October—December 2018

Oct—Dec 2018 | Volume 25 Issue 4

Life Moving Forward PVA Mission: ABLE Awards Industry Advisor: New vs.

Used Insurance: Are You Covered? ...and so much more!

THE NMEDA MAGAZINE

Where Business Gets Done

Full details pg. 31

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NMEDA CIRCUIT BREAKER

OCT—DEC 2018

THE NMEDA MAGAZINE

President Chad Blake

CEO

Danny Langfield

Layout, Editor & Creative Director Katie McDonald

Contributing Writers Harry Baergen Chad Blake Chuck Hardy Danny Langfield Katie McDonald Ray Morton David Parton Amy Schoppman

The Circuit Breaker is published quarterly by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.

3327 W. Bearss Avenue Tampa, FL 33618 For business office, advertising, and subscriptions: Tel: 813.264.2697 Toll-Free: 800.833.0427 www.nmeda.org info@nmeda.org Subscription rates for the U.S.A. and Canada: $16.50/four issues.

Back issues are available by calling the NMEDA office.

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 4

CONTENTS

FEATURES

COLUMNS

9

8

Around the Industry

20 News Brief

2019 Board Nominations 24

How the Sausage Gets Made: Government Relations Edition - By Amy Schoppman

28 PVA Mission: ABLE Awards - By Katie McDonald 31

On the Cover 2019 Annual Conference

40 5 Questions With...

Congressman Ruiz

18

President’s Message - By Chad Blake CEO’s Message - By Danny Langfield

22 Industry Advisor:

New vs. Used

- By Harry G. Baergen 44 QAP Straight Talk:

Insurance: Are You Covered?

- By Chuck Hardy 48 Guidelines Group Talk - By Ray Morton

51

Canada President’s Message - By David Parton

ALSO 4

Board of Directors

6

Staff Directory

10 Dealer Member Directory 42 QAP Dashboard 52 Manufacturer Member Directory 53 Associate Member Directory 58 Dates to Remember

All rights are reserved under copyright laws © 2018.

The articles published in the Circuit Breaker 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.

NMEDA MISSION STATEMENT Through our diverse membership, NMEDA advocates and supports excellence in providing safe, reliable vehicles and modifications to enhance accessibility for people with special needs.

Oct—Dec 2018

3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chad Blake, President

David Parton, Canadian President

Richard May, Vice President

Anne Hegberg, Associate Rep.

Ability Center 4797 Ruffner Street San Diego, CA 92111 858-541-0552 phone cblake@abilitycenter.com

United Access 9389 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis, MO 63134 314-888-9450 phone richard@unitedaccess.com

Bill Koeblitz, Secretary

MobilityWorks 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 800-638-8267 phone bkoeblitz@mobilityworks.com

Jud DeMott, Treasurer

Access 2 Mobility, Inc. 12406 State Highway 155 South Tyler, TX 75703 877-254-5438 phone jud@access2mobility.com

Gina Lewis, Manufacturer Rep. Adapt-Solutions 145 Damase-Breton St-Lambert, QC G0S 2W0 866-641-0419 phone ginalewis@adapt-solutions.ca

Kevin McMahon, Manufacturer Rep.

BraunAbility P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 800-843-5438 phone kevin.mcmahon@braunability.com

Sam Cook, Past President Superior Van & Mobility 4734 Rockford Pl. Louisville, KY 40216 502-447-8267 phone scook@superiorvan.com

4

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Mobility in Motion 1710 Bishop Street N., Unit 8 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 519-623-9930 phone david@mobilityinmotion.net

Marianjoy Rehab Hospital 26W171 Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 630-909-6080 phone anne.hegberg@nm.org

Christian Quandt, Rep. at Large

Advanced Wheels of Technology, Inc. 33 Bradley Park Road East Granby, CT 06026 860-653-8064 phone christian@advancedwheels.com

Monique McGivney, Rep. at Large Ability Center 23606 N 19th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85085 877-820-3789 phone mmcgivney@abilitycenter.com

Eric Mansfield, Rep. at Large

MobilityWorks 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 800-638-8267 phone eric.mansfield@mobilityworks.com

Dennis Charvat, Rep. at Large Total Mobility Services 4785 Penn Avenue Boswell, PA 15531 330-888-9941 phone dennis@tmservices.com

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5

NMEDA STAFF DIRECTORY Danny Langfield CEO

danny.langfield@nmeda.org

In Memoriam

Kristen Clevidence QAP Coordinator

kristen.clevidence@nmeda.org

Doris Santiago Cruzado Membership Coordinator

doris.cruzado@nmeda.org

F.R. Plank, affectionately known as “Red,” passed away August 26, 2018 after a battle with lung disease.

As the first president of NMEDA, he

Andy Ghillyer

Director of Education & Training andy.ghillyer@nmeda.org

served four terms on the Board of Directors meeting the challenges of starting a fledgling trade association in need of guidance. Red also served on key committees such as Public Relations,

Chuck Hardy

Benefits Program, Guidelines, QAP, and Ad

VP of Quality Assurance & Compliance

Hoc Crash Test Committees.

chuck.hardy@nmeda.org

“Red helped establish NMEDA at a time when industry change and accountability were really needed; working tirelessly to

Trevor Jennings

Director of Partner Relations trevor.jennings@nmeda.org

promote the association and QAP,” said Marilyn Myers, NMEDA staffer for over 21 years.

“Red Plank was a true pioneer in the

Katie McDonald

Manager of Communications & Social katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org

Marilyn Myers

Meetings & Conferences Manager marilyn.myers@nmeda.org

Amy Schoppman

Director of Government Relations amy.schoppman@nmeda.org

6

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

mobility industry,” stated Superior Van & Mobility’s Sam Cook, NMEDA Past President. “Without him there would not be a NMEDA today as we know it.”

Plug N Play for Sienna and Pacifica Drive-Master Co., Inc. 37 Daniel Road West Fairfield, NJ 07004 Phone: (973) 808-9709 Fax: (973) 808-9713 peter@DriveMasterMobility.com DriveMasterMobility.com

Independent Driving Systems Inc. 580 TC Jester Blvd.

Houston, TX 77007 Phone: (713) 864-1460 Fax: (713) 864-1469 info@IndependentDrivingSystems.com IndependentDrivingSystems.com

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The Plug N Play 70 offers 70 functions for the Pacifica with a simple box that plugs into the OBD-II. The functions are controlled via a tablet. An option is available for Toyota but is not fully plug n play and thus requires tapping a few wires.

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Oct—Dec 2018

7

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Is This Your Year?

By Chad Blake

I

know it is hard to believe, but 2019 is nearly upon us. As I look back at the whirlwind of changes

to our industry in 2018, I am struck by the speed with which the auto mobility arena continues to evolve.

Consolidation remains the dominant force, and whole new paradigms are emerging as market forces swirl around us in a seemingly perpetual state of chaos. It’s exhilarating and frightening at the same time, and it’s starting to feel like this might be the new normal.

In times like these, you know what is comforting? The stable, consistent, reliable presence of NMEDA. Our Annual Conference & Expo will be held March 5-7, 2019 (see pg. 31) and I want to say this to anyone who did not make it to the 2018 event: You don’t know what you are missing. And I don’t mean that figuratively, either; you literally don’t know how much

be and that time is money. Education

not to mention the driver evaluators,

is everywhere, from the general

who we are expecting to attend in

sessions and breakouts to the panel

increased numbers in 2019. But the

discussions and new products in the

most valuable new faces you will

expo. As Albert Einstein said, “Once

encounter could be in the expo. To

you stop learning, you start dying.” This

put it bluntly, for those of you who

conference is all about learning – from

think you already know everyone

your peers, from the subject matter

who will be exhibiting – you don’t.

experts…just from being around the top

And some of the new faces there in

operators in the business. How can you

2018 were worth getting to know,

not learn in an environment like that?

trust me. As momentum builds from

I know one session that makes the 2019

our last conference, 2019 is sure to

event a must-attend for dealers is the general session on Wednesday, March 6 where NMEDA will unveil the all-new revitalized QAP audit process. The board of directors has been involved with this initiative for most of 2018

include plenty more new companies; you owe it to your dealership to stay on top of these newcomers as well as stay up to date on the new products and services being offered by the veteran manufacturers. What better

and I think all the dealers out there

place to do it than NMEDA?

are going to be pretty excited about

Hey, and let’s be honest – there are

the improvements that are coming.

worse places to be than Daytona

Revitalizing the audit process has been

Beach in March. Hearing the waves

a top priority for the association and I

of the Atlantic ocean crashing right

am proud of the progress that has been

outside your window at night is one

made and the work that has been done

heck of a stress-reliever.

“

to get us to this exciting new stage.

I know one session that makes the 2019 event a must-attend for dealers is the general session on Wednesday, March 6 where NMEDA will unveil the all-new revitalized QAP audit process.”

the NMEDA conference has changed if you didn’t experience it firsthand

In tumultuous times like these, it is

The NMEDA conference will be

this year. If I had to use one word to

always nice to see some old friends

full of education and networking

describe the transformation from

at NMEDA, and of course, plenty of

opportunities galore, but it’s also just

past years, it would be ENERGY. The

veteran conference-goers will be in

a really fun time – a great chance to

schedule of events is no longer slow

attendance. But at the same time,

have a few drinks and pick the brains

and ponderous; now it moves along

it’s definitely not the same old, same

of the top operators in the world.

like it figures you’ve got places to

old—that’s for sure. There will plenty

Hope to see you there!

of new faces among the dealers there,

8

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

---

AROUND THE INDUSTRY 40 Under 40: Catherine Martin Catherine Martin, Fleet and General Conversion Manager at Ilderton Dodge-Jeep-ChryslerRam located in Highpoint, NC, was recognized in Automotive News’ 40 Under 40 program. The program highlights individuals aged 40 or younger who are making a name for themselves at dealerships in the United States and Canada.

Recognized for her achievement of lifting unit sales of wheelchair-accessible commercial vehicles by 52% in 2017, Martin is responsible for shifting her company’s focus of building customized, made-to-order vehicles over to wheelchair-accessible commercial vans.

“We’d been retailing them for some time, but we were struggling to get the product from the manufacturer that we were buying it from,” Martin said. “My big change was: Let’s bring it in-house [and] let’s rearrange how we’re procuring these vehicles ... Not only can we make the money on the sale side, but we can also generate the revenue internally by building it.”

Congratulations to Catherine and Ilderton Dodge-Jeep-Chrysler-Ram!

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NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS UNITED STATES ____________________________

ALABAMA Griffin Mobility 213 Chestnut Street NW Hartselle, AL 35640 256-751-1365 1 Gulf States Mobility 1647 Coosa River Parkway Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-514-6590 1,2,3 MobilityWorks 3747 Pine Lane SE Bessemer, AL 35022 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 2150 Meridian Street North Huntsville, AL 35811 888-473-5402 1,3 Phase III Vans, Inc. 2015 Eastern Blvd Montgomery, AL 36117 334-244-1011 1 Sylacauga Handicapped, Inc. 1304 Talladega Hwy. Sylacauga, AL 35150 256-249-3717 1,2,3 Team Adaptive Medical, Inc. 1251 Bolton’s Branch Dr. 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 Ability Center - Phoenix 23606 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85085 877-820-3789 1,3 Ability Center - Phoenix West 13735 West Auto Drive, Ste. 109 Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-242-0552 1,3 Ability Center - Tucson 4720 N. La Cholla Blvd, Ste. 150 Tucson, AZ 85705 877-820-3789 1,3

10

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Dignified Motors LLC 3422 East Roeser, #A-102 Phoenix, AZ 85040 877-344-6686 1,2,3

Ability Center - Los Angeles 2715 Seaboard Ln. Long Beach, CA 90805 877-820-3789 1,3

MobilityWorks 1822 Embarcadero Avenue Oakland, CA 94606 888-473-5402 1

United Access 1825 E. Germann Road, Suite 24 Chandler, AZ 85286 877-501-8267 1,2,3

Ability Center - Orange County 11600 Western Avenue Stanton, CA 90680 877-820-3789 1,3

MobilityWorks 7239 Indiana Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 888-473-5402 1,3

United Access 14885 N 83rd Pl., Suite 105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 877-501-8267 1

Ability Center - Sacramento 6550 Freeport Blvd. Suite A Sacramento, CA 95822 877-820-3789 1,3

MobilityWorks 325 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107 888-473-5402 1,3

VMI Mobility Center 5058 S. 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85040 602-385-5999 1,3 ____________________________

Ability Center - San Diego 4797 Ruffner Street San Diego, CA 92111 877-820-3789 1,3

MobilityWorks 1424 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90035 888-473-5402 1,3

Ability Center - San Luis Obispo 3548 Empleo St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 877-820-3789 1,3

MobilityWorks 1245 Laurelwood Road Santa Clara, CA 95054 888-473-5402 1,3

Access Options, Inc. 41545 Albrae St. Fremont, CA 94538 408-734-5438 1

MobilityWorks 8130 Parkway Drive LaMesa, CA 91942 888-473-5402 1

Access Options, Inc. 109 Lee Road Suite D Watsonville, CA 95076 831-722-6804 1,2,3

MobilityWorks 120 N. Diamond St. Fresno, CA 93701 888-473-5402 1,3

AERO Mobility 1001 N. Weir Canyon Rd. Anaheim, CA 92807 714-973-8600 1,2,3

MobilityWorks 7720 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Van Nuys, CA 91405 888-473-5402 1,3

Driving Specialties of Sacramento 2216 Cemo Circle #A Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 916-635-2765 1

MobilityWorks 3127 Fite Circle, Suite B Sacramento, CA 95827 888-473-5402 1

ARKANSAS Accessibility Specialties, Inc. 1920 John Barrow Road Little Rock, AR 72204 501-312-1000 1 Mobility Centers of Arkansas 712 Hwy 5 N Benton, AR 72019 501-794-3100 1,3 Presidential Conversions 2887 No. College, Suite B Fayetteville, AR 72703 479-521-8433 1,3 Presidential Conversions 7323 Cock of the Walk, Suite B N. Little Rock, AR 72113 501-725-9070 1 Presidential Conversions East 2500 Commerce Drive Bldg. A, Suite B Jonesboro, AR 72401 870-933-7270 1 ____________________________

CALIFORNIA Ability Center - Fresno 2563 N. Fordham Avenue Fresno, CA 93727 877-820-3789 1,3 Ability Center - Inland Empire 711 S. Allen St. San Bernardino, CA 92408 877-820-3789 1,3

Economy Medical- Lifestyle Mobility 4025 Nelson Avenue. Ste. B Concord, CA 94520 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 1300 Nord Avenue Chico, CA 95926 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 890 Cowan Road, Suite B Burlingame, CA 94010 888-473-5402 1,3 Modesto Mobility Center, Inc. 1025 Lone Palm Ave. Ste 5A-B Modesto, CA 95351 209-577-1069 1,3

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS SACVANS Mobility 5821 Florin Perkins Road Sacramento, CA 95828 916-381-8267 1 ____________________________

Wheelchair Getaways 32 Stony Hill Road Bethel, CT 06801 203-790-9998 1 ____________________________

Mobility Express 4320 US Hwy 19 New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-849-0262 1

MobilityWorks 8706D East Broadway Ave Tampa, FL 33619 888-473-5402 1,3

COLORADO

DELAWARE

Mobility Express 7910 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33771 727-556-2917 1

MobilityWorks 364 Destination Daytona Lane Ormond Beach, FL 32137 386-586-5492 1, 3

Freedom Mobility, Inc. 4750 S. Santa Fe Circle #5 Englewood, CO 80110 720-722-2680 1,3

MobilityWorks 1010 Contractors Way Bear, DE 19701 888-473-5402 1

Mobility Transportation Systems 4010 E. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, FL 33610 813-246-9116 1,2,3

MobilityWorks 1505 Capital Circle NW Tallahassee, FL 32303 888-473-5402 1

Frontier Access & Mobility Systems, Inc. 1308 Riverside Ave., Suite A Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-223-8267 1

True Mobility, Inc. 773 S. DuPont Hwy. New Castle, DE 19720 302-836-4110 1 ____________________________

