The Recreation Therapists of Indiana (RTI) was founded in the early 1990s to address the need for a state-level professional organization for recreation therapy practitioners and educators. Prior to RTI, therapeutic recreation was a special interest section within the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), similar to the national setup within the National Recreation and Park Association. Indiana recreation therapists felt their needs weren’t fully met through this arrangement.

In the 1980s, the IU Clinical Faculty, led by David R. Austin, supported recreation therapists overseeing IU students and advising the curriculum. As interest in a state-level organization grew, Mary Jean Erwin, President of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), visited Indiana in 1993 to discuss forming RTI as an ATRA chapter. This led to the filing of necessary paperwork on November 9, 1993, and RTI became the 21st ATRA Chapter on December 10, 1993.

Cindy Ingles served as RTI's first president, followed by John Clampitt. Early leaders included Maureen Fleetwood, Vicki Scott, and others from IU’s Clinical Faculty. A second wave of leaders like Diane Baumann and Kim Clarke further shaped RTI’s growth. Baumann chaired multiple conferences and led the Legislative Committee, making RTI the only ATRA Chapter with a legislative counsel.

By 2000, RTI was recognized as ATRA’s “Chapter of the Year.” At its 10th anniversary in 2003, RTI celebrated its growth into a vital organization, thanks to the efforts of these dedicated professionals.

To this day, RTI continues to advocate for the profession and therapists across Indiana and beyond.