Please consider submitting a proposal related to the ATRA Competency Study results at our 2027 conference once the Call for Papers opens. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Symposium!
Call for Papers Resource
SRTS will focus on Recreational Therapy as a treatment modality. Sessions should be congruent with this focus. We strongly suggest an emphasis on:
– Outcome Measurement
– Academic Preparation and Clinical Applications
– Intervention Skills/Competencies
– Programs and Techniques Integrated Into Healthcare Systems
Speaker Information:
One presenter from each session will receive a $1 per minute of presentation registration discount (e.g., $60 discount for a 60-minute presentation, $120 discount for two, 60 minute sessions).
Speakers will pay for their own meals, lodging and transportation.
Speakers should be available to present on any of the days of the symposium. If your proposal is accepted, we will confirm in writing the day and the time of your presentation. Speakers selected will be contacted.
Directions for Becoming a SRTS Presenter:
1. Fill out the Call for Papers form and submit it before the deadline.
2. Wait for a confirmation that your Paper was received. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please contact Dr. Brent Hawkins (hawkinsb@uncw.edu)
3. Wait for confirmation email for acceptance.
Speaker Registration
SRTS values the contributions of presenters and recognizes that some individuals may attend solely to deliver their session. Presenters have two options:
1. Registered Presenter Attendance – Presenters are expected to register for the conference at the applicable rate and can participate in the full conference experience including: (a) attend sessions, (b) earn CEUs, (c) participate in meals, (d) attend networking events
2. Presentation-Only Attendance – Presenters who are attending only to deliver their session are not required to register for the full conference. These individuals may: (a) access the conference during their scheduled presentation time, (b) enter the presentation room to set up and deliver their session, (c) interact with attendees immediately before and after their session. Presentation-only presenters may not: (a) attend other educational sessions, (b) earn CEUs, (c) participate in conference meals or refreshments, (d) attend networking or social events, (e) remain in conference areas beyond their presentation timeframe.
Session Regulations
To align with NCTRC Certification Standards, ATRA does not award CEUs for sessions that are primarily activity-based or experiential, where the focus is on teaching a specific activity or modality. However, sessions may be submitted for review if at least 50% of the content addresses the underlying rationale, supporting research, therapeutic processes, and/or expected client outcomes (such as benefits, related evidence, assessment, implementation, program design, risk management, etc.). This ensures the session is not solely focused on skill acquisition. An outline of the session will be required with submissions of this type.
Reviews and approvals of CEUs are based on a number of quality indicators: (a) speaker qualifications and competency on the topic being presented, (b) session content and relevance to the NCTRC Job Analysis, (c) NCTRC recertification standards, (d) relevance of learning outcomes to subject matter, (e) appropriateness of instructional methods based on subject matter, (f) session outline including topics and teaching methods, (g) evaluation of learning outcomes, and (h) attendance verification records.
Sessions designed exclusively for students are not eligible for CEU review or approval by ATRA and NCTRC.
We strongly encourage session proposals to incorporate Recreational Therapy into your session title, outline, and learning objectives to emphasize relevance to the profession.
Session Technology
Presenters are encouraged to bring their laptops and LCD projectors. If you are unable to do so, equipment will be provided for you. Please note that any additional materials or resources needed for your presentation are the responsibility of the presenter. Due to the variety of technology in use, we strongly recommend bringing a presentation clicker and all necessary adapters (e.g., HDMI, USB, Bluetooth speaker, dongle, etc.). Please note that SRTS cannot guarantee compatibility with all technology setups. If you have any special technology or accessibility needs, please let us know in advance.