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The articles published in NMEDA NEWS reflect the opinions of their authors, not NMEDA. As such, NMEDA neither takes a position on nor assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the information or statements contained therein.
was used in the production of this publication.
The mission of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association is to advocate and exemplify excellence in providing safe, reliable transportation solutions to enhance accessibility.
Randy Schiller, Manufacturer Rep. Vantage Mobility 5202 S. 28th Place. Phoenix, AZ 8540 602.254.9843 phone randy@vantagemobility.com
Christian Quandt, Past President Advanced Wheels
33 Bradley Park Road East Granby, CT 06026
860.653.8064 phone christian@advancedwheels.com
Russ Newton, Canadian President Sure Grip 4850 Route 102 Upper Kingsclear, NB E3E 1P8 800.506.6666 phone russ@suregrip-hvl.com
Eva Richardville, Allied Health Professional Rep. Therapeutic Mobility Services, Inc. 311 N. Airport Office Park Fort Wayne, IN 46285 260.417.8399 phone eva@theramobility.net
Michelle Szumski, Edu/Gov/NonProfit Rep. Texas Workforce Commission 101 East 15th Street Austin, TX 78778 512.936.3462 phone michelle.szumski@twc.texas.gov
Trevorr Jurgensen, Rep. at Large 1 MobilityWorks 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 800.638.8267 phone trevorr.jurgensen@mobilityworks.com
Ron Mohr, Rep. at Large 2 Clock Mobility 603 N Waverly Road Lansing, MI 48917 517.272.4488 phone ronm@clockmobility.com
Corey Kupsh Rep. at Large 3 A & J Mobility 333 Washington Street Valders, WI 54245 920.775.4104 phone coreyk@aandjvans.com
Director of Government Relations & Public Policy amy.schoppman@nmeda.org
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
This issue marks my fifth and final magazine with this incredible organization. I’ve decided to pursue a career in teaching special education here in Texas, but before I go, I want to express my gratitude for all I’ve learned during my time here. Quality is often overlooked, but this organization shines a much-needed light on the essential safety it provides.
My greatest takeaway from this role has been the people I’ve had the privilege to interact with. Our membership comprises individuals from all walks of life, united by a common goal. Each of you exemplifies what it truly means to put the consumer first, something that is not always evident in every industry. Thank you for your dedication and inspiration.
- Brittney McMahan
Advocating Automotive Mobility
NMEDA for Your Clients
Learn About Mobility Solutions and Earn CEU Credits for Free
Advocating Automotive Mobility for your Clients: Driver Rehabilitation and Automotive Mobility Solutions (AAM) Course
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is o ering an introductory level online course to provide allied healthcare professionals with an overview of a patient’s automotive mobility challenges, automotive mobility solutions, and the practitioner’s role in advocacy and referral. By learning about automotive vehicle modi cations, healthcare professionals will be able to suggest options for caregivers or persons who want to drive or be transported, but need accommodations. Topics covered include learning about the importance of Automobility and Related Services, Driving as an Instrumental ADL, Diagnosis, Assessment, and ve actual Client Case Studies.
Learning Objectives:
• Recognize the importance of automotive mobility independence for persons with disabilities
• Di erentiate the role of key industry professionals and organizations involved in the automotive mobility industry
• Identify the unique process involved in researching, evaluating, selecting, and purchasing automotive mobility solutions
• Distinguish between di erent program models used in driving programs to best meet consumer needs
• Explore a road map for assessment and advocacy in the mobility process
NMEDA’s AAM Course is:
• O ered online, for your convenience
• Brought to you by NMEDA and ADED, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
• Targeted for: OT, OTA, PT, PTA, Case Managers, ATP, Students, and Other Health Professionals
• Approved for AOTA* (.15 CEU) in the categories of Occupational Therapy Service Delivery and Professional Issues, ADED** and CCMC (1.5 Contact Hours), upon successful completion of post-test
Board Member’s Message
Steve Dawson Harmar Mobility
Who is Your Customer?
Every business has a target customer, even if it’s not yet explicitly defined. By identifying your target customer accurately, you get better business outcomes such as better ROI on your marketing spend, conversion rates, and brand awareness. For example, many NMEDA dealers and manufacturers target customers with spinal cord injuries or neuromuscular diseases who use wheelchairs. However, not every NMEDA member targets this market. Inside NMEDA, there are dealers and manufacturers who work with different target customers.
As a mobility lift and accessibility solutions device manufacturer, Harmar’s target customer is an aging in place senior. Every marketing, product, and strategic decision is made through the lens of “will this benefit an aging in place senior”. In fact, to be more specific, today we focus on the Silent Generation (80+ “Super Seniors”) while the Baby Boomers (“Emerging Seniors”) age into our market. If our target customer surprises you, think about it this way. Vehicle lifts are more often used by seniors with scooters vs. power wheelchair users. One
of the highest selling home access products is stairlifts which are primarily used by seniors who want to stay in their home. Yes, wheelchair users use stairlifts too, but they are not our target customer. Different customers often mean different business processes too. Our customer tends to pay with cash instead of Medicare, insurance, or workmen’s compensation. Also, the average ticket is much smaller, meaning you have to sell a lot more units to achieve your revenue goals. Sales approach. Pricing. Costs and margins. All different. We do sell to adjacent and oftentimes overlapping markets like power wheelchair users, but our target customer – aging in place seniors - remains the same
As you look at developing into new revenue categories, it’s worthwhile to consider if there is a change in your target customer. And if there is a change in your target, recognize that each customer segment typically
Get Social with NMEDA
NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS
UNITED STATES
ALABAMA
Griffin Mobility 213 Chestnut Street NW Hartselle, AL 35640 (256) 751-1365
1
High Tech Mobility, LLC
3351 Warrior River Rd Hueytown, AL 35023-1304 (205) 491-2109
1, 3
MobilityWorksBirmingham 3747 Pine Lane SE Bessemer, AL 35022 (205) 426-8261
1, 3
MobilityWorks - Huntsville 2150 Meridian Street North Huntsville, AL 35811 (234) 542-3022
1, 3
Superior Van & MobilityMontgomery 1647 Coosa River Pkwy Wetumpka, AL 36092-2103 1, 3
Sylacauga Handicapped Inc 40811 US Hwy 280 Sylacauga, AL 35150 (256) 249-3717 1, 2, 3
Team Adaptive Medical Inc - Mobile 1251 Boltons Branch Drive Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-1088 1, 3
ARIZONA
A.D.E. Industries, Inc. 3621 S Palo Verde Tucson, AZ 85713 (520) 571-7156
1
United Access - Chandler 1825 E Germann Road Suite 24 Chandler, AZ 85286 (480) 999-5939
1, 2, 3
United Access - Goodyear 13765 W Auto Drive Suite 125 Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 242-0552 1, 3
United Access - Phoenix 23606 N 19th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85085 (623) 879-0800 1, 3
United Access - Scottsdale 14885 N 83rd Pl., Ste 105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 941-4800 1
United Access - Tucson 4720 N La Cholla Blvd Suite 150 Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 293-3596 1, 3
ARKANSAS
MobilityWorks - Bryant 3418 Main St Suite 400 Bryant, AR 72022 (501) 794-3100 1, 3
Superior Van & MobilityFayetteville 2887 N College Ave Suite B Fayetteville, AR 72703 (479) 521-8433 1, 3
Superior Van & MobilityJonesboro 2421 Sunny Meadow Drive, Ste D Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 933-7270 1, 3
Superior Van & MobilityNorth Little Rock 7323 Cock of the Walk St Suite B North Little Rock, AR 72113 (501) 725-9070 1, 3
CALIFORNIA
AERO Mobility 1001 N Weir Canyon Road Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 973-8600 1, 2, 3
Economy MedicalLifestyle Mobility 2355 Whitman Rd Ste F Concord, CA 94518-2542 (925) 671-4800
1
Gary E. Colle, Inc./dba Goldenboy of San Diego 12130 Dearborn Place Poway, CA 92064 (858) 748-9414 1, 3
MobilityWorks - Chico 7 Three Sevens Lane Chico, CA 95973 (800) 225-7361 1, 3
MobilityWorks - Fresno 120 North Diamond Street Fresno, CA 93701 (559) 268-9394 1, 3
MobilityWorks - Hawthorne 3403 Jack Northrop Ave Hawthorne, CA 902504428 (310) 432-0700 1, 3
3033 Saskatchewan Drive Regina, SK S4T 1H5 (306)584-8456 1, 3
CEO’s Message
Toby Cummings, CAE
NMEDA - CEO
Deja
Vu
But Different
As this issue of NMEDA News arrives at your desk, mailbox or recycle bin, I hope you are as anxious as I am for the upcoming NMEDA Annual Conference and Auto Mobility Expo. Once again, we will gather in Kansas City at the Marriott and
Downtown Convention Center for a few days of networking, learning, and discovering the latest innovations and advancements in automobility.
