July—September 2020

July—September 2020 | Volume 27 Issue 3

Life Moving Forward Pay Compression: What it is and How to Fight It 5 Questions with Congressman Lieu Mobility MY Way ...and so much more!

THE NMEDA MAGAZINE

A Voice, A Heart, A Hope:

Remembering Becky Plank

NMEDA.org

See pg. 32

NMEDA____________________

Advocating Automotive Mobility _____________for Your Clients

Learn About Mobility Solutions and Earn CEU Credits for Free Advocating Automotive Mobility for your Clients: Driver Rehabilitation and Automotive Mobility Solutions Course (AAM) The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is offering an introductory level online CE course to help healthcare professionals understand automotive mobility solutions for patients with disabilities. By learning about automotive vehicle modifications, health professionals will be able to suggest options for caregivers or patients who want to drive but need accommodations. Topics covered include learning about the importance of Mobility and Related Services, Driving as an Instrumental ADL, Diagnosis, Assessment, and 5 Real-life Case Studies.

NMEDA's AAM Course is: • Offered online, for your convenience • AOTA,

ADED, CCMC pre-approved for .15 CEU (1.5 Contact Hours)

FREE

FOR ALL ATTENDEES

Sign Up Online At www.NMEDA.com/CEU For more information and the direct course link, access through the Healthstream® Learning Center or contact NMEDA at learning@NMEDA.org or 813.264.2697.

NMEDA CIRCUIT BREAKER

JUL—SEP 2020

THE NMEDA MAGAZINE

President Christian Quandt

CEO Danny Langfield

Layout, Editor & Creative Director Katie McDonald

Contributing Writers Harry Baergen Jud DeMott Chuck Hardy Danny Langfield Katie McDonald David Parton Susan Quandt Clancy Rowell Mike Savicki Amy Schoppman

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3

CONTENTS

FEATURES

COLUMNS

26 Pay Compression: What it is

and How to Fight It

- By Clancy Rowell

8

32

On the Cover A Voice, A Heart, A Hope: Remembering Becky Plank - By Susan Quandt

38 5 Questions With

Congressman Lieu

- By Amy Schoppman 48 GR Report: The Now, The Next,

and The Nonstop

- By Amy Schoppman 50 Mobility MY Way

- By Mike Savicki

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

18

Officer’s Message - By Jud DeMott CEO’s Message - By Danny Langfield

20 Industry Advisor

- By Harry Baergen 40 QAP Straight Talk

- By Chuck Hardy 46

Canada President’s Message - By David Parton

ALSO

4

Board of Directors

6

Staff Directory

10 Dealer Member Directory 43 Around the Industry

3327 W. Bearss Avenue Tampa, FL 33618

44 QAP Dashboard

For business office, advertising, and subscriptions:

52 Industry Member Directory

Tel: 813.264.2697 Toll-Free: 800.833.0427 www.nmeda.org info@nmeda.org

54 Allied Health Professional

Member Directory 57 Edu/Government/Non-Profit

Member Directory

Subscription rates for the USA and Canada: $16.50/four issues.

Back issues are available by calling the NMEDA office.

58 Dates to Remember

All rights are reserved under copyright laws © 2020.

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 The mission of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association is to advocate and establish excellence in providing safe, reliable transportation solutions to enhance accessibility.

Jul–Sep 2020

3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christian Quandt, President

David Parton, Canadian President

Advanced Wheels 33 Bradley Park Road East Granby, CT 06026 860.653.8064 phone christian@advancedwheels.com

Mobility in Motion 1710 Bishop Street N., Unit 8 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 519.623.9930 phone david@mobilityinmotion.net

Sam Cook, Vice President

Anne Hegberg, Associate Rep.

Superior Van & Mobility 1506 Lakeshore Court Louisville, KY 40223 502.447.8267 phone scook@superiorvan.com

Marianjoy Rehab Hospital 26W171 Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 630.909.6080 phone anne.hegberg@nm.org

Eric Mansfield, Secretary

Catherine Martin, Rep. at Large 1

MobilityWorks 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 800.638.8267 phone eric.mansfield@mobilityworks.com

Ilderton Conversions 701 South Main Street High Point, NC 27260 336.841.6100 phone cmartin@ilderton.com

Jud DeMott, Treasurer Access 2 Mobility, Inc. 12406 State Highway 155 South Tyler, TX 75703 877.254.5438 phone jud.demott@gmail.com

Gina Lewis, Manufacturer Rep.

Total Mobility Services 4785 Penn Avenue Boswell, PA 15531 330.888.9941 phone dennis@tmservices.com

Bob Lundin Rep. at Large 3

Adapt-Solutions 145 Damase-Breton St-Lambert, QC G0S 2W0 866.641.0419 phone ginalewis@adapt-solutions.ca

MobilityWorks 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 800.638.8267 phone bob.lundin@mobilityworks.com

Kevin McMahon, Manufacturer Rep.

Dan Walsh Rep. at Large 4

BraunAbility P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 800.843.5438 phone kevin.mcmahon@braunability.com

Bussani Mobility 500 Central Avenue Bethpage, NY 11714 516.938.5207 phone dwalsh@wegetyouthere.com

Chad Blake, Past President Ability Center 4797 Ruffner Street San Diego, CA 92111 858.541.0552 phone cblake@abilitycenter.com

4

Dennis Charvat, Rep. at Large 2

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

MOBILITY

INNOVATIONS

800 488 7688

www.mobilityinnovators.com

The Jimmy by Veigel is a seat belt assist device designed to aid drivers and passengers with buckling and unbuckling the seat belt buckle in an automobile.

The Jimmy’s ergonomic design is light weight and easy to use. Buckling: The ergonomic joystick grip gives you more control to easily engage the buckle.

Un-Buckling: Simply pull back on The Jimmy lever while pressing the release button to effortlessly disengage the buckle. Safety: Pulling back on the lever alone will not disengage the buckle. The release button has been designed to prevent unintended disengagement of the buckle.

Light weight ergonomic design for maximum comfort Safety release button prevents unintended disengagement of the buckle Vehicle specific mounting brackets ensure a safe fit and no damage to your automobile safety belt buckle Specific applications available to fit most vehicles Installation is quick and easy

within minutes

Simply clamp the vehicle specific side brackets to the male side of the buckle Can be removed without damage to the factory belt buckle

Jul–Sep 2020

5

NMEDA STAFF DIRECTORY Danny Langfield CEO danny.langfield@nmeda.org

Kristen Clevidence Quality Program Manager kristen.clevidence@nmeda.org NMEDA is heartbroken to share the news that

Mikala Ballard

Andy Ghillyer, our Director

Membership & Administration Coordinator

of Education & Training

mikala.ballard@nmeda.org

and dear friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2020.

Chuck Hardy Director of Quality Assurance & Compliance chuck.hardy@nmeda.org

Andy had been a member of our team since September 1, 2018. He brought so much to our association: a Ph.D. in Management Studies from the University of Surrey, UK; a

Trevor Jennings Director of Partner Relations trevor.jennings@nmeda.org

wealth of business and training experience; a passion for learning; and, maybe most important to those of us who grew to know him well, an inimitable British wit and charm.

Andy was also an accomplished author.

Katie McDonald

His textbooks, published by McGraw-Hill,

Director of Communications & Social

included “Business Ethics: A Real World

katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org

Approach” currently in its 5th edition.

It is a gross understatement to say that

Marilyn Myers Meetings & Conferences Manager marilyn.myers@nmeda.org

Andy will be missed. He had become a true member of the NMEDA family.

For those who have asked about a remembrance, Andy’s wife Sherry has requested that donations be made in his

Amy Schoppman Director of Government Relations amy.schoppman@nmeda.org

name to the American Stroke Association or to Autism Speaks (please use info@nmeda. org as the eCard recipient email).

Cards and notes for the Ghillyer family can be sent to NMEDA at 3327 West Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618.

Rest in peace, Andy—we’ll raise a pint for ya.

6

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

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

Introducing the New GEN-XR and PNP-70!

GEN-XR

PNP-70

The GEN-XR is our easiest to install reduced steering system. The GEN-XR allows for 0-100%, and anywhere in between, reduction to the steering. The steering effort can easily be adjusted on the fly by the dealer and locked in. The GEN-XR is a plug n play installation on the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica only needing 3 wires to be soldered (ignition and CAN).

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.

Key Features

Key Features

Plug N Play easy installation 0-100% range of reduction (and anywhere in between) Switch over to OEM steering for family members to drive Safety oriented with an advanced backup system Includes phone for adjusting effort and monitoring any errors

Plug N Play easy installation Control HVAC, Windows, Mirrors and more Small form factor

Jul–Sep 2020

7

OFFICER’S MESSAGE

NMEDA’s Financial Health During COVID-19

By Jud DeMott NMEDA TREASURER

T

he Coronavirus seems to have

half of fiscal ’20. Then a number of

directed the association to target

affected most all businesses

dealers have requested that their

our IPR spending more on influencer

and organizations in one

scheduled audits be postponed due

groups and less on the general

way or another. Home improvement

to budget restraints also affecting

consumer. And since most of those

stores are doing a booming business.

NMEDA revenues.

influencer events and conferences

Even some restaurants report sales

have been cancelled, so have our

increases with carry-out and delivery

Now the Good News….

surpassing their total sales pre-

First, Danny and the NMEDA staff

the IPR budget is healthy by natural

COVID. But many other businesses

have done a stellar job of holding

(although unforeseen) events.

and industries are not faring so well.

down expenses. Any expense that can

Our industry qualifies as “essential

be cut has been cut. A salary freeze

business” in most states, so that

has been put into effect, and no new

generally has allowed us to keep

hires are anticipated in the short run.

our doors open. But that doesn’t

Second, over the years, NMEDA has

mean that our customers are willing

staff over the years. And as your

established a significant reserve fund

to venture out. I have talked with a

businesses re-open and you begin to

to address just such shortfalls. That

number of you, and learned that sales

“see light,” please be sure to get any

is in keeping with best practices

levels have varied from almost non-

postponed audits rescheduled. If you

for non-profit organizations like

existent, to nearly “business as usual”

have ideas on how NMEDA can assist

ours. The operations budget for

depending on our local situations.

in the re-opening of our dealerships,

fiscal 2021 was just approved by

contact Danny or any board member.

So how is your NMEDA organization

the board, and it does contemplate

We are very open to your input.

doing? We count on our annual

dipping into the reserve fund this

conference as a major revenue source.

fiscal year. The board also approved

With our co-located conference

a recommendation from the Finance

being moved to fall of 2021, a big

Committee to rebuild the reserve fund

hit was made to our fiscal 2021

by setting aside an additional 25% of

budget (7/1/20–6/30/21). And the

excess revenues in future years until

pandemic put a big dent in our fiscal

the fund is replenished to FY20 levels.

2020 budget. We are seeing a lag

With regard to the IPR (Industry

in revenues. With our restructured

& Public Relations) budget… As

QAP audit program, NMEDA bills us

you know, IPR income is directly

dealers, then pays the audit firm. Our

tied to sales of goods from our

contract reduced your audit fees,

manufacturing members to us dealers

which is a great thing. But RADCO

(the CAP fund). With sales down, we

got off to a slow start, so there was

dealers are buying less goods, ergo

decreased audit income for the first

less IPR revenue. But you dealers had

8

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

participation and travel expenses. So

All this to say that the NMEDA patient is healthy due to historically sound fiscal policies and good stewardship of NMEDA funds by leadership and

---

Jul–Sep 2020

9

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 Birmingham 3747 Pine Lane SE Bessemer, AL 35022 (205) 426-8261 1,3 MobilityWorks - Huntsville 2150 Meridian Street North Huntsville, AL 35811 (234) 542-3022 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Montgomery 2015 Eastern Blvd.

Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 244-1011 1,3 Sylacauga Handicapped Inc 1304 Talladega Hwy Sylacauga, AL 35150 (256) 249-3717 1,2,3 Team Adaptive Medical Inc 1251 Boltons Branch Drive Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-1088 1,3

____________________________

ARIZONA Ability Center - Goodyear 13765 W Auto Drive Suite 125 Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 242-0552 1,3 Ability Center - Phoenix 23606 N 19th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85085 (623) 879-0800 1,3 Ability Center - Tucson 4720 N La Cholla Blvd Suite 150 Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 293-3596 1,3

10

United Access - Phoenix 1825 E Germann Road Suite 24 Chandler, AZ 85286 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3 United Access - Scottsdale 14885 N 83rd Pl., Ste 105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (877) 501-8267 1

____________________________

ARKANSAS Superior Van & Mobility Fayetteville 2887 N College Ave Suite B Fayetteville, AR 72703 (479) 521-8433 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Jonesboro 2500 Commerce Dr Building A Suite B Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 933-7270 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility North Little Rock 7323 Cock of the Walk Suite B North Little Rock, AR 72113 (501) 725-9070 1,3

____________________________

CALIFORNIA Ability Center - Fresno 2563 N. Fordham Avenue Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 291-2563 1,3 Ability Center - Inland Empire 711 S Allen St San Bernardino, CA 92408 (909) 383-3883 1,3 Ability Center - Long Beach 2715 Seaboard Ln Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 634-5962 1,3 Ability Center - Orange Co 11600 Western Avenue Stanton, CA 90680 (714) 890-8262 1,3 Ability Center Sacramento 6550 Freeport Blvd Suite A Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 392-1196 1,3

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Ability Center - San Diego 4797 Ruffner Street San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 541-0552 1,3

MobilityWorks - Fresno 120 North Diamond Street Fresno, CA 93701 (559) 268-9394 1,3

Ability Center - San Luis Obispo 3548 Empleo St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 549-7996 1,3

MobilityWorks - Oakland 1822 Embarcadero Avenue Oakland, CA 94606 (234) 542-3022 1

Ability Center - Santa Rosa 3285 Santa Rosa Avenue Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95707 (707) 575-6997 1,3 Access Options, Inc. Fremont 41545 Albrae St Fremont, CA 94538 (408) 734-5438 1 Access Options, Inc. Watsonville 109 Lee Road Suite D Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-6804 1,2,3 AERO Mobility 1001 N Weir Canyon Road Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 973-8600 1,2,3 Driving Specialties of Sacramento 2216 Cemo Circle #A Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 635-2765 1 Economy Medical Lifestyle Mobility 4025 Nelson Ave. Suite 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 - Beverly Hills 1424 S La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 432-0700 1,3 MobilityWorks - Chico 1300 Nord Avenue Chico, CA 95926 (800) 225-7361 1,3

MobilityWorks - Pasadena 325 North Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 584-8181 1,3 MobilityWorks - Riverside 7239 Indiana Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 (951) 686-3152 1,3 MobilityWorks Sacramento 3127 Fite Circle Suite B Sacramento, CA 95827 (800) 225-7361 1 MobilityWorks - San Diego 8130 Parkway Drive LaMesa, CA 91942 (619) 474-4072 1 MobilityWorks - San Francisco 890 Cowan Road Suite B Burlingame, CA 94010 (800) 225-7361 1,3 MobilityWorks - San Jose 1245 Laurelwood Rd Santa Clara, CA 95054 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Van Nuys 7720 North Sepulveda Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91405 (888) 473-5402 1,3 Modesto Mobility Center Inc 1025 Lone Palm Avenue Suite 5A-B Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 577-1069 1,3 SACVANS Mobility 5821 Florin Perkins Road Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 381-8267 1 Colorado Fleet & Mobility, dba Mobility of Denver 2311 S Platte River Drive Denver, CO 80223 (844) 289-2635 1

____________________________

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

COLORADO Frontier Access & Mobility Systems, Inc. - Fort Collins 819 E. Mulberry St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 223-8267 1

Wheelchair Getaways 32 Stony Hill Rd. Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 790-9998 1

____________________________

DELAWARE

Mobility Driven 832 Nth Crest Unit B Grand Junction, CO 81506 (970) 712-1435 1

MobilityWorks - Bear 1010 Contractors Way Bear, DE 19701 (302) 613-7555 1

MobilityWorks Englewood 4750 S Santa Fe Circle Suite 5 Englewood, CO 80110 (720) 640-9989 1,3

