Founded in 1973, AHTA now has almost 900 individuals, service programs and commercial concerns participating as members. AHTA administers a voluntary professional registration program, operates a national employment project for persons with disabilities, helps universities develop educational programs, sponsors continuing education programs, publishes reports and periodicals, and hosts an annual conference. Chapters of AHTA currently operate in ten geographic regions. Horticultural Therapy is a process utilizing plants and horticultural activities to improve the social, educational, psychological and physical adjustment of persons thus improving their body, mind and spirits. Groups for whom horticultural therapy has proven to be beneficial include people who are physically disabled, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, elderly, substance abusers, public offenders and socially disadvantaged.
Horticultural therapists are experts on the medical and psychological benefits of gardening.
This flows toward the goal of integrating an individual into everyday community life stream. Horticultural therapy places the patient in the caregiving role, and this often engenders confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. Because the education required to become a horticultural therapist stresses not only horticulture and agriculture, but also psychology and the social and behavioral sciences, the therapist is able to help analyze the patient's problems, assess his or her limitations and cognitive abilities, tailor activities to fit the disabilities and goals set, and gauge progress. Please direct all inquiries regarding Association management and the Friends of Horticultural Therapy to Mr. Davis. Joyce A. Potkay Executive Assistant, Voice Mail Extension 14 Please direct all inquiries regarding AHTA's newsletter and journal to Ms. Potkay.