The Therapeutic Recreation Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) is organized exclusively for the advancement of therapeutic recreation and the promotion of the therapeutic recreation profession, including the advancement of education and the promotion of professional standards within the organization. TRAO, an independent 501 (c) (6) corporation, is a chapter affiliate of ATRA and maintains an organizational membership with NTRS.
TREC II - On June 19 and 20th, 69 Therapeutic Recreation educators and practitioners joined together to discuss curriculum issues and how to better prepare therapeutic recreation students for careers in therapeutic recreation. As a result of this meeting, ATRA and NTRS the two sponsors of TREC II, formed three task forces to address issues identified as priority issues for the profession. The first task force, chaired by Dr. Mary Ann Keogh Hoss - President of ATRA and Dr. Jerry Jordan - President of NTRS is charged with developing recommendations to be presented to the two Boards related to the future direction of higher education accreditation. The second task force is charged with developing therapeutic recreation outcomes that will become the central piece in the accreditation process. The third task force, chaired by Missy Armstrong - President Elect of ATRa and Dr. Brent Wolfe - President Elect of NTRS is charged with developing a plan for the unification of the two TR professional organizations. More information related to the three task forces will be available in the near future.
Senate Bill 546, Therapeutic Recreation Practice Act,was signed by Governor Henry on 5/29/09. A big thanks to Senator Jim Halligan and Representative Cory Williams for their work as authors of the bill and their continual support of Therapeutic Recreation this past year. We also would like to thank Ms. Cathey Jo Warner, of Senator Halligan's staff, who worked with us every step of the way throughout this process.