True Mobility Inc 773 South DuPont Hwy New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 836-4110 1

United Access - Colorado Springs 6285 Corporate Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (877) 501-8267 1 United Access - Denver (South) 5910 E County Line Rd Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3 United Access - Denver (West) 9500 W 49th Ave Ste C107 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3

____________________________

CONNECTICUT Advanced Wheels - East Grandby 33 Bradley Park Road East Granby, CT 06026 (860) 653-8064 1,2,3 Advanced Wheels - East Haven 650 Coe Avenue Suite 2 East Haven, CT 06512 (203) 800-8064 1 CT Mobility/Columbia Ford Inc. 234 Route 6 Columbia, CT 06237 (860) 922-7482 1 MobilityWorks - East Hartford 104 Pitkin Street E. Hartford, CT 06108 (860) 282-8202 1,3

____________________________

FLORIDA Active Mobility and Design, Inc. dba Buddy’s Holiday Mobility 6144 S US Highway 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34982 (772) 465-9600 1,3 Advanced Driving Systems, Inc. 662 Capital Cir NE Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 671-2300 1,2,3 Auto Express South 4852 Palm Beach Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33905 (239) 693-4000 1

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

MobilityWorks - Orlando 7260 Narcoossee Road Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 674-8778 1,3

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

MobilityWorks - Tallahassee 1505 Capital Circle NW Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-4383 1

Mobility Transportation Systems 4010 East Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 246-9116 1,2,3

MobilityWorks - Tampa 8706D East Broadway Ave Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 628-4255 1,3

MobilityWorks - Clermont 20354 US Hwy 27 Clermont, FL 34715 (352) 322-2256 1,3 MobilityWorks - Daytona 364 Destination Daytona Ln Ormond Beach, FL 32137 (386) 586-5495 1,3 MobilityWorks - Fort Lauderdale 5601 Powerline Road Suite 104 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (954) 974-7028 1 MobilityWorks - Fort Myers 12530 Metro Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33966 (239) 275-1900 1

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

MobilityWorks Jacksonville 2727 St Johns Bluff Road S Jacksonville, FL 32246 (904) 281-0111 1,3

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

MobilityWorks - Lake Worth 1925 10th Ave N Unit 1 Lake Worth, FL 33461 (561) 586-1997 1,3

Kempf Inc 5532 56th Commerce Park Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 630-0409 1,3 Mike Erdman Mobility 4650 US Highway 520 Cocoa, FL 32926 (321) 636-8887 1 Mobility America 5130 Hwy 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 816-1513 1

MobilityWorks - Largo 8203 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33771 (727) 521-4248 1,3 MobilityWorks - Miami 5201 NW 77th Ave Suite 100 Miami, FL 33166 (305) 234-0071 1,3 MobilityWorks - Ocala 7265 SW 62nd Ave Unit 1 Ocala, FL 34476 (352) 300-1173 1

Ocean Conversions & Mobility 750 East Sample Road Bldg 1 Suite 3 Pompano Beach, FL 33064 (954) 942-6033 1,2,3 Ocean Conversions of Fort Myers Inc 5751 Zip Drive Ft. Myers, FL 33905 (239) 936-6333 1,2,3 P&A Mobility Enterprises Inc 320 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 739-5596 1 Piper Medical Mobility & Accessibility 1885-B NE 149th Street North Miami, FL 33181 (305) 940-2030 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Pensacola 130 Industrial Blvd.

Pensacola, FL 32505 (850) 378-8914 1,3 Team Adaptive - Pensacola 3618 N Pace Blvd Pensacola, FL 32505 (850) 332-1688 1,3 Team Adaptive Inc - Panama City 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

____________________________

Jul–Sep 2020

11

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS GEORGIA Adaptive Driving Solutions 3585 Riverwatch Parkway Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-2688 1,2,3 Custom Mobility Van & Lift Sales & Svcs. LLC 315 Whitehead Rd Athens, GA 30606 (706) 353-1099 1,3 MobilityWorks - Atlanta 3700 Dekalb Technology Pkwy Doraville, GA 30340 (470) 427-0696 1,3 MobilityWorks - Marietta 1255 Kennestone Circle Suite 100 Marietta, GA 30066 (800) 444-9100 1,3 MobilityWorks - Savannah 3938 Ogeechee Road Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 233-1050 1 Quail Country Customs 731 South Westover Blvd Albany, GA 31707 (229) 432-7258 1 R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Athens 164 Commerce Blvd Athens, GA 30606 (470) 276-6282 1

MobilityWorks - Niles 9207 N Milwaukee Ave Niles, IL 60714 (847) 673-4300 1,3 MobilityWorks - Plainfield 23855 W Andrew Road Plainfield, IL 60585 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Villa Park 155 East North Avenue Villa Park, IL 60181 (888) 473-5402 1,3 Personal Mobility Champaign 1109 Parkland Ct Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 398-1188 1,3 Personal Mobility - Peoria 7611 N Harker Drive Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 966-3089 1,3 Personal Mobility Springfield 2924 N Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 544-2699 1,3 Southern Bus and Mobility - Breese 12950 Koch Lane Breese, IL 62230 (618) 526-4131 1,3

____________________________

INDIANA

R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Conyers 2130 Sigman Road Conyers, GA 30012 (770) 483-0767 1,2,3

MobilityWorks - Merrillville 1710 W 81st Avenue Merrillville, IN 46410 (234) 200-1339 1,3

HAWAII

Superior Van & Mobility Evansville 3414 Interstate Drive Evansville, IN 47715 (855) 208-5576 1,3

____________________________

Soderholm Mobility 2044 Dillingham Blvd Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 834-1417 1,3

____________________________

ILLINOIS Alternative Mobility Solutions, Inc. dba AMS Auto 1340 Cobblestone Way Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 527-7297 1,3

12

Superior Van & Mobility Fishers 13095 Parkside Drive Fishers, IN 46038 (317) 436-6722 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Fort Wayne 2218 Contractors Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (855) 208-5576 1,3

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Superior Van & Mobility Indianapolis 5410 South Madison Ave Indianapolis, IN 46227 (855) 208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility South Bend 4246 Meghan Beeler Ct. Suite 1 South Bend, IN 46628 (855) 208-5576 1,3

____________________________

IOWA Siebert Mobility of Iowa LLC 3554 Dolphin Drive Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 351-3159 1,3

Superior Van & Mobility Louisville 1506 Lakeshore Court Louisville, KY 40223 (855) 208-5576 1,3

____________________________

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

KANSAS

Fastserv Medical - Monroe 112 Summer Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-3366 1,3

Banner Mobility Resources Inc. 231 SE 53rd St Ste C Topeka, KS 66609 (785) 235-3070 1

Superior Van & Mobility Baton Rouge 12329 Industriplex Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (855) 208-5576 1,3

Jay Hatfield Mobility LLC Columbus 200 S East Avenue Columbus, KS 66725 (800) 545-4227 1

Superior Van & Mobility Harvey 1901 Westbank Expressway Suite 500 Harvey, LA 70058 (855) 208-5576 1

____________________________

Jay Hatfield Mobility LLC Wichita 11922 East Kellogg Wichita, KS 67207 (620) 429-2636 1 Kansas Truck Mobility 8846 West Monroe Circle Wichita, KS 67209 (316) 722-4291 1 United Access - Lenexa 7921 Bond St Lenexa, KS 66214 (877) 501-8267 1,3

____________________________

KENTUCKY Superior Van & Mobility Lexington 761 East New Circle Road Lexington, KY 40505 (855) 208-5576 1,3

____________________________

MAINE Advanced Modifications Inc. 1766 Hammond Street Hermon, ME 04401 (207) 848-8226 1,3 MobilityWorks - Gray 32 Lewiston Road Unit 2B Gray, ME 04039 (207) 657-6664 1,3

____________________________

MARYLAND Auto Assist Inc 5002 Lehigh Road College Park, MD 20740 (301) 699-2238 1 BEDCO Mobility 6300 Falls Rd Unit 2 Baltimore, MD 21209 (410) 825-1440 1

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

Koons Ford of Annapolis 2540 Riva Road Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 224-2100 1,3 MobilityWorks - Beltsville 11409 Maryland Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 (301) 595-4466 1,3 MobilityWorks - Windsor 2601 N Rolling Road Windsor, MD 21244 (443) 384-0080 1 Oneness Mobility Services 7701 Penn Belt Drive Forestville, MD 20747 (301) 568-6686 1,2,3 The Customizers, Inc. 14133 Pennsylvania Ave Hagerstown, MD 21742 (301) 797-7727 1 Total Mobility Services Inc Frederick 5411 Yukon Court Suite B Frederick, MD 21703 (240) 490-7840 1,3 ____________________________

MASSACHUSETTS Adaptive Mobility Equipment, Inc. 1551 Fall River Ave Seekonk, MA 02771 (508) 336-2556 1,3 MobilityWorks - North Attleboro 57 George Levin Drive N. Attleboro, MA 02760 (508) 643-0605 1,3 MobilityWorks - Norwood 560 Providence Highway Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 278-8885 1,3 MobilityWorks - Wodburn 299 Washington Street Suite H Woburn, MA 01801 (339) 298-5650 1,3

____________________________

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

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

Cummings Mobility Burnsville 2511 West Hwy 13 Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 435-8889 1

United Access - Cape Girardeau 753 S Kingshighway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 (877) 501-8267 1

Clock Mobility - Lansing 5540 S Pennsylvania Ave Suite 11 Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 272-4488 1

Cummings Mobility - Little Canada 2940 Rice St. Little Canada, MN 55113 (651) 633-7887 1

United Access - Columbia 618 Jackson St Columbia, MO 65203 (877) 501-8267 1,3

Clock Mobility - Traverse City 587 W Blue Star Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 943-9890 1 Creative Mobility Group, Inc. - Byron Center 7740 Clyde Park Avenue SW Byron Center, MI 49315 (616) 583-9730 1

____________________________

MISSISSIPPI Handicapable Vans Inc 5516 North State Street Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 981-0042 1,2,3 Js Mobility Unlimited Inc 3880 Flowood Drive Flowood, MS 39232 (601) 939-2112 1,2,3

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

Mobility Systems Inc 2857 Oak Grove Road Hattiesburg, MS 39402 (601) 264-0609 1,2,3

Creative Mobility Group, Inc. - Wayne 33073 Michigan Avenue Wayne, MI 48184 (734) 595-4400 1,3

Team Adaptive Inc - Biloxi 978 Tommy Munro Drive Biloxi, MS 39532 (228) 388-5700 1,3

MobilityWorks - Detroit 1604 East 14 Mile Road Madison Heights, MI 48071 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Saginaw 8175 Gratiot Road Saginaw, MI 48609 (888) 473-5402 1,3

Total Mobility Concepts LLC 2074 Cliff Gookin Blvd Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 269-2068 1

____________________________

MISSOURI

MINNESOTA

DW Auto & Home Mobility Specialties 1208 N Garth Ave Columbia, MO 65203 (800) 568-2271 1,2,3

Bert’s Truck Equipment of Moorhead, Inc. 3804 Hwy 75 North Moorhead, MN 56560 (218) 233-8681 1

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

Cummings Mobility Albertville 6540 Jansen Ave NE Albertville, MN 55301 (763) 497-0103 1,2,3

Southern Bus & Mobility Inc - Valley Park 80 South Highway Drive Valley Park, MO 63088 (636) 825-0700 1

____________________________

United Access - Kansas City 8200 NW 97th Ter Kansas City, MO 64153 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - Saint Louis (North) 9389 Natural Bridge Rd St Louis, MO 63134 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3 United Access - Springfield MO 1389 N Cedarbrook Ave Springfield, MO 65802 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - St. Louis (South) 980 S Highway Dr Fenton, MO 63026 (877) 501-8267 1

____________________________

NEBRAKSA Mobility Motoring 7222 South 142nd Street Omaha, NE 68138 (402) 884-3333 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Omaha 11147 Mockingbird Dr. Omaha, NE 68137 (402) 934-7826 1,3

____________________________

NEVADA

Ability Center - Las Vegas 6001 S Decatur Blvd Suite N Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 434-3030 1,3 MobilityWorks - Las Vegas 2100 S. Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 876-9606 1,3

____________________________

Jul–Sep 2020

13

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW MEXICO

MobilityWorks Londonderry 54 Wentworth Avenue Londonderry, NH 03053 (603) 437-4444 1,2,3

United Access Albuquerque 3825 Osuna Rd NE Ste 1 Albuquerque, NM 87109 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3

New England Motor Car Co Inc 13 River Road Hudson, NH 03051 (603) 888-1207 1,3

____________________________

NEW JERSEY Brunswick Automotive Professionals 1490 US 1 North North Brunswick, NJ 08902 (732) 545-6300 1,3 Drive-Master Systems & Controls 37 Daniel Road West Fairfield, NJ 07004 (973) 808-9709 1,2,3

____________________________

NEW YORK Abilities Unlimited of NY, Inc. 90 E Jefryn Blvd Deer Park, NY 11729 (800) 664-8434 1,2,3 Advance Mobility Plus Inc 847 East 43rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718) 253-1212 1 Agor Enterprises, Inc Rochester 951 Panorama Trail South Rochester, NY 14625 (585) 385-2556 1

FTMobility 255 US Highway 46 West Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 (973) 546-1900 1

Agor Enterprises, Inc Syracuse 1241 Erie Blvd W Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 510-4272 1

MobilityWorks Cinnaminson 2303 Wallace Blvd Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 (888) 473-5402 1,3

Boulevard Van City 2708 Niagara Falls Blvd Wheatfield, NY 14304 (716) 731-4335 1,3

MobilityWorks Farmingdale 5105 New Jersey Route 33 Wall Township, NJ 07727 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Highland Park 211 Woodbridge Ave Highland Park, NJ 08904 (732) 640-5350 1,3 MobilityWorks - Woodbury 1549 Gateway Blvd Woodbury, NJ 08096 (888) 473-5402 1,2,3 ____________________________

14

Bussani Mobility Bethpage 500 Central Ave Bethpage, NY 11714 (516) 938-5207 1,3 Bussani Mobility Mamaroneck 501 Concord Avenue Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 835-8267 1,3 Bussani Mobility Team East, LLC 401 E Middle Country Road Smithtown, NY 11787 (631) 240-4128 1 Main Mobility 9580 Main Street Clarence, NY 14031 (716) 759-6811 1,2,3

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

MobilityWorks - Albany 1892 Central Avenue Suite 25 Albany, NY 12205 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Buffalo 3560 Sheridan Drive Amherst, NY 14226 (716) 342-3530 1,3 Tims Trim Inc 25 Bermar Park Rochester, NY 14624 (585) 429-6270 1,2,3 United Access - Rochester 3760 West Henrietta Rd Rochester, NY 14623 (877) 501-8267 1 United Access - Syracuse 2211 Erie Blvd E Syracuse, NY 13224 (877) 501-8267 1

____________________________

NORTH CAROLINA Care Solutions 110 B Edney Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 (828) 698-9844 1 Helping Wheels Mobility & Conversions 1078 Tunnel Road Suite F Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 552-3900 1

MobilityWorks - Concord 4012 Dearborn Place NW Concord, NC 28027 (704) 886-0868 1 Stalls Medical Inc dba Adaptive Vans Inc 7980 Chapel Hill Road Suite 101 Cary, NC 27513 (919) 233-0732 1 Van Products - Raleigh 2521 Noblin Road Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 878-7110 1,3 Van Products - Wilmington 394A Green Meadow Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 793-5661 1

____________________________

OHIO Columbus Mobility Specialists, LLC 6330 Proprietors Rd Suite C Worthington, OH 43085 (614) 825-8996 1,2,3 Key Mobility Services 1944 US State Route 68 N Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 374-3226 1 Marietta Mobility Steves Vans & Accessories Unl 221 Pike Street Marietta, OH 45750 (800) 690-4950 1,2,3

Ilderton Conversion Company 701 South Main Street High Point, NC 27260 (336) 841-2020 1,2,3

MobilityWorks - Akron 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 (888) 473-5402 1,3

