New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association

07/27/2026

✨Share your RT Expertise!

💫Share this with a colleague who has RT expertise!

See Link tree for Conference Speaker App

https://linktr.ee/njepatra

06/30/2026

ATRA ADVOCACY ACTION ALERT! 📣

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a memo to states informing them that there is no legal requirement to provide home and community based services (rather than institutionalization care) for people with disabilities and older adults. This memo provides a new interpretation that is different than what the federal government has required for over 25 years.

Disability groups and disability rights organizations are concerned about the potential consequences of this DOJ memo. Concerns include weaker federal enforcement of community integration rights, increased use on institutional care versus home and community-based services (HBCS), and justification to decrease funding to HCBS/Medicaid waivers which includes access to Recreational Therapy services in many states.

Recreational therapists, please take action by contacting your state and federal legislators through email and phone calls to express concerns about this revised interpretation and the potential impact on people with disabilities and HCBS. A sample email is provided with this Action Alert.

Download the full Action Alert to learn more and take action now at the link below. We're stronger together. 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/advocacy

06/16/2026

05/19/2026

The top 2 submissions will be pitching their idea to investors on Shark Tank this Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. EST.
Log on to support the finalists: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87862493198?jst=2

Tune in tomorrow night from 6:30–7:30 PM EST for the live ATRA Shark Tank event! 🦈 Cheer on the top 2 submissions as they pitch their evidence-based programming ideas for Older Adults Month.

Who will take home the win? 👀

Link in bio to join us live!

05/05/2026

Do you have what it takes to swim with the sharks? 🦈
Proposal link:
http://bit.ly/4sSNmUX
(proposals due May 9)

🌟 Older Americans Month Spotlight 🌟

Our Older Adult Task Force is excited to host a “Shark Tank”-style event on May 19th! 🦈

Have an innovative idea to support older adults? Now’s your chance to share it! Submit your proposal by May 9th for an opportunity to be selected to present at our live virtual event.

🏆 What’s at stake?
The winning idea will receive $500 and a complimentary ATRA membership!

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your creativity and make an impact in the lives of older adults.

📩 Submit your proposal today and be part of the excitement!

05/02/2026

NJEPATRA wishes everyone a safe, happy, and healthy May! April 🌧️ bring May 🌸🪻🌹 and many other occasions to commemorate! Please tag in your celebrations and activities!! 🌼🌸🌷☀️🪩

04/29/2026

Perspectives on RT ✨

From an OT’s perspective: RT and OT work hand in hand to give our clients access to their leisure activities 👐

April is National Occupational Therapy Month!

04/26/2026

Some of our board members had the pleasure of attending EBP Conference! 🎓 It was a fantastic day full of education, collaboration, and celebration - thank you to the Temple team for planning such a great day!

04/26/2026

Some of our board members had the pleasure of attending the Evidence Based Practice Conference! 🎓 A fantastic day full of collaboration, education, and celebration - thank you Temple!

04/06/2026

Do you have what it takes to swim with the sharks? 🦈
Proposal link:
http://bit.ly/4sSNmUX
(proposals due May 9)

In honor of “May- Older Americans Month,” the ATRA Older Adult Special Interest Group has organized a special Shark Tank event to promote evidence-based recreational therapy programming for older adult populations.

and are the investors contributing a total of $500 to one lucky winner.

🗓️ Submit your proposal online by May 9th to be considered. The top 4 submissions will be invited to the Shark Tank to pitch to investors.

Do you have what it takes to swim with the sharks? 🦈

🔗 Link in our bio.