October–December 2020

October—December 2020 | Volume 27 Issue 4

Member Notice: 2021 Board Nominations 5 Questions with Congressman Bilirakis ROI In Action ...and so much more!

THE NMEDA MAGAZINE

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

OCT—DEC 2020

THE NMEDA MAGAZINE

President Christian Quandt

CEO Danny Langfield

Layout, Editor & Creative Director Katie McDonald

Contributing Writers Harry Baergen Chuck Hardy Amy Lane Danny Langfield Katie McDonald David Parton Mike Savicki Amy Schoppman

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

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 4

CONTENTS

FEATURES

COLUMNS

8

18

Member Notice: 2021 Board Nominations

24 ROI In Action

- By Katie McDonald 29

On the Cover Extreme Makeover: NMEDA.org Edition - By Katie McDonald

34 5 Questions With

Congressman Bilirakis

- By Amy Schoppman 44 E&T Report: NMEDA’s New

Approach to Education

- By Amy Lane 46 Mobility MY Way

- By Mike Savicki

3327 W. Bearss Avenue Tampa, FL 33618

CEO’s Message - By Danny Langfield

20 Industry Advisor

- By Harry Baergen 36 QAP Straight Talk

- By Chuck Hardy 42

Canada President’s Message - By David Parton

ALSO

4

Board of Directors

6

Staff Directory

10 Dealer Member Directory 27 Around the Industry 40 QAP Dashboard 48 Industry Member Directory

For business office, advertising, and subscriptions:

50 Allied Health Professional

Member Directory

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

53 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.

54 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.

Oct–Dec 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

Oct–Dec 2020

5

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

Kristen Clevidence

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Quality Program Manager

You will notice a new face smiling at you

kristen.clevidence@nmeda.org

on the left, though it’s likely a familiiar face to many of you. Amy Lane has joined the NMEDA family through a unique partnership

Mikala Ballard

with the University of Pittsburgh as our

Membership & Administration Coordinator

Director of Education & Training. Learn

mikala.ballard@nmeda.org

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

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

Amy Lane

Director of Education & Training amy.lane@nmeda.org

Katie McDonald Director of Communications & Social katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org

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

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

6

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

more about Amy and the future of our E&T program on page 44.

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

Oct–Dec 2020

7

MEMBER NOTICE

NMEDA Board Elections

INCUMBENTS UP FOR REELECTION

Would You Like to Serve?

N

MEDA is currently accepting nominees for the following six positions on our 2021 Board of Directors. Are you or someone you know interested in serving? If so, please have a look at the eligibility

requirements below. Nominees must be at least 21 years old and a current member in good standing. NOTE: Nominations are open for all six positions,

Dennis Charvat (Rep. at Large 2)

including those with incumbents running for reelection.

Representative at Large (2), Component Equipment Manufacturer, and Allied Health Professional Incumbents:

Secretary & Vice President Incumbents: • Secretary – Eric Mansfield Running for reelection? YES

• Rep. at Large 1 – Catherine Martin Running for reelection? YES • Rep. at Large 2 – Dennis Charvat Running for reelection? YES • Component Equipment Manufacturer Gina Lewis Running for reelection? YES

• Vice President – Sam Cook

Sam Cook (Vice President)

Running for reelection? YES Requirements: You must have previously served on the Board of Directors and completed that term in good standing.

• Allied Health Professional - OPEN Requirements:

Gina Lewis (Component Equp. Manufacturer)

You must have served on at least one NMEDA Committee in the preceding three years or have previously served on the Board of Directors and completed that term in good standing.

The NMEDA Board of Directors meets nine times a year via web meeting or conference call and twice a year in-person: once in early spring and once at our annual conference.

The term of each office is two years. The names of all eligible candidates wishing to

Eric Mansfield (Secretary)

declare for any position will be provided to the NMEDA Nomination Committee.

PLEASE NOTE: Nominations close November 13, 2020.

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

Email us at info@nmeda.org or give the office a call at 813.264.2697—we will take care of you.