MobilityWorks 20354 U.S. Hwy 27 Clermont, FL 34715 888-473-5402 1,3

MobilityWorks 12530 Metro Pkwy Ft. Myers, FL 33966 239-275-1900 1

Mobility Driven 832 N. Crest Drive, Unit B Grand Junction, CO 81506 970-712-1435 1

FLORIDA

MobilityWorks 2727 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S. Jacksonville, FL 32246 888-473-5402 1,3

Ocean Conversions & Mobility 750 E Sample Rd, Bldg 1, Ste 3 Pompano Beach, FL 33064 954-942-6033 1,2,3

Advanced Driving Systems 662 Capital Cir. N.E. Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-671-2300 1,2,3

MobilityWorks 1925 10th Ave. N. Unit 1 Lake Worth, FL 33461 888-473-5402 1,3

Custom Mobility 7199 Bryan Dairy Road Largo, FL 33777 727-539-8119 1

MobilityWorks 7444 Narcoossee Rd. Unit 406 Orlando, FL 32822 888-473-5402 1,3

Ocean Conversions of Ft. Myers, Inc. 5751 Zip Drive Ft. Myers, FL 33905 239-936-6333 1,2,3

CONNECTICUT

In Motion Mobility LLC 2201 NW 102 Place, #1 Doral, FL 33172 786-534-2046 1,3

MobilityWorks 8203 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33771 888-473-5402 1,3

Advanced Wheels of Technology 33 Bradley Park Rd. East Granby, CT 06026 860-653-8064 1,2,3

Kempf, Inc. 225 S. 78th Street Tampa, FL 33619 813-630-0409 1,3

MobilityWorks 5601 Powerline Road, Unit 104 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 888-473-5402 1

CT Mobility/Columbia Ford, Inc. 234 Route 6 Columbia, CT 06237 860-922-7482 1

Mike Erdman Mobility 4650 US Hwy 520 Cocoa, FL 32926 321-636-8887 1

MobilityWorks 5201 NW 77th Ave., Suite 100 Miami, FL 33166 888-473-5402 1,3

MobilityWorks 104 Pitkin St. E. Hartford, CT 06108 888-473-5402 1,3

Mobility America 5130 Hwy 98 N. Lakeland, FL 33809 863-816-1513 1

MobilityWorks 7265 SW 62nd Ave., Unit 1 Ocala, FL 34476 888-473-5402 1

Active Mobility & Design, Inc. dba Buddy’s Holiday Mobility 6144 S US Highway 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34982 772-465-9600 1,3

Performance Mobility 9500 W. 49th Ave. C107 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 877-254-2495 1,2,3 Performance Mobility 6285 Corporate Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919 877-254-2495 1 Performance Mobility 5910 E. County Line Road Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 877-254-2495 1,2,3 ____________________________

P&A Mobility Enterprises dba Mobility Express 320 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-739-5596 1 Phase III Mobility 4333 Gulf Breeze Parkway Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 850-934-1125 1 Piper Medical, Mobility & Accessibility 1885-B NE 149th Street North Miami, FL 33181 305-940-2030 1,3 Team Adaptive, Inc. 1201 Harrison Avenue Panama City, FL 32401 850-522-0059 1 The Mobility Store LLC 915 N Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33801 863-688-3900 1 ____________________________

1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer

Oct—Dec 2018

11

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS GEORGIA Adaptive Driving Solutions 3027 Riverwatch Parkway Augusta, GA 30907 706-364-2688 1,2,3 Custom Mobility Van & Lift Sales & Services LLC 315 Whitehead Rd. Athens, GA 30606 706-353-1099 1,3 MobilityWorks 1255 Kennestone Circle Ste. 100 Marietta, GA 30066 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 3938 Ogeechee Rd. Savannah, GA 31405 888-473-5402 1 Quail Country Customs 731 S. Westover Blvd.

Albany, GA 31707 229-432-7258 1 Quail Country Customs, Inc. 2635 Hwy 247 Connector Byron, GA 31008 478-956-1225 1 R & R Van Lift Sales & Service 2130 Sigman Road Conyers, GA 30012 770-483-0767 1,2,3 ____________________________

HAWAII Soderholm Mobility 2044 Dillingham Blvd Honolulu, HI 96819 808-834-1417 1,3 ____________________________

IDAHO Karl Tyler’s Mobility Solutions 2301 3rd Avenue North Lewiston, ID 83501 208-746-9801 1 ____________________________

ILLINOIS MobilityWorks 23855 W. Andrew Road Plainfield, IL 60585 888-473-5402 1,3

12

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

MobilityWorks 155 E. North Ave. Villa Park, IL 60181 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 9207 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL 60714 888-473-5402 1,3 Personal Mobility 7611 N. Harker Drive Peoria, IL 62702 309-966-3089 1,3 Personal Mobility 706 W. Bradley Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 217-398-1188 1,3 Personal Mobility 2924 N. Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62702 217-544-2699 1,3 Southern Bus and Mobility 12950 Koch Lane Breese, IL 62230 618-526-4131 1,3 ____________________________

INDIANA Superior Van & Mobility 5410 S. Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 855-208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 13095 Parkside Drive Fishers, IN 46038 855-208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 4246 Meghan Beeler Ct., Ste 1 South Bend, IN 46628 855-208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 3414 Interstate Drive Evansville, IN 47715 855-208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 2218 Contractors Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46818 855-208-5576 1,3 ____________________________

IOWA Mobility Centers of Iowa LLC 3450 SE Miehe Drive, Suite 1 Grimes, IA 50111 515-986-3010 1,3 Siebert Mobility of Iowa, LLC 3554 Dolphin Dr. Iowa City, IA 52240 319-351-3159 1,3 ____________________________

KANSAS Banner Mobility Resources 231 SE 53rd St., Suite C Topeka, KS 66609 785-235-3070 1 Jay Hatfield Mobility, LLC 801 E. Crawford Avenue Salina, KS 67401 620-429-2636 1 Jay Hatfield Mobility, LLC 200 S. East Avenue Columbus, KS 66725 800-545-4227 1 Jay Hatfield Mobility, LLC 11922 East Kellogg Wichita, KS 67207 620-429-2636 1 Kansas Truck Equipment Co. 8846 W. Monroe Circle Wichita, KS 67209 316-722-4291 1 United Access 7921 Bond Street Lenexa, KS 66214 877-501-8267 1,3 ____________________________

KENTUCKY Superior Van & Mobility 1180 E. New Circle Rd. Lexington, KY 40505 855-208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 1506 Lakeshore Court Louisville, KY 40223 855-208-5576 1,2,3 ____________________________

LOUISIANA Crescent Vans, Inc. 2424 Hickory Ave. Metairie, LA 70003 504-738-2634 1,3

Fastserv Medical Bossier 1329 Driftwood Drive Bossier City, LA 71111 318-741-9586 1,3 Fastserv Medical Monroe 112 Summer Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 318-396-3366 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 12329 Industriplex Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70809 855-208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 1901 Westbank Expwy, Ste 500 Harvey, LA 70058 855-208-5576 1 ____________________________

MAINE Advanced Modifications, Inc. 1766 Hammond Street Hermon, ME 04401 207-848-8226 1,3 MobilityWorks 32 Lewiston Road, Unit 2B Gray, ME 04039 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

MARYLAND Auto Assist, Inc 5002 Lehigh Rd. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-2238 1 BEDCO Mobility 6300 Falls Road, Unit 2 Baltimore, MD 21209 410-825-1440 1 Koons Ford of Annapolis 2540 Riva Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-224-2100 1,3 MobilityWorks 2601 N. Rolling Road Windsor, MD 21244 888-473-5402 1 MobilityWorks 11409 Maryland Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705 888-473-5402 1,3

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS Oneness Mobility Services 7701 A Penn Belt Dr. Forestville, MD 20747 866-570-6686 1,2,3

Clock Mobility 5540 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Ste 11 Lansing, MI 48911 517-272-4488 1

The Customizers, Inc. 14133 Pennsylvania Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21742 301-797-7727

Creative Mobility Group 7740 Clyde Park Avenue, SW Byron Center, MI 49315 616-583-9730

1

1

Total Mobility Services 5411 Yukon Ct., Suite B Frederick, MD 21703 240-490-7840 1,3 ____________________________

Creative Mobility Group 32217 Stephenson Hwy. Madison Heights, MI 48071 248-577-5430 1,3

MASSACHUSETTS Adaptive Mobility Equipment 1551 Fall River Ave. Seekonk, MA 02771 508-336-2556 1,3 MobilityWorks 333 Boston Prov. Hwy., Bldg. C Norwood, MA 02062 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 57 George Levin Dr. N. Attleboro, MA 02760 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 299 Washington Street, Suite H Woburn, MA 01801 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

MICHIGAN

Advantage Mobility Outfitters 33073 Michigan Avenue Wayne, MI 48184 734-595-4400 1,3

Clock Mobility 587 W. Blue Star Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 231-943-9890 1

MobilityWorks 8175 Gratiot Road Saginaw, MI 48609 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

MINNESOTA Bert’s Truck Equipment of Moorhead, Inc. 3804 Hwy. 75 North Moorhead, MN 56560 218-233-8681 1 Cummings Mobility 2490 Rice Street Little Canada, MN 55113 651-633-7887 1 Cummings Mobility 2511 West Hwy 13 Burnsville, MN 55337 952-435-8889 1

Access Mobility Center 7620 Eastman Avenue Midland, MI 48642 989-633-6100 1

Clock Mobility 6700 Clay Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49548 616-698-9400 1,2,3

MobilityWorks 1604 East 14 Mile Road Madison Heights, MI 48071 888-473-5402 1,3

Cummings Mobility Conversions & Supply Inc. 6540 Jansen Ave. NE Albertville, MN 55301 763-497-0103 1,2,3 IMED Mobility 1915 County Road C Roseville, MN 55113 651-635-0655 1,2,3 ____________________________

MISSISSIPPI Handicapable Vans, Inc. 5516 N. State Street Jackson, MS 39206 601-981-0042 1,2,3 J’s Mobility Unlimited, Inc. 3880 Flowood Dr. Flowood, MS 39232 601-939-2112 1,2,3 Mobility Systems, Inc. 2857 Oak Grove Road Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601-264-0609 1,2,3 Team Adaptive, Inc. 978 Tommy Munro Dr. Biloxi, MS 39532 228-388-5700 1,3 Total Mobility Concepts LLC 1204 S. Gloster Street Tupelo, MS 38801 662-269-2068 1 ____________________________

MISSOURI D.W. Auto & Home Mobility Specialties 1208 N. Garth Ave. Columbia, MO 65203 800-568-2271 1,2,3

United Access 1389 N. Cedarbrook Springfield, MO 65802 877-501-8267 1,3 United Access 9389 Natural Bridge Rd St. Louis, MO 63134 877-501-8267 1,2,3 United Access 980 S. Highway Dr. Fenton, MO 63026 877-501-8267 1 ____________________________

NEBRASKA Mobility Motoring 7222 South 142nd Street Omaha, NE 68138 402-884-3333 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility 4815 S. 115th Street Omaha, NE 68137 402-934-7826 1,3 Wheelchair Vans of Kohlls 12739 Street Omaha, NE 68137 402-895-6812 1 ____________________________

NEVADA

Jay Hatfield Mobility, LLC 1115 SW Oldham Parkway Lee Summit, MO 64081 620-429-2636 1

Ability Center - Las Vegas 6001 S. Decatur Blvd. Suite N Las Vegas, NV 89118 877-820-3789 1,3

Southern Bus & Mobility, Inc. 80 South Highway Dr. Valley Park, MO 63088 636-825-0700 1

MobilityWorks 2100 S. Decatur Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89102 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

United Access 753 S. Kings Highway Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 877-501-8267 1 United Access 618 Jackson St. Columbia, MO 65203 877-501-8267 1,3 United Access 8200 NW 97th Terrace Kansas City, MO 64153 877-501-8267 1,3

NEW HAMPSHIRE MobilityWorks 54 Wentworth Ave. Londonderry, NH 03053 888-473-5402 1,2,3 New England Motor Car Co., Inc. 13 River Road Hudson, NH 03051 603-888-1207 1,3 ____________________________

1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer

Oct—Dec 2018

13

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS NEW JERSEY Brunswick Automotive Professionals 1490 US-1 North North Brunswick, NJ 08902 732-545-6300 1,3 Drive-Master 37 Daniel Road West Fairfield, NJ 07004 973-808-9709 1,2,3 FTMobility 255 US Hwy 46 West Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 973-546-1900 1 MobilityWorks 2303 Wallace Blvd.

Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 1549 Gateway Blvd.

Woodbury, NJ 08096 888-473-5402 1,2,3 MobilityWorks 5105 New Jersey RT-33 Farmingdale, NJ 07727 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 211 Woodbridge Avenue Highland Park, NJ 08904 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

NEW MEXICO United Access 3825 Osuna NE, Suite 1 Albuquerque, NM 87109 877-501-8267 1,2,3 ____________________________

NEW YORK Abilities Unlimited of NY 90 E. Jefryn Blvd.

Deer Park, NY 11729 800-664-8434 1,2,3 Advance Mobility Plus, Inc. 847 East 43rd St. Brooklyn, NY 11210 718-253-1212 1 Agor Enterprises, Inc 1241 Erie Blvd. W. Syracuse, NY 13204 315-510-4272 1

14

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Agor Enterprises, Inc 951 Panorama Trail South Rochester, NY 14625 585-385-2556 1 Boulevard Van City 2708 Niagara Falls Blvd.

Wheatfield, NY 14304 716-731-4335 1,3 Bussani Mobility 501 Concord Ave. Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914-835-8267 1,3 Bussani Mobility 500 Central Ave. Bethpage, NY 11714 516-938-5207 1,3 Bussani Mobility Team - East 401 E. Middle Country Road Smithtown, NY 11787 631-240-4128 1 Captain Vantastic 56 Main Street Esopus, NY 12429 845-384-6207 1 Main Mobility 9580 Main Street Clarence, NY 14031 716-759-6811 1,2,3 Mobility Services, Inc. 19-57 Steinway St. Astoria, NY 11105 718-267-2921 1,2 MobilityWorks 1892 Central Ave., Suite 25 Albany, NY 12205 888-473-5402 1,3 Tim’s Trim, Inc. 25 Bermar Pk Rochester, NY 14624 585-429-6270 1,2,3 United Access 2211 Erie Blvd. E. Syracuse, NY 13224 877-501-8267 1 United Access 72 Hinchey Road Rochester, NY 14624 877-501-8267 1 ____________________________

NORTH CAROLINA Care Solutions 110 B Edney Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-698-9844 1 Ilderton Conversion of Asheville 35 Dogwood Road Asheville, NC 28806 828-670-1111 1,3 Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte 1424 Archdale Drive Charlotte, NC 28210 704-523-2022 1,3 Ilderton Dodge/Conversion Co. 701 S. Main St. High Point, NC 27260 336-841-2020 1,2,3 MobilityWorks 4025 Queen City Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 888-473-5402 1,3 National Seating & Mobility 65 Shiloh Road Asheville, NC 28803 828-277-2577 1,3 Stalls Medical dba Adaptive Vans, Inc. 7980 Chapel Hill Road, Ste 101 Cary, NC 27513 919-233-0732 1 Van Products 394A Green Meadow Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 910-793-5661 1

M.C. Mobility Systems 214 Valley St. Dayton, OH 45404 937-222-5001 1,3 M.C. Mobility Systems 7588 Tyler Blvd Mentor, OH 44060 800-951-6238 1,3 M.C. Mobility Systems 7233 Industrial Pkwy Plain City, OH 43064 800-834-8301 1,3 M.C. Mobility Systems 10691 Reading Rd. Evendale, OH 45241 513-469-8220 1,3 Marietta Mobility 221 Pike Street Marietta, OH 45750 800-690-4950 1,2,3 MobilityWorks 1020 Laskey Rd. Toledo, OH 43612 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 12117 Princeton Pike Cincinnati, OH 45246 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 810 Moe Dr. Akron, OH 44310 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

OKLAHOMA

Van Products 2521 Noblin Road Raleigh, NC 27604 919-878-7110 1,3 ____________________________

Handicapped Vehicle Services Unlimited 7215 E. 46th St. Tulsa, OK 74145 918-622-8400 1

OHIO

United Access 730 W. Hefner Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 877-501-8267 1,3 ____________________________

Columbus Mobility Specialists 6330 Proprietors Rd., Suite C Worthington, OH 43085 614-825-8996 1,2,3 Key Mobility Services 1944 U.S. St. Rt. 68 N. Xenia, OH 45385 937-374-3226 1

OREGON Ability Center 9770 SW Wilsonville Road Wilsonville, OR 97070 877-820-3789 1,3

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS Ability Center 3574 Marcola Road Springfield, OR 97477 877-820-3789 1,3

Steffy’s Garage, Inc. dba SGI Mobility 235 W Main Street Leola, PA 17540 717-656-6065 1,3

Performance Mobility 12905 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 877-254-2495 1,3

The Mobility Van Store of NEPA 1233 N. River Street Plains, PA 18702 570-824-6620 1

Performance Mobility 4347 NW Yeon Ave. Portland, OR 97210 877-254-2495 1,2,3

Total Mobility Services 7917 Derry St., Suite 124 Harrisburg, PA 17111 800-558-7408 1,3

R & J Mobility Services, Inc. 4938 Crater Lake Avenue Medford, OR 97504 541-245-4846 1,3 R & J Mobility Services, Inc. 155 “E” Street Independence, OR 97351 503-838-5520 1,2,3 ____________________________

PENNSYLVANIA Keller Wheelchair Lifts 197 Main St. Luzerne, PA 18709 570-288-1004 1,2,3 Keystone Coach Works 4786 Library Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-833-1900 1,2,3 M.I.T.S. Corp.

