About ATRA
ATRA promotes the profession of therapeutic recreation in
Alberta by addressing the professional needs of its members, through:
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Acting as a consistent voice and advocate for
therapeutic recreation in Alberta with its members, prospective members,
members of the public, employers, educational institutions, other health
professions and national/international groups representing therapeutic
recreation.
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Providing professional development
opportunities, mentoring and networking channels to increase the knowledge,
skills and abilities of its members.
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Promoting consistent practice for therapeutic
recreation across the province through clearly defined
membership criteria,
standards of practice,
code of ethics and
continued competence criteria.
ATRA acknowledges the significance of leisure and
recreation as integral components of optimal health and well-being
of individuals with illnesses and disabling conditions.
ATRA believes health extends beyond just the absence
of illness to include enhancement of physical, cognitive, social and affective
development, such that persons may participate fully and independently in chosen
life pursuits.
ATRA recognizes well-being according to the Ottawa
Charter, that in order to reach a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being, an individual or group must be able to identify and to realize
aspirations, to satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment.
ATRA recognizes the World Health Organization International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health that disability is
not defined by mortality or a problem but rather any health condition which
disables a person’s ability to participate actively in achieving a productive
and fulfilling life.
ATRA believes that Recreation Therapists have the
opportunity and responsibility to address broader social and environmental
complexities, co-morbidities or dual diagnoses occurring as a result of initial
diagnosis, disability or illness in order to be active in preventing further
impact of illness, injury or disease.
ATRA believes that the profession of therapeutic recreation
can be harmful to the public if practice is not current, does not follow defined
standards of practice or practice does not utilize the most up-to-date evidence
for safe and ethical intervention.
ATRA promotes patient/resident-centred treatment, whereby
assessment and intervention are systematic, individualized and based on
patient/resident needs, strengths and goals, leading to outcomes that are
meaningful and relevant to the patient/resident and their family, support and
community.
ATRA defines community as within one’s environment,
for example: the community in which the patient/resident lives, or the
patient’s/resident’s definition of their community.
ATRA believes Recreation Therapists provide an essential
service in health settings within a continuum and collaborative model of care.
The Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association supports the
health outcomes of Recreation Therapy as outlined by the
American Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Membership
Over 340 health professionals are registered
as professional or student members of ATRA. Professional members of ATRA are
voluntarily registered. Many employers across the province are requiring
registration with ATRA for their Recreation Therapists due to ATRA’s
well-established criteria for education, continued competence, and standards of
practice. For membership criteria see “Join ATRA” (link)
Regions
The province is divided geographically into three regions: Southern, Central and Northern. The regions can be sub-divided to allow for chapter representation of ten members or more.
Board of Directors
(click here to see
a Board Listing for 2007/08)
The Board is responsible for administration and management of the Association in conjunction with the membership.
ATRA represents Recreation Therapy professionals throughout the province of
Alberta by:
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