As this will only be my second NMEDA annual conference event, the fact that it is in the same location with a similar schedule and many of the dedicated
industry luminaries present, it feels a bit like Deja Vu. Trust me, I now know what BBQ to target early on arrival and have an idea where to get the best coffee and cookies down the street, but the overall feel in planning this year is something familiar……… yet different.
This year I have had more time to get to know the conference committee members and understand what more we can do to drive value for the time spent in KC. While some of the restriction on the schedule is tied to our collocated auto mobility expo, we have taken steps to align the educational offerings with expressed
“
accomplishing the current strategic plan as well as a look to the future. We will also introduce you to this year’s NMEDA Hall of Fame Inductees first off so that you can spend some valuable time with them during the event as well as honor them at the closing nights festivities. The NMEDA Auction will once again be the prime venue to be seen and the place to get a bargain. The auction committee is already at work gathering items that you do not want to miss a chance to own. As we wind up the event we will hear from Cox Automotive with a look at the economy and how it may impact on our members in the coming
The opening session will now include a brief state of NMEDA so that we can communicate clearly how your association is performing financially, where we are accomplishing the current strategic plan as well as a look to the future. ”
need as well as make sure that the technician training is inside near the expo hall for a best learning environment. The opening session will now include a brief state of NMEDA so that we can communicate clearly how your association is performing financially, where we are
months and years.
The familiarity of gathering at the Marriott Voo Lounge for a cold beverage and an impactful story from a colleague or competitor on what happened in the last 12 months as you and your business made an immeasurable impact on the lives of
our end users is something I hope never changes. That is the Deja Vu of NMEDA that never gets old any year and in any location.
See you in KC.
How to Register for NHTSA Exemptions
Harry Baergen
NMEDA CRP Coordinator
Harry Baergen was previously the Regulation Enforcement Officer for Transport Canada. Currently, he acts as the Compliance Review Program (CRP) Coordinator for NMEDA.
If you have any questions about the contents of this article, or about the NMEDA CRP, contact Harry Baergen at 778.888.2210.
The Compliance Review Program (CRP) still receives the occasional question from NMEDA modifiers (dealers) about registering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to take advantage of the exemptions from the make inoperative rule. The 49 CFR Part 595.7 provides a number of exemptions from federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) that allow modifiers to perform many modifications that they normally couldn’t do. However, registering with NHTSA is a prerequisite.
First, by way of background, since 1972, manufacturers, distributors, dealers and motor vehicle repair businesses have been prohibited from knowingly “making inoperative” any part of a device or element of design that has been
installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with a federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). Examples of such modifications include removing airbags, removing driver’s seats to accommodate driving the vehicle from a wheelchair or modifying headrests for persons with a disability. On February 27, 2001, NHTSA published a Final Rule that provides limited exemptions to this “make inoperative prohibition.” These exemptions are available to businesses and individuals who modify vehicles to accommodate persons with disabilities, either as drivers or as passengers. The exemptions apply only to vehicles that have already been retailed to the consumer and businesses must register within 30 days of using the exemptions. Once registered there is no need to register again unless company information has changed.
To register, use the following link, //vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/mfrportal/ and scroll down “document type” to 49 CFR Part 595 and fill in the form including a cover letter with the following information:
• Full name of the business (individual, partnership, or corporation),
• Residence/address of the business and state of incorporation (if applicable), and
• A statement that the business/individual modifies motor vehicles to enable people with disabilities to operate, or ride as a passenger in, a motor vehicle, and
• A statement that the business plans to use the exemptions provided in 49 CFR 595.7.
To use an exemption, modifiers must prepare written documentation that:
• Identifies the vehicle that has been modified (this can be done with the VIN),
• Contains a list of the FMVSS or portions of FMVSS, with which the vehicle may no longer comply, and,
• Identifies the new load-carrying capacity (if the load-carrying capacity has been reduced by more than 220 pounds).
Modifiers should also inform the customer if the available load-carrying capacity includes the weight of the user’s wheelchair, if appropriate. This documentation can be as simple as notations on the invoice for the work performed. A copy to the customer must be provided. In addition, the modifier must affix a permanent label next to the original or alterer’s certification label that:
• Gives the modifier’s name and physical address, and
• States, “This vehicle has been modified in accordance with 49 CFR 595.6 and may no longer comply with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in effect at the time of its original manufacture.” This documentation and labelling must be done for each vehicle modified.
“Special care should be taken not to overload modified vehicles, especially in the case of mini-vans where cargo carrying capacity may be marginal.”
Special care should be taken not to overload modified vehicles, especially in the case of mini-vans where cargo carrying capacity may be marginal. The wear and tear and safety can be significantly affected if a passenger vehicle is operated in an overloaded condition. Although a modifier cannot control the end user’s use of the vehicle, the vehicle should be assessed for weight factors before modifications proceed. For example, a modifier should predetermine the weight of all equipment that will go into a vehicle, the size of the client and mobility aid, and the weight of other items that may be added
to the vehicle for its routine use. These items should be considered in addition to the NHTSA rule of specifying 150 pounds for each designated seating position (including wheelchair position) regardless of the weight of the intended users. All this information should be used to calculate if the weight of the modifications will exceed the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) shown on the compliance label.
If an original designated seating position is replaced by a wheelchair tie-down intended for use by an occupied wheelchair, 150 pounds must be allocated for that seating position.
If the seat is permanently removed, its weight may be credited to the postmodification load-carrying capacity. A wheelchair securement device intended for an occupied wheelchair is a designated seating position, for the purpose of determining load-carrying capacity. You must allot 150 pounds for the occupant.
Finally, a note of caution that the exemptions listed in CFR 49 Part 595.7 are not always blanket exemptions from the entire standard. Often the exemption refers to only a specific part of the standard. Usually, it is the part of the standard you will need an exemption for to install adaptive equipment. There are also standards that NHTSA has deliberately decided not to exempt, for example, FMVSS 124 ‘accelerator control systems,’ due to consequential safety ramifications. For questions regarding any of the exemptions, you may contact CRP.
NMEDA Scholarship Winner
By Brittney McMahan NMEDA Manager of Communications & Social
Did you know that NMEDA hosts a scholarship program? Each year NMEDA partners with University of Florida DRS Certificate Program for one individual to sit for the program and this year’s recipient was Joanna Shatlan. We had a chance to ask Shatlan about the program and scholarship and this is what she had to say!
Can you share your initial reaction when you found out you received the scholarship?
I felt honored and grateful to be a recipient of the first [NMEDA] Scholarship. I could not believe that I would be starting the Driving Rehabilitation Therapy Certificate
Program at UF thanks to receiving this scholarship. It would otherwise not be possible as just two years ago I completed a bridging Masters Degree Program in Occupational Therapy. Paying out of pocket was not an option for me with one school loan already under my belt and expenses piling up with my older son’s start of college in the same year.