11448 N. Main St. Ext. Glen Rock, PA 17327 800-243-6487 1 MobilityWorks 1090 Mosside Blvd.

Wall, PA 15148 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 2200 S. 12th St., Suite 2210 Allentown, PA 18103 888-473-5402 1,2,3 MobilityWorks 925 South Trooper Road Norristown, PA 19403 888-473-5402 1,2,3

Total Mobility Services, Inc. 4785 Penn Ave. Box 7 Boswell, PA 15531 814-629-9935 1,2,3 ____________________________

PUERTO RICO Equipos Pro Impedidos de P.R. Carr #1 Int R796 KM 10.4 Bo Bairoa La 25 Caguas, PR 00725 787-746-7667 1,3 ____________________________

SOUTH CAROLINA Ilderton Conversion of Charleston LLC 8550 Rivers Avenue North Charleston, SC 29406 843-576-0414 1,3 Mobility of Charleston dba Mobility Supercenter 932 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC 29407 843-225-6760 1 Mobility Supercenter 11816 Hwy 17 Bypass Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 843-651-3334 1

SOUTH DAKOTA IMED Mobility (Mobility Sales & Rental) 200 East 1st Street Tea, SD 57064 605-498-2200 1 ____________________________

TENNESSEE Apple Independence Mobility 1750 Lee Seminary Rd. Cookeville, TN 38506 877-528-5788 1 MobilityWorks 173 Industrial Dr. Lavergne, TN 37086 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 1325 Mackey Branch Drive Chattanooga, TN 37421 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 1015 S. Water Ave. Gallatin, TN 37066 888-473-5402 1 Superior Van & Mobility 10640 Braden Dickey Lane Knoxville, TN 37932 855-208-5576 1,3 United Access 2165 Hillshire Circle Memphis, TN 38133 877-501-8267 1,3 ____________________________

TEXAS Access 2 Mobility, Inc. 12406 State Highway 155 South Tyler, TX 75703 903-592-6760 1,3

1

Adaptive Driving Access of Corpus Christi, LLC 2201 Gollihar Road Corpus Christi, TX 78415 361-852-0922 1

MobilityWorks 563 Woodruff Rd. Greenville, SC 29607 888-473-5402 1 ____________________________

Adaptive Driving Access College Station 2214 N. Earl Rudder Freeway Bryan, TX 77808 979-307-7676 1,3

MobilityWorks 3624 Fernandina Road Columbia, SC 29210 803-828-5754

Adaptive Driving Access Houston 6836 N Sam Houston Pkwy W Houston, TX 77064 713-874-9100 1,2,3 Adaptive Driving Access McAllen 120 North 20th McAllen, TX 78501 956-971-0001 1 Adaptive Driving Access Pasadena 3430 E Sam Houston Pkwy S Pasadena, TX 77505 281-487-1969 1,2,3 American Lift Aids, Inc. 2310 Calder Ave. Beaumont, TX 77702 409-832-3400 1,2,3 American Lift Aids, Inc. 2407 W. Southwest Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701 903-581-8844 1,2,3 Lift Aids, Inc. 1500 Westpark Way Euless, TX 76040 817-835-0035 1,2,3 MobilityWorks 2110 N. Beach Ft. Worth, TX 76111 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 2700 Franklin Ave. Waco, TX 76710 888-473-5402 1 MobilityWorks 4150 Interstate 30 Mesquite, TX 75150 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 239 Commercial Drive Buda, TX 78610 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 16262 IH 35 North Selma, TX 78154 888-473-5402 1,3

1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer

Oct—Dec 2018

15

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS MobilityWorks 6473 DeZavala Road San Antonio, TX 78249 888-473-5402 1,2,3

Independent Lifestyles 4880 S. Amherst Hwy. Madison Heights, VA 24572 434-846-7510 1

Open Road Mobility 7411 - 82nd Street Lubbock, TX 79424 806-771-5873 1,2,3

M.I.T.S. of VA 2075 W. Main St. Waynesboro, VA 22980 540-932-7300 1

Open Road Mobility 6669 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79110 806-353-2747 1

Mobility of Norfolk dba Mobility Supercenter 3301 N. Military Hwy. Norfolk, VA 23518 757-201-7495 1

United Access 15301 North IH 35, Suite A Pflugerville, TX 78660 877-501-8267 1,3 United Access 2704 Lawing Ln., Suite 300 Rowlett, TX 75088 877-501-8267 1,2,3 United Access 2109 Luna Rd. Suite 200 Carrollton, TX 75006 877-501-8267 1,3 United Access 5044 Doniphan Drive, Ste. A El Paso, TX 79932 877-501-8267 1 ____________________________

UTAH Performance Mobility 9082 S. 300 West Sandy, UT 84070 877-254-2495 1 ____________________________

VERMONT MobilityWorks 5C David Drive Essex Junction, VT 05452 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

VIRGINIA Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence dba. DRCE Mobility Solutions 14101 Parke Long Court, Ste. E Chantilly, VA 20151 703-345-2990 1,3

16

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Mobility Plus Inc. of Virginia 763 Union Street Salem, VA 24153 540-389-3400 1,3 MobilityWorks 232 E. Belt Blvd., #100 Richmond, VA 23224 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 6059 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Norfolk, VA 23502 888-473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks 5751 General Washington Drive Alexandria, VA 22312 888-473-5402 1 PC Industries, Inc. dba Mobility Supercenter 7450 Midlothian Turnpike North Chesterfield, VA 23225 804-231-7774 1,2,3 ____________________________

WASHINGTON Absolute Mobility Center 21704 - 87th Ave. SE Woodinville, WA 98072 425-481-6546 1,3 Goldenwest Mobility 1815 E. Francis Ave. Spokane, WA 99208 509-484-3842 1,3 Kersey Mobility Systems 14640 NE 91st Street, Suite A Redmond, WA 98052 425-406-8484 1

Kersey Mobility Systems 6015 160th Ave. E. Sumner, WA 98390 253-863-4744 1,2,3 ____________________________

WISCONSIN A & J Mobility 4125 Terminal Drive McFarland, WI 53558 608-579-1500 1,3 A & J Mobility 1330 Mid Valley Drive De Pere, WI 54115 920-632-4882 1,3 A & J Mobility 333 Washington Street Valders, WI 54245 920-775-9333 1,2,3 A & J Mobility 2650 Prospect Dirve Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-874-6630 1,3 A & J Vans dba A & J Mobility 3058 Helsan Drive Richfield, WI 53076 800-517-1024 1,3 Advantage Mobility & Services dba GT Mobility 2833 Stanley St. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-341-2712 1 GT Mobility & Services 844 Ontario Road Green Bay, WI 54311 920-491-8384 1,2,3 MobilityWorks N8 W22195 Johnson Dr., Ste. 130 Waukesha, WI 53186 888-473-5402 1,3 ____________________________

WYOMING Frontier Access & Mobility Systems, Inc. 1207 E. Pershing Blvd.

Cheyenne, WY 82001 307-637-7663 1

CANADA

____________________________

ALBERTA ECO Medical 18303 - 107 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5S 1K4 780-483-6232 1 Silver Cross Automotive 4216 54 Avenue SE, Unit 60 Calgary, AB T2C 2E3 403-243-6300 1 Silver Cross Automotive 14568 - 116 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5M 3E9 844-799-5464 1 ____________________________

BRITISH COLUMBIA Advanced Mobility Products 101-8620 Glenlyon Parkway Burnaby, BC V5J 0B6 604-293-0002 1 Alliance Mobility Solutions 12211 Vulcan Way, #110 Richmond, BC V6V 1J7 604-370-7004 1,3 Alliance Mobility Solutions 1075 McCurdy Road Kelowna, BC V1X 2P9 236-420-1400 1 Can Am Mobility 158 Old Vernon Rd Kelowna, BC V1X 4R2 250-491-0003 1,3 Island Mediquip Ltd. 2258 Dorman Road Nanaimo, BC V9Z 6R4 250-824-0390 1 Island Mediquip Ltd. 750 Enterprise Crescent Victoria, BC V8Z 6R4 250-634-1895 1 Medichair Northern BC 849 - 2nd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3A6 250-562-8280 1 Sidewinder Conversions & Mobility Ltd. 44658 Yale Road West Chilliwack, BC V2R 0G5 604-792-2082 1,2,3

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS Silver Cross Automotive 101 - 8289 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V3N 0B9 844-799-5464 1

Silver Cross Automotive 5300 Canotek Road, Unit 42 Ottawa, ON K1J 1A4 844-799-5464 1

Eureka Solutions 5018 Industrial Sherbrooke, QC J1R 0P4 866-562-2555 1,3

Silver Cross Automotive 204-2657 Wilfert Road Victoria, BC V9B 5Z3 844-799-5464 1 ____________________________

Silver Cross Automotive 2028 Dundas Street London, ON N5V 1R2 844-799-5464 1

Eureka Solutions 829 J-Ambroise-Craig Levis, QC G7A 2N2 866-562-2555 1

Silver Cross Automotive 675A Davenport Road Waterloo, ON N2V 2E2 844-799-5464 1,2,3

Eureka Solutions 2755 Montee St Hubert Longueuil, QC J3Y 4H6 866-562-2555 1,3

Silver Cross Automotive 14 Goodmark Place Etobicoke, ON M9W 6R1 844-799-5464 1 ____________________________

SMVR 2 Visions, Inc. 414 Blvd St. Germain Ouest Rimouski, QC G5L 3N4 418-723-9225 1,3

MANITOBA Northland Home Healthcare Products 865 Bradford St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0N6 204-786-6786 1 ____________________________

ONTARIO Courtland Mobility 1355 Artisans Court, Unit B Burlington, ON L7L 5Y2 800-354-8138 1,2,3

QUEBEC

Goldline Mobility & Conversions 762 Industrial Road London, ON N5V 3N7 519-453-0480 1,2,3 Mobility in Motion 1710 Bishop Street N, Unit 8 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 519-623-9930 1 Northend Mobility 301 Aqueduct St. Welland, ON L3C 1C9 905-735-5552 1,2

Adaptation 04 Inc. 3025, rue Girard Trois-Rivieres, QC G8Z 2M4 819-372-0102 1,3 Centre d’ Autonomie 399 Ave De La Friche Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC G8L 2T3 418-276-8336 1,3 Centre de L’Auto St-Lambert 145 Damase Breton St-Lambert de Lauzon, QC G0S 2W0 866-641-0419

TVR Technologies, Inc. 595 Lanaudiere Repentigny, QC J6A 7N1 888-919-2555 1,3 Van Action 4350 Autoroute 13 Laval, QC H7R 6E9 800-668-8705 1,2,3 ____________________________

SASKATCHEWAN PrairieHeart Mobility 3033 Saskatchewan Drive Regina, SK S4T 1H5 306-584-8456 1,3

1,3

1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer

George W. Hicks, P.E.

Traffic Accident Reconstructionist Modified Rehab Vehicle Inspector

4345 Teal Road Petersburg, MI 49270-9304 www.ingeniumservices.com

734.279.9345 tel 734.279.1788 fax gwhicks@umich.edu

Oct—Dec 2018

17

CEO’S MESSAGE Why Go to D.C.?

By Danny Langfield

W

hy indeed. As this issue of the Circuit Breaker reaches our

members, Election Day is nigh upon us. But NMEDA’s last visit to the nation’s capital took us there in late September, where we were

The next afternoon I had a chance to

intrepid Government Relations

visit the offices of the Rehabilitation

Director, Amy Schoppman, sprang

Engineering & Assistive Technology

into action, looking to maximize our

Society of North America (RESNA)

D.C. times with various meetings.

and have lunch with their executive

NMEDA President Chad Blake agreed

director, Michael Brogioli. He and I

to make the long trek from Phoenix

took the opportunity to talk about

as well.

the co-located conferences in which

First on the agenda was a meeting

RESNA has participated, and he

with Prosthetic Services at VA – a meeting that was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute, and had to be rescheduled (Frustrating? Just a bit!).

nearly swallowed up in the chaos and

Next, we booked a dinner with one of

drama of the Kavanaugh hearings

our lobbyists to visit about NMEDA’s

(remember those?). Nonetheless,

legislative agenda and discuss a

a big part of what your association

number of issues that we expect

does is represent our industry

to be involved with in the future,

before Congress and various federal

including autonomous vehicles, VA

regulatory agencies. And, as most

freight reimbursement policies, and

of you know, we also partner with

the Veterans Mobility Safety Act

a number of other associations to

(VMSA) implementation, among

advance shared causes and increase awareness of automobility solutions in general, and QAP specifically. As you might surmise, these folks are largely in D.C. So, off to the Capitol!

Personally, I had been planning to be in D.C. that week anyway to sit in on some of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association’s Legislative Conference. I was surprised and delighted when the PVA announced that NMEDA was a winner of a prestigious Mission: ABLE award, and that the ceremony would coincide with the NIADA event. (See pg. 28 for more on the Mission: ABLE awards).

18

Upon hearing of our award, NMEDA’s

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

“ others.

offered his assistance as NMEDA and ADED look to put together a similar effort. RESNA has also indicated that they may be interested in acting as a secondary non-profit accrediting entity when the VMSA is implemented. They are a good partner and it was good to have a chance to visit with Michael in person on his home turf.

That evening we all donned our sharp duds and made our way to the swanky Trump International Hotel to participate in the PVA awards ceremony. That story is told elsewhere in these pages but

...suffice it to say that the NMEDA–PVA relationship is stronger than it has ever been.

Their partnership is immensely valuable to us, particularly in the government relations arena, and I’m very proud of our association’s efforts over the years to nurture and grow this relationship.”

suffice it to say that the NMEDA–

Relations to executive director of the

anniversary of the congressionally-

PVA relationship is stronger than it

PVA, we had not had an opportunity

imposed deadline for when the rule

has ever been. Their partnership is

to sit down with their top staff and

implementing this law was supposed

immensely valuable to us, particularly

really talk policy, so this was another

to have been enacted. As you all

in the government relations

positive and productive meeting for

know, NMEDA (like everyone else) has

arena, and I’m very proud of our

us.

frustratingly little leverage to exert on

In closing, let’s talk VMSA

the Department, but rest assured, we

association’s efforts over the years to nurture and grow this relationship.

implementation. Unfortunately, I have

The next day, Amy and I stopped

not saved the best for last, and this

by the PVA headquarters and had a

talk won’t take long. We continue

great chance to visit in-depth with

to seek answers from VA regarding

a couple of the PVA’s key legislative

when we might expect a rule to be

staff on a number of issues of

published and/or any sort of working

interest to both parties. Ever since

group to be convened, but we do

our friend Carl Blake was promoted

not have anything definitive to share.

from Director of Government

Next month will mark the one-year

will continue to fight the good fight— in D.C. and everywhere else.

