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.