Why did you pursue this specialty field of practice?
While working overseas, I was tasked with assessing the fitness to drive of soldiers returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan using a driving simulator. Even though I lacked proper training then, I thoroughly enjoyed developing the protocols of driving rehabilitation. Ever since I knew I would love to learn more about the driving rehabilitation field of practice.
What would you tell others who are thinking about doing the same?
UF’s Professional Certificate: Driver Rehabilitation Therapy (DRT) program is well designed. It gives students in-depth training and skills to screen, assess, and evaluate drivers who are medically at risk for driving, unfit for driving, or require car adaptations due to various medical conditions and diagnoses. Students learn about available adaptations and have the
opportunity to test them. Students also learn to provide evidence-based interventions for experienced licensed drivers representing populations across the lifespan.
What does being the recipient of the NMEDA scholarship mean to you?
Thanks to this scholarship, I can fulfill my long-awaited professional goal and dream of becoming a driver rehabilitation specialist, a goal I have had since working overseas with active-duty U.S. Army soldiers.
Can you share a significant achievement or milestone you’ve reached since you have been in this program?
Attending a week-long mentorship at the UF Smart Driver Rehab Center has been a very intense week during which I had an opportunity to observe multiple clinical and on-the-road assessments. It was an amazing learning opportunity and first-hand exposure to what a Driving Rehabilitation Therapist does.
What’s the most memorable or exciting adventure you’ve had since starting your studies?
Quite honestly, since starting the program, which is very intense, I had to put adventures aside for a while.
NMEDA SCHOLARSHIP WINNER (continued)
However, soon after completing the program, I am planning to take some time off and do some European travels. I plan to visit Poland, Austria, Croatia and Spain :-)
Do you have any memorable client stories?
One of the clients that was evaluated was a 91-year-old gentleman. For his age, his skills were quite remarkable. What amazed me, at this age, he wanted to put adaptations to his car due to neuropathy in his feet. Why did he need it? Because he wanted to continue driving his mobile home with his wife across the country as they have been doing for years. It made me realize that the ability to drive independently is such an important activity across the lifespan.
What is your favorite piece of equipment to train clients how to use?
I haven’t had an opportunity yet to complete behind-the-wheel training, so I am unable to say which equipment is my favorite.
What value do you see in NMEDA’s QAP?
NMEDA is the certifying body for the nationally recognized Quality
Assurance Program (QAP), the only accreditation for automobility businesses in North America.
QAP ensures that manufacturers test their products, which have to guarantee safety by abiding by specific, established safety standards.
As a future Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, I will be able to easily locate the business in compliance with QAP, automatically guaranteeing quality and safety.
What does the word “mobility” mean to you?
In the occupational therapy practice framework, functional mobility is considered an activity of daily living. Mobility is essential for people to meet their daily needs such as going to the grocery store, pharmacy, bank, and medical and/or other appointments. Community mobility is also essential for engaging with friends and family members, whether they live a block, a mile, or a state away.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school and work?
I enjoy Pilates, hiking and outdoors, skiing: water and downhill, and traveling. While living in Germany for nearly 12 years I travelled with my family to over 20 countries. Travel teaches appreciation for other cultures, allows learning the history of the country visited, broadens the horizons, and teaches tolerance and acceptance for different behaviors, reactions, foods we eat, and more.
Images courtesy of Joanna Shatlan.
Execution, Impact, Partnerships and Return and the AutoMobility Expo!
Gerhard Schmidt Executive Director, Bridge to Mobility
The facts:
• 96% of Wheelchair users do not have access to a wheelchair accessible vehicle. That creates an addressable opportunity of 1.9 million
• 45% of the country does not have access to public accessible transportation
• Individuals with disabilities are 50% less likely to have education beyond high school
• Individuals with disabilities are 150% more likely to be below poverty line
A wheelchair accessible vehicle is a gateway to the outside world to improve these statistics. It is amazing to me that there is an opportunity to double the WAV industry by serving only 92% of the addressable population. This is stunning!
Execution
My father once told me “when all is said and done, much more often more is said than done.” I am sure he did not come up with that, but those words always stuck with me. As we began the Bridge To Mobility (B2M), I wanted to make sure that was not the case for our organization. We are the only charity that is solely focused on assisting wheelchair users of all
demographics in getting a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) if the last dollar funding is the constraint. We believe in the principles and benefits of NMEDA (quality, safety, reliability, QAP and MQAP, and after the sales support) for our mutual clients and restrict our grant to NMEDA dealers.
A little bit about the B2M for those not familiar with our organization. We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 that is a result of the collaborative effort of NMEDA members, suppliers, financial service, lenders, and other service providers. Our mission is to Accelerate Accessibility by providing last dollar funding grants to enable wheelchair users to get a Wheelchair Accessible
Vehicle (WAV). We have over 40 volunteers that make this happen. Many of these people will be at the AutoMobility Expo in KC as will we. Make sure you stop by our booth to join our Mission Team and visit our seminar at the Expo where we will be discussing “the right thing to do.”
Execution
Execution - We have provided over 70 grants totaling $350K enabling wheelchair users to get a WAV. We have assisted wheelchair users in the US and Canada. We have helped veterans, single moms, entrepreneurs, adaptive athletes, students, caregivers, and families. We have improved medical outcomes, employment outcomes, community, and family engagement. All this has been done with the NMEDA community and our nonprofit partners, a list that continues to grow for both.
Impact
GUEST FEATURE (continued)
There are so many wheelchair users that the NMEDA community impacts every day. We as a partner participate in this story and help make the difficult more possible. The word I hear from our grant recipients most often is “life changing.” We wanted to share a few of these stories.
•Appalachian Bees and Balms is now back in business. Ilderton Conversions, our mission aligned non profit partner Help Hope Live, and B2M made sure of that after Adam hit a deer and resultant insurance coverage was far short of the required modifications and cost of the replacement WAV. Adam is back to running the business and volunteering in the community.
•Lauren is a single mother who has fostered and adopted four disabled children. Working with MobilityWorks, we were able to help Lauren get these children to medical appointments,
therapies, school, family vacations, and trips Lauren believes are so important for these children. They love the ocean and the beach!
•We have two young students pursuing their degrees and follow up careers in in Quebec and British Columbia thanks to Eureka Solutions and Alliance Mobility Solutions in Canada.
•In Hawaii, we worked with Soderholm Mobility to get Marco out of the house for the first time in three years to engage with his family which included 5 children and 19 grandchildren.
Every grant and dealer we worked with had a story that is equally impactful to the recipient, dealer, family, and community.
Just like NMEDA, and thanks to NMEDA we are everywhere! Here are the locations of grant recipients and we just started in Q4 2023.
GUEST FEATURE (continued)
Partnerships
Many dealer have joined us. All are welcome and our execution is bringing new dealers to our organization. We are extremely excited at expanding these dealer relationships at the 2024 AutoMobility Expo. One dealer after learning what we do and seeing the impact said it is the “just right thing to do “. We could not agree more.
B2M has also forged significant partnerships with nonprofits. Working together with these Mission Aligned nonprofits, synergistically accomplishing our mission and theirs. This list of nonprofits continues to grow. These partnerships include:
Help Hope Live Operation Triage
Help Our Military Heroes
Operation Injured Soldier
Team Joseph Walking Strong
Variety Children’s Charity Youth Challenge
Wheelchair Lacrosse USA
Conquer Paralysis Now
Keith Howell Mobility Trust
Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation
and NMEDA! We continue to partner with other organizations as our reach expands.
Return
Besides being the “right thing to do,” we can provide both a tangible and intangible returns to the NMEDA community.
An investment in B2M has significant returns. Join us by contributing or volunteering to join the cause. We have over 150 locations supporting the B2M through employee payroll
contributions which are 100% matched by our board for 2024. We have a number of dealers who are contributing a portion on every WAV sale creating a sustainable funding source and allowing us to viably pursue outside grants.
