for thousands of clients a reality.

On behalf of the ATRA Board of Directors and the ATRA membership, President Negley stated, “We wish to thank Ann for her commitment, dedication and on-going sacrifices for ATRA and the profession of recreational therapy. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

Office of Conferences Update

Annual Conference

• Full program descriptions and downloadable registration form are available on the ATRA website. www.atra-tr.org/continuingeducation.htm
• Online Annual Conference Registration will be available by early next week at the latest.
• Links are already established to the Host Hotel http://milwaukee.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/group-booking.jsp?_requestid=414331 and the Discounted Ground Transportation .
• Peg Connolly Scholarship winners will be announced next week, after they have individually been notified.

ATRA Academy

• If you did not listen to the B3 teleconference this week working with Individuals with Aphasia, you missed a great session, especially if you are working in rehab or long term care. If you are interested, replay services are available for the call through the end of June. Check out the website or call the ATRA office for information.
• May/June newsletters are in the mail and should be in your mailbox by the end of June, as well.

It's Coming!

The 2007 ATRA Annual Conference Pre-Registration information will be in the mail shortly. ATRA members, watch your mailboxes. Non-members, if you are on the NCTRC mailing list you will receive information shortly after our members.

Anyone can check out the pre-registration form at: http://www.atra-tr.org/conference/2007/Pre%20Registration%20Program.pdf.

Session descriptions, titles, registration forms, links to the hotel and ground transportation are also available at: http://www.atra-tr.org/continuingeducation.htm under Annual Conference.

This looks to be a great conference. Don't miss it!

ATRA RT Medicare Project Progresses!

The ATRA RT Medicare Project continues to move forward and we have great momentum from the ATRA Day on the Hill held in March 2007! Many thanks to the ATRA RT Medicare Project State Coordinators who coordinated the 150 Capitol Hill visits.

ATRA is making a difference in advocating for the profession on Capitol Hill. Please join us by helping your state coordinator educate the elected officials from your state and by making a contribution to the project www.atra-tr.org/medicareproject/

May 22, 2007 - a Day in ATRA's History

Today is the first day of the ATRA blog - yeah! We are excited about this opportunity to network with our members, consumers and other allied health professionals, as we share what ATRA has been up to and the services we provide. We want to use this blog to tell you what has been happening here in the National Office, and we encourage you to take the opportunity to share your thoughts, ideas and comments.

ATRA is a grassroots organization, and our members' input matters. We look forward to hearing from you.

Recreational therapists use various interventions to help patients improve their functional skills.