Ilderton Conversion of Asheville 35 Dogwood Road Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 670-1111 1,3

MobilityWorks - Bedford Heights 5040 Richmond Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (800) 951-6238 1,3

Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte 1424 Archdale Drive Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 523-2022 1,3

MobilityWorks - Dayton 214 Valley Street Dayton, OH 45404 (937) 963-0733 1,3

MobilityWorks - Charlotte 4025 Queen City Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 (704) 399-0900 1,3

MobilityWorks - Sharonville 11755 Mosteller Rd Sharonville, OH 45241 (513) 791-4000 1,3

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

MobilityWorks - Toledo 1020 Laskey Road Toledo, OH 43612 (888) 473-5402 1,3

____________________________

OKLAHOMA Handicapped Vehicle Services Unlimited 7215 East 46th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 622-8400 1 Mobility One Transportation 17520 East Pine Street Tulsa, OK 74116 (918) 437-4488 1 United Access - Oklahoma City 730 W Hefner Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (877) 501-8267 1,3

____________________________

OREGON Ability Center - Eugene 3574 Marcola Road Springfield, OR 97477 (541) 726-4001 1,3 Ability Center - Portland 9740 SW Wilsonville Road Suite 250 Wilsonville, OR 97070 (971) 224-5895 1,3 R & J Mobility Service LLC - Medford 4938 Crater Lake Avenue Medford, OR 97504 (541) 245-4846 1,3 R & J Mobility ServicesLLC - Salem 200 Hawthorne Avenue SE Salem, OR 97301 (503) 838-5520 1,2,3 United Access - Portland (East) 12905 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - Portland (West) 4347 NW Yeon Ave Portland, OR 97210 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3

____________________________

PENNSYLVANIA

PUERTO RICO

TEXAS

Keller Wheelchair Lifts 197 Main Street Luzerne, PA 18709 (570) 288-1004 1,2,3

Equipos Pro Impedidos De P.R., Inc. Carr #1 Int R796 Km 10.4 Bo. Bairoa La 25 Caguas, PR 00725 (787) 746-7667 1,3

Access2Mobility, Inc. 12406 State Highway 155 S. Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 592-6760 1,3

Keystone Coach Works 4786 Library Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 (412) 833-1900 1,2,3 MITS Corp 11448 North Main Street Extended Glen Rock, PA 17327 (717) 235-5899 1 MobilityWorks - Allentown 2200 South 12th St Suite 2210 Allentown, PA 18103 (888) 473-5402 1,2,3 MobilityWorks Philadelphia 925 South Trooper Road Norristown, PA 19403 (888) 473-5402 1,2,3 MobilityWorks - Pittsburgh 1012 Seco Road Monroeville, PA 15146 (888) 473-5402 1,3 Palmiero Mobility 16165 Conneaut Lake Road Meadville, PA 16335 (814) 336-1061 1 Steffy’s Garage Inc dba SGI Mobility 235 W Main Street Leola, PA 17540 (717) 656-6065 1,3 Total Mobility Services Inc Boswell 4785 Penn Avenue Boswell, PA 15531 (814) 629-9935 1,2,3 Total Mobility Services Inc Harrisburg 7917 Derry Street, Suite 124 Harrisburg, PA 17111 (800) 558-7408 1,3 ____________________________

____________________________

SOUTH CAROLINA Ilderton Conversion of Charleston LLC 8550 Rivers Avenue N. Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 576-0414 1,3 MobilityWorks - Columbia 3624 Fernandina Road Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 828-5754 1 MobilityWorks - Greenville 563 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607 (864) 293-7171 1

____________________________

TENNESSEE Apple Independence Mobility 1750 Lee Seminary Road Cookeville, TN 38506 (877) 528-5788 1 MobilityWorks Chattanooga 1325 Mackey Branch Drive Chattanooga, TN 37421 (423) 308-8267 1,3 MobilityWorks - Gallatin 1015 S Water Avenue Gallatin, TN 37066 (651) 451-7373 1 MobilityWorks - Nashville 173 Industrial Drive Lavergne, TN 37086 (615) 280-5058 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Knoxville 10640 Braden Dickey Lane Knoxville, TN 37932 (855) 208-5576 1,3 United Access - Memphis 2165 Hillshire Cir Memphis, TN 38133 (877) 501-8267 1,3

Adaptive Driving Access College Station 2214 N Earl Rudder Freeway Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 307-7676 1,3 Adaptive Driving Access Corpus Christi 2201 Gollihar Road Corpus Christi, TX 78415 (361) 852-0922 1 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 Street 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 Beaumont 2310 Calder Ave Beaumont, TX 77702 (409) 832-3400 1,2,3 American Lift Aids, Inc. Tyler 2407 W Southwest Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 581-8844 1,2,3 Andy’s Mobility & Lift Services 1502 Santa Ursula Laredo, TX 78040 (956) 722-7371 1 Lift Aids Inc 1500 Westpark Way Euless, TX 76040 (817) 835-0035 1,2,3

____________________________

Jul–Sep 2020

15

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS MobilityWorks - Austin 239 Commercial Drive Buda, TX 78610 (512) 295-3800 1,3 MobilityWorks - Dallas 4150 Interstate 30 Mesquite, TX 75150 (972) 270-7114 1,3 MobilityWorks - Fort Worth 2110 N Beach Ft Worth, TX 76111 (866) 211-8267 1,3 MobilityWorks - San Antonio 6473 DeZavala Road San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 697-8884 1,2,3 MobilityWorks - Selma 16262 IH 35 North Selma, TX 78154 (210) 718-0055 1,3 MobilityWorks - Waco 2700 Franklin Avenue Waco, TX 76710 (254) 754-2700 1 Open Road Mobility Amarillo 6669 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79110 (806) 353-2747 1 Open Road Mobility Lubbock 7411 82nd Street Lubbock, TX 79424 (806) 771-5873 1,2,3 Texas Mobility Services, LLC dba Texas Adaptive Aids 701 Bearcat Road Unit B Aledo, TX 76087 (817) 394-3914 1,3 United Access - Austin 15301 Interstate 35 Ste A Pflugerville, TX 78660 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - Dallas (East) 2704 Lawing Ln 300 Rowlett, TX 75088 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3

16

United Access - Dallas (North) 2109 Luna Rd Ste 200 Carrollton, TX 75006 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - El Paso 8736 Gateway East Blvd Suite B El Paso, TX 79907 (877) 501-8267 1

____________________________

UTAH United Access - Salt Lake City 9082 S 300 W Sandy, UT 84070 (877) 501-8267 1

____________________________

VERMONT MobilityWorks - Essex Junction 5C David Drive Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 878-8640 1,3

____________________________

VIRGINIA Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence d/b/a DRCE Mobility Solutions 14101 Parke Long Court Suite E Chantilly, VA 20151 (703) 345-2990 1,3 Independent Lifestyles 4880 South Amherst Hwy Madison Heights, VA 24572 (434) 846-7510 1 MITS of VA 2075 W Main Street Waynesboro, VA 22980 (540) 932-7300 1 Mobility Plus Inc of Virginia 763 Union Street Salem, VA 24153 (540) 389-3400 1,3 MobilityWorks - Alexandria 5751 General Washington Dr Alexandria, VA 22312 (234) 542-3022 1 MobilityWorks - Norfolk 6059 Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502 (757) 455-9889 1,3

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

MobilityWorks - North Chesterfield 7450 Midlothian Turnpike North Chesterfield, VA 23225 (804) 220-0611 1,3 Priority Honda Hampton dba Priority Mobility 4115 W Mercury Blvd.

Hampton, VA 23666 (757) 838-1252 1

____________________________

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 7202 Evergreen Way Everett, WA 98203 (425) 353-6563 1,3 Kersey Mobility LLC 14640 NE 91st Street Suite A Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 406-8484 1 Kersey Mobility Systems Inc 6015 160th Avenue East Sumner, WA 98390 (253) 863-4744 1,2,3

____________________________

WISCONSIN A & J Mobility - De Pere 1330 Mid Valley Drive De Pere, WI 54115 (920) 632-4882 1,3 A & J Mobility - Eau Claire 2650 Prospect Drive Eau Claire, WI 54703 (715) 874-6630 1,3 A & J Mobility - McFarland 4125 Terminal Drive McFarland, WI 53558 (608) 579-1500 1,3 A & J Mobility - Richfield 3058 Helsan Drive Richfield, WI 53076 (800) 517-1024 1,3

A & J Mobility - Valders 333 Washington Street Valders, WI 54245 (920) 775-9333 1,2,3 MobilityWorks - Green Bay 844 Ontario Road Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 491-8384 1,3 MobilityWorks - Stevens Point 2833 Stanley Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 997-8881 1,3 MobilityWorks - Waukesha N8 W22195 Johnson Drive Ste 130 Waukesha, WI 53186 (888) 473-5402 1,3

____________________________

WYOMING Frontier Access & Mobility Systems, Inc. - Cheyenne 1207 E Pershing Blvd Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 637-7663 1 ___________________________

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

CANADA

____________________________

ALBERTA Accessible Vehicle Solutions Inc. 1231 36 Avenue NE #14 Calgary, AB T2E 6N6 (587) 319-2819 1 ECO Medical 18303 107 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5S 1K4 (780) 483-6232 1,3 Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Calgary) 4216 54 Avenue SE Unit 60 Calgary, AB T2C 2E3 (403) 243-6300 1 Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Edmonton) 14568-116 Ave. 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 1075 McCurdy Road Kelowna, BC V1X 2P9 (236) 420-1400 1,3 Alliance Mobility Solutions 12211 Vulcan Way #110 Richmond, BC V6V 1J7 (604) 370-7004 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

Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Toronto) 14 Goodmark Place Etobicoke, ON M9W 6R1 (844) 799-5464 1

Silver Cross Automotive Inc.(Maple Ridge) 11393 Kingston St. Unit 4 Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y7 (877) 215-760 1

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

MANITOBA

QUEBEC

Northland Home Healthcare Products 865 Bradford Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0N6 (204) 786-6786 1

Adaptation 04 Inc 3025 rue Girard Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 2M4 (819) 372-0102 1,3

____________________________

____________________________

ONTARIO Conval-Aid/Liftability 2600 Lancaster Road Ottawa, ON K1B 4Z4 (613) 738-2721 1 Courtland Mobility 1355 Artisans Court Unit B Burlington, ON L7L 5Y2 (800) 354-8138 1,2,3 Goldline Mobility & Conversions 762 Industrial Road London, ON N5V 3N7 (519) 453-0480 1,2,3

SASKATCHEWAN PrairieHeart Mobility 3033 Saskatchewan Drive Regina, SK S4T 1H5 (306) 584-8456 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 1,3 Eureka Solutions 107-829 J-Ambroise Craig Levis, QC G7A 2N2 (866) 562-2555 1 Eureka Solutions 2755 Montee St Hubert Longueuil, QC J3Y 4H6 (866) 562-2555 1,3

Mobility in Motion 1710 Bishop Street N Unit 8 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 (519) 623-9930 1

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

Northend Mobility 301 Aqueduct Street Welland, ON L3C 1C9 (905) 735-5552 1,2

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

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

TVR Technologies Inc 595 Lanaudiere Repentigny, QC J6A 7N1 (888) 919-2555 1,3

Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Ottawa) 5300 Canotek Road Unit 42 Ottawa, ON K1J 1A4 (613) 290-5279 1

Van Action 2005 Inc 4350 Autoroute 13 Laval, QC H7R 6E9 (800) 668-8705 1,2,3

____________________________

Jul–Sep 2020

17

CEO’S MESSAGE

Progress Amidst Chaos: Advancing NMEDA’s Technology Initiatives

By Danny Langfield NMEDA CEO

W

ell, it has certainly been

on-a-pig” cosmetic makeover; we

an interesting three

A New Member Portal

mean an ALL new website—graphic

The backend database engine that

months since the last

treatment, navigation, content—the

associations run on is known as an

column I penned for this publication.

works. Staff has been working with a

AMS—Association Management

This missive is being composed right

member task force to ensure our new

System. The AMS is where your

web presence is intuitive, simple, clean

company and individual member

and professional. We are focusing

profiles reside. It is also the home of

on our three core constituencies: the

training records and all the technology

auto mobility industry, the buying

used for event registration, audit

public and our partners, a group that

results and corrective actions, and

includes allied health professionals,

much, much more. It is essentially the

organizations such as United Spinal

equivalent of a dealer’s DMS.

around the 4th of July. For a good little bit here we have all been living on COVID time…and it is decidedly different, that’s for sure. Sometimes it has felt like the time has absolutely crept by; on the other hand, how could time be creeping by when three months ago feels like three lifetimes?

Strange days have found us, indeed.

As of this writing, the NMEDA office’s home state of Florida has exploded with new cases, although thankfully hospitalizations and deaths have increased only slightly. But, just like

“

and PVA, and our friends in voc rehab

We are bringing a disciplined approach to the new website: simple, clean, intuitive. We are aiming to go live on October 1.”

last issue, I find myself rolling my eyes

and the VA. We are charting a clear

For many years NMEDA has utilized

as I write—because I realize when you

navigational path for each group to

a custom AMS, and, as many of

actually read this, likely early August,

ensure our targeted message and

you know from painful, first-hand

there is simply NO TELLING what the

resources for each hits its mark.

experience, it has…issues. So, a few

situation will be.

Our current website actually has a

months ago we signed a deal with

The NMEDA staff has continued to

tremendous amount of pretty good

work remotely, and I’m pleased to

content, but over time the navigation

be able to report that we are making

has, quite frankly, spiraled out of

really good progress on several key

control. We are bringing a disciplined

initiatives. An update follows…

approach to the new website: simple, clean, intuitive. We are aiming to go

A New Website

live on October 1; circumstances could

I’ll start with the highest-profile effort

conspire to thwart that goal (as we

we have underway, the development

have seen), but that is our target,

of a new website. This is no “lipstick-

nonetheless.

18

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

a company called MemberSuite to license their off-the-shelf AMS, which will be integrated with the new website. While not nearly as public-facing as the new website, the AMS is arguably more important to our members, particularly in your everyday online interaction with the association. Much more to come on this, but suffice it to

say that transactions such as event

associated with keeping our current

develop QAPx based on some of the

registration, member profile changes,

AMS limping along, we have been able

core functionality of their DocuTrack

and most importantly, training

to provide these upgrades for about

app. Much more to come on this as

records, are about to see a major

the same cost of our current AMS/

well…

improvement. Speaking of training

LMS combo. And both products are

records…

serious improvements over the status

A New Learning Management System The third leg of our online triple crown will be the new LMS. We signed

quo. Win? Win. Now, will there be a learning curve? Yep. Can’t be helped.

But it will definitely be worth it…

QAPx

And that about wraps up the update.

These days I occasionally wonder: Are we running a technology firm or a trade association here? But the truth is our association needed

Breaking news here…shortly before

modernizing in these arenas, there

Brainshark, with a significantly

the magazine went to press, the

is just no doubt about it. We are

more advanced system called Path,

NMEDA board of directors authorized

actively excited to share these

from Blue Sky eLearning. Among

the staff to enter into an agreement

upgrades with you, and I hope you’ll

other benefits, Path features much

for the development of QAPx, the

find a corresponding increase in the

better functionality and the ability

next-generation software solution

value of your NMEDA membership.

to transmit course completion and

for the digital administration of QAP.

assessment scores IMMEDIATELY to

---

As those of you who attended the

your member profile in the AMS.

dealers-only forum at the conference

Thanks to some favorable buyer’s-

are aware, NMEDA has been

market conditions and the

negotiating for many months with the

(unfortunately) significant expense

Adaptive Driving Alliance on a deal to

a deal to replace our current solution,

Jul–Sep 2020

19

INDUSTRY ADVISOR

More About Strategic Testing

By Harry Baergen – Autoregs Consulting NMEDA CRP COORDINATOR Harry Baergen was previously the Regulation Enforcement Officer for Transport Canada. Currently, he acts as the Compliance Review Program (CRP) Coordinator for NMEDA. If you have any questions about the contents of this article, or about the NMEDA CRP, contact Harry Baergen at 778.888.2210.

