ARTA?

Picture taken by Danny Pettry Oct. 2009.

My good friend, Kari Kensinger, (ATRA Member-at-Large) asked: "Should ATRA change its name to ARTA? What do you think? Why?" There is going to be a vote in Dec. 2009. Of course, you must be a member of the association to vote. I encourage you to click here to join the association if you've not done so already.



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.”

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.

I understand that some ATRA-members are afraid that “recreation” being first might confuse us as being "recreational providers."

I use a similar comparison at work when describing, how, recreational therapy, is different from, recreational activities. Of course, we, rec therapists, already know that we’re systematically using recreation as a vehicle to achieve a pre-determined outcome according to a patient/ client’s need.

Sometimes, I’ll continue, by sharing how, physical therapy is a lot different from physical activities. Just the same, recreational therapy is a lot different from recreational activities. It is easier for me to explain it this way.

Sometimes, I'll use the word, "care." Many people can provide "care," However, it is very different from nursing care provided by a RN. Again, many people can provide recreation activities. However, it is very different from recreational therapy, which is provided by a rec. therapist. As, you're already aware, rec therapy is a process: assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Of course, I don't need to tell you, "the rec therapist," what we do.

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.

Ultimately, I'd like to see more recreational therapists join our association.


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