Over 70% of our inquiries to Bridge to Mobility, we refer the opportunity to NMEDA dealers to get the process started. These individuals have given up on getting a WAV. We restart the process through referral and association with other nonprofits. B2M is creating a lead.
As the dealer completes the application for the beneficiary, we are starting the process toward approval. The dealer is building goodwill through as he works through the acquisition process. When a grant is approved, we should be closing a deal for the dealership that was not be possible without this last dollar funding grant. The dealer now has a new customer.
B2M can make closing difficult deals more possible. Often, we improve equity to make financing possible and more affordable, furthering customer goodwill for the dealer.
Working with the NMEDA dealer, we collectively enable and empower wheelchair users which increases engagement in medical outcomes, educational outcomes, employment outcomes, eases caregiver task to a degree, and increases family and community engagement. These intangible returns cannot be measured but they exist. They are tangible for the recipient and for B2M, dealers and NMEDA community are extremely positive, and feels exceptionally good.
The implementation of a strategic sustainable funding plan combining our donors, NMEDA employees, NMEDA dealers and third-party grants will provide these tangible and intangible returns. An investment in B2M can also yield a financial return in the range of 40-140% for the NMEDA dealers. We will be discussing this at the AutoMobility Expo. We are looking forward to Accelerate Accessibility with you at the Expo!
To learn more about the Bridge to Mobility check their website or social media accounts https://www.linkedin. com/company/92596082 and https:// www.facebook.com/bridgetomobility
AROUND THE INDUSTRY
2024 Dues Adjustment
Effective July 1, 2024, there was an increase in annual membership dues of 7%, QAPx by 4%, and the cost for QAP/ MQAP audits also by 4%. These adjustments were thoroughly evaluated and approved by the NMEDA Board of Directors. NMEDA Membership dues have not been increased for 10 years, and NMEDA feels there have been many benefits added over the last 10 years which justify this increase, along with being able to cover the rising cost to do business.
Over the last 10 years the association has worked to pass two federal laws, the adoption of pro – QAP policies by a majority of state vocational rehabilitation agencies; and the establishment of a Past Due Invoice Program that has recovered millions of dollars in late or unpaid VA payments to dealers. Since 2017 partnerships have been established with six partnership targets and three additional organizations through the Industry & Public Relations Committee. New avenues of advertisement have been made available and the NMEDA Corporate Partner Program was rolled out this year. Educations & Training has seen improvements and updates across the Comprehensive Automotive Mobility Solutions course, Manufacturer Service School Training as well as technician certificate courses. In the last four years the annual conference has been restructured to be collocated with ADED at the request of industry members and association leadership. We appreciate your continued support as we strive to maintain the high standards and benefits that define NMEDA.
NEW Legislation Introduced
Senators Murkowski (R-AK) and Schatz (D-HI) have introduced the Deliver for Veterans Act in the U.S. Senate. The bill aims to broaden transportation access for veterans with disabilities by expanding VA coverage of shipping expenses for modified vehicles. Currently, veterans can receive grants for modified vehicles but cannot use the funds to cover shipping or freight costs, making the acquisition of modified vehicles in geographically remote states or territories cost prohibitive. The Senate bill is a companion to a House bill that was previously introduced by Representative Moylan of Guam.
Member Spotlight: Bussani Mobility Opens a New Store
We love to see our members getting involved in their communities! NMEDA member, Bussani Mobility just opened up a store in Kingston, NY and had approximately 75 people in attendance at their ribbon cutting.
If you have and exciting event at your dealership, or a consumer story you want to share with other NMEDA members, feel free to share the news nmedanow@nmeda.org
Can You Say Three-Peat?
The Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence (DRCE) did it again, this time hosting another wildly successful educational event in Ohio. It wasn’t just a victory lap, as they presented the newly revised Comprehensive Automotive Mobility Solutions (CAMS) course content. Unique to this session, Tammy Phipps, owner of DRCE also served as the presenter. The new curriculum was met with enthusiasm by a diverse group of healthcare practitioners and industry stakeholders.
“I love the new interactive CAMS format and how it offers more hands-on activities, case studies and vehicle walk arounds.” - Tammy Phipps
In addition to DRCE, the CAMS course was sponsored by Adapt Solutions, BraunAbility, Mobility Innovations and Q’STRAINT. The manufacturer sponsors were front and center, making sure everyone learned how mobility solutions help people with disabilities maintain their independence and mobility. Overall, it was a highly informative and impactful event for all involved. If you are interested in hosting a CAMS event with the brand-new course content, please contact amy.lane@nmeda.org
RETURNING IN 2024 Industry Roundtable Discussions
Sunday, October 6 | 3:30–5:15 pm
What are roundtables? Industry Roundtables are a group of 8-12 auto mobility folks like you, seated around a table discussing a specific topic of interest. Everyone gets a chance to share their insights, bounce ideas off each other, and brainstorm solutions. Each table has a moderator to keep the discussion flowing, but they are not a subject matter expert. It is instead a meeting of the minds, where ideas flourish and conversation flows! What will be discussed? This year, we’re thrilled to delve into new topics while also revisiting some tried-and-true favorites. These may include: Artificial Intelligence, Applications in Practice; Safeguarding Assets in the Digital Age; Tackling the Talent Gap- Technician Strategies; My Biggest Problem Is; Leasing and the Industry-Q&A; AMREFDealer Benchmark Reports, and more… Read more on page 36.
Technician Training
Service Shop Management
Dealership Management
Dealer Sales & Marketing
Innovation & Evolution
Choose from one of the following two-day technician training options: BraunAbility MSE or Vantage Mobility Technician Training.
*BraunAbility training will be limited to 20 participants. Vantage Mobility and EVO Seat training will be limited to 30 participants.
Fred Mannix BraunAbility
Aaron Gardner BraunAbility
Steve Dawson Harmar
Jack Borgmeyer Borgmeyer Marketing Group
Fixed Operations and Service Revenue
Focusing on increasing Fixed Operations revenue can be a game-changer. Overcoming service challenges in the mobility industry is crucial to achieving a successful service operation. Discover revenue-boosting strategies like new service techniques and maintenance package promotions.
No Longer Just Vans and Lifts – The Future of Meeting Consumer Needs in Mobility
Looking for new revenue opportunities? How about home access? Come join us a for a discussion on selling access equipment for the home.
Shooting Sharper Arrows – Getting Better Results From your Digital Spends
Discover how to supercharge your digital spend with creative techniques that drive dealer success. Learn actionable tips to sharpen your aim and make your digital products work harder, delivering better results with precision and impact. BMG is a marketing firm targeting automotive marketing strategies.
AI 101: From Basics to Brilliance
Behold the marvel of the modern age: Artificial Intelligence! Imagine having the most helpful assistant without ever having to deal with a snarky attitude. Hang on for a crash course with Scott as he explores top use cases and identifies how to create a policy for your company. Walk away with a clear idea of what AI is good at, what’s it’s not good at, and how it can save time and improve the performance of your team.
Sunday, October
Aaron Gardner BraunAbility
Mobility Future
The mobility by technological bring about for businesses efficiency. competitive and in the
The Right Funding
Dive in and an adventure, dealers change funding endeavors financial treasures combined good thing,
Swift Marketing Space into Nice to meet you how to momentum customers.
AI 201: Applications
Can’t wait AI? Join applications attendees their laptops the cutting-edge industry. your everyday
Randy Schiller Vantage Mobility
Scott Meyer FiveMin.AI
Fred Mannix BraunAbility
Eric Mansfield MobilityWorks
Gerhard Schmidt Bridge to Mobility
Sam Cook Superior Van & Mobility
Scott Meyer FiveMin.AI
Monday, October 7 8:30 am–12:30 pm
Turny EVO Seat Training
October 6 | 8:30 am–3 pm
Mobility Service Department of the
mobility industry, much like others, is constantly driven technological advancements. While these advancements about new challenges, they also present opportunities businesses to streamline service operations and enhance efficiency. Embracing these practices can be key to staying competitive and thriving in the mobility service industry now the future.
