St. Louis, MO – The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), the largest national organization dedicated to serving and empowering recreational therapists, announces AbilityPath as the title sponsor for the 2023 ATRA Annual Conference being held this year in St. Louis, Missouri from September 9 to 12, 2023.

AbilityPath has been a leading provider of educational, therapeutic, and vocational services for thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the greater San Francisco Bay Area for more than 100 years. “We are excited to launch a meaningful long-term partnership designed to enhance the shared mission of both organizations,” said Bryan Neider, CEO, AbilityPath. “This increased visibility will provide additional opportunities for therapy students and professionals to explore careers with AbilityPath, as we expand our recreational program campuses serving the disability community.”

According to Brent Wolfe, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT, Executive Director of ATRA, “Partnering with AbilityPath was an incredibly easy decision for ATRA. We wanted to partner with an organization who is visionary and leading innovation in the disability community. AbilityPath demonstrates its dedication to expanding employment supports and resources that Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) can leverage.”

There are about 17,000 recreational therapists globally, with nearly 15,000 residing in the United States. “The national conference connects attendees to career advancement and networking opportunities, as well as provides educational pathways and certificate training programs to expand or learn new skills,” said Wolfe. This year’s event will host a wide variety of sessions by nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field, including topics related to:

• Supporting Positive Sexuality and Sexual Health for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
• Developing Adapted Aquatics Training to Better Serve Children with Autism
• Building Natural Supports Through Recreational Therapy Interventions
• Fostering Connections for Change in the Disability Community through Recreational Therapists

“Together, our organizations can empower recreational therapists to help individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential,” said Neider.

This year’s conference theme is “Navigating the Possibilities.“ Wolfe added that this strategic partnership will help make our shared mission possible.

Registration for the National ATRA Conference will open on Thursday, June 1, 2023. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, accommodations, and session information, visit atra-online.com

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About The American Therapeutic Recreation Association:

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of the over 15,000 recreational therapists in the United States. Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who plan, direct, deliver, and evaluate recreation-based interventions for individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions. For more information, visit atra-online.com

About AbilityPath:

AbilityPath has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 100 years, providing a lifespan of support services to individuals with developmental disabilities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational, and family support services, we are distinctive in providing support to an individual throughout their lifetime. We are focused on creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected, and included in all aspects of life – in the classroom, the workplace, and in our communities. Join us in “Inspiring Inclusion.” For more information visit AbilityPath.org

Contact: Dyann Serravillo
dyann@atra-online.com
703.234.4140