8

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Catherine Martin (Rep. at Large 1)

T

he Coronavirus seems to have affected most all businesses and organizations in one way

or another. Home improvement stores are XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

---

Oct–Dec 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 SACVANS Mobility 5821 Florin Perkins Road Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 381-8267 1

____________________________

COLORADO Colorado Fleet & Mobility, dba Mobility of Denver 2311 S Platte River Drive Denver, CO 80223 (844) 289-2635 1 Frontier Access & Mobility Systems, Inc. - Fort Collins 819 E. Mulberry St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 223-8267 1

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

Mobility Driven 832 Nth Crest Unit B Grand Junction, CO 81506 (970) 712-1435 1 MobilityWorks - Aurora 1640 S Abilene St Aurora, CO 80012 (720) 640-9989 1,3 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 Granby 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 MobilityWorks - East Hartford 104 Pitkin Street E. Hartford, CT 06108 (860) 282-8202 1,3

____________________________

DELAWARE MobilityWorks - Bear 1010 Contractors Way Bear, DE 19701 (302) 613-7555 1 True Mobility Inc 773 South DuPont Hwy New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 836-4110 1

____________________________

FLORIDA 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 Buddy’s Holiday Mobility 6144 S US Highway 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34982 (772) 465-9600 1,3 Custom Mobility 7199 Bryan Dairy Road Largo, FL 33777 (727) 539-8119 1 In Motion Mobility LLC 2201 NW 102 Place #1 Doral, FL 33172 (786) 534-2046 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 Mobility Express 4320 US Highway 19 New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727) 849-0262 1 Mobility Express Inc 7910 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33771 (727) 556-2917 1 Mobility Transportation Systems 4010 East Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 246-9116 1,2,3 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 MobilityWorks Jacksonville 2727 St Johns Bluff Road S Jacksonville, FL 32246 (904) 281-0111 1,3 MobilityWorks - Lake Worth 1925 10th Ave N Unit 1 Lake Worth, FL 33461 (561) 586-1997 1,3 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 MobilityWorks - Orlando 7260 Narcoossee Road Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 674-8778 1,3 MobilityWorks Tallahassee 1505 Capital Circle NW Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-4383 1 MobilityWorks - Tampa 8706D East Broadway Avenue Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 628-4255 1,3

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 ____________________________

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

Oct–Dec 2020

11

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS MobilityWorks - Marietta 1255 Kennestone Circle Suite 100 Marietta, GA 30066 (800) 444-9100 1,3

Personal Mobility Champaign 1109 Parkland Ct Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 398-1188 1,3

MobilityWorks - Savannah 3938 Ogeechee Road Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 233-1050 1

Personal Mobility - Peoria 7611 N Harker Drive Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 966-3089 1,3

Quail Country Customs 731 South Westover Blvd Albany, GA 31707 (229) 432-7258 1

Personal Mobility Springfield 2924 N Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 544-2699 1,3

R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Athens 164 Commerce Blvd Athens, GA 30606 (470) 276-6282 1 R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Conyers 2130 Sigman Road Conyers, GA 30012 (770) 483-0767 1,2,3

____________________________

HAWAII

Southern Bus and Mobility - Breese 12950 Koch Lane Breese, IL 62230 (618) 526-4131 1,3

____________________________

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

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

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

ILLINOIS

Superior Van & Mobility Fishers 13095 Parkside Drive Fishers, IN 46038 (317) 436-6722 1,3

____________________________

AMS Auto 1340 Cobblestone Way Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 527-7297 1,3 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

Superior Van & Mobility Fort Wayne 2218 Contractors Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (855) 208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Indianapolis 5410 South Madison Avenue 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

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12

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

IOWA Siebert Mobility of Iowa LLC 3554 Dolphin Drive Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 351-3159 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 PO Box 270 Columbus, KS 66725 (800) 545-4227 1

Superior Van & Mobility New Orleans 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 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

____________________________

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 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

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

Oneness Mobility Services 7701 Penn Belt Drive Forestville, MD 20747 (301) 568-6686 1,2,3

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

MobilityWorks - Roseville 1915 County Rd C West Roseville, MN 55113 (234) 312-2000 1,3

United Access - Kansas City 8200 NW 97th Ter Kansas City, MO 64153 (877) 501-8267 1,3

Creative Mobility Group, Inc. - Byron Center 7740 Clyde Park Avenue SW Byron Center, MI 49315 (616) 583-9730 1

MISSISSIPPI

United Access - Springfield MO 1389 N Cedarbrook Ave Springfield, MO 65802 (877) 501-8267 1,3

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

Js Mobility Unlimited Inc 3880 Flowood Drive Flowood, MS 39232 (601) 939-2112 1,2,3

Adaptive Mobility Equipment, Inc. 1551 Fall River Ave Seekonk, MA 02771 (508) 336-2556 1,3