Technician Shortage? Power in Partnerships
Let’s shed some light on local solutions to the national technician shortage and explore strategies to keep top talent enchanted with your workplace. Enhancing your awareness about local entry-level training centers can help prevent the loss of promising technicians to other sectors.
Virgina Oden serves as the Assistant Vice President of the ASE Foundation which works to provide the transportation industry a skilled entry level workforce.
Right Thing to Do: The Art & Science of
Funding and discover where the quest for funding becomes adventure, mixing creativity with strategy. NMEDA change lives every day and need to know what endeavors are available. Learn to uncover hidden treasures and create powerful alliances where the efforts lead to more successful deals. It not just a thing, it’s the right thing to do.
Marketing Moves: Turning Blank into Brand Space
meet you, where you been? Randy can show to elevate your sales performance, build momentum and leave a lasting impression with your customers.
MODERATOR Mark Pritchard Harmar
MODERATOR
Cassy Churchill BraunAbility
201: Exploring Advanced Applications and Capabilities
wait to implement your new found knowledge of Scott in an immersive exploration of advanced AI applications and capabilities. This hands-on session invites attendees to dive deep into real-world scenarios, leveraging laptops to engage in interactive exercises that unravel cutting-edge potential of artificial intelligence in the industry. Walk out of this session with tools you can use in everyday work life. (Bring a laptop.)
Danny Langfield AMREF
Chad Blake BraunAbility Arch Retail
Guardians of the Galaxy: Those who Safeguard Assets and Optimize Intelligence
Don’t miss this panel of dedicated financial guardians as they delve into contemporary and critical topics affecting business continuity. Equip yourself with the tools and strategies needed to protect against cyber threats, securing data intelligence and enhance your organization’s financial health.
PANELISTS
Erin Engelau – Superior Van & Mobility
Lisa Devening – United Access
Mary Jo Welch – MobilityWork
Pitfalls and Snags - What can go Wrong from Script to Final
Checkout
Seamless communication: is it a myth? Join these industry leading professionals as they address the tangles and snags that can unravel your client relationships. What lessons have they learned to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications, ensuring that everyone is in sync and working towards the client’s goal?
PANELISTS
Nicole Bryson- FTMobility
Russ Newton– Sure Grip Hand Controls
Nikki Simmons– Driving Independence
If You Can’t Measure It, You Can’t Manage It
The business world today is awash in statistics. However, the auto mobility industry has historically suffered from a dearth of statistics on itself – until now. Join Chad and Danny as they dive into two seminal new reports developed by NMEDA’s education & research foundation, AMREF: the Dealer Benchmark Report and the Auto Mobility State of the Industry Report. Discover what now IS being measured by participants and learn how you can leverage this all-new data to more effectively manage your business.
Virginia Oden ASE Education Foundation
2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
KANSAS CITY, MO OCT 5–7
THE ERA OF AUTO MOBILITY EXCELLENCE
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, October 5
8:00 am–10:30 am Vehicle Move-In
8:00 am–5:00 pm Tech Training
11:00 am–4:00 pm Exhibitor Setup
5:00 pm–6:00 pm Opening General Session
6:00 pm–9:00 pm Expo Grand Opening
Sunday, October 6
8:00 am–5:00 pm Tech Training
8:30 am–10:00 am Learning Tracks
10:00 am–2:00 pm Expo
2:00 pm–3:00 pm Learning Tracks
3:30 pm–5:15 pm Industry Roundtables
5:30 pm–6:30 pm COLO Session: Voc Rehab Reception
Monday, October 7
8:30 am–12:30 pm Tech Training 9:00 am–10:00 am Dealers Open Forum
In Case You Missed It: Since 2020, NMEDA has offered a unique “conference within a conference” experience for Vocational Rehabilitation Agency professionals. “VR VIP” education sessions and events have historically been private, but this year we will be shining a spotlight on these important state-level decision-makers during a Voc Rehab Reception. This Colo General Session event will immediately follow Sunday’s industry roundtable discussions, and all NMEDA and ADED attendees are invited. Savor this chance to forge new partnerships, swap stories, ask questions, and exchange insights as you indulge in refreshing drinks and connect with the program managers, rehab engineers, and ATPs operating in your state(s) or province(s).
Opportunity to address NMEDA attendees for 2-3 minutes at the NMEDA Opening General Session and introduce our Keynote speaker. This sponsorship also includes a seat drop for all individuals attending the Opening General Session.
Welcome Bags
$7,500
Get your company on the bag of every ADED and NMEDA attendee. No cheap totes here, we protect your brand with a quality bag. Why? To give you continued brand exposure long after the event! You’re welcome.
ADED Keynote Address
$7,500
Opportunity to address ADED attendees for 2-3 minutes at the ADED Opening General session and introduce our Keynote speaker. This sponsorship also includes a seat drop for all individuals attending the Opening General Session.
Exhibit Hall Meal Sponsor
$6,500
There are two things that bring the ADED & NMEDA conference attendees together in the Auto Mobility Expo hall; our exhibitors and food. With the exhibit hall meal sponsorship you will have sponsorship recognition and custom branding opportunities woven into all food areas within the exhibit hall for all expo hours.
$5,000
Put your brand directly around the neck and in view of every ADED and NMEDA attendee at the conference.
COLO Event: Voc Rehab Reception Sponsor
$5,000
Do you love Vocational Rehab Professionals? Do you want them to know you love them? If so, this is the sponsorship for you. With branding opportunities throughout the reception and being noted as the Presenting Sponsor on all marketing materials, there is no doubt that they will feel the love!
Elevator Cling
$7,500
Exclusive opportunity to showcase your company on the interior doors of all elevators at the host hotel for the duration of the conference.
2/2Available
Room Drop
$5,000
What is the only thing better than visiting with conference attendees all day!? Having them return to their hotel room to find a lovely item has been magically delivered to them by one of their favorite vendors while they were just speaking with you!
$5,000
Deliver a custom branded sweatshirt to all ADED & NMEDA Conference attendees as they arrive at registration. With a table set up at each registration you will be able to interact with the attendees as they stop by to receive their branded merch!
Lanyard
Sweatshirt
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Host Hotel Escalator Clings
$4,500
What if we told you there was a way to make sure all conference attendees could see your branding at the host hotel? With the escalator cling at the Marriott everyone will see you. With branding going up the glass of the escalator to the NMEDA Round Tables, the COLO Event: Vocational Rehabilitation Reception, the NMEDA closing general session, and the ADED Gala—no attendee will miss it. And we didn’t even mention that the escalator is near the hotel bar.
Escalator Cling - NMEDA
$3,500
Do you want to make sure attendees see your brand before heading into the expo? Do you want to make sure attendees see your brand when they leave the expo? Then why not put your brand directly on the fulllength escalator that takes all NMEDA attendees to and from the expo hall?
3/4Available 3/4Available
Convention Center Window Cling
$3,500
Place your company directly in the path of the attendees as they make their way to the Kansas City Convention Center. With a full window cling outside of both the NMEDA and ADED entrances, no one will be able to miss your messaging.
Massive 8’ Quad Signs - NMEDA
$2,500
There will be no escaping your branding with this four-sided sign. Each side is 8’x3’, positioned in high traffic areas specifically targeting NMEDA attendees.
Escalator Clings - ADED
$2,500
Do you want to make sure attendees see your brand before heading into the expo? Do you want to make sure attendees see your brand when they leave the expo? Then why not put your brand directly on the fulllength escalator that takes all NMEDA attendees to and from the expo hall?
Massive 8’ Quad Signs - ADED
$2,500
There will be no escaping your branding with this four-sided sign. Each side is 8’x3’, positioned in high traffic areas specifically targeting the ADED attendees.
