A survey was conducted of 338 professional members of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS) to identify deterrents to participation in continuing professional education. The four top ranked factors in deterring participation were cost, work constraints, lack of quality, and lack of benefit, followed by family constraints and disengagement (i.e., level of orientation toward the desirability and importance of learning). These factors are thought to be within the direct control of program planners. Suggestions are offered for improving participation, by lowering program fees, making available financial aid or scholarships, incorporating delayed or installment payment systems, offering varied and flexible scheduling, implementing distance learning, making provisions for self-pacing, conducting an educational needs assessment of NTRS members, and creating awareness-oriented promotions. (Contains 50 references.) (JDD)