T

he last article in this space addressed a recurring problem in the adaptive manufacturing

industry about using aging high mileage vehicles for certification testing. In this issue, based on recent cases, CRP is adding more information about strategically choosing test vehicles, especially for companies that alter multiple makes and models of vehicles. The goal for a smaller company, of course, is to use less test vehicles to represent more models.

In the 70s and early 80s, beginning with the 1969 Ford Econoline, (‘E’ series) when full size vans with lowered floors and raised roofs were popular, conversion companies would crash test the heaviest vehicle in a model series to represent the “extreme case” and extrapolate the test results down to the lighter vehicles. For example, the NMEDA consortium test program for the F/ CMVSS 301 fuel system integrity

20

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

test for a Ford E350 van would

niche in the adaptive marketplace

represent a Ford E250 with the

and for optimal fuel efficiency the

same conversion. The E150 with the

OEMs are offering more power train

lighter frame was tested to represent

configurations within a given make

the E150 only. Most vans were rear

and model. Hence, the question arises:

drive and the power trains consisted

which vehicle configuration to test to

of similar transmissions with V/8

represent a company’s diverse fleet?

engines. Then, beginning with the 1984 Plymouth Voyager, the lowered floor mini-van became the adaptive vehicle of choice. Over the years the engine configurations in mini-vans were also similar in a given make or model, so basically, the heaviest model with full optional equipment was tested. Now we seem to be entering an era where the general

Besides the obvious consideration to test at the beginning of a new model year change the next obvious thing to consider in choosing test vehicles is the vehicle make and model that the conversion company has decided to be the “prime mover,” the conversion design, vehicle make and model, that will sell the most.

“

Generally, companies will have

market is demanding larger European

conducted some kind of market study

type vehicles, so the original

before designing a conversion for

equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are

the adaptive market to determine

offering spacious high roof front drive

the demand for a particular vehicle

vans with low floors in many different

combination. This market analysis

configurations and engine options.

would likely include the features

Fortunately, these vans can be

and options in the prime mover. For

made wheelchair accessible without

example, if a wheelchair accessible

structural modifications that require

pick-up truck or SUV conversion with

destructive vehicle testing. However,

a V/8 engine and 4X4 running gear

trucks and SUVs are also carving a

is considered to be the main seller,

Where a test is intended to cover several models with the same conversion, often the heavier vehicle would be the extreme case, but not always.”

the company would make sure the

A recent example of having a valued

that Toyota had done a re-test, but

vehicle used for certification testing

line of communication with the OEM

only a frontal, this helped the latter

will cover that configuration. Where

is the 2017 Toyota Sienna that had

conversion companies with the

a test is intended to cover several

undergone a number of under-hood

decision to also do only a frontal

models with the same conversion,

changes to accommodate the new

crash test. It was determined that a

often the heavier vehicle would be

evaporative emissions requirements.

rear crash was not necessary based

the extreme case, but not always. A

Structurally, the 2017 was the

on engineering analysis and bench

2500 4X4 pick-up model might be

same vehicle and the platform and

testing that concluded that the

dimensions were the same as its

neoprene filler hose would not change

used for crash testing to apply to the 1500 4X4 if the frames, and power trains are the same and if there is little difference in body height. However, to be sure which models can be covered with the same test vehicle the most important element must be brought into the picture— the OEM engineers who designed and tested the vehicles in the first place.

Getting information from OEM engineering may not be easy, especially for small conversion companies that buy OEM chassis direct from a dealer. Smaller conversion companies do not always have a direct line of communication with the OEM vehicle supplier and if they do OEMs are often reluctant to disclose testing information. Albeit, sometimes an OEM will disclose general information, such as the particular models it crash tested to certify the fleet, or whether it crash tested vehicles to address certain model year changes, or which model it crash tested to certify different engine options. The OEM, of course, has the resources to crash test more vehicles to represent more configurations than the average conversion company and the OEM has at its disposal more data from previous testing to draw on for analysis. However, any information from the OEM can prove to be extremely valuable for the up-fitter in deciding which model and options to test.

“

However, to be sure which models can be covered with the same test vehicle the most important element must be brought into the picture—the OEM engineers who designed and tested the vehicles in the first place.”

2016 predecessor, but Toyota had

its performance in a rear F/CMVSS 301

made a number of changes, mostly

fuel system integrity test.

in the engine compartment. This

This is the kind of strategic decision

made the side entry conversion companies question the validity of their own existing crash testing.

The changes in the 2017 included: a new intake manifold design, direct injection and pressure pump changed from port injection, a plastic engine head cover changed from a cast cover, a new transmission housing with no oil pan, an eight speed transmission changed from a six speed transmission, possible heavier engine mount cradle, an additional fuel line to the evaporative canister, separate evaporative canister and purge unit changed from a single unit, a neoprene filler neck changed from rubber, and the 2017 vehicle was 55 pounds heavier. Some companies decided that their conversion does not interfere with the changes and other companies decided that their conversion did interfere, but were not sure whether it warranted a re-test.

However, when it was discovered

making that would also apply to scenarios such as different engine types in the same vehicle model. For example, an inline four-cylinder, a V/6 or a V/8 engine, optional in the same platform. A third-party reviewer, such as NMEDA CRP, cannot be expected to determine similarities or differences between the crash dynamics of vehicles with different engine configurations. This means that the conversion company will have to make some decisions about which engine configuration to test. It can decide to test all engine configurations, it can decide to sell only certain engine configurations (prime movers) and test those, or it can determine which engine configuration might be the extreme case, if there is one, in crash testing, and determine if the test results from the extreme case can be extrapolated to the other models with different engines. As mentioned, although the extreme

Jul–Sep 2020

21

INDUSTRY ADVISOR

(continued)

case is often the heaviest vehicle,

Some OEMs have up-fitter programs,

different engine configurations, brake

this is not always the case. Therefore,

like the Ford QVM program, and some

re-testing for raised body CG changes,

the extreme case scenario will very

are even known to ask up-fitters for

new model changes, hitch receivers,

likely have to involve the OEM to

their federal test reports, although

vehicle class changes, etc., an OEM

enable the alterer to demonstrate to

the reverse scenario would be rare.

contact can be invaluable, if not

CRP that the results from the tested

However, even general information

absolutely necessary, for a company in

vehicle can be extrapolated to other

or verbal information that can be

the business of altering OEM vehicles.

engine configurations. Otherwise,

obtained from the OEM through other

NMEDA can only post the vehicle

relationships can be extremely helpful,

On another important note, as

configuration that was tested.

especially in strategically choosing

OEMs involvement often appears to

test vehicles.

be illusive and freely sharing test data

A converted vehicle is manufactured

before acquiring test vehicles. Also,

with up-fitters is not something OEMs

by at least two companies including

depending on the circumstances,

are known for. Although, the OEM will

the OEM. Therefore, the OEM has

NMEDA may try to assist an alterer in

often support conversion companies

some vested interest in the converted

communicating with the OEM.

in other ways, especially those alterers

vehicle as it makes its way in the

who are trying to comply with federal

marketplace. CRP would strongly

---

law. For example, OEMs will share

encourage smaller conversion

exhibits with alterers at trade shows

companies to not hesitate in seeking

appearing to endorse the product

testing information from the OEM.

that also carries the OEM brand.

Whether it be for information about

mentioned in many previous articles, a NMEDA member should not hesitate in seeking advice from NMEDA CRP

MGA Research Corporation

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| email: david.winkelbauer@mgaresearch.com | phone: (262) 763-2705 | web: mgaresearch.com | 22

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Last summer, NMEDA developed a three-year strategic plan. Part of this plan included an action item to: “Strategically expand multi-channel communication efforts by growing our LinkedIn audience by a minimum of 10% annually.” Well, we’re proud to say we’re 11 months into the plan and we’ve crushed that goal.

Since August 2019, NMEDA’s LinkedIn page has grown 176% up to 764 followers.

As our most member-facing social platform we’re ecstatic about the growth we’ve seen and hope you, our members, take advantage of LinkedIn as another two-way communication channel with the association. We will continue to meaningfully grow all communication efforts through sharing relevant, timely, and clear messages with our members.

Are you linked in?

www.LinkedIn.com/company/NMEDA

Jul–Sep 2020

23

 

est. 1986

 y’s              

* with EZ Lock App

                            

WHEELCHAIR DOCKING SYSTEM BL-6290 1 piece base system EZ-8202 2 piece base system *smaller profile *variable heights

MRC-51T

Manual Release Cable (recommended)

        

TOUCHPAD One button with LED lights

VOICE FEEDBACK NOTIFICATION* “READY”

Chair LOCKED

“STOP”

Chair NOT LOCKED

“WARNING”

Lock DEACTIVATED

“CHAIR UNLOCKED” “LOCK RE-ACTIVATED” “SOLENOID MALFUNCTION”

Please Roll Back System Ready Service Required

“PLEASE TURN OFF IGNITION TO UNLOCK CHAIR”

*OPTIONAL FEATURES

Red - (STOP) wheelchair not locked Yellow - (WARNING) deactivated Green - (READY)wheelchair locked

•

NEW CERTIFICATION

MASTER TECHNICIAN In recognition of the dedicated service and experience of our NMEDA Certified Technicians (NCT), we are launching a new rank of technician—the Master NCT. To be eligible to apply, candidates must provide: • •

An unexpired NCT Certificate Proof of two cumulative years of full-time employment with a NMEDA dealer member

To qualify for Master NCT, applicants must meet the following requirements within one year of application acceptance: 1. Proof of MSS hands-on training attendance within last two years or proof of completion within one year of Master NCT application acceptance 2. Proof of Braun/VMI/Revability hands-on training attendance within last two years or proof of completion within one year of Master NCT application acceptance 3. Proof of Powered Gas & Brake Secondary School training attendance within last two years or proof of completion within one year of Master NCT application acceptance 4. Proof of four unexpired ASE electives A4 (Suspension and Steering), A5 (Brakes), A6 (Electrical/Electronic systems), and G1 (Automotive Maintenance and Repair) Download an application form at www.NMEDA.com/MasterNCTApp All supporting documentation can be emailed to learning@nmeda.org or faxed to 813.962.8970.

For more details, contact NMEDA at learning@nmeda.org | 813.264.2697

GUEST SPEAKER

Pay Compression: What It Is and How to Fight It

by Clancy Rowell COMPENSATION ANALYST, INSPERITY

P

any business, whether you’re

Why is pay compression a problem?

growing a small company

Pay compression can lead to

with a candidate, benchmarking

or working at an enterprise-level

turnover if employees feel they’re

an offer using an antiquated

organization.

being undervalued. This is more apt

pay scale can result in the

to happen if long-time employees

applicant turning away from

discover that they’re receiving little

your organization. (Asking for a

more money than new hires.

job seeker’s salary history won’t

The situation can be especially

help much, either, especially if

ay compression can happen in

Yet what is wage compression exactly? How does it happen? And, when it happens in your business, how can you address it?

Let’s take a closer look at salary compression as well as how to spot, resolve, and prevent it from reoccurring in your company.

What is salary, wage or pay compression?

Pay compression is a compensation issue that develops over time.

Also referred to as wage or salary compression, it occurs when there’s little difference in pay between

troublesome when your best, most tenured employees decide to jump ship. Even if they’re not actively

•

Later in the process, when it’s time to discuss compensation

a prospective hire knows they can find a higher paying job elsewhere. You must also be

“

careful about state and local laws

can lose motivation resulting in lost

that prohibit employers from

productivity.

inquiries regarding salary history.)

looking for a new job, employees

Also referred to as wage or salary compression, it occurs when there’s little difference in pay between employees regardless of differences in their respective knowledge, skills, experience or abilities.”

employees regardless of differences in their respective knowledge, skills, experience or abilities.

When it occurs, it can be found between: •

Tenured employees and new hires (when new hires join the company at compensation levels similar to long-time employees)

•

Managers and their direct reports (when there are small wage differences between employees within the same job family at an organization)

26

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Wage compression can hamper recruiting efforts, too. For example:

What causes wage compression?

•

When there’s a significant

To understand how to avoid wage

disconnect between internal

compression from developing, it helps

pay rates and what the market

to understand why it happens in the

indicates is acceptable, you may

first place.

lose out on top talent – especially if a job is posted with an inappropriate salary range.

Below are four common causes of pay compression:

1. The minimum wage increases A common cause is an increase in the

3. Inconsistent pay practices over time

4. Increased employee awareness While not a cause of wage

minimum wage rate. When low-level

Market forces may drive a company

compression per se, employee

employees receive a legally mandated

to pay a higher salary to attract a new

awareness about the topic can

pay increase that action can throw off

employee into a critical role.

transform what may have been a quiet

If you continually fail to account

reality into a growing issue of low

the pay scale for an entire company.

Over time, pay levels may converge.

for how that higher salary impacts

morale, decreased productivity, and

Ideally, whenever the minimum

the compensation levels of existing

talent loss.

wage is increased, all jobs within

employees in comparable positions,

Employers and managers must

an organization should be reviewed

you can inadvertently create pay

never prohibit employees from

to ensure pay levels make sense

compression.

discussing pay as so doing would

Creating confusing job families can

violate employee rights. Under

compared to the new minimum wage.

Many companies, however, may not have the budget to do this. If money is tight, there are options (see “Encourage collaboration between HR

also play a contributing role. If one job family has multiple levels of a job function with different roles

the National Labor Relations Act, employees have the right to discuss working conditions, which includes

and responsibilities, but everyone

compensation.

is compensated using the same

Employees will eventually learn about

salary range, wage compression can

pay inequalities, even if you don’t

develop.

spot it first. Whether it comes up

Sometimes a new hire is brought in

For example, if a company has three

in the wake of a new hire or when

at a starting salary or hourly wage

distinct levels of accountants, each

that is close to (or in some cases

should have their own unique salary

higher than) what the new employee’s

range.

and finance staff” section below).

2. The market rate for starting salaries increases

someone does online research, sooner or later word will spread about salary compression.

manager earns (or others in the same role with more experience).

Typically, this dynamic happens in a tight labor market, one in which companies must offer competitive salaries to lure high-demand professionals (software developers, for example).

When the market rate for starting salaries increases faster than organizations can afford to give raises to existing employees, wage compression often results.

A good rule of thumb to remember?

Generally, direct reports shouldn’t exceed 90 percent of their supervising manager’s salary. This is something that HR professionals can and should keep an eye on, and a topic we’ll discuss in more detail momentarily.

Jul–Sep 2020

27

GUEST SPEAKER

(continued)

How to combat pay compression Wage compression is a significant issue, and resolving it isn’t simple.

•

There are steps that employers can take, beginning with determining appropriate pay rates. From there, you can take concrete steps to move toward better pay equity.

Here’s how you can start the process of getting back on track.

1. Assess current pay practices Chart the course back to a more realistic internal pay scale by understanding why it’s an issue and researching the possible root causes for it in your organization.

Questions to ask include: •

Do your current pay practices reflect market demand?

•

Did minimum wage recently increase in your location?

•

Are there obvious wage inconsistencies between

managers and staff? Within job

it’s good to view your compensation

families?

structure and policy as a flexible

Do your pay levels reflect your

document that can be amended as

company’s vision and goals? If

needed.

not, what needs to change to

Review changes in job descriptions,

realign your compensation with

and check whether pay changes

those objectives?

have kept up with responsibilities,

Once you’ve assessed the situation

especially as jobs evolve.

fully, develop formal compensation

Also reconsider how to use incentives,

practices and policies to prevent

especially ones such as at-risk pay –

future problems.

when an employee’s compensation

2. Consider market conditions

is tied to their performance. This is

When assessing current pay practices, it’s important to consider the labor market.

External labor factors that may impact your internal compensation plan include:

another possible pay compression culprit. When at-risk pay is too easy to achieve, nearly everyone gets the full amount, resulting in wage compression.

3. Encourage collaboration between HR and finance staff

•

Minimum wage laws

•

A tight skilled worker supply

if they haven’t been accounted for

•

Rapidly escalating wages for

in a company’s budget. That’s why

high-demand jobs Some years these market drivers may not be as strong as others, so

Adjustments in pay can be expensive

HR and finance professionals should work together to determine salary structures. Basic compensation knowledge and an understanding of economic restraints are essential.

