Board Approved Statements

Mission Statement

The mission of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association is to serve as a member-driven association that collectively supports the recreational therapy profession.
Revised by ATRA Board of Directors | September 2009

ATRA Code of Ethics

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association's Code of Ethics is to be used as a guide for promoting and maintaining the highest standards of ethical behavior. The Code applies to all Recreational Therapy personnel. The term Recreational Therapy personnel includes Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), recreational therapy assistants and recreational therapy students. Acceptance of membership in the American Therapeutic Recreation Association commits a member to adherence to these principles... Complete Code
Revised by ATRA Board of Directors | July 2009

Definition Statement

"Recreational Therapy” means a treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.
Revised by ATRA Board of Directors | July 2009

Statement on Diversity

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) has an ongoing commitment to advancing diversity within the field of recreational therapy. We acknowledge that diversity includes any aspect of an individual that makes him or her unique. Our association values and actively promotes diverse and inclusive participation by its leaders, members and affiliates.
Further, the association works to educate its membership about diversity issues, and to foster an environment that acknowledges the contributions of all its members. We value the role that diversity plays in every aspect of service delivery, recognizing that diversity is vital to all elements of recreational therapy practice and education.
Revised by ATRA Board of Directors | September 2011

Position Statement on the ICF

The concepts and terminology of the ICF are compatible with recreational therapy practice. ATRA supports, the use of ICF language and terminology in recreational therapy practice guidelines, standards of practice, curriculum development, public policy, international relations, and research. ATRA also acknowledges the significance of the use of the ICF classification and coding system as a vehicle to clarify and enhance practice and research in recreational therapy.
Approved by ATRA Board of Directors | October 2005