Add-On Items
Available exclusively as an add-on for our sponsors and exhibitors.
Notepad & Pen
$2,500
Put your company logo front & center on a custom notepad & pen and into the bags of all ADED and NMEDA attendees of the conference. Stay top of mind as the attendees take notes throughout the education sessions during the show and after.
Program Ad
$1,250
Single page ad in on-site Program Book for all ADED and NMEDA attendees.
Bag Insert
$750
Insert an item directly into the onsite welcome bag for all ADED and NMEDA attendees.
ROUND TABLES ARE BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND IN 2024
Auto Mobility Data Is Here
An open chat about AMREF’s State of the Industry Report
Moderator: Danny Langfield
Artificial Intelligence
Applications in Practice
Moderator: Scott Meyer
Influencers: Leveraging for Greater Impact
Why are you not using these ideas?
Moderator: Russ Newton
Ask Me Anything…
Really, anything, bring it!
Moderator: Toby Cummings
Tackling the Talent GapTechnician Strategies
Tracking down tech talent and more.
Moderator: Virginia Oden
Safeguarding Assets in the Digital Age
Asset Protection? Cyber risks? What’s your concern?
Moderator: Mark Pritchard
Welcome to the BOD
Brittney McMahan
NMEDA Manager of Communications & Social
As you can see on page 4, the newly elected members of the NMEDA Board of Directors from our special elections are now seated and have attended their first Board meetings. One of these new faces was happy to sit down and introduce himself to our membership. Though he is no stranger to the industry, or to NMEDA, please read on to get to know a little bit more about Randy Schiller, VP of Sales, Vantage Mobility, and our new Manufacturer Representative.
1.Tell us about your history in the auto mobility industry.
I have been in the mobility industry for over 17 years. In addition to my time at Vantage Mobility I was also with Performance Mobility until we sold to United Access.
2.Why were you interested in joining the NMEDA BOD?
I have served on several boards including two School Boards in AZ, the AZ department of Education, President of the Arizona School Boards Association and several HOA boards. For me, serving on boards is a way to be active. I love the mobility industry and feel like this is a way I can give back.
3.What do you view is the #1 benefit from being a NMEDA member?
For me it’s about communicating to the dealers. As a large group we, NMEDA have the power to fight for what we can change that makes it better for the dealers and more importantly for the customer. If someone isn’t a dealer I would tell them that having NMEDA as a partner is a big advantage for them to be a successful business.
4.What are you looking forward to most in the next year/at the next NMEDA conference? It’s always good to reconnect with everyone and the annual conference is like a homecoming every year. I am excited to talk to dealers as I am out traveling and seeing what I can do to help.
5.Tell us something you like to do for fun/Last book you’ve read/Last movie you’ve seen….?
For fun I really enjoy our cabin in the beautiful AZ mountains. We enjoy having family and friends up for fishing and riding our toy out in the
forest. Oh and it’s usually 30 degrees cooler so that helps too.
6.Share about personal life? Family/children, etc.?
I’m married with two adult daughters. My wife and I just celebrated our 23rd anniversary.
7.Something else you want to share that we didn’t ask?
I serve with a group called the Arizona Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT). We are a small group of leaders in the mobility industry that get together and discuss ways of mentoring individuals to help them get to the business goals they want to achieve.
Schiller family - Christina, Randy, Megan, & Lynna
Mobility Way
By Mike Savicki — Afterburner Communications NMEDA CONSULTANT
“Here, There, Everywhere”
Robby Beckman balances purpose and passion no matter where he goes or what he drives
Disability doesn’t play favorites and disability doesn’t give choices. When you are 19 years old and sustain a cervical spinal cord injury, it’s hard enough to have to give up one cool car let alone two.
Upon waking 13 days after breaking his neck in a diving accident, Maryland’s Robby Beckman did just that, he said goodbye not only to his ‘96 Ford Explorer but also to his ‘92 Camaro. The Camaro, if you must know, was teal colored with t-tops. Saying goodbye to that car was especially tough.
Disability can be hard, too. Beckman spent upwards of five months
as an inpatient at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC, plus an additional year following up as an outpatient before finally feeling confident.
By choice, what was not included in his initial comprehensive rehab program was driving.
“I didn’t start driving right away because I knew the struggle was going to be real,” Beckman, now 40, says. “I saw everything from the transfers and pulling in my chair to the hand controls would be issues so I waited.”
Instead, he relied on friends. Upon
discharge and moving home, he grabbed rides from everyone who offered. Trips to rehab. Outings with friends. Even a long distance wedding trip to North Carolina.
As time passed, he began to see that getting back behind the wheel would mean physical independence plus social and professional opportunity, too.
He shares, “All my buddies were at college and living their best lives and I was back home with mom and dad. I love them to death but it was time for the 20 year old to get out on the road.”
Enter driver training. Calvert County Health Department and Maryland’s Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services helped pay for hand controls in his newly purchased ‘05 Chevy Colorado extended cab truck and get him back to school. He dropped the chassis to give the truck a lower profile and make transfers easier.
“The truck allowed me to get back to work, to get to rugby, to get to school, and to get out of the house and reconnect with my friends,” he reflects. “I also wanted to pay back my friends and be the guy driving.”
Still in his early 20’s, he says he wasn’t ready for a minivan.
“I still wanted something cool, a cool car or truck,” he adds.
After finishing his MBA at the Florida Institute of Technology, Beckman took a logistical support job with the Department of Defense and moved into a home in Chesapeake Beach in 2007. Working at NAVAIR, a command that provides full lifecycle support of Naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems, he found a passion that continues today. Beckman now works logistical support for new pilot equipment on the F-35.
In 2019, upon receiving a huge unexpected bill for necessary medical supplies, he decided to do something about relieving, as best as he can, the financial burden that comes with disability. Beckman opened Bay Medical with the purpose of helping those with disabilities obtain supplies as cost efficiently as possible. In just five years, the company has grown to nearly a half dozen employees.
Life at home now has a distinctively different pace, too. There is Landon
(10), and with partner, Rebecca, daughter, Lyla (5), and a baby girl due in late August 2024.
His days start at 4:30 AM early and go nearly nonstop. It’s coffee and exercise before the others wake then a few Bay Med hours before logging on to his military projects. He spends evenings with family and friends.
What makes his 12 hour work days doable is what they enable him to do in the down time. It’s the same thing his parents did for him. Beckman‘s dad, a former Marine blended with an adventurous 1960s hippie who hitch-hiked across the very country he served, was never content staying home.
“You asked me what makes it worth all the energy and hours? It’s the camping and the road trips and the adventures with the kids and family that make it all worth it,” he shares. “Seeing them smile brightens my day.”
His two current vehicles play a vital role in the equation. Working closely with Virginia’s Driver Rehab Center of Excellence (DRCE), Beckman uses electronic Sure Grip hand controls on both his 2020 Toyota Sienna and 2024 GMC Sierra 2500.
The truck regularly pulls a 30’ Forest River HFS Toy Hauler camper loaded with gear including his Action Trackchair and 4x4’s. His growing family rarely stays in one place.
When asked about the industry itself and what sort of shift he would like to see, Beckman thinks back to his days behind the wheel of his Camaro.
“Honestly, there isn’t a good looking accessible vehicle out there. The accessible vans almost make you
feel disabled,” he attests. “Your vehicle should be an escape from your disability, not an extension of it. When I travel I’m not in my chair. In my diesel truck, pulling the camper, I’m back to being one of the guys, it’s different in the mini-van.”
Looking back, Beckman sees driving as one of the most important steps in his recovery.
“Driving was and is a mechanism to continue living and doing things independently,” he says. “You aren’t limited or held back by needing people to take you somewhere and you aren’t reliant on others to do those things you should be able to do yourself. Driving is the avenue to independence.”
Images courtesy of Robby Beckman.