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

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

MobilityWorks - North Attleboro 57 George Levin Drive N. Attleboro, MA 02760 (508) 643-0605 1,3

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

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

____________________________

Handicapable Vans Inc 5516 North State Street Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 981-0042 1,2,3

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

MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Bus & Mobility Inc - Valley Park 80 South Highway Drive Valley Park, MO 63088 (636) 825-0700 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 - Cape Girardeau 753 S Kingshighway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 (877) 501-8267 1

MobilityWorks - Norwood 560 Providence Highway Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 278-8885 1,3 MobilityWorks - Woburn 299 Washington Street Suite H Woburn, MA 01801 (339) 298-5650 1,3

____________________________

MICHIGAN

____________________________

____________________________

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

United Access - St. Louis (North) 9389 Natural Bridge Rd St Louis, MO 63134 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3 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

____________________________

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

Oct–Dec 2020

13

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS 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 FTMobility 255 US Highway 46 West Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 (973) 546-1900 1 MobilityWorks Cinnaminson 2303 Wallace Blvd Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 (888) 473-5402 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 ____________________________

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

____________________________

NEW YORK Abilities Unlimited of NY, Inc. 90 E Jefryn Blvd Deer Park, NY 11729 (800) 664-8434 1,2,3

____________________________

NORTH CAROLINA

OHIO Columbus Mobility Specialists, LLC 6330 Proprietors Rd Suite C Worthington, OH 43085 (614) 825-8996 1,2,3

Agor Enterprises, Inc Rochester 951 Panorama Trail South Rochester, NY 14625 (585) 385-2556 1

Care Solutions 110 B Edney Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 (828) 698-9844 1

Key Mobility Services 1944 US State Route 68 North Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 374-3226 1

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

Helping Wheels Mobility & Conversions 1078 Tunnel Road Suite F Box 6 Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 552-3900 1

Marietta Mobility Steves Vans & Accessories Unl 221 Pike Street Marietta, OH 45750 (800) 690-4950 1,2,3

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

Ilderton Conversion Company 701 South Main Street High Point, NC 27260 (336) 841-2020 1,2,3 Ilderton Conversion of Asheville 735 Dogwood Road Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 670-1111 1,3 Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte 1424 Archdale Drive Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 523-2022 1,3 MobilityWorks - Charlotte 4025 Queen City Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 (704) 399-0900 1,3

MobilityWorks - Albany 1892 Central Avenue Suite 25 Albany, NY 12205 (888) 473-5402 1,3

MobilityWorks - Concord 4012 Dearborn Place NW Concord, NC 28027 (704) 886-0868 1

MobilityWorks - Buffalo 3560 Sheridan Drive Amherst, NY 14226 (716) 342-3530 1,3

Stalls Medical Inc dba Adaptive Vans Inc 7980 Chapel Hill Road Suite 101 Cary, NC 27513 (919) 233-0732 1

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

14

United Access - Syracuse 2211 Erie Blvd E Syracuse, NY 13224 (877) 501-8267 1

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

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

____________________________

MobilityWorks - Akron 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Bedford Heights 5040 Richmond Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (800) 951-6238 1,3 MobilityWorks - Dayton 214 Valley Street Dayton, OH 45404 (937) 963-0733 1,3 MobilityWorks - Sharonville 11755 Mosteller Rd Sharonville, OH 45241 (513) 791-4000 1,3 MobilityWorks - Toledo 1020 Laskey Road Toledo, OH 43612 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks- Columbus 7233 Industrial Parkway Plain City, OH 43064 (614) 873-1580 1

____________________________

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

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

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 Service LLC - Salem 200 Hawthorne Avenue SE Suite F560 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 Keller Wheelchair Lifts 197 Main Street Luzerne, PA 18709 (570) 288-1004 1,2,3 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 ____________________________

PUERTO RICO 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 ____________________________

SOUTH CAROLINA Ilderton Conversion of Charleston LLC 8550 Rivers Avenue North 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 MobilityWorks - Murrells Inlet 11816 Highway 17 Bypass Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 (843) 268-4850 1,3

____________________________

SOUTH DAKOTA MobilityWorks - Tea 200 1st Street Tea, SD 57064 (605) 498-2000 1,3

____________________________

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

____________________________

TEXAS Access2Mobility, Inc. 12406 State Highway 155 South Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 592-6760 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 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

Oct–Dec 2020

15

NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS 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 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

____________________________

16

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

Priority Honda Hampton dba Priority Mobility 4115 W Mercury Blvd.

