Recreational therapy is a new, rapidly growing profession. The success of using leisure activities for treatment has spread beyond the epilepsy community. Now it's commonly used for people with orthopedic injuries, mental retardation, autism, learning disabilities, and cancer, to name a few. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact any of these organizations devoted to recreational therapy:

American Therapeutic Recreation Association

1414 Prince Street, Suite 204
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703/683-9420
http://www.atra-tr.org

Founded in 1984, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists. The site includes information on how to contact about 30 local chapter affiliates (http://www.atra-tr.org/affiliatecouncildirectory.htm).

National Therapeutic Recreation Society

22377 Belmont Ridge Road
Ashburn, VA 20148
703/858-0784
http://www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentId=530

The National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS) is a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association. It provides a support network for its members and advocates the belief that leisure and recreation are basic rights and critical to health and happiness for all, regardless of physical or mental ability.