---

November 14—16, 2018

at the BraunWest Facility in Mesa, AZ

NMEDA MANUFACTURER SERVICE SCHOOL This NMEDA Manufacturer Service School is a convenient and costeffective way to earn multiple training certificates during just one trip.

Don’t delay! Seats are limited and fill quickly.

FOR MORE DETAILS & TO REGISTER, VISIT www.nmeda.org/members/training

Oct—Dec 2018

19

NMEDA NEWS BRIEF

NMEDA Board Elections: Would You Like to Serve?

N

MEDA is currently accepting nominees for the following six

positions on our 2019 Board of Directors. Are you or someone you

Vice President & Secretary Requirements: Board of Directors and completed that term in good standing.

please have a look at the eligibility

Incumbents:

must be at least 21 years old and a current member in good standing.

Representative at Large (2), Associate Representative & Non-Structural Equipment Manufacturer Requirements:

Monique McGivney (Rep. at Large)

You must have previously served on the

know interested in serving? If so, requirements below. Nominees

INCUMBENTS UP FOR REELECTION

• Richard May, Vice President Running for reelection? YES • Bill Koeblitz, Secretary

Dennis Charvat (Rep. at Large)

Running for reelection? YES

The NMEDA Board of Directors meets nine times a year via web meeting or conference call and twice a year in-

You must have served on at least one

person; once at our annual conference

NMEDA Committee in the preceding

and once in mid-to-late summer. The

three years or have previously

term of each office is two years.

Anne Hegberg (Associate Rep.)

served on the Board of Directors and completed that term in good standing.

Incumbents: • Rep. at Large – Monique McGivney Running for reelection? YES • Rep. at Large – Dennis Charvat Running for reelection? YES • Associate Rep. – Anne Hegberg Running for reelection? YES • Non-Structrual Equipment Manufacturer – Gina Lewis

PLEASE NOTE: Nominations close November 14, 2018.

If you are eligible and interested, you are invited to consider running for a board position.

Gina Lewis (Non-Structural Equipment Manufacturer)

Email us at info@nmeda.org or give Marilyn Myers a call at 813.264.2697 — she will take care of you.

---

Running for reelection? YES Richard May (Vice President)

20

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Bill Koeblitz (Secretary)

Get Social with NMEDA

Oct—Dec 2018

21

INDUSTRY ADVISOR

New vs. Used new vehicles are entirely different from

from the ground up, in stages, or

the legal requirements for companies

by altering, requires full compliance

modifying used vehicles. Then, when

with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

we consider the multiple entities that

Standards (F/CMVSS) prior to retail

can be involved in the retail sale of

sale. Except, the word “titled” is not

a new vehicle, such as car dealers,

used in these sections. Then how can

finance companies, leasing companies,

we define a used vehicle to which

insurance companies, second stage up-

certification to the F/CMVSS does NOT

fitters, final stage up-fitters, alterers,

apply?

title transfer offices, etc., the question

Title 49 USC Chapter 30112 (b) (1)

is often asked, “Exactly when does a new vehicle become a used vehicle?”

“after the first purchase of the vehicle

One simple answer to this question

or equipment in good faith other than

might be, when the new vehicle is

for resale.” Again, the word “titled”

titled to the final purchaser and the

is not used here, although it may be

new vehicle Certificate of Origin

implied. Notably, the words “in good

(New Vehicle Information Statement

faith” are inserted (U.S. only). Among

in Canada) is registered in the end

other things, this deters an alterer,

user’s name. In other words, we could

dealer, insurance company, etc., from

say a titled vehicle is a used vehicle.

deliberately causing a new vehicle,

However, federal law uses different

that is flood damaged for example

language. In the U.S., Title 49 USC

or requires further manufacturing or

Chapter 30112 (a) (1) states that, “a

altering, to be titled first (making it

person may not manufacture for

a used vehicle) to circumvent re-

If you have any questions about the

sale, sell, offer for sale, introduce or

certifying the vehicle. This is imperative

contents of this article, or about

deliver for introduction in interstate

in Canada where a vehicle, once sold

the NMEDA CRP, contact Harry

commerce, or import into the United

to the first retail purchaser, is no longer

Baergen at (778) 888-2210.

States, any motor vehicle or motor

subject to federal requirements unless

vehicle equipment manufactured on

specifically referenced by provincial

or after the date an applicable motor

legislation. Although, in Canada,

vehicle safety standard prescribed

Transport Canada (TC) had a long-

under this chapter takes effect unless

standing policy that if a new vehicle

the vehicle or equipment complies

has further manufacturing work to be

with the standard and is covered by

performed on it for the purpose of the

a certification issued under section

end user, the vehicle is new, even if

30115 of this title.” In Canada, the

the retail purchaser has already taken

Motor Vehicle Safety Act prohibits a

possession of it, physically or on paper,

manufacturer, distributor, or alterer

and the alterer must test and certify

from selling or offering vehicles for

the vehicle. However, a recent response

sale to the first purchaser at the

from TC, for the purpose of this article,

retail level, or importing a vehicle,

seems to indicate that TC is not willing

unless the vehicles conform to all

or able, at this time, to litigate this.

applicable standards under the Act.

In the United States, once a new

Harry G. Baergen, CET 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.

T

he conversation about how federal law applies to new vehicles versus used vehicles

has been ongoing for a long time in both the United States and Canada.

In particular, about that ambiguous transaction that constitutes the sale of a new vehicle to the end user and the point where the vehicle becomes used. This is important, because legal requirements completely change during this transition for any company working on the vehicle. The legal requirements for companies manufacturing/altering

22

states that the F/CMVSS do NOT apply

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

This may seem fairly straightforward.

Manufacturing a new vehicle, either

vehicle is considered used, any company doing modifications to

the vehicle is a “modifier” under

the retail level and used by the end

represent the new vehicle production.

federal law. Although, a modifier is

user it falls out from under federal

Since most of these companies are

not required to certify its vehicles,

requirements. If the used vehicle in

modifying and altering vehicles for

Title 49 USC 30122 (b) prohibits a

Canada is brought to a conversion

persons with disabilities, as quasi-

manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or

company for modifications, there

modifiers of used vehicles they may

motor vehicle repair business from

are no federal rules that apply to

also take advantage of United States

knowingly making inoperative any

the conversion company, other than

49 CFR Part 595.7 that provides

federal safety standard. Therefore,

general product liability.

certain exemptions from the make

a modifier of used vehicles can only make minor modifications that will not affect federal standards, such as

The question then often arises, “How are some of the major alterers in the

inoperative prohibition for modifiers of adaptive vehicles.

U.S. modifying used vehicles on their

To summarize, federal law in both

assembly lines?” The only answer is

countries requires newly manufactured

that some companies have a vehicle

or altered vehicles to be tested and

screening system where each used

certified to comply with all applicable

vehicle is carefully subjected to a

F/CMVSS. Once a vehicle is sold,

check list to ensure that the somewhat

delivered, titled, and registered to

used vehicle is “like new” and can

the first retail purchaser and put into

still fall under the same “umbrella”

service for its intended use, the vehicle

of the prototypes that were tested

becomes used. The word “titled” is not

to represent the same model for the

used in the Federal Acts to describe

new production. The screening check

used vehicles, because titling and

list may include items such as: no

registering a vehicle is a provincial,

accidents other than minor dents, no

territorial, and state function, but the

parts replaced with aftermarket parts,

words “titled vehicle” are commonly

low mileage, Carfax, no outstanding

used in the industry in referring to a

recalls, no rust, etc. (This system is

used vehicle. After a vehicle is titled

“

similar to the TC NMEDA system for

in good faith to the end user it can

U.S. makes it legally impossible to

adaptive conversion and returned

installing a ramp in a smaller vehicle, installing an FMVSS 403 compliant lift in some vehicles, installing wheelchair tie-downs or installing F/CMVSS 124 compliant hand controls. Even some of these additions would require some thought about adding or subtracting weight in relation to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tested weight. Likewise, a common modification like installing a trailer hitch on a used vehicle would require some research to determine whether the OEM or alterer performed rear crash tests both with and without a hitch receiver.

no longer be structurally modified for

...the

question is often asked, ‘Exactly when does a new vehicle become a used vehicle?’”

The make inoperative clause in the perform structural modifications on a used vehicle. This would include any modifications that interfere with federal standards and would require vehicle retesting – modifications such as lowered floors, relocation of fuel tanks, installation of seats, and/or transfer seat bases, etc. The reason a used vehicle cannot be prototype tested to represent production is due to the inconsistency from one used vehicle to the next. In Canada, this is a non-issue, because once a vehicle has been legitimately purchased at

shipping used vehicles to the U.S. for to Canada). The used vehicles will NOT be certified with a statement of compliance label. Although these used vehicles are modified the same

compensation according to the U.S. make inoperative prohibition. This means, in the United States, when a vehicle becomes a used vehicle, federal law continues to ensure the vehicle remains in compliance with federal standards. In Canada, a legitimately titled vehicle is no longer subject to federal law and can be modified without federal certification unless a province or territory requires

way as the new vehicles, the company

otherwise.

will now be acting as both a modifier

---

and an alterer—both as a NMEDA manufacturer member and a NMEDA dealer member. The company’s claim that it is not making inoperative a federal standard on a used vehicle is supported by the test reports and certification documents the company has established for the same model to

Oct—Dec 2018

23

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT

How the Sausage Gets Made: Government Relations Edition

T

rue story: my third-grade

trip ruined my day, countless future

class held its annual field

barbeques, and possibly the entire

trip at a hot dog processing

country of Germany.

plant. While the other third-grade classes got to make their own bear claws at Dunkin’ Donuts or venture into downtown D.C. to marvel at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s currency printing press, I was confined to a Kraft Foods factory on the Eastern

Amy Schoppman NMEDA Director of Government Relations

Send your related questions to amy.schoppman@nmeda.org or call the NMEDA offfice at 813.264.2697.

Shore of Maryland. The field trip theme was “assembly lines” (or was it “adolescent resentment”?), and while I was admittedly excited to witness the efficiency of automation technology up-close, I was entirely unprepared to discover the hot dog’s origin story.

Long story short: it’s unappealing.

I share this story to illustrate the two themes of this article: (1) Yes, the process of Government Relations (GR)/lobbying/politics can be messy, disheartening, and generally unappealing… (2) But it doesn’t have to be! My work with NMEDA has taught me many things I did not previously know—the range and function of automotive mobility equipment, the physics of gross vehicle weight ratings, the deep and enduring love Chuck Hardy has for shrimp—but perhaps most significantly, it has taught me that GR work doesn’t have to be a

So unappealing that there is an entire

soulless, solitary slog to self-serving

phrase dedicated to it. “How the

policy “wins.” GR work can actually be

sausage gets made” is an idiomatic

a collaborative, compassionate (but

expression referring to the (oftentimes

still strategic!) exercise in holistic policy

unpleasant) ways in which a process

improvement.

or activity is carried out behind the scenes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the expression originated from a reference to lawmaking and politics (“Laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion as we know how they are made”). While I’m still trying to figure out if that field trip is somehow associated with my subsequent career choices, I am certain that the field

That last sentence may sound simplistic or sentimental—it is, if you’re a tobacco industry lobbyist—but it really does encapsulate the truth of NMEDA’s GR efforts. While my DCbased colleagues and I do engage in the practice of “beltway sorcery” from time to time, our GR approach typically involves four straightforward and completely legal components: Knowledge/Facts, Advocates, Partner Organizations, and Persistence. The best part? It works, and we have the results to prove it.

24

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

KNOWLEDGE/FACTS My work with NMEDA began years ago, as one of the organization’s representatives in Washington, D.C. I distinctly remember my first meeting with House VA Committee staff, none of whom were aware of the VA auto grant (specifically) or the automotive mobility industry (generally). This is not a criticism of Capitol Hill staff—they are routinely overworked, have expansive issue portfolios, and, quite frankly, the overwhelming majority of Americans know nothing about our industry.

So, I had to take it from the top and describe the driver evaluation and training process, move on to the range and function of automotive mobility equipment, explain the sophisticated business of vehicle conversions and equipment installations, and conclude with the individual and societal benefits of automotive

mobility industry; that NMEDA QAP

Two veterans and AAE Program users

fosters careful allocation of oftentimes

in particular, Mike Savicki and Bobby

limited resources; and that NMEDA

Fecteau, were all-star advocates. Mike

QAP ensures that people pursuing

and Bobby attended several rounds

automotive independence can do

of Capitol Hill and agency meetings,

so comfortably, conveniently, and

and both effectively communicated

safely. The education process can be

their intimate program knowledge

time-consuming, but with NMEDA’s

while establishing almost immediate

reputation as a trusted resource now

trust with their audiences. As a

established, we are seeing favorable

lobbyist I am able to translate industry

policy upgrades.

concerns into language that will be

ADVOCATES

understood by staff and bureaucrats inside the Beltway; however, I am

I have previously written and spoken

specifically unable to describe a

about the Veterans Mobility Safety

(non-existent) personal experience

Act (VMSA) – the details of our

pursuing automotive independence.

Congressional education campaign,

Mike and Bobby, on the other hand,

the legislative process, and our current

were more than able to share their

condition of Rulemaking limbo—but

personal experiences—as veterans

one aspect of our effort that has not

with spinal cord injuries, as members

received enough promotion is the

of the workforce, and as fathers who

essential role played by NMEDA’s

transport their children—and they

veteran advocates. While a variety

independence. Once the concept, and later the specifics, of our industry had been thoroughly communicated, legislators and agency personnel began to intuitively understand the undesirable consequences of vehicle modification programs and processes that did not prioritize quality, safety, reliability, and fiscal responsibility.

By extension, the value of NMEDA as a standards-developing and performance-enhancing organization became self-evident and, as a result, our association’s profile has risen considerably.

I hate to disappoint, but the aforementioned effort did not involve lying, cheating, bribing, misleading, or pushing a journalist in front of an oncoming Metro train. Over time, and when provided with an informational foundation, federal and state government decision-makers tend to arrive at appropriate conclusions: that NMEDA QAP promotes quality, safety, and reliability within the automotive

NMEDA advocate Bobby Fecteau with Amy Schoppman at the PVA Mission:ABLE Awards ceremony.

of members (driver rehabilitation

described an AAE Program wrought

specialists, conversion companies,

with significant challenges at nearly

dealers, component part manufacturers,

every step of the process: an initial

and others) contributed to NMEDA’s

lack of information regarding eligibility,

VMSA effort, the involvement of

benefits, and even the existence of the

veterans with practical VA Automobile

auto grant; having to endure periods

Adaptive Equipment (AAE) Program

of dependence upon others while

experience was critically important to

navigating a lengthy approval process;

the legislation’s eventual success.

encounters with unscrupulous or

Oct—Dec 2018

25

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT (CONTINUED) incompetent vendors; and how truly

efforts, and focus on achieving policy

agreed that NMEDA’s involvement

fortunate they feel to have achieved

change that will improve their mobility

would be critically important to

successful outcomes and a level of

and quality of life.

WWRC’s ability to centralize the

independence that initially seemed

interdisciplinary expertise surrounding

impossible post-injury. Essentially, Mike

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

and Bobby cut through the BS and

In addition to individual advocates,

a go-to source of information (and,

illustrated the deeply personal nature

NMEDA’s GR efforts involve

ideally, influence) for legislative bodies,

of the legislative and technical details

assembling or joining coalitions of

regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

being debated by stakeholders.

established, respected, and like-

NMEDA—along with the American

minded organizations focused on

Association of People with Disabilities,

veterans’ advocacy, healthcare, assistive

United Spinal Association, and

technology, independent living,

Paralyzed Veterans of America, among

automotive engineering, rehabilitation,

others—has secured a seat at the table

or aging. Coalitions and collaborative

for high-level discussions regarding

partnerships are typically effective

AVs and the need for government and

strategies for amplifying a message and

industry to include accessible design

garnering more widespread support

in their AV roadmap. This dialogue

than a single organization would likely

has not yet received the exposure

generate on its own.

it should (and, I think, eventually

engage). Our approach is more

Take, for example, NMEDA’s recent

will), but our goal with WWRC is to

merciful than mercenary. We engage in

association with the We Will Ride

genuine program improvement efforts,

Coalition (WWRC). Launched over the

and we intentionally collaborate with

summer and founded by prominent

end-user advocates because they

leaders in the disability rights

will point out program and process

movement, WWRC was organized to

flaws that we would otherwise be

ensure that the coming “transportation

unaware of. These advocates are not

revolution” of autonomous vehicles

cynically recruited as political props,

(AVs) benefits all Americans, including

either—they come to us because they

those with disabilities or mobility

know that NMEDA will listen to their

limitations. I was contacted last spring

members.

concerns, incorporate them into our

by the coalition’s coordinator and we

“Political Science” is probably more

This is what I mean when I refer to “holistic policy improvement.”

