Despite decades of growth and accomplishments in the field of recreational therapy (RT), the need to promote RT as a legitimate treatment modality still exists as new and greater healthcare challenges emerge. Although “Awareness and Advocacy” is listed as one of the 10 job task domains (2014 NCTRC Job Analysis Survey), diverse and increasing job expectations make it difficult for RT practitioners to find feasible ways to advocate by themselves.

Regardless, we cannot (and should not) rely on a handful of leaders to do everything necessary to advance the field of RT. Advocacy is a professional imperative (Kirsch, 2015) and to move our field forward, everyone has a role and must contribute.

To that end, this session will address critical issues facing RT today, and describe easy and proven actions that RT practitioners can implement to address the issues and advocate for the RT field and practice. Examples include simple advocacy techniques in marketing, mentoring, legislation, expanding RT programs, using EBP, garnering administrative and community support, and enhancing occupational prestige.

Learning Outcomes:
1. State at least five (5) accomplishments of RT/TR field over the last 75 years;
2. Identify at least five (5) current critical issues related to the RT field that warrant awareness and advocacy;
3. Identify at least (5) specific advocacy techniques that RTs can use to address the issues in their own settings and the RT field.