Canada Officer’s Message
Russ Newton Sure Grip
Conferences & Collaboration
We have been quite busy here in Canada this past quarter and there are some excited things going on. We have been to a couple of conferences and connected with some great individuals at each event.
Being at the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) Annual National Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia from May 1 to 3, was an great experience for NMEDA Canada. As a GOLD sponsor, we had the privilege of addressing the 624 delegates and sponsoring the opening of the exhibit hall.
Tamalea Stone, our dedicated board member, took part in a CarFit Training
Session and a three-hour workshop on the morning of May 1, showcasing our modified van. It was fantastic to see the booth buzzing with activity throughout the event, with a constant stream of inquiries from curious delegates.
One of the most significant outcomes from this event was advancing our relationship with Monique Bernard, a representative from Veterans Affairs Canada. This connection presents a timely opportunity for NMEDA Canada to advocate for assessments by our therapy partners who specialize in driving assessment and rehabilitation. Additionally, we discussed the possibility of securing preferred vendor status for NMEDA
dealers in providing equipment based on established criteria. Monique, identified as a VIP, committed to attending our conference in Kansas City, further strengthening our collaboration.
The conferences, didn’t stop in May, I was happy to attend the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Annual Conference in Edmonton, Alberta, from June 2-5. I had the pleasure of being joined by Tamalea Stone and Amy Schoppman, our Director of Government Relations at NMEDA.
finals.
The conference kicked off with a heartfelt Opening Ceremony, featuring a blessing by an Indigenous Elder and wise words from a First Nations Chief. We were also treated to a captivating traditional tribal “hoop” dance by a father and daughter duo, accompanied by a drumming circle. That evening, the CCMTA networking event had a lively “Hockey Night in Edmonton” theme, celebrating the Edmonton Oilers’ advance to the Stanley Cup
Our team set up a promotional booth for the two-day event, which drew in transportation officials, policy experts, and road safety leaders from across Canada. We promoted NMEDA and our Quality Assurance Program (QAP), raising our profile among attendees and exhibitors. This event provided invaluable insights into upcoming CCMTA priorities, allowed us to connect with decisionmakers from various Canadian jurisdictions, and emphasized the critical importance of quality and safety within the auto mobility industry.
We also established new connections with The War Amps of Canada, a key funder of adaptive mobility equipment nationwide. Follow-up conversations with high-level CCMTA officials are already in motion, focusing on legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that are crucial to our members.
Overall, the conference was a fantastic
opportunity to strengthen our network, promote our initiatives, and gain a deeper understanding of the road safety landscape in Canada.
We have been busy here with conferences and events, but I’m looking forward to the NMEDA conference in Kansas City! I truly hope to see each of you there.
QAP PROGRAM UPDATES
As we head into summer and NMEDA begins its new fiscal year, I wanted to share with you some updates with our quality programs. Before doing that, I want to invite you to the NMEDA conference and Auto Mobility Expo that will be held in Kansas City from October 5th through the 7th. And if you haven’t registered yet, now is the time. I love the annual conference and ever since we began sharing the conference with ADED, there are even more people to see and reasons to go.
I guess it’s a little selfish in that it’s that one time a year I get to see people in real life and not over the phone, teams meetings, or emails. Rather, I get to see your smiling face, shake your hand, and share stories about how much you love QAP. OK.. OK…. I may be getting a bit carried away there, but I do want to see you at the conference, so please get yourself registered and book your
room ASAP (there is a MNF Football game that weekend. Chiefs vs. Saints, and hotels are going to be jamming FYI).
Now onto the updates.
1.Dealer Logging of Commercial Vehicle Modifications
There has been a small delay here. While we initially planned to begin entering all commercial WAVs in QAPx in July, it has taken us a bit longer to get our systems ready. Along with a revised Vehicle Delivery form specific to commercial vehicles, we also have to make a few changes to the software to account for this new vehicle type. I am expecting we will have cleared all the hurdles by the time you receive this magazine, so look for an announcement sometime in August to September letting you know we are ready to go.
2.MQAP Audits
MQAP accreditation audits are a new requirement for our Industry manufacturer members. Just like the dealers receive an annual audit to maintain compliance with their QAP Accreditation. Now our manufacturers will receive an annual audit to
Chuck Hardy NMEDA Director of Quality & Compliance
maintain their MQAP Accreditation. We began the MQAP Audits in May and they should all be completed by the end of July.
3.Fee Increases
Nobody likes fee increases or any cost increases. I think a lot of us are worn out with increases from everything in our daily lives from groceries to utility bills. Everything just goes up and up and never comes back down.
Well now it all has caught up with NMEDA. I promise you it wasn’t an easy or fun decision to have to make, but after going a full 10 years without any increase in membership dues, it was a reality we had to face. I don’t think any company, including NMEDA, can expect to survive without increasing income when the expenses to run the business continue to increase year over year. We know most of you run a small business and have faced similar challenges. So yes, our fees have increased, and we appreciate your understanding. In turn we promise to do all we can to increase member value. We are looking strategically at what NMEDA will look like, what the industry will look like 3, 5, 10 years out and its
exciting. So, hang in there, stick with us and we will navigate the future together and continue to bring reliable, safe mobility solutions to our customers.
4.AMREF Data Collection
For some, AMREF, is still a bit of an unknown. AMREF is NMEDA’s research foundation known by its formal name Auto Mobility Research & Education Foundation. AMREF’s mission is to provide vital industry data to its members and those looking for market intelligence in the world of auto mobility. The foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit subsidiary of NMEDA and its CEO is former NMEDA CEO Danny Langfield. The foundation is expecting to release its first report “‘The State of the Auto Mobility Industry’ this summer and much of the data is coming from our members, through QAPx and Docutrack. To assure the data presented out of our QAP administration programs was accurate, we sent out requests to all our dealer members asking them to review and verify the 2023 data. This effort was successfully completed on May 31st and we thank you all who participated in that review.
5.Primary Driving Control Compliance Review
Just like our compliance review of vehicle conversions (WAVs), where NMEDA posts on its website all the WAV conversions it has reviewed, the same is planned for primary driving controls. Soon you will see each manufacturer’s primary driving control systems on the website that has completed compliance review.
This effort has been a long time coming and is something that has been requested from our dealer members and third-party payers like the state vocational rehab groups for years. Installers (and payers) want to know the driving equipment they are installing or prescribing is going to be safe and that it meets all federal (F/CMVSS) and relevant industry standards. Industry standards such as the ones promulgated by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the Rehabilitation Engineering and
“mandated by federal law, so today, a company (foreign or domestic) can manufacture and legally sell adaptive mobility equipment that may not be safe or reliable. That is partially because NHTSA allows ‘self-certification’ (where the only compliance review was by the manufacturer, not a third-party) and because compliance to SAE and RESNA standards are not required by law.
NMEDA is going to change all of that. NMEDA’s program will not, and I repeat, will not rely on ‘selfcertification’ like NHTSA. Rather, NMEDA’s compliance review program (aka CRP) will identify what federal and industry standards apply to a primary driving control system and it will require the manufacturer to submit a formal compliance report that will be independently reviewed.
...NMEDA’s compliance review program (aka CRP) will identify what federal and industry standards apply to a primary driving control system and it will require the manufacturer to submit a formal compliance report that will be individually reviewed.”
The last item I have for you is the status of the strategic initiative to require compliance review for all primary driving controls. Primary driving controls are all equipment and systems that affect acceleration, braking, and steering. We are talking about hand controls, reduced effort steering and braking systems, left foot accelerators and the like.
Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). It’s a complex blend of standards and unfortunately the only standards I mentioned above that are required by federal law are the F/CMVSS promulgated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The problem with SAE and RESNA standards is they are not
Only after the review has been accepted will the equipment be posted on the website. And when that program is completed. NMEDA installers and third-party payers will be able to access the NMEDA CRP accepted equipment posting page and be assured that all equipment on that list has met the strict requirements of NMEDA.
