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.