NMEDA’s GR efforts aren’t focused on inserting poisonous language into bills we want to fail, coercing agencies to adopt unnecessary regulations, or modifying Codes so that an unfavorable “shall” becomes an advantageous “may” (all of which are activities in which lobbyists regularly

the AV issue and, ultimately, become

facilitate and accelerate much-needed government and stakeholder focus on the specifics, the complexities, and the constantly-evolving technology surrounding the notion of accessible AVs, while simultaneously emphasizing our decades of industry expertise and the innovative mobility solutions historically cultivated by NMEDA

art than science, but the evidence shows that coalition participants wield important influence during regulatory policymaking, and that they do affect the content of government policy outputs. Accessible AVs will not be prioritized because we ask nicely.

Accessible AVs will be prioritized because they are demanded—by Congress, by the Department of Transportation, by OEMs, by society, by the marketplace—and WWRC is one way that NMEDA is involved in the effort to educate stakeholders and compel meaningful action regarding AVs and accessible design.

26

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

PERSISTENCE

(first date), proceeded to intermittent

(relationship metaphor stage:

meetings (occasional texting), moved

spending time together because we

on to substantive conversations

want to, not because we have to). The

(interest/attraction), progressed to

champagne and multi-course meal

VMSA collaboration (officially together),

were nice and all, but those aspects

and finally advanced to receiving PVA’s

of the evening cannot compare with

Mission:ABLE award (we’re engaged!).

PVA’s confirmation and recognition of

Wedding date TBD.

NMEDA’s advocacy (and other) work

Dave Hubbard, and Sam Cook—had

I attended the Mission: ABLE Awards

in the accessible transportation arena.

a meeting with PVA’s advocacy staff

ceremony in D.C. on September

at their DC headquarters. Long story

25 and, as I scrolled through my

off.

short, that meeting did not go well.

obligatory selfies under the sparkling

I hope this article provided a peek

It was like a bad first date: awkward

chandeliers of the ballroom foyer, I had

behind the curtain, and I hope it was

silences, nonexistent chemistry,

one of those “woah” moments where

100% less repulsive than my visit to the

borderline antipathy and, afterwards, a

cognition and awe collide and produce

hot dog factory. While metaphorical

lingering skepticism that we could even

thoughts such as, “Holy $*!@, I can’t

sausage-making is technically my

be “just friends.” NMEDA suspected

believe this is happening.” Five years

profession, I’d like all NMEDA members

that PVA was not going to text later

ago, we could barely get a meeting

to know that we maintain a sanitary

that night and say they “had a great

with PVA. Today, PVA’s president is

process while still producing delicious

time”—and we were right, they didn’t.

handing us a prestigious award in

outcomes. Bon appétit.

Finally, persistence…something you’re familiar with if you’ve read to this point in the article. NMEDA’s relationship with PVA is a prime example of persistence paying off. In 2013, NMEDA’s GR team—which at that point consisted of myself, Dave Goch,

NMEDA, however, carefully persisted in its efforts to establish a meaningful and comprehensive partnership with PVA. Expanding the dating metaphor, we moved past our terrible initial meeting

front of a crowd of hundreds decked out in tuxedos and floor-length velvet

Sometimes persistence really does pay

---

gowns. I am so pleased that NMEDA’s relationship with PVA has strengthened and progressed to its current level

Oct—Dec 2018

27

MISSION: ABLE

By Katie McDonald

A

s one walks into the Trump International Hotel

Awards

in Washington, D.C. it’s

impossible not to feel the grandeur and elegance that surrounds you. As a small trade organization with only nine employees, it’s also hard not to wonder, “Am I really supposed to be here?” When NMEDA received notice in June that we were to be honored with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Access: ABLE Award, part of their Mission: ABLE Awards Program, we were blown away. To receive this national recognition among such large corporations as USAA and UPS really emphasized the weight of the honor and made us so proud of our members and

but we rarely know if our efforts are

“We are honored to recognize these

visible beyond this small population.

outstanding companies,” he said.

Last month, we knew.

“Their leadership and dedication

know the work that our association

NMEDA Board President, Chad

to helping further the Paralyzed

and its members do is important

Blake, NMEDA CEO, Danny

and impactful. As members, you

Langfield, and NMEDA Director

see on a daily basis the difference

of Government Relations, Amy

automobility products make in the

Schoppman, joined over 400 guests

veterans.”

lives of individuals with disabilities,

at the 2018 Mission: ABLE Awards

Secretary of the U.S. Department

Banquet recognizing the honorees

of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie,

and celebrating the real heroes, our

served as keynote speaker at the

American veterans, through the

event. “Members of Paralyzed

evening’s theme of “UnstoppABLE.”

Veterans of America—your advocacy

PVA President, David Zurfluh,

for veterans, your adaptive sports

shared his own experience as an

and employment assistance

injured serviceman who suffered

programs, your educational

broken vertebrae as a result of a

opportunities and scholarships, your

motor vehicle accident while based

battle to ensure veterans with spinal

in Japan in 1985 serving in the

cord injuries and disease are cared

Air Force. Zurfluh reminded the

for—all of that empowers brave men

audience that all of PVA’s services

and women to regain the freedom

are provided free of charge to

and independence they fought for,”

veterans and their families, ranging

said Secretary Wilkie during the

from healthcare and advocacy to

program.

their continued commitment to quality and safety for veterans.

Internally, and within the industry, we

adaptive sports activities and job placement assistance.

Veterans of America mission is critical to our continued success as we advocate on behalf of our nation’s

Chad Blake and Danny Langfield accepted the Access: ABLE Award on behalf of NMEDA and its members.

28

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Danny thanked PVA for the honor

and enforcing those standards,

The ceremony ended with closing

and joked that USAA and UPS have

because we want positive outcomes

remarks from PVA’s Deputy Executive

slightly better brand recognition

for veterans,” Chad said. “Being a

Director Shaun Castle. Danny, Chad,

than NMEDA and went on to briefly

part of the Mission: ABLE Awards

and Amy kept the evening going

share who NMEDA is and what we

is a tremendous honor. I know I

by socializing with PVA’s Executive

do. Emphasizing our standards for

speak for all NMEDA members when

Director Carl Blake, PVA staff, and

safety and quality, our advocacy

I say that we salute the PVA for

various PVA Board members. It was

efforts, and our focus on education,

their outstanding work on behalf

a night that won’t soon be forgotten,

attendees left the event with a better

of our nation’s disabled veterans,

and an honor to be held in such high

understanding of who NMEDA is and

and we look forward to continuing

regard by PVA.

why we were being honored by PVA.

our partnership with this incredible

“We’ve been focused on standards,

organization.”

---

PVA President, David Zurfluh; NMEDA Board President, Chad Blake; NMEDA CEO, Danny Langfield; Halfaker & Associates President, Dawn Halfaker; Former Congressman, Hon. Patrick Murphy.

NMEDA CEO, Danny Langfield

NMEDA Board President, Chad Blake

Oct—Dec 2018

29

PVA Associate Executive Director, Carl Blake; Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Hon. Robert Wilkie; PVA President, David Zurfluh.

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Breakfast All Learning Tracks Expo Lunch in Expo All Learning Tracks Manufacturer’s Open Forum General Session Open Evening

Expo Breakfast in Expo Dealer’s Open Forum DRS Bonus Education Session Closing General Session Auction Fundraiser & Cocktail Reception Awards Banquet Oct—Dec 2018 33

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536

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334

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233

332

333

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545

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640

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531

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711

810

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101

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

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601

701

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104

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35

CHOOSE THE PATH THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

DRS 101: Introduction to Driver Rehabilitation

DRS 201: Advanced Driver Rehabilitation Concepts

This two-day course (March 5 & 6) is designed for the new driving evaluator.

This two-day track (March 5 & 6) offers several diverse sessions geared to more established evaluators.

(15 CEUs)

Dan Allison, MS, OTR/L, ATP, CDRS Beth Gibson, OTR, CDRS The skills and knowledge needed to establish an adaptive driving program or become a new staff member for an established program will be discussed and shared. How to develop an evaluation and training techniques, introduction to adaptive equipment, documentation and interactions with equipment vendors will be discussed.

Goals/Objectives By the end of the program, participants will be able to: 1. List the basic components of a Driver Rehabilitation Clinical Evaluation.

2. List the basic components of a Driver Rehabilitation OnRoad Assessment.

3. Recognize resources for networking within the Driver Rehabilitation Community.

4. Develop the necessary and optional components for starting a Driver Rehabilitation Program.

5. Recognize the key stakeholders in the world of driver rehabilitation.

6. Identify the sequence of basic on-road training techniques.

Plan to stay through Thursday for additional CEUs! BONUS EDUCATION SESSION (1 CEU)

AutoCoach 2.0: An Innovative App to Teach Parents of Teens with Cognitive and Physical Disabilities How to Drive

CLOSING GENERAL SESSION (1 CEU)

The State of the Auto Mobility Industry: What’s Next?

Please see website for complete program and continuing education information.

36

(12 CEUs)

Trouble in the Trenches: How to dig out by using a Clinical Decision-Making Tool Tamalea Stone, OT

Adaptive equipment must be considered for some of our clients to be able to access and/or operate a vehicle. Determining what is best for the client is only one piece of the puzzle. New technologies and products, a growing evidence base, and changing funding structures all add to the complexity of today’s practice environment. This track will cover a structured method for analyzing complex and challenging situations that arise in practice.

Vision and Driving Nathalie Drouin, OTR/L, CDRS, CDI

How do common vision disorders relate to driver performance, and what training and remediation techniques can be implemented to improve driver performance? We will tackle these questions in this course, also covering diseases and disorders of the eye. Participants will learn how to implement training and remediation techniques, including mirrors, tinted lenses, bioptic lenses, head movement exercises, and other techniques.

Beyond the Box: Exploring Creative Approaches to Driving Leah Belle, OTR/L, CDRS, CDI & Nathalie Drouin, OTR/L, CDRS, CDI Using case studies, this course will provide an overview of creative ways to think outside the box to provide mobility solutions for clients with a variety of disabilities. This course will allow attendees to explore the potential of different approaches with access to primarily low technology. We will also explore the importance of collaboration between all the players including the client, the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, the payer source, and the mobility vendor.

Medical Cannabis and Functional Driving Assessments: How and When to Assess On-road Nellemarie Hyde, OT, CDRS OTs and CDRSs commonly assess their client’s cognitive abilities in-clinic and on-road to determine if they are “fit to drive” while taking various medications. Is there reason to treat medical cannabis differently? During this seminar participants will learn the common uses, effects, and side effects of medical cannabis, and will explore the legal, ethical, and professional issues of assessing clients taking medical cannabis.

Great news!

DRS 101/201 NMEDA Circuit Breaker registration includes access to the full NMEDA conference from start to finish, including the Expo, all meals, and Thursday’s activities. More details are available at NMEDAAnnualConference.com.

TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS

THANK YOU!

Driving Systems Inc. - ColleBuilt Systems - Sure Grip - Mobility Support Solutions - Brandl Mobility Finance Ace Mobility - Freedman Seating - MGA Research - Crescent Industries - Kempf Inc. - ADED

Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities are Still Available!

Interested? Great! Contact NMEDA’s Director of Partner Relations, Trevor Jennings, at 813.264.2697 or trevor.jennings@nmeda.org. More information is also available at NMEDAAnnualConference.com.

Oct—Dec 2018

37

NMEDA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Registration also available online at www.NMEDAAnnualConference.com Company: ____________________________________________________ Contact: __________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________ State/Prov: ____ Zip/Postal: _________ Phone: ________________________ Email: __________________________________ EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2019

Dealer

Tech

DRS

Vendor*

Edu/Gov/Non-Profit

Earlybird/Regular

Earlybird/Regular

Intro or Advanced

Member 2nd 3 - 8 9+ New Member

$545/$600

$345/$380

$425

$1,095/$1,205

$475/$525 $395/$435 $315/$350 $345/$380

--- --- --- ---

--- --- --- ---

$200/$220 $200/$220 $200/$220 ---

---------

Non-Member

$845/$930

$645/$710

$1,950/$2,145

$195

Single Day Pass: (Tue/Wed/Thur)

$300 (Member)

Earlybird/Regular

$475** $600 (Non-Member)

|

$195

Banquet Only (Thursday Night): $75

CODES

1

Dealer

2

Tech

3a

DRS (Intro)

4

Vendor

5

Edu/Gov/Non-Profit

6

Banquet Only

Must register as DRS to obtain CEUs.

3b

DRS (Advanced)

Single Day Pass Codes: TUE / WED / THUR

ATTENDEES __________________________________

____

Name

Code

__________________________________ Email

____

Name

Code

Email

____

Name

Code

Email

$______ Cost

YES NO Awards Banquet?

__________________________________ __________________________________

Cost

YES NO Awards Banquet?

__________________________________ __________________________________

$______

$______ Cost

YES NO Awards Banquet?

__________________________________

____

Name

Code

__________________________________ Email

____

Name

Code

Email

____

Name

Code

Email

NOTES/COMMENTS/SPECIAL NEEDS:

$______ Cost

YES NO Awards Banquet?

__________________________________ __________________________________

Cost

YES NO Awards Banquet?

__________________________________ __________________________________

$______

$______ Cost

YES NO Awards Banquet?

* A Vendor is anyone who sells, or may sell, a product or service. ** Includes one year of NMEDA membership.

PROVIDE CARD DETAILS OR MAIL REGISTRATION AND CHECK TO NMEDA BY FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Payment Method: o

Check

o

Credit Card Total Amount: ____________________

Card #:________________________________________________ V-Code: ___________________ Exp. Date:__________ Company and/or Name on Card: ___________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ NO REFUNDS FOR NO-SHOWS OR CANCELLATIONS AFTER FEBRUARY 28

38

Register online at www.NMEDAAnnualConference.com or remit to: NMEDA, 3327 Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618 • fax 813.962.8970 • e-mail conference@nmeda.org NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Oct—Dec 2018

39

5 Questions With...

CONGRESSMAN RUIZ NMEDA’s relationship with Dr. Raul Ruiz goes back to 2013 during his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a healthcare provider and a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Dr. Ruiz intuitively understood and vigorously supported NMEDA’s efforts to improve VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program. An original sponsor of the Veterans Mobility Safety Act, you may also recognize Dr. Ruiz from his appearances at the past three NMEDA conferences, his seat on the powerful Energy & Commerce Committee—which oversees policy issues related to autonomous vehicles—and his uncanny ability to medically stabilize airplane passengers mid-air (seriously, Google it). One of NMEDA’s closest allies on Capitol Hill, Dr. Ruiz raised money from Coachella Valley businesses in order to fund his postgraduate degrees at Harvard, returned to the community to work as a physician, and is now a three-term incumbent in a historically Republican region. Learn more about Congressman Raul Ruiz in this edition of “5 Questions With…”

1. What inspired you to run for Congress?

My father taught me never to complain, and instead, be part of the solution. I decided to run for Congress to improve people’s lives.

I’m a physician first and foremost and will always serve my constituents with the same dedication a physician has in serving patients.

My congressional office is another toolbox I use to fulfill the mission I’ve always had as a physician: to improve the lives of the people I serve.