There may be some instances where paying an employee more is warranted, such as when: •

They are working in a more expensive location

•

The position generates revenue

•

The job is in high demand

•

The situation is temporary

If the finance department determines there’s no budget to address pay inequities, an organization can address salary compression in other ways.

28

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Some options include:

6. Maintain best practices

assess what can you afford to pay to attract and retain the talent you need.

•

Variable pay plans

Once the entire pay structure has

•

Workplace flexibility

been assessed, the plan to bring

For information on how sound HR

•

Other desirable, non-monetary

employee pay in alignment with the

strategies—like addressing pay

market and with organizational goals

compression—can help foster healthy

may take time to implement.

business growth, download our free

benefits or rewards Additionally, these incentives may increase employee morale but not the company’s annual salary budget.

4. Consult legal counsel

You’ll also want to take steps to avoid future pay compression problems by: •

(especially for the most in-

While assessing your company’s pay structure, pay attention to any discrepancies that may have evolved that could appear discriminatory, such as gender-based pay differences.

Gather data and look carefully at these root causes, since they can present serious (and costly) legal problems if left unaddressed.

If you discover any evidence of discriminatory compensation practices, consult with legal counsel on next steps.

5. Communicate the new policy

Monitoring market rates

•

Keeping current employees paid at appropriate levels

To this end, review all compensation levels on an annual basis, but pay close attention to manager-staff and new hire-tenured employee salary levels.

How can smaller companies deal with pay compression?

The revised compensation policy should outline how to pay new hires

easy to understand and consistently referenced and utilized.

Ask managers or senior leaders to practice with talking points and make salary compensation discussions part of the workplace.

This article was reprinted with permission from Inperity.

Original post: www.insperity.com/blog/pay-compression

Creative ways smaller companies can address wage compression include: •

Offering essential employees shares of equity

•

Providing flexible work schedules

•

along with addressing other compensation topics. It should also be

About the author: Clancy Rowell is a Compensation Analyst at Inperity and has more than seven years of experience as a compensation consultant and HR generalist.

His current role at Insperity involves providing compensation project deliverables and guidance to clients. Clancy holds an SPHR certification and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in finance and business operations from Southern Methodist University.

from that of a large company with

and how to compensate employees for promotions and merit increases,

---

scaling rapidly are somewhat different

accumulated over time.

changes. It can also improve morale.

hr-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them)

solutions for smaller companies

business leadership is proactive

implementation of pay structure

insperity.com/guide/7-most-frequent-

Salary compression prevention

a pay compression issue that has

differences can help with the

and how to avoid them. (www.

demand skills and positions)

Demonstrating to staff that current in addressing inequitable pay

e-book: 7 most frequent HR mistakes

Grooming longer-tenured employees for promotion

•

Structuring compensation as a mix of base and variable, goalbased bonus pay

When combating salary compression, however, the basic goal is the same for every company: to continuously

Jul–Sep 2020

29

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A Voice, A Heart, A Hope...

Remembering Becky Plank

by Susan Quandt OWNER, ADVANCED WHEELS

W

hat was Becky Plank to NMEDA? A voice, a heart, a hope…

She was NMEDA, it was her idea, it was her work, her mission, her responsibility. She was its steward, its voice, its champion. Our first organizer, our industry concierge, our identity’s midwife. Becky brought us together, a group with wild disparities of culture and community, and bound us together by the strength of our convictions.

Becky initiated our shared agenda, convinced us that an association would have a voice. In association, we might benefit from the engineering research and quality testing that none of us could afford on our own. The

Jeff Ruff & Becky

hope was that, in willing agreement to standards, we could compete safely in the emerging marketplace. Together, we could compete for our clients in a world where the pace of change was accelerating before our eyes and the technology that informed the world had made access available to all, or most.

At first, we were flashy, scrappy, homespun, Eastern intense or California cool, in those days when assembling at the conference was a raucous, busy, high-energy affair, enthusiastically greeting and meeting one another in person, known before as a phone voice. Becky handled the introductions, taught us how to speak to one another in a common

dialect and helped us learn to match

phase not quite a quilt, but so much

our strides and schedules. The

more than a collection of beautiful

differential energies and paces of our

beginnings. By 2000, first-timers were

memberships and regions required

already an established hierarchical

a sensitive eye toward inclusion

group in our mostly- lateral

and, occasionally, a deft hand at

organization, allied with established

translation. We learned together,

members of the executive board.

building partnerships that spanned

For many of the elected members,

oceans, surviving the occasional East-

the first requirement for conference

West or North-South default to binary

packing, after making sure one had all

entrenchment.

one’s brochure copies and stacks of

NMEDA emerged from its formative

business cards, was the purchase of a jacket to be worn whenever Becky

mandated this nod to professional

Becky schooled herself in her role

conduct. Helpful notations were

and nurtured her staff of motivated,

made in Board member notebooks

caring organizers and administrators

as reminders. She handled reactions

to create an annual experience that

to the dress code with patience,

enhanced the knowledge, quality

negotiating bolo string ties for

and integrity of the organizations in

Windsor knots, but insisted that

our partnership. She elicited choice

jeans were not appropriate conference wear and helped take

ets R equi y, Bo red b Nu nn , Terry John Mall Labr ey on

Beck

many a tag from a new jacket for a recently-installed Board member.

Jack

participation plums from the more affluent and ambitious among us—

,

conference bags evolved each year from basic two-handled totes to a couple of years when waterproof

Regional differences, common interests

zippered, back saver conferenceaccommodations to national

logo canary-yellow totes showed up

schooling patterns for occasions

in airports swelled with spring and

of pandemic will be added to our

summer travelers. Our conferences

planning lists for years going forward.

center, define, and nurture our

quickly grown to be an inaugural

Challenging then and now, regional

associations.

professional event for so many of

divides had a history as old as the

Short Circuits were another effective

the membership. NMEDA showed

nation’s, largely nurtured from

tool in Becky’s arsenal. A quick email

new members how to conference,

the same seeds. Becky, adept

blast could convey an immenent or

how to participate, how to manage

at identifying exceptionalities,

important change in process, a new

in what for many was an entirely new

established commonalities and

quality guidelines addition, a safety

environment. Today’s conferences

encouraged collaboration. In the

recall or an administrative deadline.

host a smaller, more cosmopolitan

nascent industry, the spirit was willing,

In the early years of NMEDA, Short

participant group, but still celebrate

but the field was new, the “science”

Circuit editions were routinely printed

first-timers and encourage all aspects

proprietary, and the independent

from the one computer in the office

of collaboration at and between

attitudes of the entrepreneurs and

and placed in paper form into a

conferences.

experimenters characterized the field.

literal, rather than a virtual, inbox.

Our anticipated Columbus 2021

ADA ’90 made access national and

Becky brought the membership into

convergence carries the tradition

universal law. NMEDA made it work.

the light of electronic technology,

of common interest forward—a

Becky made NMEDA work.

insisting on universal inclusion in the

Adopting a national identity meant adjusting more than just locations of the annual conference, which had

centralized location to replace our former East-West patterns in the face of changing and unpredictable weather patterns. Considering

electronic world, however grudging

From break room table to formal board room

Becky developed an exemplary staff team to manage an elected, appointed, and eclectic Board and organization, self-ruled and accountable. Becky moved us quickly international with her own unique brand of generous hospitality and standards enforcement. Canada, of course, was first, but the European Mobility Group was evolving at the same time, with representatives and

ce

ren onfe C l nua L 7 An ando, F 199 Orl

manufacturers Scandinavian, Israeli, and Dutch/English.

the introduction among the more traditional of these industry founders.

Today, we conference virtually, meet from home, collaborate electronically, and use paper as an occasional, archival backup. We rarely print out email, today.

In Becky’s day, voting was done by paper ballot, at the conference, during business sessions open to the membership. A nominating committee did its work, but the rules still allowed nominations from the floor, as well. Owners got the star; the star got the vote. One vote, one

Jul–Sep 2020

33

company... At least until the first year

Issues of privacy, product rights,

members to hundreds when Becky

was over and we emerged with a few

copyrights and patents, guidelines,

and Red stepped away from our

multiple-location dealers, a then-new,

and bylaws all marked the ascent of

center stage. In the decade that

now-familiar format. Becky didn’t

our collection of individual companies

followed, by ’99, NMEDA shared

duck those formative conversations,

to a new identity as a coherent (semi-

space at its conference with ADED for

encouraging the dialogue and urging

coherent) group.

classrooms and workshops for CEUs

civility. Multiple locations were just

From the first, Becky shaped our

and offered CDRS renewal points

one of the complex considerations of NMEDA’s formative years–the resolution of those multiple locations into the reality of consolidation has been the defining dynamic of the evolving industry since the turn of the century. Selection of Board

organization around mobility for real people, remembering the mission and using her own experience of training drivers to work empathetically with driver trainers. ADED was a natural partner. Using the annual conference in the formative years, affiliates and associates in health care,

for Wheelchair Lift Applications.

Workshops included SAE standards, NHTSA updates, and FMVSS specifics.

VA officials spoke directly to our membership. Senior Executives from Ford, Chrysler and General Motors met with our Executive Board, a distant dream for the charter

vocational, and rehabilitative services,

members.

developed a system of education

Becky and Red blue-skied a day

and certification that engaged state

when our membership would

and federal agencies with those

occupy a place at the table for

responsible for the outcomes of those

our budding technologies and

regulations. We will, as we reconvene

creative adaptations. Government

in Columbus, affiliate in a shared

partnerships enjoyed by NMEDA

conference space again, with an

today, influential in allowing and

approved curriculum for ADED

maintaining NMEDA’s voice with

recertification, in 2021.

Becky believed in good beginnings. Each year’s first timers meeting was a command performance. The high-visibility presence of the VIP first-time group, specifically under the charge of the Executive Board,

policymakers and influencers, owe Becky their inception. Becky brought us to Washington, where today we’re represented by a cadre of professional voices, a PAC, advocates for our organization, clients, and our members.

Becky created an initial voice for our

kicked off the conference experience

organization, together stronger than

for the first-time attendees in ways

our individual selves, representative

successors now follows procedures

that welcomed them overtly and fully.

of our commonalities and of our

developed to streamline transition

First timers and new members are

aspirations and ideals. A worthy

in a systematic way to promote

celebrated today in ways reminiscent

goal, but one that required a knitting

representation by all sectors of our

of Becky’s warm welcomes, carrying

together of our increasing varied

organization.

on a tradition begun when we were

alliances and improved levels of

all, mostly, mom and pop shops,

communication and trust. She

before we identified as family-owned

traveled, those first years, to each

and -operated, instead…

region, visited our shops, met our

QAP participation required more

She wrote the first scripts, honed

work and our nuclear families, and

challenging training and serious

our focus, created our organizational

accommodation to standards than

identity. NMEDA membership grew

our industry, and many of our

from its inception in 1989, when we

members, had ever committed to.

counted just over 50 dues-paying

Becky negotiated those early, tricky conversations with a clear perspective and the most generous of intentions.

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

quickly understood who valued what.

A mixed blessing, some thought, since she would then be unerring when identifying a perfect committee

world of the internet and rewarded us with her approval and with the best and most current industry information to be found. Online learning was initiated under her direction, making certification without physical travel possible, under the Guidelines we adopted.

She advocated for the essential importance of shared service schools, an equalizer for certifying techs in various types of shop settings and with disparate access to resources.

NMEDA’S first Collective Service School was held June 21-26, 1993 in Atlanta, a bold undertaking for our insular, individualized shops. Invited

by David Potter at the spring conference, reviewed in the Circuit Breaker the following issue, Becky’s first attempts to bring techs together for training were brave forays

Becky

1997

&

Red

rence

Confe nada

a DA-C

NME

toward what became an essential industry service.

Nine manufacturers and fifty techs made a success of that first event. Collaboration in that initial endeavor required unprecedented flexibility from

match, but each of us learned we

the membership–for the times, an

were cherished.

act of faith. Agreement on process, shared knowledge of intimate

She created, then inhabited, the role of Director of NMEDA–a complex association of mobility dealers, manufacturers, modifiers, associates, professional, and health-oriented members. Each of her successors has refined and improved that position, tailoring the role to reflect and respond to the needs of NMEDA in a rapidly-changing reality.

The strength of the relationships built during those early years benefit us still. It was important that we heard directly from Harry Baergen and Gayle Dalrymple about “Make

Inoperative” regs and the Federal Motor Vehicle regulations. We learned directly how the NHTSA and Transport Canada regulations affected and protected our clients and companies. We trusted that we were on the right side of regulation by adhering to our agreements. That trust made QAP implementation possible.

Becky brought us through the initial agreements and processes of QAP, made each of us buy a computer and learn to use it, dragged us into the

manufacturing details and information formerly proprietary–Becky brought us through that necessary cultural evolution and built working teams of strong characters together to advance shared interests.

The curricular descendent of that first Atlanta gathering, NMEDA’s 2019 collective service school hosted manufacturers from Golden Boy’s California to Maine’s Crescent coast, in a mobility shop just outside Bradley Airport in Connecticut and certified techs from dozens of shops attending the multi-day training. Significant

Jul–Sep 2020

35

investment of presenter and

facilitated our work toward shared

technician time and energy makes this

ends—a heavy lift, many of those

level of training possible, and a strong

years. Gathering our group in early

system of assessment sustains such a

2002 challenged the very fabric of

program. Becky encouraged NMEDA

our international, collective identity.

to commit to those investments early;

Nurturing our development as her

we’ve adhered to those commitments,

highest priority, Becky presented her

to our benefit.

successors with an accomplished

She founded this association,

professional staff and an organization

established trust and agreements and

responsive to its mission. At our best,

Becky

we reflect her best intentions.

Well begun, Becky. We wouldn’t be us without you.

--Editor’s Note: I’d like to send a special thank you to Marilyn Myers, for her tireless efforts to support this article. She spent hours pouring over past Circuit Breakers and thumbing through old photos which I know brought back memories of all varieties, then even more time was spent scanning or mailing relevant items to help Susan and I put together this final piece.

Thank you, Marilyn!

& Sa lly Su llivan

Becky & Greg Sm “On A R ith oll” Rad io Host & Auth or 36

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

MEMBER NOTICE

New FREE Online Training Course: Introduction to Automotive Mobility In the Summer of 2019—what seems like a decade ago now—the Dealer Marketing sub-committee of the Education and Training Committee proposed the creation of an orientation/on-boarding module to introduce new hires to the Automotive Mobility industry. Whether that person had prior healthcare or automotive experience or not, the DM committee felt that there was a need for a brief overview module specific to our industry, the allied healthcare professionals we work with, and the medical conditions that present mobility challenges to our customers.

After multiple rounds of review, we are proud to announce the arrival of “Introduction to Automotive Mobility,” a 35-minute module that can be used as an on-boarding or refresher training opportunity for both sales and technician personnel. The module includes a completion certificate but does not require a formal exam at its conclusion. The best part is that the training is FREE!

NMEDA would like to recognize the hard working members of the DM Committee for making themselves available to provide valuable insights and feedback during those multiple rounds of review: •

Cassy Churchill, BraunAbility

•

Ashley Crook, Sure Grip

•

Paul Erway, Superior Van & Mobility

•

Monique McGivney, Ability Center

•

Rich Venhaus, United Access

•

David Yount, Brandl Mobility Finance

If you have new people in need of a brief introduction to our industry, or experienced people who could benefit from a brief reminder of the valuable services we provide to our customers, sign them up!

If you need assistance in getting people registered, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Learning@nmeda.org.

Learn more by visiting www.NMEDA.com/training/introtoautomobility.