The current status of the CRP program for primary driving controls is that we have completed the definition stage. Meaning we have identified what standards will apply to what equipment. The next thing we are in the process of right now is to identify a test partner. We are talking to various test labs and universities about being a test partner. Once we have our test partners lined up,
we will notify all eligible equipment manufacturers to send their products in for testing. And once testing is completed, we will share the results and post the equipment that has completed compliance review.
This is all going to take time. I am expecting the program to be operational sometime in 2025. So, we will ask for patience as we put all
the pieces in place. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the program or anything else, let me know.
In conclusion, that’s all I have for you. Hope everyone has a great summer and hope to see you at the conference in Kansas City!!! Until then, keep moving life forward.
Join AMREF President Chad Blake & Executive Director Danny Langfield for a special breakout session on October 6 at the NMEDA Annual Conference:
If You Can’t Measure It, You Can’t Manage It
The business world today is awash in statistics. However, the auto mobility industry has historically suffered from a dearth of data on itself – until now. Experience a deep dive into two seminal new reports developed by NMEDA’s education & research foundation, AMREF: the Dealer Benchmark Report and the Auto Mobility State of the Industry Report. Discover what now IS being measured by participants and learn how you can leverage this all-new data to more effectively manage your business.
THE 2024 AUTO MOBILITY PRICE SURVEY IS LIVE!
Written By Borgmeyer Marketing Group
There’s an old saying that has been brought to prominence after receiving a song and choreographed dance in a hit Disney film – “we’re all in this together.” Now, before you go rolling your eyes (at this point, you have undoubtedly read the headline), just hear me out.
The past 12 months have undoubtedly been a whirlwind. Rising prices, market turmoil and manufacturing disruptions are just some of the many challenges dealers have faced this year. That’s why now more than ever it’s important for as many of our partners to fill out NMEDA’s Auto Mobility Price Survey (AMPS) before August 30.
As the auto mobility industry’s most comprehensive pricing resource, AMPS includes pricing data for 120 individual equipment items grouped into eight categories. All dealerships, regardless of size, are highly encouraged to fill out the survey. Those who contribute to the price survey will gain access to online business intelligence tools including benchmarking functionality, customized report generation,
question-by-question comparisons, and so much more.
Pretty cool, right? But by participating in this year’s AMPS, your dealership will be able to take advantage of resources that can positively impact your business decisions.
Personalized Results
Being able to access the industry’s leading pricing database is a huge advantage… but it gets even better. Completing this year’s survey not only grants access to customizable reporting features, but also allows your dealership to take advantage of benchmarking tools that offer unique insights to help guide your business decisions.
In addition to accessing a general report, dealers can also access Veterans Affairs and Vocational Rehabilitation versions of the report, featuring customized introductions that are tailored for delivery to government partners.
A Positive Impact for All
For NMEDA to provide members with actionable business intelligence, it is imperative for all dealers to
participate in the survey. By giving just a little bit of your time, you will get a lot.
Not only does this survey provide incredibly valuable insights for our members, but also for our government partners as well. VA and VRs rely on survey results to establish payment parameters for auto mobility equipment. By not contributing to the data pool, third-party payers will be making reimbursement decisions without your input, putting you at risk of falling behind competitors.
A Streamlined Process for Returning Dealers
For those of you who have completed the AMPS survey in this past year, let me just take a moment to say thank you. Your contribution is incredibly appreciated and helps ensure that the report is an accurate resource for all members to use. And, as an added bonus, you can easily import all prior year data from members that completed the survey. Simply log in to the NMEDA AMPS Platform using your existing credentials. If you are unsure of your dealership’s login credentials, or need to revise your dealership’s
Not only will completing this year’s AMPS give you access to the latest and greatest data in the industry, but there’s also incentives for those who fill it out quickly! The first five dealerships to complete the entire survey will receive a complimentary $200 DoorDash gift card, courtesy
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT
of NMEDA. Don’t wait – the clock is ticking!
We’re All in This Together
Long story short: participating in this year’s AMPS not only gives your dealership access to the industry’s leading price index, it ensures that the overall data accurately reflects the market’s price.
No matter your dealership’s size, everyone’s participation is highly
encouraged. Each and every voice matters, and together we can create the most accurate report ever.
If you have any issues or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your time, and the NMEDA team greatly appreciates your support.
A Letter From The New President
I am truly honored and proud to serve as your President of our organization. It is a blessing to have such an incredible group of volunteers on this board. We are equally blessed to have a dedicated and extremely talented staff to support our mission. I believe this synergy is what will allow us to be successful now and in the future.
I feel strongly that our primary focus should be on the future, dedicating our energy and resources to it. I believe the time is right for NMEDA to explore ways to expand and grow. By prioritizing forward-thinking strategies and innovative ideas, we are better prepared to not only adapt to the changing landscape but also thrive in it.
We all know too well the challenges our industry will face
in the coming months and years. These challenges will directly impact NMEDA, which is why I feel so strongly about the need to focus on change. While change can be difficult, it almost always results in something positive. Finally, something that you will hear me say regularly: I urge each of you to consider volunteering in any capacity for NMEDA. Your involvement is crucial to our progress and success. Together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure a bright future for our organization.
Thank you,
Eric Mansfield President of the Board of Directors NMEDA
QAP DASHBOARD
AVERAGE FINDINGS PER AUDIT
JULY 2023 - JUNE 2024
TOP 5 AUDIT FINDINGS
JULY 2023 - JUNE 2024
Manufacturer Training Certificate Missing
Tool Calibration Missing/Not Uploaded
Product & Tool Listing Missing/Outdated
Final Inspection Documentation Incomplete
QAP Contact Training Incomplete/Expired
AUDIT FINDING SEVERITY
NEW QAP APPLICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
QUARTERLY: JUNE 2023 - JUNE 2024
– Xenia, OH
MobilityWorks - Gray, ME
MobilityWorks - Largo, FL
MobilityWorks - Las Vegas, NV
MobilityWorks - North Attleboro, MA
Superior Van & Mobility - South Bend, IN
Team Toyota - Glen Mills, PA
NMEDA INDUSTRY MEMBERS
INDUSTRY
Accessible Vans of America, LLC.
334 Buckington Street St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 294-1762
Acrisure
4808 Broadmoor Ave SE Kentwood, MI 49512-5306 (616) 447-2293
Texas A&M Transportation Institute 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-7492
Timothy Brant
Brant’s Driving School 596 Goucher Street Johnstown, PA 15905 (877) 395-7011
Texas Transportation Institute A&M Univ. 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-6153
James Kovar 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843
Danny Langfield AMREF 16929 Melissa Ann Dr Lutz, FL 33558 (512) 294-7627\
Justin Maxwell 3135 Tamu College Station, TX 77843
Torrey Morse Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 55 Farmington Ave, 12th Fl Hartford, CT 06105 (860) 424-5543
Henning Mortensen Bond Driving School 3333 Balmoral Dr Sacramento, CA 95821 (916) 485-5779
Gerhard Schmidt Bridge to Mobility 24410 Emmons Rd Columbia Station, OH 44028-9663 (330) 351-1711
Laura Spencer State of Connecticut ADS/ BRS 35 Veccadola Drive Colchester, CT 06415 (860) 876-9563
Stephen Sundarrao Rehabilitation Engineering & Technology Program 4202 E Fowler Ave ENB 118 Tampa, FL 33620 (813) 974-5346
Michelle Szumski 101 East 15th Street 101 CT Austin, TX 78778 (512) 936-3462
Julia Vayda 55 Southport Rd. Southport, CT 06890 (203) 360-2479
Jeff Watters Automobility PO Box 421 Montrose, None 3765 613-8761-0100
Lisa Weber Commonwealth of Massachusetts 21 Winship St Brighton, MA 02135-3311
DATES TO REMEMBER
This calendar of upcoming events is provided as a service to NMEDA members. NMEDA NEWS cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Please verify dates and locations with the organizations listed.