I brainstorm potential treatment

exposure to burn pits in her military

options (solutions). I analyze any

base in Iraq was the most probable

potential risks of the approach

cause of her cancer. Burn pits are

and adapt the solution to mitigate

acres of land where the military

threats and maximize benefits to the

burned trash indiscriminately—

American people. It’s the scientific

including plastic, medical waste, and

approach I learned in medical school

human waste—releasing black clouds

and honed as a physician, and

of toxic chemicals. More and more

I’ve found it useful for addressing

veterans, like Jennifer, who were

complex policy issues too.

exposed to burn pits are developing

3. What problem or policy issue do you think deserves more attention?

Last year, a constituent of mine, a 39-year-old veteran named Jennifer

2. What skill(s) do you utilize most frequently on Capitol Hill?

I take a physician’s approach to the complex issues facing our nation. First, the diagnostic workup to identify the problems. Next,

40

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Kepner, passed away from pancreatic cancer after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. She left behind a loving husband and two young children.

Jennifer was a paragon of health, and her doctor concluded that her

rare and deadly diseases, but they aren’t getting the compensation or health care they need and have earned. That’s why I created the bipartisan Burn Pits Caucus with Representative Brad Wenstrup (ROH). Our veterans risk their lives for our freedom—they deserve better than this.

Dr. Ruiz talks to NMEDA members in the conference expo hall.

4. What is the last thing you read for fun (not a briefing memo!)?

job, your school, your medical

protect critical legislation like the

appointments, your social activities.

Americans with Disabilities Act. In a

Mobility also means the freedom to

fair and just society, no one should

navigate public spaces—something

be prevented from accessing public

many of us take for granted. Serving

and private spaces. I was proud to

my community as a physician, I

co-lead the Veterans Mobility Safety

saw firsthand the pressing need

Act, which was eventually signed into

to improve access to mobility

law, requiring VA to set important

services. My experiences working

quality and safety standards for the

5. What does “mobility” mean to you?

with differently abled patients has

modification of vehicles for disabled

Mobility means independence. It

motivated my work to support local

veterans and empowering them to

government and non-profits trying

remain mobile and independent.

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger, a war journalist who discusses how the values of tribal communities can help prevent and mitigate PTSD in our veterans.

means being able to get to your

to improve accessibility, as well as

---

FAST FACTS • Democrat • Represents California’s 36th Congressional District • Committees: Energy & Commerce, former member of Veterans Affairs • www.ruiz.house.gov Oct—Dec 2018

41

QAP DASHBOARD

QAP DASHBOARD AVERAGE FINDINGS PER AUDIT October 2017 – September 2018

2 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

TOP 5 AUDIT FINDINGS October 2017 – September 2018 Calibration Overdue

62

QC Manual Update

57

NCT Training Missing/Expired Manufacturer Training Missing/Expired Weight Analysis Documentation Missing

55 23 21

AUDIT FINDING SEVERITY October 2017 – September 2018 Successful Audit 16%

Opportunity for Improvement 33%

42

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Major 16%

Minor 35%

QAP DASHBOARD TOTAL QAP DEALERS IN GOOD STANDING Quarterly: Autumn 2017 – Autumn 2018

324

322

322

320

320

318

318

316

316

315

314 312 310

Aug-17

Dec-17

Mar-18

Jun-18

Sep-18

NEW QAP APPLICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS Quarterly: Quarterly:Summer Autumn 2017 –- Summer Autumn 2018 2018 Applications

12 10

10

108 8 6 6 4 4 22 0

6

7

8 6

5

Accreditations

7 5

2

Aug-17 May-17

Dec-17 Aug-17

8

8

3

2

9

Mar-18 Dec-17

Dealers with No Audit Findings

9 6

7 8

5 3

Jun-18 Mar-18

Sep-18 Jun-18

Newly Accredited Dealers

A & J Mobility – De Pere, WI

Kersey Mobility Systems – Sumner, WA

A & J Mobility – Eau Claire, WI

Koons Ford – Annapolis, MD

A & J Mobility – Valders, WI

MobilityWorks – Bear, DE

Ability Center – Phoenix, AZ

MobilityWorks – Beltsville, MD

CT Mobility – Columbia, CT

Ability Center – Sacramento, CA

MobilityWorks – Clermont, FL

Access Mobility Center – Midland, MI

MobilityWorks – Ocala, FL

Eurkea Solutions – Levis, QC

Clock Mobility – Lansing, MI

MobilityWorks – Orlando, FL

Clock Mobility – Traverse City, MI

Open Road Mobility – Amarillo, TX

Karl Tyler’s Mobility Solutions – Lewiston, ID SACVANS Mobility – Sacramento, CA

CT Mobility – Columbia, CT

Open Road Mobility – Lubbock, TX

Griffin Mobility – Hartselle, AL

Performance Mobility – Portland, OR

Ilderton Conversions – Asheville, NC

R & J Mobility – Independence, OR

Ilderton Conversions – Charlotte, NC

Superior Van & Mobility – Evansville, IN

Adaptation 04 Inc. - Trois-Rivières, QC Creative Mobility Group – Byron Center, MI

Island Mediquip – Victoria, BC

The Customizers, Inc. – Hagerstown, MD

Oct—Dec 2018

43

QAP STRAIGHT TALK (w/ CHUCK HARDY)

Insurance: Are You Covered?

A

ll QAP Dealers are required

Chuck Hardy

NMEDA VP of Quality Assurance and Compliance Want to know something about QAP? Have an idea for a future article or just have a question about a form, or one of the Rules, or something you read in this article? Send your questions or ideas to chuck.hardy@ nmeda.org and look for the answer in a future edition of QAP Straight Talk with Chuck Hardy.

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

• NMEDA will be named as a

to have insurance, but is it

Certificate Holder and a copy of

enough? In this article we will

the certificate and all renewals

review the insurance requirements as

must be sent to NMEDA’s office

stated in the QAP Rules, the importance

and maintained in the dealer’s

of having insurance, how to determine

QAP file. Penalty: Failure to

if you are carrying sufficient coverage,

maintain up-to-date insurance

and ways to minimize insurance costs.

certificates in the NMEDA file will

Let’s look at the QAP Rules. Section

result in suspension.

V of the QAP Rules are Program

Is this sufficient? Well, it’s sufficient

Requirements. The first section “V.A.”

to meet the requirements of the

is “Insurance.” The Rules say that all

QAP Rules, but is it sufficient for

dealers must have the following:

your dealership? Remember, the

•

Garage Keeper’s Liability

QAP Rules are a minimum set of

•

Product and Completed Operations policy – Check limits. This must be specifically named and listed as a separate coverage. It may be contained in the general liability policy or in the Garage Keepers’ policy but must be identified specifically. Product and Completed Operations must have limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence.

Minimum limits on these policies must be $1,000,000 aggregate and be listed on the certificate. And that,

standards and policies for a dealer to be placed in good standing. But the actual coverage amount necessary for a dealer can vary greatly as we will discuss in more detail. Each dealer location should carefully evaluate their business to determine if they are holding sufficient coverage.

Full disclosure, I am not an insurance expert and did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. What I did do, is reach out to two NMEDA associate members who provide insurance

coverage to our dealer members and know a bit more than me. If you don’t already know who I am talking about, they are Chris Woods from Fortress Partners and Pat DeNobrega from PSA Insurance. Both were kind enough to respond to five questions I put forward. I think you will find that they provided some credible and valuable insight into insurance for QAP dealers.

Here is what they had to say: 1. Why is insurance important to a QAP Dealer?

Chris says, “The dealership’s main product exposure is vehicle sales and modification work. Once the

2. Can a QAP-accredited dealer

that QAP Dealers, “Can expect to

vehicle is sold and/or modified and

expect to pay less for the same

pay less if they are following the

enters the marketplace, the liability

level of coverage as a non-QAP

procedures that QAP has put into

exposure continues to follow the

dealer, and if so why?

place. Dealerships that follow these

dealer for many years and even as the vehicle changes owners. According to Consumers Reports, vehicles have an estimated useful life span of eight years and 150,000 miles. This industry more so than standard dealerships provides special customization to almost every vehicle…additional touches creates additional exposure.” and Pat echoed with, “Besides this being a requirement (law) to operate a business in the United States, (insurance) is an instrument/ tool that helps keep companies in business, makes a dealer credible, provides the dealer with business opportunities it may not normally have (fully-insured companies should only be doing business with other fully-insured companies), protects a dealer’s employees and assets, etc. In the event of a claim, a dealer can rest assured that they will be able to keep their ‘doors open’ for the foreseeable future provided they have the proper coverage in place.”

Per Pat, “In a perfect world….yes, but just having the QAP accreditation

guidelines reduce exposures, which should create a better loss experience

doesn’t guarantee that a dealer will

generating more premium credits.”

pay less! There are other factors

3. The QAP Rules require a minimum

that are always contemplated when

level of insurance coverage, in

promulgating the final premiums

your opinion, is that level of

such as loss experience, state of

coverage adequate for all QAP

operation, and exposures. A QAP-

Dealers and if not, why?

accredited dealer typically has the protocols, tools, rules, regulations, processes, etc. in place that allow them to mitigate or avoid risk and potentially eliminate and/or reduce losses or claims. Non-QAP-accredited dealers may not abide by the higher standards set forth by NMEDA (aka take short cuts) in order to obtain business. As one would expect, these ‘shortcuts’ create the opportunity for injuries, damages, etc. to occur.

Because a QAP dealer holds steady to the rules and guidelines set forth by NMEDA, it eliminates the opportunity

Both Chris and Pat acknowledged that insurance coverage requirements will vary from dealer to dealer and there really is no one-size-fits-all. It’s important to review your needs with an insurance professional. According to Chris, “The minimum levels of liability insurance that QAP has set up are a great start. A few questions that a dealership needs to consider when evaluating their limits are: • How much exposure can they pocket on their own?

• What limits are enough that they

for such injuries, damages, etc. from

feel comfortable and provides

occurring. By eliminating or reducing

adequate coverage to protect their

the number of claims or incidents, this

business assets?

helps the dealer manage or control their premiums.” And Chris added

• What limits do their contracts require that they carry?

Oct—Dec 2018

45

QAP STRAIGHT TALK (CONTINUED) • What amount of insurance would

4. How does insurance help mitigate

who were behind putting the final

a judge find acceptable if the

risk for a dealer before and after

product together. More importantly,

dealership was held negligent?”

the sale?

insurance is just a part of a dealer’s risk mitigation strategy. There are

Pat added, “Insurance is important to

When I asked Pat, he said, “(A)

all dealers (QAP or not), but since a

fully-insured QAP dealer should

QAP dealer is held to higher standards

only do business with other fully-

and operates at a higher level than

insured companies. In the event

what we would expect from a non-

of claim (either before or after the

QAP dealer, a QAP dealer should

sale) the responsibility/liability for

have coverage in place that is above

any possible claim will fall to the

and beyond what minimum limits,

‘at fault’ party. For example, if a

coverage, etc. a basic dealer may have

dealer installed a product incorrectly

in place. Having the bare minimum

(and this is proven) then the dealer

in place will allow a dealer to ‘check

should be the one that takes on

the box’ for certain requirements

that claim. Conversely, if there is a

they need to fill in order to operate

design or manufacturer defect with

business, but this does not mean that

the product and the product was

they are truly covered for the inherent

installed correctly, then this claim

exposures that comes along with

should fall to the manufacturer. If one

being a mobility dealer. Not only will

of the parties was not insured, then

insurance premiums and risk.”

having higher standards, coverage,

the claim would most likely fall to the

5. How can a dealer assess whether

limits, etc. provide a greater level of

party that is fully-insured whether

they have adequate insurance, are

protection for the dealer, but it will

or not it is their fault or at the very

there calculations or formulas a

ensure they stay in business and are

least the party with insurance in

dealer can use?

able to offer products and services to

place would be the one defending

their customers and to the community.

this claim. There is obviously more

By not carrying proper levels or

to it than that, but at the end of

adequate levels of insurance, not only

the day the end user only sees and

is a dealer endangering their business

knows the dealer they purchased

but also putting their customer in a

the vehicle, products, or service

compromised situation.”

from and not the manufacturer, service techs, subcontractors, etc.

numerous commercial strategies, processes and tools a business should also employ to their risk management program that will eliminate their risk to a lawsuit.” Chris added, “When we started working with NMEDA board members to develop these standards, we brought in our ‘best practices’ strategies that have been working for dealerships since the 1990s. Year after year, it shows that following the QAP guidelines and rules works and provides risk management from not doing questionable work in the first place and ultimately reducing

According to Chris, “Each and every dealership will have their own unique exposures that cannot be addressed with a blanket statement or formula.

Working with agents and insurance carriers that have experience with defending claims and creating industry-specific risk management strategies is key. There may be optional insurance quotes offered ….but what is it covering? When the dealer purchases an insurance policy, they are buying a contract that allows the insurance carrier (not the agent) to defend/settle the claim on their behalf. Dealerships need to be sure to review what the carrier is truly providing by reviewing the forms on the policy or quote. Every insurance policy has exclusions and it is important that the dealerships are aware of what their polices are covering.” Pat followed up with, “Unfortunately, a dealer that has

46

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

been in business for a while has more than likely found out the ‘hard’ way whether or not they have adequate insurance in place, or they have heard the horror stories from some of their peers as to what they should have in place. There is no formula or calculation as to what is the proper or adequate insurance a dealer should have in place, rather, a dealer should purchase as much insurance as they can reasonably justify. This isn’t a salesperson just trying to sell more insurance to various companies, rather we have all heard about the catastrophic or ridiculous claims that have occurred over the years for every type of industry out there (including the mobility industry).

all dealers did not purchase insurance

wish we didn’t have to have, but if we

Most companies will state, ‘not me,

due to the pricing constraints. Today,

ever get ourselves in an unfortunate

never me,’ but the companies in which

nearly 90 percent of the dealers

situation, boy are we glad we have

those ridiculous or catastrophic claims

we work with purchase Umbrella/

it. Look at your coverage and ask

happened probably also said, ‘not me,

Excess Liability and we have been

yourself these questions:

never me,’ before that claim happened

able to benchmark these limits for

to them. With that being said, there

mobility dealers (which are all QAP-

Is what I have sufficient?

are benchmarks and industry averages

accredited) based on this sample set.

“

Also, based on the operations and

There is no formula or calculation as to what is the proper or adequate insurance a dealer should have in place, rather, a dealer should purchase as much insurance as they can reasonably justify.”

If we are hit with something catastrophic (heaven forbid) will we be able to come out of the situation having taken care of our customers and remain financially sound?

If you’re unsure you can answer these questions, you may want to consider having a formal review of your policy from someone with experience in the mobility and adaptive vehicle market—not all insurance or insurance agents are created equal. I hope

that we can use to help guide a

exposures of each individual dealer, it

dealer as to what is the adequate or

will dictate what insurance is needed

proper insurance they should carry.

as well as what will be adequate to

For example, there are industry

properly insure that individual dealer.

benchmarks in the auto industry

Long story short, adequate insurance

(which differs slightly from the

will vary greatly from dealer to dealer

mobility industry) that spell out the

based on their unique exposures and

---

Umbrella or Excess Liability Limits

operations.”

the typical auto dealer buys based

In closing, I want to thank Pat and

on their overall revenue. When we

Chris for assisting me with this

first became involved in the mobility

article and providing valuable input.

industry back in 2007, 95 percent of

Insurance is one of those things we all

Editor’s Note: The 2019 NMEDA Annual Conference will feature a breakout session on dealer insurance issues. Check out the full education lineup at: www.NMEDAAnnualConference.com/education/ Check out the full education lineup at learning-tracks

you learned something today and especially hope you never run into any unfortunate situations. Till next time, keep doing what you’re doing and keep moving life forward.

Oct—Dec 2018

47

GUIDELINES GROUP TALK

Introduction The NMEDA Guidelines are a “living document” and are updated regularly to reflect changes in the industry. To make this living document come alive for your Service Department Team we suggest you take a single Guideline or a section of the Guidelines and use the Discussion Question Guide below as a part of your weekly team meetings.

This cooperative-style learning exercise is in practice by some of our Dealer members. We suggest you adopt it too and realize the benefit of a more engaged and better informed workforce.