Jul–Sep 2020

37

5 Questions With...

Congressman Ted Lieu

By Amy Schoppman NMEDA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Ted Lieu is the third-term U.S. Representative for California’s 33rd congressional district. An alumnus of Stanford and Georgetown Universities, Congressman Lieu—recognizing the opportunities America had given to his Taiwanese immigrant family—joined the US Air Force and served in the JAG corps. He subsequently receivied various recognitions for his domestic and international activities as a military prosecutor and advisor to Commanders. Promoted to Air Force Reserves Colonel in 2015, the Congressman is one of only four computer science majors currently serving in Congress and is frequently sought out for his insight on technology-related issues (including innovation, cybersecurity, and consumer safety in relation to technologically advanced vehicles). Elected president of the 2015 freshman class by his Democratic colleagues, Representative Lieu sponsored seven legislative proposals—including a bill to help homeless veterans and a bill to combat foreign propaganda and misinformation—that were signed into law during his first term. Read on to learn more about California Congressman Ted Lieu in this edition of “5 Questions With…”

1. What inspired you to run for public office?

When I was three years old, my family immigrated to the United States. My parents went from selling gifts at flea markets to owning numerous gift stores around our hometown of Cleveland. Recognizing the opportunities the United States gave my family, I wanted to give back to my country, so I joined the

channel my passions for protecting the environment; advocating for veterans; fighting for civil liberties; and preserving high ethical standards in government. For that reason, I decided to run for local office in Torrance, California and eventually for Congress. It has been an honor to serve the residents of California’s 33rd district and represent them in Washington.

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

Good communications skills are critical on the Hill. As a CoChair of the House Policy and Communications Committee, I work on the Democratic Leadership team to craft messaging around important legislation and initiatives in our caucus. The work of legislating is deeply important, but so is how you

United States Air Force. I served on

talk about it. Making sure Americans

active duty and currently serve as

know that their Representatives are

a Colonel in the Reserves. I wanted

working for them and are responsive

to continue serving my country and

to their needs is key.

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

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

The Year’s Best Science Fiction: Thirty-Fifth Annual Collection

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve the lives of people with disabilities, including veterans, by providing new transportation opportunities. That said, we can’t ignore AV-related

4. What are your thoughts on autonomous vehicles?

As a recovering Computer Science major, I recognize the power of innovation—especially when it comes to technological advancements

cybersecurity issues. I also support environmentally friendly efforts to innovate in the transportation sector,

5. What does mobility mean to you?

Mobility means having the opportunity and freedom to live an independent life. We must work on creating a world where everyone can achieve their goals regardless of physical limitations.

---

and I look forward to seeing how autonomous vehicles can safely expand mobility.

that can improve the lives of many.

FAST FACTS • Democrat • Represents California’s 33rd Congressional District • Committees: Judiciary, Foreign Affairs • Caucuses: ALS, Smart Transportation, Cystic Fibrosis, Parkinson’s Multiple Sclerosis • https://lieu.house.gov Jul-Sep 2020

39

QAP STRAIGHT TALK

Remote Audits— Adapting to the Times

by Chuck Hardy NMEDA DIRECTOR OF QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE

F

our years ago, we began

reading this now and wondering if

have brought us to this point. Why

looking into remote auditing as

in-person audits are going away,

shouldn’t we leverage these tools

a viable method for validating

the answer is ‘no’. In-person audits

and technological advances? I think

dealer compliance to QAP. Looking

will always be a part of QAP

we would be foolish if we didn’t try

back at that decision, boy was it was

auditing and will still be conducted

and see if we could still provide a

a good thing we did. There were a

moving forward. In-person audits

comprehensive, robust audit that lived

lot of ‘kinks’ to work out. A lot of

are especially useful for initial

up to the high standards of QAP. And

testing to identify best methods.

accreditation audits where facility

that’s what we did.

A lot of writing and re-writing of

visual inspection is mandatory. But

procedures and processes. A lot of

remote auditing will be one of the

trial-and-error. But I am proud to say,

primary methods for auditing in

at this time, we have a remote audit

the future as far as I can tell. It’s not

process that is working, and nicely

just our industry, many industries

at that. I don’t think any of us could

have adopted some form of remote

have predicted the situation we find

auditing and it continues to grow

ourselves in today. But, being able

as an audit methodology of choice

to pivot from primarily on-site audits

around the globe.

to remote audits is paying dividends for us now as travel is not advised, social distancing is a must, and a dealer’s availability to host audits is at a premium. Frankly, I don’t know what shape we would currently be in if not for the ability to conduct QAP audits remotely.

“

The big question for NMEDA regarding remote auditing was, “Is it possible to audit a dealer remotely and have the same integrity and thoroughness as an on-site audit?” I can tell you without naming names that we had our share of sceptics.

But there was only one way to find out—we had to try it. So, in May 2015,

The big question for NMEDA regarding remote auditing was, ‘Is it possible to audit a dealer remotely and have the same integrity and thoroughness as an on-site audit?’”

So, what is a remote audit? A remote audit is one carried out

The strength of a remote auditing is

a remote audit task force was formed.

with the auditor in a location away

efficiency through technology. Ten

The primary objective of the task

from the dealer’s physical location.

years ago, I don’t think we would

force was to identify the hardware,

Traditionally, and until now, all dealer

have considered remote auditing for

software, and methods that would be

QAP audits have been conducted

our dealers as not many people were

required to conduct the audit, and to

in-person. Whereas remote audits

using the technology we have today.

layout an audit process that would

are conducted using audio-video

Smart device availability, audio-

work for all dealers. Then finally, to

conferencing software with the

video and conferencing apps such as

run a pilot.

auditor sharing a computer screen

Facetime, Skype, and GoToMeeting,

with the dealer over an internet

and then the enormous increases

connection. And, in case you’re

we have seen in internet speeds

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

The first remote audit pilot was conducted at the Sidewinder facility in Chilliwack, British Columbia. We

documents taken from customer files of completed jobs, your quality manual, insurance information and training records for the installers performing the work and lastly, the calibration records for the measuring and test equipment used to complete the installs. The most efficient way to send the files is through an email with scanned images, although some dealers have uploaded the documents to cloud drives and sent the auditor a link which works just as well. After the auditor has the requested documents,

learned a lot from that experience.

Many of you have already experienced

Not only that they served some good

your first remote audit. As of June

burgers at the local joint in town, and

25, 2020, we have completed 147

that Graham had some really nice

remote audits, that’s over a third of

classic cars, but we found out that

our dealers. But for everyone who

some things worked well, while others

has not yet experienced one, let’s

You click on this link on the day of the

did not. For example, the need to

walk through what the remote audit

audit and join a video conference with

have a solid internet connection, the

process will look like to you.

the auditor. Typically, you will use a

importance of both parties using the same communication tools, and being able to share documents and images, were some of the challenges that we faced and later evaluated. Over time, and through a meticulous process of trial and error, we resolved all the

First is the scheduling call with the auditor to lock down the date. Then there will be a request from the auditor to send in documents to complete your audit as the audit is conducted in two parts. These are

they will review them. Then the fun starts. You will receive a GoToMeeting invitation link in an email from the auditor.

phone to call into the meeting using the number provided by GoToMeeting.

We have found that phones work better than voice over internet (in other words, using your computer’s microphone). The rest of the audit

issues we encountered during the first pilot.

Jump forward to today’s remote audits. We use GoToMeeting webbased conferencing software and cell or land-line phones for verbal communication. The GoToMeeting interface can share documents in real time with the dealer, make screen annotations when something needs to be pointed out, and pass the screen over to the dealer if there is anything they need to share with the auditor.

We’ve come a long way and there are still improvements that we can make. We know that, and these will be realized and improved over time as we continue to exercise the system and process.

Jul–Sep 2020

41

QAP STRAIGHT TALK

(continued)

is conducted through GoToMeeting

conclude with a summary of results

is the physical location of the auditor

interface. The auditor will share the

and you will be requested to sign

who is conducting the audit.

results of the initial document review

off on a copy of the report to send

and then proceed to conduct the rest

back to the auditor. That’s it! Simple,

of the audit by interview. You will be

painless, and effective.

able to see exactly what the auditor is

With that, thank you for taking the time to learn more about remote audits and I hope you have a great

In conclusion, remote auditing is here

experience when you are called upon

to stay. While during the pandemic

to have your first. When you’re done,

we are relying solely on remote

if there is something you feel that is

audits, our plans for the future are to

not up to par, please let me know. We

or findings that take place during

conduct audits on an alternating cycle

always want to seek ways to improve

the audit it will be discussed and

between on-site and remote audits in

and continuously adapt to the times

documented in real time. The auditor

a three-year pattern (onsite-remote-

and provide our members with an

will share every detail and ask for

remote) then repeat. Remote audits

audit experience that has value.

your concurrence before moving on

are identical to on-site audits as far as

to the next item. Finally, the audit will

the process goes. The only difference

referencing on your computer screen and ask any questions throughout.

If there are any areas of improvement

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

---

AROUND THE INDUSTRY Sure Grip Shifts Output to Support PPE Prouduction “Making things that help people. It’s what we do,” said Cody Howell, Operations Manager at Sure Grip. When Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on companies to help make essential equipment to fight COVID-19, the NMEDA member sprung into action. Pairing up with another local company, BBI, the two began producing face shields for local healthcare workers.

Ability Center Installs Shields in Vehicles to Keep Customers Safe Ability Center, located in Tucson, AZ. recently rolled out barriers that separate the driver and passenger seats from the rest of the vehicle in an effort to support growing safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As we know, many mobility equipment customers face illnesses that put them at higher risk for contracting any virus. These shields provide peace of mind, but may also save a life.

QAP Audit Timeline Extension As many of you are aware, the current audit cycle was due to be completed by June 30.

Due to the extreme challenges our members have been facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the last several months NMEDA and RADCO have been working with dealers to postpone and reschedule audits as needed. Conditions remain uncertain, and, accordingly, staff has asked the NMEDA board of directors to authorize an extension to the current audit cycle.

At its June meeting, the board indicated that all audits for the current cycle are to be completed no later than September 30, 2020. Authorization was also provided to continue to conduct all audits remotely.

RADCO & NMEDA staff will continue to be sensitive to the needs of our members in this trying time; we appreciate your cooperation as we work with you to ensure that this critical aspect of the Quality Assurance Program is completed in a timely manner for all locations, per the board’s directive.

Senate Introduces AUTO for Veterans Act Legislation authorizing the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow qualifying veterans to receive more than one automobile grant has been introduced in the US Senate. The “Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities (AUTO) for Veterans Act” would amend the U.S. Code to permit eligible veterans to receive financial assistance to replace their vehicles every 10 years. This bipartisan legislation is the companion bill to H.R. 5761, which was introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this year.

If the legislation is passed and signed into law, veterans will no longer be limited to a single lifetime auto grant. Instead, VA will be permitted to authorize multiple auto grants throughout a veteran’s lifetime (similar to how the Special Adaptive Equipment Grant currently functions). Senator Joe Manchin, one of the bill’s sponsors, states: “Our paralyzed Veterans live with the constant reminder of their personal sacrifices made to keep their fellow Americans safe. They fought for our freedoms and deserve support here at home. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan AUTO Act with Senator Collins to provide our paralyzed Veterans with a new vehicle grant every 10 years instead of the current program which provides one vehicle grant in their lifetime.”

NMEDA joins Paralyzed Veterans of America and other veterans service organizations in supporting passage of the AUTO Act. With approximately 60 legislative days remaining in this Congress, we will keep members updated on efforts to advance this important legislation.

Jul–Sep 2020

43

QAP DASHBOARD

QAP DASHBOARD AVERAGE FINDINGS PER AUDIT July 2019–June 2020

1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

TOP 5 AUDIT FINDINGS July 2019–June 2020

NCT Missing/Expired

42

Calibration Overdue

32

QC Manual Review Needed

26

QAP Contact Training Incomplete

24

NHTSA Listing Needs Update

23

AUDIT FINDING SEVERITY April 2019–March 2020

Successful Audit 25%

Major 7% Minor 15%

Opportunity for Improvement 53%

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

QAP DASHBOARD

QAP DASHBOARD TOTAL QAP DEALERS IN GOOD STANDING Quarterly: June 2019–June 2020

332 330 328 326 324 322 320 318 316 314 312

331

330

324 321 319

Jun-19

Sep-19

Dec-19

Mar-20

Jun-20

NEW QAP APPLICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS Quarterly: June 2019–June 2020 Applications 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Accreditations

8

7 5 3

Jun-19

3

Sep-19

4

5

2

Dec-19

Dealers with No Audit Findings Ability Center - Tucson, AZ Advanced Modifications Inc. - Hermon, ME Advanced Wheels - East Granby, CT AERO Mobility - Anaheim, CA AMS Auto - Woodstock, IL Apple Independence Mobility - Cookeville, TN Columbus Mobility Specialists, LLC - Worthington, OH ECO Medical - Edmonton, AB Island Mediquip Ltd - Victoria, BC Medichair Northern BC - Prince George, BC MobilityWorks - Dayton, OH MobilityWorks - Highland Park, NJ New England Motor Car Co. Inc. - Hudson, NH Priority Mobility - Hampton, VA Southern Bus & Mobility - Breese, IL Superior Van & Mobility - Lexington, KY Superior Van & Mobility - Louisville, KY True Mobility Inc. - New Castle, DE United Access - Springfield, MO

4 2

Mar-20

Jun-20

Newly Accredited Dealers Andy's Mobility & Lift Services - Laredo, TX R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Athens, GA

Jul–Sep 2020

45

CANADA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I Bet I Am Not Alone

By David Parton —Mobility in Motion PRESIDENT, NMEDA CANADA

A

s a Canadian, and as a

These past few months have seen

implementation of WC-18, 19, and

population of what are often

those points of interest, targets for

20 for the benefit of occupied

innocuous even apologetic

education in hopes of bringing about

wheelchairs in transportation.

people, I want to say how sorry I am

change, have been working from

that the border between our two

home offices, and either, not available,

nations is closed and sounds to not

or working on fires, or not working at

be opening any time soon. I am a

all.

Canadian and proud of the heritage and history of my home. I am also a big fan of what is in every respect my first cousins living in the nation to the south of me.

I recall being pulled over by a State Trooper in Toledo, Ohio one morning on a return trip from my favorite state, Florida. The officer decided not to ticket me because as he said, I was a foreigner. The word almost stung as I said in the back of my mind, “We share so much and have more in common than likely any two nations on the planet!” But I did not argue, no ticket was a preferred outcome.

These last months have tried our collective patience and stepped on nerves we didn’t know we had.

I felt leading up to March that your Canadian board of directors had kept up a steady pace, working on issues and opportunities on behalf of the members here in Canada. We have opened up many doors and made good connections both federally and provincially. We have had to remind ourselves we are in a relay race and not a single sprint. Targets are moving and not static.

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

A recent policy was enacted by the Canadian Transportation Agency that was undertaken during a time when the legislative schedule was

Our government relations committee

not as full as usual. The new law

has had to essentially shelve projects

gives protection to ability-challenged

which were heading toward in-person

individuals preventing penalty

meetings. Social distancing, travel

ticketing when extra space is required

restrictions, and changing work

for mobility devices. The law gives

locations has left everything on hold.

specific rights and spells out penalties

We are trying to figure out now how

for infractions. What it does not do

to get reinvigorated and to find new energy and direction. One positive thing this pandemic has brought for some is that time is available, or at least not in such short supply.

“

is impact upon municipal transport agencies or interprovincial companies as the agency has no authority over these. We are still not requiring municipal buses to provide wheelchair securement, and we are not requiring

It also struck me that our members are not just dabbling in this mobility business.

We have all made significant commitment to and investment in our industry. Our organization is called NMEDA, but our signature trademark is our QAP program.”

We are still motivated to bring

passenger trains or airplanes to

resolution to the issues and

provide for wheelchair capacity and

challenges experienced by the clients

safety on their vehicles. Rights are

we serve: The homogenization

enshrined, but the mechanism to

of standards across Canada; full

enable is still absent.