Hampton, VA 23666 (757) 838-1252 1

____________________________

____________________________

WASHINGTON

VERMONT

Absolute Mobility Center 21704 87th Ave SE Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 481-6546 1,3

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

____________________________

VIRGINIA 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 Drive Alexandria, VA 22312 (234) 542-3022 1 MobilityWorks - Norfolk 6059 Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502 (757) 455-9889 1,3 MobilityWorks - Norfolk 3301 North Military Highway Norfolk, VA 23518 (757) 394-3530 1

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

MobilityWorks - North Chesterfield 7450 Midlothian Turnpike North Chesterfield, VA 23225 A & J Mobility - Valders 333 Washington Street (804) 220-0611 Valders, WI 54245 1,3 (920) 775-9333 1,2,3

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Access Mobility Vans 1995 E. Norse Ave. Cudahy, WI 53110 (414) 524-9823 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

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

____________________________

____________________________

Silver Cross Automotive Inc. - Edmonton 14568-116 Ave. Edmonton, AB T5M 3E9 (844) 799-5464 1

ONTARIO

BRITISH COLUMBIA

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

____________________________

Alliance Mobility Solutions - Kelowna 1075 McCurdy Road Kelowna, BC V1X 2P9 (236) 420-1400 1,3 Alliance Mobility Solutions - Richmond 12211 Vulcan Way #110 Richmond, BC V6V 1J7 (604) 370-7004 1,3 Island Mediquip Ltd Nanaimo 2258 Dorman Road Nanaimo, BC V9Z 6R4 (250) 824-0390 1 Island Mediquip Ltd Victoria 750 Enterprise Crescent Victoria, BC V8Z 6R4 (250) 634-1895 1 Mahadev Motors LTD 2110-21000 W Minister Hwy Richmond, BC V6V 2S9 (778) 896-2644 1 Medichair Northern BC 849 2nd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3A6 (250) 562-8280 1

Conval-Aid/Liftability 2600 Lancaster Road Ottawa, ON K1B 4Z4 (613) 738-2721 1

Goldline Mobility & Conversions 762 Industrial Road London, ON N5V 3N7 (519) 453-0480 1,2,3

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 - Levis 107-829 J-Ambroise Craig Levis, QC G7A 2N2 (866) 562-2555 1 Eureka Solutions - Longueuil 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 - Sherbrooke 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. - Ottowa 5300 Canotek Road Unit 42 Ottawa, ON K1J 1A4 (613) 290-5279 1

SASKATCHEWAN

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

____________________________

Oct–Dec 2020

17

CEO’S MESSAGE

Judge Us by the Company We Keep

By Danny Langfield NMEDA CEO

N

MEDA recently signed

primarily as a special-interest trade

Director of Education & Training, is

an agreement with the

group representing the interests

key to this repositioning.

University of Pittsburgh’s

of the auto mobility industry in

Department of Rehabilitation

general, and wheelchair van dealers

Science & Technology (Pitt RST)

specifically. While we have worked

to oversee and administer our

hard to educate allied health

Education & Training program. Pitt’s

professionals and other influencers

Amy Lane, OTR/L, CDRS will serve as

on the importance of our Quality

our Director of Education & Training,

Assurance Program and the QAP

with at least 50% of her time devoted

difference, we’ve not achieved as

exclusively to NMEDA. Resources

much awareness as we would have

from Pitt RST’s continuing education

liked.

team will also be made available to the association to assist with our Learning Management System (LMS) implementation and ongoing online education offerings.

Many of you know Amy, who has been a fixture at the NMEDA conference for over a decade. She is a past president of ADED and a 20+ -year veteran of the auto mobility industry who brings the

“

Most of the influencers we are trying to reach operate in a world where credentials, for both organizations and individuals, are intrinsic to their professions and an important part of their everyday lives.