NATIONAL MOBILITY EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION - GUIDELINES

23 TRANSFER AIDS Revised January 19, 2012 Purpose To outline the intended use and required function of Transfer Aids (bars, handles, straps, etc.).

Scope The NMEDA Guidelines are intended for use by the mobility equipment industry. NMEDA Guidelines do not supersede Federal, State, or Provincial laws and guidelines or mobility equipment manufacturers’ installation procedures; the more stringent will prevail.

Definition: (See Appendix C) Requirements

48

23.1

Transfer aids shall be attached to a part of the vehicle designed, or reinforced to handle the transfer aid

and client load.

23.2

Location and size of transfer aids to be determined by driver rehabilitation specialist, client, or mobility

equipment dealer.

23.3

Transfer aids shall be constructed of a durable material designed to handle a minimum weight of 250 lbs or

the weight of the individual; whichever is higher.

23.4

Transfer aids shall be positioned in a manner as to avoid potential bodily harm.

23.5

Transfer aids shall not be installed to interfere with the function of the vehicle’s airbag systems.

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

A Complete Discussion Guide for Your Service Department Team Meetings Guideline 23 Transfer Aids in Plain English Purpose: The purpose of Guideline 23 Transfer Aids is to stress the importance of following all steps in detail during modifications or installations. It is also important to point out the potential level of simplicity or complexity of a specific modification, change, addition, or deletion. Compliance and safety are of the utmost importance at all times. One way to comply is to use a vendorsupplied certified product. Mobility dealers should be aware there may be liability issues in case of accident(s) resulting in personal injury and/or property damage.

Scope:

Try This Plan: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR SERVICE DEPARTMENT TEAM MEETINGS --------------------------1.

Read the Guideline(s) out loud to your Service Department during your team meeting.

The NMEDA Guidelines are intended for use by the mobility equipment industry. NMEDA Guidelines do not supersede federal, state, or provincial laws and guidelines or mobility equipment manufacturers’ installation procedures. Individual mobility companies may also have their own preferred policies and procedures, the more stringent will prevail. The information in this guideline provides awareness and possible implications when working with high and low tech devices in motor vehicles.

Definitions: Aftermarket: Components used to modify a motor vehicle after the vehicle is purchased from the OEM. Backing Plate: A reinforcement designed to relieve stress and strengthen a specific area of a modification.

2.

Ask the Discussion Questions (when provided) one by one and let your team discuss openly.

3.

Keep your entire team engaged and thinking by asking open questions that can’t be answered with just “yes or no.”

Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS): An individual who has obtained the necessary knowledge base and experience in the field of driver rehabilitation and who has successfully obtained and maintained certification.

Fastener: Bolt, screw, pin, tie, clamp, or other securing device.

4.

Try to act on or implement any good ideas your team

FMVSS/CMVSS: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards - Regulations to which

produces and reward

manufacturers of motor vehicle and equipment items shall conform and certify compliance:

them, if appropriate.

US Standards: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/standards; 1-888-327-4236 Canadian Standards: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/acts-regulations/regulations-crc-c1038.htm; 613-990-2309 High Technology (“High Tech”) Devices: Devices that meet the following conditions: 1) Are capable of controlling vehicle functions or driving controls, and 2) Operate with a designed logic system or interface/integrate with an electronic system of the vehicle. An interlock that interfaces with a logic system via a splice connection is classified as high tech; plug and play is considered low tech.

Low Technology (“Low Tech”) Devices: All other devices or modifications that do not meet the definition of “high technology” devices or modifications.

Make Inoperative Exemption: NHTSA prohibits companies from rendering inoperative vehicle features that affect the compliance of the vehicle to motor vehicle safety standards. Due to the nature of our business, the make inoperative prohibition has been amended to allow modifications of some vehicle components/systems covered by FMVSS. The exemptions are very specific and are not to be considered all-encompassing and usually apply only to certain portions of the respective Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). Penalties for failing to adhere to exemption are severe, up to and including civil liabilities. Most modifications will need to have a Make Inoperative disclosure form filled out and a label affixed to the vehicle. There will be very few instances when a form is not required.

Continued on next page Oct—Dec 2018

49

GUIDELINES GROUP TALK (CONTINUED) Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): A vehicle manufacturer who performs all manufacturing operations on a motor vehicle up to the point that the vehicle is certified as complying with all applicable FMVSS. (Most commonly referring to Ford, GM, Toyota, Chrysler, etc.).

Shall: Required or compelled that there be no deviation.

Should: Advised. Implies non-compliance with the specific recommendation is permissible, variations acceptable.

Transfer Bar: A bar, handle, or strap to assist an individual in movement and/or balance.

Transfer Handle: See “Transfer Bar.”

Requirements 23.1

Transfer aids shall be attached to a part of the vehicle desinged, or reinforced to handle the transfer aid and client load. The mounting point must be structurally shound. Additional plating or reinforcement may be necessary for installations to thin sheet metal or other unproven materials.

23.2

Location and size of transfer aids to be determined by Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, client, or mobility equipment dealer. This may require a fitting with the client. Sufficient time must be taken to allow the client to acclimate to the vehicle and practive with ingress and egress. Any location changes that are necessary due to vehicle limitations should be discussed with the client prior to installing. An additional fitting may be necessary.

23.3

Transfer aids shall be constructed of a durable material designed to handle a minimum weight of 250 lbs or the weight of the individual, whichever is higher. Proper fasteners exceeding these ratings should be used for installation.

23.4

Transfer aids shall be positioned in a manner as to avoid potential bodily harm. Transfer Aids should not be installed as a possible obstruction in the event of a collision potentially causing injury. The safety of the client and any other passengers is of the utmost importance.

23.5

Transfer aids shall not be installed to interfere with the function of the vehicle’s airbag systems. Caution must be used to avoid interfering with or disabling side curtain airbags. Fasteners, backing plates, and the physical location of the transfer aid should not internfere in any way with the deployment of an airbag.

50

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

CANADA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A World of Change

By David Parton

R

ecently, I have noticed a major shift in the choices many retirees are making as they plan for old age,

and in turn, our industry is beginning to embrace this shift in direction.

“Aging in place” has become a topic of significance. Many “boomers” are saying they do not wish to leave their homes, or if they do, it is by downsizing into a condo or lifestyle community. This cohort sees value in staying put and living out their retirement in the place they are comfortable, having often lived there for many years. A place where they can entertain family and have friends visit them. This generation does not see long-term care facilities as anything but a last resort; it is far from

There are many new options and

needs for seniors and the progression

opportunities brought about by this

of the various disease conditions and

change in direction. Most in this age

their characteristics/symptoms? In other

group have the desire to stay and age

words, are we trying to blue sky and

in place, but rarely have considered

target for the best long-term solution,

or contemplated the changes needed

or are we targeting that in-stock item

to make their home and community

that we need to move? Selecting the

accessible for them. As time brings

best products means understanding

about inevitable changes, and as

changing needs the and best solutions

age often chips away at mental and

for those needs. We are not doctors,

physical ability, the adjustments that

and none of us has a better crystal ball

need to be made to make one’s home

than anyone else. We cannot predict the

a safe and workable environment to

future, but we can aim to meet those

allow aging in place must be brought

likely situations our client will be facing

into focus.

based on experience.

Stairs become an obstacle when

Working with professional organizations

walking becomes more difficult.

like ADED and our local OT driving

Bathing becomes a challenge and

assessors is one great way to tap

the bathroom becomes a dangerous

into the knowledge bank that is there

place with slippery surfaces and

for addressing potential changes in

difficult transfers onto and off of

ability for our customers. This means

the commode or in and out of the

doing our own homework and gaining

bathtub.

an understanding of aging and the

Aging in place also requires

processes that come with it. Asking the

considerations as to the right type of vehicle for accessing the world or just

“

Choosing the right vehicle or making

and it is the most fulfilling type of

the best choices when it comes to

sales there is. This means helping our

adapting a vehicle for transporting

clients understand the needs they have

seniors requires advice from

identified but may not fully understand

experienced mobility professionals

until you ask them some questions and

with consideration of long-term goals

listen to their answers.

and the potential for changing needs.

long-term care.

a plethora of good ideas to enhance

as we look to serve this generation?

called “Need Satisfaction Selling”

Most in this age group have the desire to stay and age in place, but rarely have considered or contemplated the changes needed to make their home and community accessible for them.”

We have many great products and

in the mobility business must address

and understanding the current and projected needs of our customers. It is

getting around the neighborhood.

a “given” that they see themselves in What are the new considerations we

right questions, listening to concerns,

and encourage long-term mobility.

But, on our end, do we have sales staff who truly understand the changing

Aging in place is becoming a reality.

Making this possible for our customers means upping our game and being truly focussed on understanding their needs for today as well as for the years ahead.

---

Oct—Dec 2018

51

NMEDA MANUFACTURER MEMBERS MANUFACTURERS ____________________________ Able Motion Mobility 2200 Executive Ave., Suite A Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 888-450-3994 Ace Mobility LLC 9850 E. 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46229 317-241-2444 Adaptive Mobility Systems 2072 N. Bibb Drive Tucker, GA 30084 770-674-0776 Adapt-Solutions 145 Damase-Breton St-Lambert, QC G0S 2W0 866-641-0419 AMF Bruns of America 1797 Georgetown Road Hudson, OH 44236 877-506-3770 AOI Electrical 9650 East 148th Street Noblesville, IN 46060 800-480-6680 B & D Independence 1024 Empire Street Mt.Carmel, IL 62863 618-262-7117 Bever Mobility Products 2885 Sandford Ave, SW, #41693 Grandville, MI 49418 888-959-6198 BraunAbility P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 800-843-5438 Bruno Independent Living Aids 1780 Executive Drive Oconomowoc, WI 53066 262-953-5396 Crescent Industries 191 Washington St. Auburn, ME 04210 207-777-3500 Driving Systems, Inc. 16139 Runnymede St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-782-6793 E.Z. Lock 2001 Wooddale Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-214-4620

52

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles 1000 Chrysler Dr. Auburn Hills, MI 48326 800-255-9877 Ford Motor Company 777 Woodward Avenue, Ste 500 Detroit, MI 48226 313-202-6342 Freedman Seating Company 4545 W. Augusta Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60651 773-524-2440 Freedom Motors, Inc. division of Savaria 14 Goodmark Place Etobicoke, ON M6W 6R1 905-799-5545

Pride Mobility Products Corp.

182 Susquehanna Avenue Exeter, PA 18643 570-655-5574

Vantage Mobility International 5202 S. 28th Place.

Phoenix, AZ 85040 800-348-8267

Q’Straint / Sure-Lok 5553 Ravenswood Rd., #110 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-986-6665

Veigel North America, dba Mobility Products Design 51277 Celeste Drive Shelby Twp, MI 48315 586-843-3816

Revability 1655 Wall St. Salina, KS 67402 620-314-3053 Revability 8105 Big Lake Road Clarkston, MI 48347 248-620-4200

Golden Mobility & Rehab LTD 3150A Faithfull Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 8H3 306-242-9060

Sure Grip Hand Controls 4850 Rt. 2 Hwy Upper Kingsclear, NB E3E 1P8 506-363-5289

Harmar Mobility 2075 47th St. Sarasota, FL 34234 800-833-0478

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 469-292-4649

KEMPF 1245 Lakeside Dr. #3005 Sunnyvale, CA 94085 408-773-0219

Trilift 8021 Langdon Ave. Van Nuys, CA 91404 818-778-6709

Mahadev Metal Works 11071 Bridgeport Rd. Unit 124, 125 Richmond, BC V6X 1T3 604-270-3317

Paid Advertisement

Malley Industries, Inc. 1100 Aviation Avenue Dieppe, NB E1A 9A3 506-859-8591 Manufacturing Production Services Corp.

2222 W. Enterprise St. Escondido, CA 92029 800-243-4051 Mercedes-Benz USA 8501 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy.

Ladson, SC 29456 843-666-4333 Move Mobility, Inc. 465 Lucas Avenue WInnipeg, MB R3C 2E6 204-783-8267 Nor-Cal Vans, Inc. 1300 Nord Avenue, Suite 125 Chico, CA 95926 866-892-0150

Winter 2011

52

NMEDA ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ASSOCIATES ALABAMA

Jennifer Nordine 1414 W. Broadway #218 Tempe, AZ 85282 480-449-3331

Tiffany Heck 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 303-789-8237

Marla Popkin 101 W. Hill Street Inverness, FL 34452 305-803-7644

Lou Klein 8933 Green Chase Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 941-726-2220

Katalyn Koloseike 7975 S. Autoplex Loop Tempe, AZ 85284 480-598-2383

Sarah Davidson 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 303-789-8117

Juliette Delgado 300 Hollywood Way Hollywood, FL 33021 954-579-3234

Josh Forsman 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-870-5999

____________________________

____________________________

CALIFORNIA

CONNECTICUT

Tom Matson 1020 Aileen Street Lafayette, CA 94549 925-299-1039

Myra Scott 55 Farmington Ave., 12th Floor Hartford, CT 06106 860-424-4863

Danielle Barber 300 Hollywood Way Hollywood, FL 33021 954-265-7698

Paul Cooper P.O. Box 641 Montebello, CA 90640 323-855-1502

____________________________

____________________________

Nathan Furris 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-870-5999 Tracey Kennedy 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-870-5999 Stephen Williams 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-870-5999 Brandon Adamson 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-414-8430 Chris Adkison 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-414-8430 Craig Rogers 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-414-8430 Cedrick Wallace 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-414-8430 Jennifer Rogers 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-414-8430 William Scott 3830 Ridgeway Drive Birmingham, AL 35259 205-414-8430 ____________________________

ARIZONA Carol Blanc, OTR L CDRS 755 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85006 602-521-3072 Jason Strowmatt 1414 W. Broadway, #218 Tempe, AZ 85282 713-446-4628 Jillian Gubanich 1414 W. Broadway #218 Tempe, AZ 85282 480-449-3331

Lula Capuchino 3601 Marconi Ave. Sacramento, CA 95821 916-481-1300 Adam Grossman 2195 Larkspur Ln. #203 Redding, CA 96002 530-232-3260 Gregory Paquin 5140 Florence Ave., Unit C Bell, CA 90201 323-326-1383 Marcus Norton 1599 Broadway Ave. #337 Atwater, CA 95301 669-225-0063 Warren Vinzant 2419 Irma Way Castro Valley, CA 94546 510-317-1775 Stanton C. Saucier 6175 Melvin Avenue Tarzana, CA 91356 818-614-6149 Mike Zieman 3220 E. 59th Street Long Beach, CA 90805 562-272-7231 Penny M. Anders 1641 Borana St. San Diego, CA 92111 858-565-2437

FLORIDA Lisa Crisalli 3936 SE 20th Ave Keystone, FL 32656 352-339-2039 Judi Hamelburg 1031 Ives Dairy Rd. Suite 228 N. Miami Beach, FL 33179 305-770-0747 Elizabeth Powers 7305 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410 561-422-5604 Dave Krieger 9315 Hunters Park Way Tampa, FL 33647 800-738-9967 Eilif L. Olesen 7325 Norwich Lane Clearwater, FL 33764 727-424-7485 Rod Synovec 219 Ashley Road Mascotte, FL 34753 407-716-0465 Carlos Abella 27553 Cashford Circle, Ste. 101 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813-631-9700 Janet Gardner 18908 Adams Country Way Lutz, FL 33559 813-631-9700

COLORADO

Ginger H. Le 27553 Cashford Circle, Ste. 101 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813-631-9700

Barry Doyle 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 303-789-8218

Ferenc Moricz 419 Jet Port Industrial Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33634 813-890-8809

Colleen Knoll 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 303-789-8218

Lou Klein 22519 Front Beach Rd. Unit 127 Panama City Beach, FL 32413 941-726-2220

____________________________

Susan Rentz 100 W. Gore St., Suite 104 Orlando, FL 32806 407-920-7445 Stephen Sundarrao 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENB 118 Tampa, FL 33620 813-974-5346 Dorothee Zuleger 2905 Abbey Ct. Winter Park, FL 32792 407-237-3099 Lori Grismore, OTR/L 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33613 813-396-0728 ____________________________

