ATRA vs ARTA or Why Does Anybody Care?
The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists. Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions. ATRA was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1984 as a non-profit, grassroots organization in response to growing concern about the dramatic changes in the healthcare industry. As a result of this response, ATRA has grown from a membership of sixty individuals in June 1984 to over 2,000 in 2009. 1.
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is an organization of diverse, engaged and creative professionals dedicated to the belief that the creative process involved in making art is healing and life enhancing. Their culture is one of inclusion of people from all backgrounds, open to new concepts and artistic expression that continues to expand the effectiveness of art as a healing therapy. They are rooted in the experience of those who began this field and honor their legacy. The Association serves its members and the general public by promoting standards of professional competence and developing and increasing knowledge in the field of art therapy. The Association represents more than 5,000 members and 36 AATA State and Regional Chapters that conduct meetings and activities to promote art therapy on the local level. 2.
Names and acronyms give people a handle on organizations and disciplines. Changing acronyms leads to confusion. ATRA is a relatively young acronym. What if all TR organizations follow suit? NYSTRA may become NYSRTA, WVTRA may become WVRTA, NETRA may become NERTA, WSTRA may become WSRTA and ITRA may become IRTA. These fine organizations are all chapters of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). This petty nonsense detracts from real issues facing the profession.
The American ART Therapy Association, AATA, did not get bogged down in such trivial minutiae. Presently, they are attaining licensure for creative art professionals throughout America. New York State Healthcare administrators inform me that this is “Golden” because it insures third party reimbursement, jobs and good salaries. Suddenly, art therapists are up there with OTs and PTs. Music and Dance therapist are licensed in New York too.
1. ATRA Website 2009
2. AATA Website 2009
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3 Comments on “ATRA vs ARTA or Why Does Anybody Care?”
I found Charlie’s post interesting but it only gave further evidence that a name change to ARTA is way past due. What if the American Art Therapy Association had chosen to be the American Therapetic Art Association? Would it have grown to its present size? I really doubt it.
Recreational therapy (RT) is an expression that is already used by every federal agency when referring to our profession. RT is the expression used by the VA Hospitals. RT is the expression used in ATRA’s mission, vision, and definition statements. RT is the expression used by the Joint Commission. RT is the expression recognized by those I’ve met with in House and Senate offices. In short, RT is commonly used and widely understood — TR is not. It would be up to state associations as to whether they wished to change to RT — but my guess is that the vast majority would quickly adopt RT. I might add that the Indiana ATRA chapter is RTI.
Excellent , Daustin is correct. If a name change ia coupled with good publicity, the TR profession may be well served. I believe the words Therapeutic Recreation by definition, are less vague. The term Recreation Therapy, promotes the intrinsic value of the service,
A total of 15 ATRA Past-Presidents support the name change to ARTA. These include Peg Connolly, Ray West, Mike Rhodes, Karen Grote, Carmen Russionello, Thom Skalko, Frank Brasile, Pam Wilson, Diane Etzel-Wise, Laurie Jake, Melinda Conway Callahan, Nancy McFarland, Bryan McCormick, Marcia Smith, Mary Ann Keogh Hoss, and me, David Austin. Please think about the support of the name change by 15 Past-Presidents when you vote — and please do exercise your right to vote if you are an ATRA member.