Both the US Board and the Canadian

a real problem yet, and no solution

that is being shopped right now. We

Board are making it a priority to

was needed before he felt he had a

hold ourselves to higher standards,

encourage membership growth

real problem. I don’t know how not

and the insurance companies need

and great care is being taken to not

feeling your foot on the accelerator

to be shown that we are not just

negatively impact members, many of

could not be considered a real

any apple in the basket. We can

whom are struggling with challenges

problem, but hey, I’m just a layman.

demonstrate by our shared values,

I have spoken with an agent at a large

education, and our audited standards,

which are plentiful, including the pandemic and restrictions related to it.

insurance brokerage who has earned

we are not bringing the risk that

my trust over many years. I have

others may represent.

One necessary part to our businesses

asked that they explore the creation

It is my hope to shortly be sending

is the need for liability protection

of group policy with specific focus

out a questionnaire asking questions

and garage auto policies to protect

on the needs of mobility vendors

that the underwriters will be seeking

us and the vehicles we are charged

here in Canada. For myself, we have a

answers to. If any Canadian members

with modifying or the owners of those

fleet vehicle policy for our company

are finding themselves not being

vehicles they have placed in our trust.

vehicles. We also have a public

renewed, or offered significantly

In the past, insurance companies have

liability policy to cover business

reduced policy coverages at increased

operations, commercial property

cost, please reach out to me and I will

insurance for owned buildings, and

refer you on to the agency working to

tenant’s liability for leased premises.

craft this program.

invested premiums into the stock market and generated significant returns on these investments.

Current circumstances have seen these investments become much less predictable and so insurance underwriters are now looking with much more jaundiced eyes at risk of any kind. One company or industry group can be squeaky clean, but it seems only one bad apple will cause the whole basket to spoil.

Suddenly, the risk associated with installation of a scooter lift, hand controls, even a grab bar in a client’s home, are all being looked at and the underwriters don’t like what they think they are seeing.

My comment to one was, “Look down the road, you will also be needing these things. If you are fortunate enough to live long enough, many of these things are in your future.” A good friend told me a while back that he was driving and realized he could not feel his right leg. I suggested he look into a solution before he became a statistic, but he felt he had not had

Finally, we have a Garage Auto policy to cover inventory vehicles, client vehicles in our care, dealer plate coverage, all activities directly related to our vehicle modification activities. Until you sit down and go over the files, I didn’t really realize the complexity of my own coverage.

I have been able to trust the files to good brokers who made it their business to keep everything in place and keep the costs manageable.

When I was made aware of the impending issue with my own renewal coming up my thought was, “I bet I

If you consider yourself to be a vehicle mobility vendor and are likewise having this challenge, we welcome you to join our association, show your credentials, become QAP accredited. This insurance package will be made available only to NMEDA/QAP members. But don’t worry, we welcome new or renewed members. It is my hope that this will be a value-added program that further makes membership an even more logical choice.

---

am not alone.” It also struck me that our members are not just dabbling in this mobility business. We have all made significant commitment to and investment in our industry. Our organization is called NMEDA, but our signature trademark is our QAP program.

I have asked for the creation of a NMEDA/QAP insurance program and

Jul–Sep 2020

47

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT

The Now, The Next, and the Nonstop

by Amy Schoppman NMEDA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

A

provocative theory has

regarding spending and taxes will

gained popularity amongst

The Next

need to be made. In short, 2020 is

PPP was designed as a bridge for

HR professionals, cable news

really leaning into an overall theme of

businesses to maintain their payrolls

talking heads, and My Neighbor

“uncertainty.”

and operations through “the worst”

Who Essentially Shouts During His

To mitigate this uncertainty, NMEDA’s

of the pandemic but, as infections

Zoom Meetings: the coronavirus is accelerating the greatest workplace transformation of our lifetimes, and will permanently change how and where Americans work (and socialize and communicate and shop and learn…). While the scale and

advocacy and government relations program has rearranged its issue portfolio to include three general categories of government proposals and initiatives that may impact or be of interest to our members, their

rise and states contemplate stepping back from their initial plans to reopen, the path forward is not as linear as some had initially hoped. Amidst the uncertainty, one thing is sure: COVID-19’s impact on federal, state,

employees, and the clients they serve:

and local budgets will be significant.

The Now

decreased revenue sources and

This category, predictably, includes

significant new expenditures, program

to be seen, this “new normal”

government initiatives that can

(specifically Vocational Rehabilitation

of virtual meetings, cancelled

immediately impact members.

program) services and funding are at

conferences, and reduced travel is

The Paycheck Protection Program

risk of being reduced or eliminated.

generally expected to continue for at

(PPP)—established by Congress to

To be clear, no formal proposal to

least the immediate future.

provide forgivable loans to small

decrease VR funding or eliminate

Also expected to continue? Federal

businesses—is a premier example.

VR services has been introduced;

and state governments’ near-singular

Massively popular (and complex), the

NMEDA is, however, keeping its eye

focus on attempting to manage this

PPP’s initial $350 billion in funding

on anticipated budgetary restraints

pandemic and the profound public

was followed by a second round of

while working with our partner

health and economic impact thereof.

late-April funding, timeline extensions,

organizations, lawmakers, and key

Congress does not have a reputation

and program clarifications. Congress

agencies to ensure that current and

for acting in a nimble or timely

is currently (as of the writing of this

future transportation-related services

manner—the House and Senate have

article) considering extending the

for people with disabilities are not

traditionally embraced, sometimes

PPP application deadline once again.

adversely affected.

to a comical degree, their roles as

Resources—including summaries,

deliberative bodies—but these days

FAQs, and webinars—addressing

legislation is being drafted and

PPP and other continually evolving

passed in record time. State agency

pandemic-related legislation

policies and guidelines are constantly

immediately impacting our members

changing. Budgets have been

can be found in the “Coronavirus

decimated and difficult decisions

Resources” section of NMEDA’s

permanence of socially distanced work (and leisure and communication and shopping and learning…) remains

website. (www.nmeda.com/covid19)

48

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

With all levels of government facing

The Nonstop This category includes classics such as “Implementation of The Veterans Mobility Safety Act” and “Resolving Past Due VA Invoices.” These efforts have not been paused or eliminated due to current events and, while

GR-related activities traditionally

lead on an array of post-pandemic

the house down while you’re on a

involve a significant amount of in-

legislative and regulatory proposals.

virtual conference call with seven

person interaction, we’ve adapted

Maintaining and strengthening our

poorly-lit colleagues. I get it. The

to the absence of Capitol Hill

relationships during these strange

past few months have collectively

meetings and agency events by

times will help NMEDA cut through

been one of the most aggravating

engaging in persistent and strategic

the noise (now), move its GR agenda

experiences of my life—enduring a

communications with Congressional

forward (next), and continue to be

25-floor elevator ride with Carrot

offices and federal agencies. We will

successful (nonstop).

Top (a story for another day) doesn’t

not lose our momentum, and we refuse to allow NMEDA’s initiatives and issues to get lost in the chaos.

even compare—but please know that NMEDA’s GR team is here to reduce

*******

uncertainty and aggravation while

Our advocacy reach also extends

I realize most recipients of this

providing guidance, resources, and

beyond the federal level—a fortunate

magazine are likely focused on other

uninterrupted industry advocacy

position to be in considering states

things right now: staying healthy

during this unprecedented time.

have flexed their power since

and safe, learning to use unfamiliar

coronavirus arrived on the scene, and

technology, and preventing your

states are also expected to take the

child (or partner) from burning

---

Get Social with NMEDA

For informa�on and to become a dealer, contact Randy.

RandyK@clockmobility.com 800.732.5625 Clock Conversions

clockconversions.com

Jul–Sep 2020

49

Mobility Way

By Mike Savicki — Afterburner Communications NMEDA CONSULTANT

A Heart of Gold!

Bob Lujano’s Journey from Texas to Alabama, Athens and Beyond

T

here is a scene in the

co-conspirators. The ensuing level of

USQRA National Championships to

Academy-Award nominated

laughter not only adds another layer

his credit and had the 2020 season

documentary, “Murberball,”

of humor to the film’s in-your-face

not been cancelled early due to

when co-star, Bob Lujano, and his

reality, it also proves that when it

coronavirus/COVID, he very likely

teammates, play a prank on an

comes to disability and assistance—

may have had eight. He was a long-

unsuspecting team support staffer.

the keyword being assistance—quad

standing member of Team USA

In short, it involves Lujano hiding

rugby players, even ones with no

earning international medals plus a

himself away in an empty cardboard

arms and legs, laugh in the face of

Paralympic Bronze (Athens, 2004).

box, his teammates pretending it is

accepting it.

On the court he was as fierce a

Meet Bob Lujano. He is 51 now and

defender as they come. Ask any of the

too heavy for them to lift. Then, when the staffer offers assistance and tries to lift the box onto a hotel room bed, Lujano pops out and scares her to the raucous delight of the roomful of

recently retired from murderball, the sport more tamely known as wheelchair (or quad) rugby, after playing for 25 years. He has seven

top offensive threats from any country in the world what they thought about the competitive Bob Lujano and you’ll get looks of frustration and disbelief along with NSFW curses in languages you likely won’t understand but surely will recognize. Nobody in the wheelchair rugby world wanted Bob in their face.

Off the court, Bob’s story is worth sharing, too. Let’s start on January 6, 1979, age nine, when Bob contracted meningococcemia, a rare form of meningitis. To save his life, all four limbs had to be amputated. If you think losing limbs earned Bob a pity party, think again. Bob’s family and

50

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

We can learn life lessons from Bob, too. “So much of living with a disability is mental,” he shares. “The support of family and friends can help so much, and looking to those who friends kept his bar high and Bob

Now, more than three decades later,

have been down the road before you

grew up more active, energized and

Bob has set aside his leg prostheses

for guidance and tips helps, too, no

motivated than most. Pre-Law at

and uses a manual wheelchair. He

doubt. I’m open to anyone who wants

the University of Texas - Arlington.

drives a smaller, more user friendly

to come up to me and talk about

Master of Science in Recreation

and practical 4-door Chevy Sonic.

disability and I still learn from others.”

Sports Management at the University

Bob says modern technology is

of Tennessee. A position at the 1996

making it easier to plug in his iPhone

“But it’s up to each of us, disabled or

Paralympic Games as the Venue

for assistance, stay connected and

Director of the City Hall East Project.

safe, and enjoy being on the road.

Then the Lakeshore Foundation

As for his present system of enter

purpose.”

and exit, Bob typically transfers into

Spend even a minute with Bob Lujano

staff in November of 1998 where he spent more than a decade as a Recreation Specialist, developing and implementing recreation programs for kids and youth. Ask any kid Bob has ever counseled, taught, friended, or mentored what they think of him and you’ll get smiles and outpourings of love. Bob is now an Inclusion Specialist, a shift toward public policy and corporate plus non-profit compliance, working at Lakeshore’s National Center on Health, Physical Activity & Disability.

Bob starts by crediting the Texas Rehabilitation Commission with helping him get to where he is today. In addition to vocational training, the commission provides counseling, financial assistance, and job placement. Bob took advantage of as many opportunities as he could, right down to using their services to get his driver’s training, license, and first vehicle. By age eighteen, Bob was driving an adapted vehicle (an SUV) using arm and leg prosthetics, primarily walking with a cane. He chose the higher vehicle because it meant he wouldn’t have to bend his legs to enter and exit. Why didn’t he get his license and a car at sixteen?

His dad told him that when he got accepted to college, it would be time

either the back or passenger seat, pulls his folded wheelchair in behind him, then hops into the front driver’s seat. He still uses hand controls and a spinner knob, contacting them with special arm prosthetics. His process is so efficient and fine tuned that Lakeshore has a how-to video that features Bob behind the wheel. Yes, if you are wondering, a quadruple amputee can drive.

“My driving is one hundred percent the result of modern technology,” Bob

not, to learn that we have one body and it’s up to us to take care of it.

We are alive and we are here for a

and you’ll agree, he has a heart of gold.

--When Bob Lujano was seventeen, he wrote down a list of things he wanted to accomplish in his life. Of everything he listed, the final two have just happened in the last five years—get married and write a book. Bob’s book, No Arms, No Legs, No Problem, chronicles his personal journey, something he considers himself fortunate to be able to enjoy and share.

Told with a voice of gratitude, Bob invites others to live life with everything they’ve got. Find Bob’s book through Amazon.

You can also learn more about Bob at noarmsnolegsnoproblem.com.

says. “It’s both the technology in the vehicle as well as the technology of the prosthetics. Both have changed so much through the years and both continue to change. I’m grateful.”

As for the freedom and independence that comes with driving, Bob adds, “Driving is one of those number one things we all need in our lives. When every kid I come in contact with at Lakeshore turns sixteen, I tell them it’s time to get their driver’s license.

Driving is everything. It’s freedom, it’s fun, it’s independence, and it’s practical. I learned all that a long time ago and still love getting behind the wheel no matter if it’s around home in Birmingham or back to visit family still in Texas.”

to think about it.

Photos courtesy of Bob Lujano and noarmsnolegsnoproblem.com

NMEDA INDUSTRY MEMBERS INDUSTRY ____________________________

Access & Mobility Finance, Inc. 1020 Aileen Street Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 299-1039 Accessible Vans of America, LLC. 334 Buckington Street St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 294-1762 Accessible Vehicle Solutions 2620 W Silver Spring Drive Milwaukee, WI 53209 (414) 788-6280 Adaptive Driving Alliance 111 Stow Avenue, Ste 103 Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 (330) 928-7401 Adaptive Mobility Systems, Inc. 2072 N. Bibb Drive Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 674-0776 Adapt-Solutions 145 Damase-Breton St-Lambert, QC G0S 2W0 (866) 641-0419 Affordable Mobility - Egan Auto 2035 Corbett Dr. Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 521-1006 All Medical, Inc. dba AM Accessibility 2011 Hampton Street Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 779-2011 AMF Bruns of America 1797 Georgetown Road Hudson, OH 44236 (877) 506-3770 Automobility P.O. Box 421 Montrose, Vic 3765 Australia (039) 762-2277 AvonBrook Floor 2 Block A Cookstown Court Dublin, Ireland D24WK28 +3530879894946 B & D Independence Inc. 1024 Empire Street Mt.Carmel, IL 62863 (618) 262-7117

52

Banclease Acceptance Corporation 8221 Tristar Drive Irving, TX 75063 (214) 615-0661

Freedom Motors Inc., division of Savaria 14 Goodmark Place Etobicoke, ON M6W 6R1 (905) 799-5545

Bever Mobility Products 2885 Sanford Ave SW 41693 Grandville, MI 49418 (888) 959-6198

General Motors Corporation 100 Renaissance Ctr., MC482-A20-B98 Detroit, MI 48265 (313) 667-8682

Brandl Mobility Finance Services 559 Hwy 10 South St. Cloud, MN 56304 (866) 581-3922 BraunAbility P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 (800) 843-5438 Bruno Independent Living Aids 1780 Executive Drive Oconomowoc, WI 53066 (262) 953-5396 Burhill Financial Services 116 N. Jefferson St. Dayton, OH 45402 (937) 224-3033 Creative Carriage Ltd. 6 Ridgeview Street St. George, ON N0E 1N0 (519) 740-4801 Crescent Industries 191 Washington St. Auburn, ME 4210 (207) 777-3500 DealerTeam.com, LLC 2195 Larkspur Ln Redding, CA 96002 (530) 232-3260 Driving Systems, Inc. 16139 Runnymede St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 782-6793 EZ Lock 2001 Wooddale Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 214-4620 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles 1000 Chrysler Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (800) 255-9877 FleetPro Capital Services 219 Ashley Road Mascotte, FL 34753 (407) 716-0465 Fortress Partners 5005 Plainfield Ave NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 447-2293

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Golden Mobility & Rehab LTD 3150A Faithfull Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 8H3 (306) 242-9060 Harmar Mobility 2075 47th St. Sarasota, FL 34234 (800) 833-0478 Ingenium Engineering Services 4345 Teal Road Petersburg, MI 48270 (734) 279-9345 J. A. Allen & Associates 830 Mill Ridge Court Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C4 (416) 254-7237 Jaliscos Automotive 8750 NE Emerson St Portland, OR 97220 (503) 251-3865 Johnson Hand Controls LLC 3960 Locust Grove Rd Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 449-0089 Joysteer USA, Inc. 6624 Clay Avenue SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (832) 783-9751 KEMPF 1245 Lakeside Dr. #3005 Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (408) 773-0219 Mahadev Metal Works & Fabrication Unit 124, 125 - 11071 Bridgeport Rd. Richmond, BC V6X 1T3 (604) 270-3317 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

Maximized Mobility Inc 649 The Parkway Unit 1 Petersborough, ON K9J7K2 (705) 750-0777 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC 8501 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy Ladson, SC 29456 (843) 666-4333 Midwest Transit Equipment 414 E Beaver Street Morocco, IN 47963 (708) 932-5328 Mobility Funding Group, Inc. 2040 Frontage Road South Waite Park, MN 58387 (877) 327-3533 Mobility Innovations 51277 Celeste Dr. Shelby Twp, MI 48315 (586) 843-3816 Mobility Software Solutions 851 Trafalgar Ct, Suite 160W Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 358-2000 Mobility Store & More 1116 E. Kingsbury Street Seguin, TX 78155 (830) 386-0446 MPower Engineering, Inc. 6175 Melvin Avenue Tarzana, CA 91356 (818) 614-6149 MVSCS (Inspired Solutions International) 6668 9 Hwy Selkirk, MB R1A 4G2 (866) 994-6559 New Life Van Auto & Truck Modification 258 Van Keuren Avenue Pine Bush, NY 12566 (845) 361-1244 Paradigm Solutions 29 Rockefeller Blvd.

