MayJune2011

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) are proud to announce the formation of a joint committee to establish a CEU Pre-approval Program. The purpose of the CEU Pre-approval Program is to improve services to CTRSs seeking to complete recertification requirements by assuring that potential ATRA CEU opportunities are approved by NCTRC prior to enrollment. It is envisioned that the CEU Pre-approval Program will result in an improved level of CEU related offerings and ultimately will expand the depth of critical knowledge gained via the NCTRC recertification process.

Representatives from both organizations have been working diligently during the past several months to complete a draft pre-approval process. A pilot project to test the newly developed process will commence with the 2011 ATRA Annual Conference to be held in Indianapolis, IN, September 18-21. CTRSs who attend the ATRA Annual Conference will be able to participate in educational sessions and earn continuing education hours that are pre-approved by NCTRC. It is anticipated that if the pre-approval process is successful during the initial pilot phase, then the program will be expanded to include other conferences and CEU related events.

The Board of Directors and staff of NCTRC join all CTRSs in expressing concern for the victims of the weather related disasters that have occurred during the past few months. While progress is being made to provide relief to all affected by this disaster, it is a somber fact that it may take many months and perhaps years before life is returned to “normal” for many victims. As an organization, NCTRC is exploring several ways in which it might assist CTRSs and TR students during this tragedy.

NCTRC has already received several calls and emails regarding the recent weather related disasters. As of now, we are encouraging these individuals to address their health and safety needs first, well before addressing issues related to certification. NCTRC is committed to assisting all individuals who have been affected by these disasters and who are concerned about how to establish or maintain active CTRS status. We ask that individuals contact NCTRC directly to discuss these concerns and their individual situations.

As time and circumstances permit, individuals should complete and submit the forms that are necessary to maintain their CTRS status. If an individual is not able to submit an application by the published deadline, he/she may contact NCTRC at nctrc@nctrc.org and request an extension for both Annual Maintenance and Recertification. For students who have experienced an interruption in their internship, please contact NCTRC about the Alternative Field Placement Guidelines. Individuals who have experienced difficulties pertaining to the NCTRC Certification Exam should contact NCTRC directly at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org . Duplicate copies of ATRA sponsored continuing education certificates can be ordered at www.atra-online.com .

NCTRC is committed to assisting all CTRSs who have been impacted by these devastating events. As time permits, please contact NCTRC and let us know how we may assist you with issues related to your CTRS certification.

NCTRC is pleased to report that since the inception of the Specialty Certification Program, there have been 17 Specialty Certifications awarded. The Specialty Certification Program is a new certification program that is directly associated with the current CTRS program. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) welcomes applications from all qualified Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) interested in applying for specialty certification. While NCTRC cannot warrant an individual's performance in professional practice, specialty certification will help identify those individuals who possess the necessary knowledge for advanced practice in therapeutic recreation. Please note: an individual must possess an active CTRS credential to be eligible to apply for recertification or specialty certification. For more information please visit NCTRC Specialty Certification.

NCTRC would like to congratulate the following individuals for achieving specialty certification status:

Please note that NCTRC has discontinued its Ohio lockbox address. Please submit all applications via postal mail to 7 Elmwood Drive, New City, NY 10956.

Also please remember that you can always submit all applications online by going to your NCTRC login at www.nctrc.org.

National Therapeutic Recreation Week is celebrated each year during the second week of July. The purpose of National Therapeutic Recreation Week is to enhance public awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services, promote recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and recognize the qualified provider of RT services…the CTRS. According to NCTRC, recreation therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity- based interventions based upon the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions. The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. For more information... NCTRC Scope of Practice.

NCTRC has developed a National TR Week Flyer for promotional use. Please feel free to print this PR tool and make several copies to display at your agency. NCTRC also offers an array of marketing materials for use at your agency during TR Week or any other time to help promote the CTRS and therapeutic recreation services. All NCTRC promotional material can be downloaded in PDF format from the NCTRC website or you can contact NCTRC if you would like multiple copies of a specific brochure.

During the TR Week promotion, CTRSs and their agencies host lectures and presentations, career days, adaptive sport events, workshops, receptions, information booths, and open houses. Proclamations, press releases, articles and public service announcements also enhance awareness of the CTRS during National Therapeutic Recreation Week. The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) offers some promotional items to help plan your celebration.

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA), and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) have conducted talks in an attempt to align and possibly expand "TR Week". TR Week is an annual promotional event designed to celebrate the TR profession and to promote TR services to consumers, employers, and colleagues. Please take a few minutes to complete the TR Week Survey to provide your thoughts about this important marketing event.

The NCTRC Nominations and Election Committee is accepting nominations for three Board position vacancies anticipated in 2012. All active CTRSs are eligible for nomination or self-nomination for the Board positions. Although not a strict requirement, previous organizational board experience and exposure to regional or national RT/TR issues is a plus. Please contact NCTRC for additional information regarding the nomination process.

Please contact NCTRC at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org if you have any questions or concerns.