GEORGIA Rajesh Pagadala 3586 Riverside Drive Macon, GA 31210 478-279-1885 Kathleen Allgood 6135 Roosevelt Hwy. Warm Springs, GA 31830 706-655-5031 Matt Abisamra 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-350-7722 Dan Allison, MS OTR/L 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-350-7763 John Anschutz 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-350-7720 James Kennedy 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-367-1296 Brian Adkins P.O. Box 425 Grayson, GA 30017 770-676-7337 _________________________

Oct—Dec 2018

53

NMEDA ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ILLINOIS Anne Hegberg 26 W. 171 Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 630-909-6080 Brandon Lesch 118 E. Madison Lombard, IL 60148 630-951-1714 Vince Bunetic 725 N. Belt West Swansea, IL 62226 866-366-7173 Chris Pagliarulo 9023 W. Dralle Road Frankfort, IL 60423 815-806-8248 James Wooldridge 500C South Lewis Lane Carbondale, IL 62948 618-453-2331

Patrick DeNobrega 11311 McCormick Road Hunt Valley, MD 21031 443-798-7495

Sherri Johnson 2040 Frontage Road South Waite Park, MN 58387 877-327-3533

Eva Richardville P.O. Box 8978 Ft. Wayne, IN 46898 260-417-8399

____________________________

____________________________

MASSACHUSETTS

MISSOURI

IOWA

Tricia/Mark Whitehouse 250 Milton St., #LL002 Dedham, MA 02026 781-329-6656

David Adams 334 Buckington Street St. Peters, MO 63376 636-294-1762

Bill Siebert 56504 Gillen Avenue Glenwood, IA 51534 402-679-4058

Eugene Blumkin 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 02211 617-204-3721

Mike Flotken 4 Kingston Manor St Louis, MO 63124 314-873-6814

Beth Stanek 1111 West San Marnan Drive Waterloo, IA 50701 866-550-4551

Cabot Smith 100 Newark Street Haverville, MA 01832 978-374-4530

____________________________

Perry Ressler 980 Hwy 18 East Britt, IA 50473 352-552-6674

____________________________

____________________________

MICHIGAN

KENTUCKY

Michael Blasius 26261 Evergreen Rd, Ste 300 Southfield, MI 48076 248-351-0149

Brian Hinchman 1475 E. Woodfield Road Schaumburg, IL 60173 770-754-7339

Brian Iadarola, OTR/L, CDRS 3937 Central Avenue Louisville, KY 40218 502-893-0050

Akbar Farahani 1133 E. Maple Road Troy, MI 48083 248-729-3010

____________________________

MaryFrances Gross 4805 Hemlock Way Lexington, KY 40514 619-607-1142

Patrick Zeiser 4965 E Beltline Ave NE, Ste 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-447-2293

Stacey Stevens 240 Hillsboro Avenue Lexington, KY 40511 859-351-6612

George Hicks 4345 Teal Road Petersburg, MI 48270 734-279-9345

____________________________

Danton Lloyd P.O. Box 241 Okemos, MI 48805 517-349-7990

Stephen Kedzuf 10 N. Locust Dr., Ste 7 Manteno, IL 60950 800-506-8960

INDIANA Carmen Palanca 1156 Ridgeview Ct. Avon, IN 46123 317-660-6506 Kathy Kachanoski 1732 Timbercrest Dr. Columbus, IN 47203 800-841-4938

____________________________

LOUISIANA

Mary Follman 4740 Kingsway Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-466-1000

Lee Carricut 224 East Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, LA 70501 337-289-3004

Suzanne Hardesty-Pritchard 4740 Kingsway Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-721-8636

Michael Shipp 1340 Mitcham Orchard Road Ruston, LA 71270 318-245-7361

Russell Schimmell, OTR CDRS 3701 Bellemeade Avenue Evansville, IN 74414 812-492-0645

Rev. Julius Lee, CBT 2910 Seine Street New Orleans, LA 70114 504-450-4014

Susan Fassett, CDRS, COTA 111 W. Jefferson, Suite 100 South Bend, IN 46601 574-647-2600

____________________________

Kerry Jones 26875 Church St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 269-663-0226

MARYLAND

____________________________

Elin Davis 4720 Montgomery Lane Bethesda, MD 20814 800-729-2682

MINNESOTA

Andrea Vrobel 4000 W. 106th St, # 125-310 Carmel, IN 46032 574-607-5995

54

Mason Campbell 9531 Valparaiso Court Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-879-8940

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Kelby Lloyd P.O. Box 241 Okemos, MI 48805 517-349-7990 Robert Reid, Ed. S P.O. Box 241 Okemos, MI 48805 517-349-7990

David Yount 559 Hwy 10 South St. Cloud, MN 56304 866-581-3922

NEW JERSEY Gene Morton 1635 Marconi Road Wall Township, NJ 07719 732-539-5393 ____________________________

NEW MEXICO Phillip Holmes 2035 Corbett Dr. Las Cruces, NM 88001 575-521-1006 Andrew Schneider 5600 Valle Allegre Road NW Albuquequre, NM 87420 505-710-2861 ____________________________

NEW YORK Brian Burke 853 Broadway, Suite 2014 New York, NY 10003 862-686-0925 Royce Burns Sr. 258 Van Keuren Avenue Pine Bush, NY 12566 845-361-1244 Brian McLane 29 Rockefeller Blvd.

Rensselaer, NY 12144 518-426-8850 Edmund Ippolito 95a Edison Ave. West Babylon, NY 11704 631-392-4050 Gail Babirad PO Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 800-987-2753 Jurgen Babirad PO Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 800-987-2753 Pam Gabryel 1000 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14620 585-271-1894

NMEDA ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Raanan Zidile 1642 Coney Island Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-414-2457

Lynne Chapman 3543 Christie Blvd.

Toledo, OH 43606 419-944-5012

____________________________

Chris Goebel VP 6150 Park Land Blvd.

Cleveland, OH 44124 800-233-9878

NORTH CAROLINA Calvin Brewer 4819 Emperor Blvd., Suite 400 Durham, NC 27703 919-475-7011

____________________________

OREGON

Cyndee Crompton 605 Cabaret Rd. McLeansville, NC 27301 336-697-7841

Juan Gonzalez 8750 NE Emerson Street Portland, OR 97220 503-251-3865

Mike Edwards 5501 Exec. Center Dr., Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28212 704-568-8804

____________________________

Mike Savicki 17615 John Connor Rd. Cornelius, NC 28031 704-905-9628 Dexter Warren 2720 North Main Street Newton, NC 28658 828-464-9738 Ryan Dulina 923 Stockbridge Dr. Suite D Monroe, NC 28110 704-839-0492

PENNSYLVANIA Amy Lane OTR/L, CDRS 3600 Forbes Ave. at Atwood Suite 3010, Forbes Tower Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-864-3068 Timothy P. Brant 596 Goucher Street Johnstown, PA 15905 877-395-7011 Wesley Johnson 3960 Locust Grove Rd. Columbia, PA 17512 717-449-0089

TENNESSEE

VIRGINIA

Weaks MnKinney-Smith 10531 Timberwood Circle Suite E Louisville, TN 40223 502-855-4783

Kevin Knable 1685 Anderson Highway Powhatan, VA 23139 804-594-7209

____________________________

TEXAS Stephanie Cutlip 604 Hwy. 290 W., Suite 202 Brenham, TX 77833 979-337-5714 Michael Courtney 5601 Montoya Drive, Suite B El Paso, TX 79932 915-584-0905 Benjamin Mundy 5150 Broadway #604 San Antonio, TX 78205 210-347-5006 James E. Glenewinkel 1116 E. Kingsbury Street Seguin, TX 78155 830-386-0446 Loree Rowan 805 N. Glenwood Tyler, TX 75702 903-597-5656 Chad Strowmatt 11020 Katy Freeway. #217 Houston, TX 77043 713-858-1582

NORTH DAKOTA

Lori Benner 30 Hope Drive, EC 130 Hershey, PA 17033 717-531-7444

Lacey Maier 1116 Mustang Drive Bismark, ND 58503 612-615-3961

Brenda Bennett 4202 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509 814-833-2301

____________________________

____________________________

OHIO

SOUTH CAROLINA

Sean Berry 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 979-845-6375

Paul Musso 111 Stow Avenue, Suite 103 Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 330-928-7401

Bill Hayes 2011 Hampton Street Columbia, SC 29204 803-779-2011

Lance Bullard 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 979-845-6153

Tina Paff 367 Glenway Ave Cincinnati, OH 45211 330-928-7401

Brigitte King, OTR/L, CDRS, CDI 701 Grove Road Greenville, SC 29605 864-455-4476

Lou Dienhart PO Box 2106 Pfluerville, TX 78660 512-585-5911

____________________________

Debbie Szelestey 116 N. Jefferson St., 4th Floor Dayton, OH 45402 937-224-3033 Meredith Sweeney OTR/L, CDRS 2050 Kenny Road, Suite 3300 Columbus, OH 43221 614-855-5600 Douglas Morr 7001 Buffalo Parkway Columbus, OH 43229 614-888-4160

Kristen Coupland 1952 Staffwood Road Johns Island, SC 29455 203-910-7100 Tom Jackman 1410-C Boston Avenue West Columbia, SC 29170 803-896-6080 Alan B. Simmerson CDRS 3602 Deerfield Drive Columbia, SC 29204 803-776-4000

Eric Bradley 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 979-845-7492

Ken Webb P.O. Box 213 Coppell, TX 75019 800-886-4926 ____________________________

UTAH Kevin Christensen 1595 West 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84115 801-887-9532

Craig Baker 7400 Midlothian Richmond, VA 23225 804-918-9601 Mary Breister OT Dept. Box 476-1500 Fisherville, VA 22939 540-480-1103 ____________________________

WASHINGTON Jim Speer 23632 Hwy 99 F-130 Edmonds, WA 98026 425-922-0990 ____________________________

WASHINGTON, D.C. Ann E. Smith-William 102 Irving St., NW Washington, DC 20010 202-873-5965 ____________________________

WISCONSIN Matt Erickson 10850 W. Park Place Suite 1200 Milwaukee, WI 53224 414-973-4300 Tim Schermetzler W. 7366 Flambeau Point Road Ladysmith, WI 54848 715-532-0327

CANADA ____________________________

BRITISH COLUMBIA Dean Robertson 3405 W 31st Avenue Vancouver, BC V6S 1X6 Canada 604-263-5218 Harry Baergen 1841 Swan Road Tsawwassen, BC V4M 0A8 Canada 778-888-2210 Lisa Kristalovich 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9 Canada 604-734-1313

____________________________

____________________________

Oct—Dec 2018

55

NMEDA ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Larry Bowen PO Box 78095 Northside RPO Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 4X5 Canada 604-996-4893 cell

Karen Wolfe 368 Main Street Picton, ON K0K 2T0 Canada 613-476-1768

____________________________

QUEBEC

MANITOBA Paul Murphy 6668 9 Hwy Selkirk, MB R1A 4G2 Canada 866-994-6559 ____________________________

NEW BRUNSWICK Maura Dulong, OT 800 Priestman Street Frederickton, NB E3B 0C7 Canada 506-452-5876 ____________________________

ONTARIO Bob Nunn 6 Ridgeview Street St. George, ON N0E 1N0 Canada 519-740-4801 Tamalea Stone 1135 Lansdowne Street West Peterborough, ON K9J 7M2 Canada 705-741-7660 F. Lortie 68 Bloomfield London, ON N6G 1P3 Canada 519-495-9541 Joe Allen 3427 Buena Vista Oakville, ON L6L 6W6 Canada 416-254-7237 Nellemarie Hyde 100 Tempo Ave., Suite 330 Toronto, ON M2H 2N8 Canada 416-398-1035 Shah Baqar 20 Linsmary Court Markham, ON L6E 1L2 Canada 416-419-3031 André Amyot Place de Ville, Tour C 330 rue Sparks Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5 Canada 613-990-2670

____________________________

Kristian Thivierge 7005 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Quest Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 Canada 514-487-1891 Stephanie Bois 1300, boul. Cure-Labelle Blainville, QC J7C 2N8 Canada 450-437-6001 Dana Benoit 7005 boul. De Maisonneuve W. Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 Canada 514-487-1891 Alyssa Merilees 7005 boul. De Maisonneuve W. Montreal , QC H4B 1T3 Canada 514-487-1891 ext. 246 Minh-Thy Truong 7005 boul. de Maisonneve W. Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 Canada 514-487-1770 ext. 322 Nathalie Maertens 7005, boul. de Maisonneuve W. Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 Canada 514-487-1891 ext. 380 Agnés Buffet 2275 avenue Laurier Est Montreal, QC H2H 2N8 Canada 514-527-4527 Genevieve Turgeon 100 Du Landis Street Blainville, QC J7C 5C9 Canada 450-430-7981 Jean-Pierre Maurais 333 boul Jean-Lesage E-M-27 Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6 Canada 418-528-4281 Michel Morency 333 boul. Jean-Lesage C-4-21 Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6 Canada 418-528-3597 Jacques Bolduc 32 Duquet Ste-Therese, QC J7E 3B4 Canada 438-498-8448 ____________________________

56

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

SASKATCHEWAN Susanne Adamson, OT/CDRS 88 Tibbits Road Regina, SK S4S 2Z1 Canada 306-766-5427

INTERNATIONAL ____________________________

AUSTRALIA Jeff Watters PO Box 421 Montrose, Vic 3765 Australia 03-9762-2277 ____________________________

GERMANY Gregory Long M ED Paravan - Straße 5 - 10 72539 Pfronstetten - Aichelau Toll Free: 1-844-887-0723 +49 (0) 7388 - 999 5 909 ____________________________

IRELAND Gerry Merrick Floor 2, Block A Cookstown Ct. Cookstown Estate Road Dublin, Ireland D24WK28 +3530879894946 ____________________________

ISRAEL Adi Adler, CEO 58 Ha’Khermesh Haifa Israel 31000 972-390-3903 Moshe Ofek 58 Ha’Khermesh Haifa Israel 31000 972-390-3903 ____________________________

JAPAN Etsuo Horikawa 5-1-1 Nabeshima Saga City, Japan 8498501 80 3377 2588 ____________________________

The NEXT GENERATION Electronic Left Foot Accelerator

Technology Des igned to Help

The NEXT GENERATION of left foot accelerators has arrived.

This paradigm shift in SAFETY now requires the driver to activate the left pedal prior to each use. In addition, a separate key is required to transfer function to the left accelerator pedal. There is no need to remove the device or engage a lockout system. The system always defaults to the right side accelerator pedal. This safety feature is important when other family members need to drive or when the vehicle is being moved by someone else such as a valet or service technician. Veigel has specifically designed the Electronic Left Foot Accelerator (ELFA) for safe frequent driver change with the upmost ease.

We use only OEM proven circuits and accelerator pedals to ensure the highest quality and reliability of the entire system.

If your mobility equipment dealer is concerned about installing left foot accelerators due to insurance or liability concerns, the Veigel ELFA may be the solution.

sales@veigel-na.com

(800) 488-7688

www.veigel-na.com

Oct—Dec 2018

57

DATES TO REMEMBER This calendar of upcoming events is provided as a service to NMEDA members. The Circuit Breaker cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Please verify dates and locations with the organizations listed.

ATIA Conference

January 30—February 2, 2019 (Orlando, Florida) Caribe Royale All-Suites Resort & Convention Center Visit www.atia.org/conference for more information.

Abilities Expo - Los Angeles

February 22—24, 2019 Visit www.abilities.com/losangeles for more information.

NMEDA Annual Conference & Expo

March 5—7, 2019 Visit www.NMEDAAnnualConference.com for more information.

Abilities Expo - Toronto

April 5—7, 2019 Visit www.abilities.com/toronto for more information.

Abilities Expo - NY Metro

May 3—5, 2019 Visit www.abilities.com/newyork for more information.

ADED Annual Conference - Lexington, KY August 9—13, 2019 Visit www.aded.net for more information.

To have your information included in Dates to Remember, please submit at least 12 weeks before the event to katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org.

58

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

where you want in life

The BraunAbility Pacifica offers the uncompromised performance you deserve, from the Most Recommended Name in Mobility*

BraunAbility.com *Based on 2016 Dealer Service Technician Study

844.382.8134