Rensselaer, NY 12144 (518) 426-8850 PMG Technologies Inc. 100 Du Landais St. Blainville, QC J7C 5C9 (450) 430-7981 Pritchard Auto Group 980 Hwy 18 East Britt, IA 50473 (352) 552-6674 PSA Insurance & Financial Services 11311 McCormick Rd. Hunt Valley, MD 21031 (443) 798-7495

NMEDA INDUSTRY MEMBERS Q’STRAINT/Sure-Lok 4031 NE 12th Terrace Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 986-6665

Sunrise Medical Solutions, Inc PO Box 425 Grayson, GA 30017 (770) 676-7337

Vehicle Protection Services PO Box 2106 Pflugerville, TX 78660 (512) 585-5911

RADCO, Inc. 3220 E. 59th Street Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 272-7231

Sure Grip Hand Controls 4850 Route 102 Upper Kingsclear, NB E3E 1P8 (506) 363-5289

Webb Capital Corp.

PO Box 213 Coppell, TX 75019 (800) 886-4926

Revability 1655 Wall St. Salina, KS 67402 (620) 314-3053

Tempe Mobility 7975 S. Autoplex Loop Tempe, AZ 85284 (480) 598-2383

Wolfe Mobility 368 Main Street Picton, ON K0K 2T0 (613) 476-1768

Royale Mobility LLC 100 Newark Street Haverhill, MA 01832 (978) 374-4530

TMN 58 Ha”Khermesh Haifa, Japan 31000

S-E-A Ltd 7001 Buffalo Parkway Columbus, OH 43229 (614) 888-4160

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

Specialty Transportation Systems, Inc. 2720 North Main Street Newton, NC 28658 (828) 464-9738

Vantage Mobility International 5202 S. 28th Place.

Phoenix, AZ 85040 (800) 348-8267

SAVE THE DATE

Jul–Sep 2020

53

NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

____________________________

ALABAMA Brandon Adamson State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 Chris Adkison State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 Christopher Andrews State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 917-8432 Jacob Ellison State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 917-8432 Josh Forsman State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999 Tracey Kennedy State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999 Lou Klein LynLo Enterprises, Inc. 8933 Green Chase Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 (941) 726-2220 Cory McClendon State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 917-8432 Craig Rogers State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430

54

Jennifer Rogers State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 William Scott State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 David Shelnutt State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999 Cedrick Wallace State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 Miika Weiman State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 915-2299 Stephen Williams State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999

____________________________

ARIZONA Jennifer Nordine Driving to Independence LLC 1414 W. Broadway #111 Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 449-3331

____________________________

CALIFORNIA Penny M. Anders Sharp Memorial Hospital Rehab 1641 Borana St. San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 565-2437 Lula Capuchino Capuchino Therapy Group 3601 Marconi Ave. Sacramento, CA 95821 (916) 481-1300

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Paul Cooper Adaptive Driving Program P.O. Box 641 Montebello, CA 90640 (323) 855-1502 Melanie Henry Driver Cognitive Assessment Center, LLC 4550 Black Avenue, Suite D Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 249-5947 Gregory Paquin Gregory J. Paquin 5140 Florence Ave. Unit C Bell, CA 90201 (323) 326-1383

____________________________

COLORADO Sarah Davidson Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson St. Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8117 Barry Doyle Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8218 Tiffany Heck Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson St. Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8237 Colleen Knoll OTR/CDRS Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8218

____________________________

FLORIDA Lisa Crisalli Accessible Mobility Solutions 3936 SE 20th Ave Keystone Heights, FL 32656 (352) 339-2039 Stephen A. Emerson Stephen A. Emerson Inc. 1384 Wainwright Way Ft. Myers, FL 33919 (239) 633-0180 Janet Gardner Grace Adaptive Driving 18908 Adams Country Way Lutz, FL 33559 (813) 631-9700 Lori Grismore USF Health 8031 Brien Green Way Temple Terrace, FL 33637 (813) 396-0728

Judi Hamelburg Advanced Driver Rehabilitation Inc. 1031 Ives Dairy Rd. Suite 228 N. Miami Beach, FL 33179 (305) 770-0747 Dave Krieger Driver Rehabilitation Services, Inc. 9315 Hunters Park Way Tampa, FL 33647 (800) 738-9967 Ginger H. Le Grace Adaptive Driving/ Ginger Fitness Rehab 27553 Cashford Circle Suite 101 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 631-9700 Eilif L. Olesen Eilif L. Olesen 12700 66 Street N #1128 Largo, FL 33773 (727) 424-7485 Jillian Steen Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital 300 Hollywood Way Hollywood, FL 33021 (954) 614-6051

____________________________

GEORGIA Matt Abisamra Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7722 Dan Allison, MS OTR/L, ATP, CDRS Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7763 Lakisha Gray Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7720 James Kennedy Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 367-1296 Rajesh Pagadala Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency 3586 Riverside Drive Macon, GA 31210 (478) 279-1885 Jacqueline Valme Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital 747 South Eighth Street Suite D Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 229-6498

____________________________

NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS ILLINOIS

LOUISIANA

Anne Hegberg Marianjoy Rehab Hospital 26W171 Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 909-6080

Michael K Shipp MKS Consultants, LLC 1340 Mitcham Orchard Rd Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 245-7361

INDIANA

MARYLAND

Mason Campbell Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana 9531 Valparaiso Court Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 879-8940

Elin Davis American Occupational Therapy Association 6116 Executive Blvd Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852 (800) 729-2682

____________________________

Suzanne HardestyPritchard Easter Seals Crossroads 4740 Kingsway Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 (317) 721-8636 Kathy Kachanoski Columbus Regional Hospital 1732 Timbercrest Dr. Columbus, IN 47203 (800) 841-4938 Mary Ellen Keith Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana 18 Wilson Drive Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 696-0405

____________________________

____________________________

MASSACHUSETTS Eugene Blumkin Massachusetts Rehab Commission 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 2211 (617) 204-3721 Tricia/Mark Whitehouse Adaptive Driving Program, Inc. 250 Milton St., #LL002 Dedham, MA 2026 (781) 329-6656

____________________________

MICHIGAN

Carmen Palanca Carmen Palanca 1156 Ridgeview Ct. Avon, IN 46123 (317) 660-6506

C Kerry Jones The Space Between 26875 Church St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-0226

Jeff Perron Rehab Hospital of Indiana 2430 Lingerman Way Avon, IN 46123 (317) 329-2115

Kelby Lloyd Special Driving Services, Inc. P.O. Box 241 Okemos, MI 48805 (517) 349-7990

Eva Richardville Therapeutic Mobility Services, Inc. 311 N. Airport Office Park Ft. Wayne, IN 46285 (260) 417-8399 Russell Schimmell Easterseals Rehabilitation Center 3701 Bellemeade Avenue Evansville, IN 74414 (812) 492-0645

____________________________

KENTUCKY MaryFrances Gross On the Road, Again 4805 Hemlock Way Lexington, KY 40514 (619) 607-1142

____________________________

Robert E. Reid Special Driving Services, Inc. PO Box 241 Okemos, MI 48805 (517) 349-7990 ____________________________

MISSISSIPPI Nikki Simmons Driving Independence 5225 Crawford Road Hernando, MS 38632 (901) 734-7472

____________________________

NEW YORK Gail Babirad Rehabilitation Technology Assoc. Inc PO Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 (800) 987-2753

Jurgen Babirad Rehabilitation Technology Associates, Inc. Post Office Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 (800) 987-2753 Linda Farrell Albany Medical Center 210 Rabie Road Averill Park, NY 12018 (518) 577-4447 Nick Albanese Fitzgerald’s Driving School, Inc. 1350 Deer Park Avenue North Babylon, NY 11703 (631) 667-9642 John Lorenzetti, OTR/L, CDI, DRS FLX Driver Rehabilitation, LLC 4144 High Banks Rd. Geneva, NY 14456 (315) 585-9198 Raanan Zidile Tri-Boro Driver Rehabilitation & Mobility Services, Inc. 1642 Coney Island Aveue Brooklyn, NY 11230 (718) 414-2457

____________________________

NORTH CAROLINA Cyndee Crompton Driver Rehabilitation Services 605 Cabaret Rd. McLeansville, NC 27301 (336) 697-7841 Mike Edwards North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation NC Div of Vocational Rehabilitation Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28212 (704) 568-8804 Liz Green ADED 200 First Avenue N.W. #505 Hickory, NC 28601 (866) 672-9466

____________________________

PENNSYLVANIA Lori Benner Milton S. Hershey Medical Center 30 Hope Drive EC 130 Hershey, PA 17033 (717) 531-7444

Brenda Bennett Transportation Solutions 4202 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509 (814) 833-2301 Amy Lane OTR/L CDRS Adaptive Driving Program/U of Pittsburgh 3600 Forbes Avenue at Atwood Suite 3010 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 864-3068

____________________________

SOUTH CAROLINA Tom Jackman South Carolina Voc Rehab Technology Program 1410-C Boston Ave. W. Columbia, SC 29170 (803) 896-6080 Alan B. Simmerson CDRS WJBD VA Medical Center 3602 Deerfield Drive Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 776-4000

____________________________

TENNESSEE Amy Palmer Amy Palmer 1235 Fuller Rd. Dyersburg, TN 38024 (731) 446-7210 Martha Stephenson, RN Martha Stephenson 1701 W State Line Road South Fulton, TN 38257 (731) 479-1568

____________________________

TEXAS Chad Strowmatt Strowmatt Rehabilitation Services 11020 Katy Freeway Suite 217 Houston, TX 77043 (713) 858-1582

____________________________

WISCONSIN Chelsea Hales The Master’s Driving School W 7366 Flambeau Point Rd Ladysmith, WI 54848 (715) 532-0327

____________________________

WYOMING Lyndsie Fuller North Platt Physical Therapy PO Box 159 (269) 532-3375

Jul–Sep 2020

55

NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS CANADA ____________________________

BRITISH COLUMBIA Larry Bowen Larry Bowen PO Box 78095 Northside RPO Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 4X5 (604) 996-4893 Lisa Kristalovich GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver, BC V52 2G9 (604) 734-1313 Dean Robertson Access Driver Rehab Specialists 3405 W 31 Ave. Vancouver, BC V6S 1X6 (604) 263-5218 ____________________________

NEW BRUNSWICK Maura Dulong, OT Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation 800 Priestman St. Fredericton, NB E3B 0C7 (506) 452-5876 ____________________________

ONTARIO Shah Baqar, OT, CDRS Saint Elizabeth Driver Assessment (Toronto) 20 Linsmary Court Markham, ON L6E 1L2 (416) 419-3031

Wendy Nieuwland Skill Builders Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre 370 Bayview Drive, #100 Barrie, ON L4N 7L3 (705) 727-0319 Susan Paszt Susan Paszt PO Box 58 Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0 (705) 875-2133 Tamalea Stone Drive ON! Comprehensive Driver Rehabilitation 398 McDonnel Street Unit 4 Peterborough, ON K9H 2X4 (705) 741-7660 ____________________________

QUEBEC Dana Benoit Constance Lethbridge Rehabilitation Center 7005 de Maisonneuve West Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1891 Stephanie Bois CISSS des Laurentides / Programme ECAV 1300, boul. Cure-Labelle Blainville, QC J7C 2N8 (450) 437-6001 Nathalie Maertens CISSS des Laurentides / Programme ECAV 1300, boul. Cure-Labelle Blainville, QC J7C 2N8 (450) 437-6001

Alyssa Merilees Constance-Lethbridge Rehab Tim Danter Centre All Dominion Driver Training and Traffic Education Centres 7005 boul. De Maisonneuve Quest Limited Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 882 Fairway Road N (514) 487-1891 Kitchener, ON N2A 0C2 (905) 330-1596 Susan Sofer Autonomy Community F. Lortie Therapy F. Lortie 6900 Boul Decarie 68 Bloomfield Suite M170 London, ON N6G 1P3 Cote St-Luc, QC H3X 2T8 (519) 495-9541 (514) 733-1414

56

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Kristian Thivierge Centre de Readaptation Constance-Lethbridge 7005, Boulevard de Maisonneuve Quest Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1891 Minh-Thy Truong Constance-Lethbridge Rehab Centre - MT 7005 boul. de Maisonneve Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1770 ____________________________

SASKATCHEWAN Suzanne Lendvoy SK Health Authority 2180 23rd Avenue Regina, SK S4S 0A5 (306) 766-5968 ______________________________

NMEDA EDU/GOV’T/NON-PROFIT MEMBERS EDU/GOV’T/NONPROFIT ____________________________

Marie-Eve Barbeau Programme Adaptation Vehicule (SAAQ) 333, boul. Jean-Lesage, S1-27 Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6 (418) 528-4281

Patrick Delplancke Transport Canada - Road Safety & Motor Veh. Reg. 330 Sparks St Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5 (613) 998-2189 Todd Keanan James A. Haley VA Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs.

Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 972-2000

Sean Berry Texas A&M Transportation Institute 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-6375

Michel Morency S.A.A.Q 333, boul. Jean-Lesage, C-4-21 Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6 (418) 528-3597

Eric Bradley Texas A&M Transportation Institute 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-7492

Torrey Morse Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 55 Farmington Ave, 12th Fl Hartford, CT 6105 (860) 424-4865

Timothy P. Brant Brant’s Driving School 596 Goucher Street Johnstown, PA 15905 (877) 395-7011

Tina Paff Bicks Driving School 6367 Glenway Ave Cincinnati, OH 45211 (513) 251-2100

Rev. Julius Lee SMCL Foundation & Associates Inc. Adaptive & Multi-services Organization 2910 Seine Street New Orleans, LA 70114 (504) 450-4014 Matt Rivers Road Rules Driving School 2540 Farmcrest Avenue Peterborough, ON K9L1H7 7058749220 Stephen Sundarrao Rehabilitation Engineering & Technology Program 4202 E. Fowler Avenue ENB 118 Tampa, FL 33620 (813) 974-5346 James Wooldridge SIU Department of Rehabilitation of Services 500C South Lewis Lane Carbondale, IL 62948 (618) 453-2331

Lance Bullard Texas Transportation Institute A&M Univ.

3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-6153

Jul–Sep 2020

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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.

NMEDA Board of Directors Meeting August 20, 2020 September 17, 2020 October 15, 2020

Abilities Expo - Phoenix

September 11—13, 2020 Visit www.abilities.com/phoenix for more information.

Abilities Expo - Toronto

October 2—4, 2020 Visit www.abilitiesexpotoronto.com for more information.

Abilities Expo - Houston

October 30—November 1, 2020 Visit www.abilities.com/houston 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.

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Jul–Sep 2020

59

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