Put another way: a quality program for auto mobility dealerships is likely perceived very differently

Over the next few years, I’d like to leverage that partnership and our CAP fund awareness resources to reposition NMEDA as a recognized national credentialing association that administers the QAP accreditation and the NMEDA Certified Technician certification.”

unique perspective of an allied health professional to our program. Pitt

Our partnership with Pitt RST gives

by influencers than the national

RST’s experience with hosting the

us the opportunity to change up

recognition of a true accreditation and

International Seating Symposium

that narrative significantly. Over the

certification program. NMEDA, on our

will be very helpful as we work

next few years, I’d like to leverage

own, is unlikely to be able to change

toward building next year’s Annual

that partnership and our CAP fund

that perception from the former to

Conference & Expo (to be co-located

awareness resources to reposition

the latter. But together with a globally

with ADED, September 18-20—mark

NMEDA as a recognized national

recognized academic entity such

your calendars!).

credentialing association that

as Pitt RST, we can change not only

administers the QAP accreditation

the perception but the reality of our

and the NMEDA Certified Technician

purpose. And Pitt will undoubtedly

certification. Our association with Pitt

hold our feet to the fire to ensure

RST, and the reality of a registered

our programs are truly held to their

OT and CDRS in Amy Lane as our

exacting standards.

This partnership with Pitt RST means so much to NMEDA’s future—here’s why.

Our association is currently perceived

18

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

We have a contractual agreement with Pitt to administer our Education & Training program, specifically directed by Amy Lane, as described above. The reality is, that agreement covers a lot more than the ivorytower academia of instructional design and the like. Amy and her team, aided by the very able bootson-the-ground of NMEDA staffer Mikala Ballard, will also be in charge of answering our members’ everyday training questions; organizing our Manufacturer Service Schools, coordinating our dealers’ CAMS events, assisting with certificates and issues with training courses, etc… in short, all of the somewhat less glamorous aspects of running our

(HERL), was gracious enough to sit

lot to be excited about, both now

Education & Training program.

as a panelist on the Rolling Disrupters

and in the future. For an additional

panel discussion at our conference

perspective, please see Amy Lane’s

in March. This stemmed from a visit

introductory column found on page

I made for a tour of the remarkable

44.

HERL facilities in Pittsburgh in

Of course, all of this was brought

The contract with Pitt RST is just one aspect of our relationship.

NMEDA and Pitt RST are forging a true partnership, one that has been gestating for over a year, in fact. As many of you know, Dr. Rory Cooper, former Chair of Pitt RST and founder and director of the renowned Human Engineering Resources Laboratory

November of 2019. (I also caught a Steelers game—in person—with thousands of other humans in close proximity—can you imagine such a thing?). I originally made Dr. Cooper’s acquaintance at a PVA Summit in Orlando earlier that year, where he presented me with one of the trading cards he had been immortalized with from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office as part of their Hall of Inventors (pictured at left).

A few months ago I was honored by a request from Dr. Cooper to serve on an advisory committee for Pitt’s newly established University Transportation

about by the untimely passing earlier this year of our previous Education & Training Director, the beloved Andy Ghillyer. But I must say, Andy (ever the academic) would surely have approved of this partnership with Pitt.

He would have delighted in pointing out that no one individual could replace him, and that it took an entire department of a major university to get the job done!

Andy, rest in peace. For the rest of us…

Go Panthers!

---

Center, made possible by a $1M grant Pitt was recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Obviously, I was proud to accept.

In conclusion, regarding this partnership, our association has a

Oct–Dec 2020

19

INDUSTRY ADVISOR

New vs. Used, in Canada

By Harry Baergen – Autoregs Consulting NMEDA CRP COORDINATOR Harry Baergen was previously the

the US. In Canada, once a vehicle

thereby certifying compliance to

is sold at the retail level it falls out

federal motor vehicle safety standards

from under federal jurisdiction. This

(CMVSS) before shipping the vehicle

means that if a conversion company

across provincial boundaries. In turn,

intentionally has the title of a new

as part of the well-intended program,

OEM vehicle transferred into the end

every province legislated that any

user’s name, before the vehicle is

vehicle sold within the province

converted, to purposefully circumvent

must bear an NSM affixed by the

the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act

manufacturer (alterer) of the vehicle.

(Act), then the Act and regulations no

However, provincial enforcement is

longer apply to the vehicle, according

questionable. Provincial inspectors’

to current Transport Canada (TC)

priorities lie mostly with provincial

policy. This also means that a person

mechanical fitness standards after

with disabilities in Canada, who has

the vehicle is driven on roads and

no choice other than to purchase a

provincial inspectors do not always

converted vehicle, is left with the high

understand federal manufacturing

possibility of unknowingly driving

standards. This left TC with the

for persons with a disability. As

a non-compliant and likely unsafe

responsibility to enforce federal

previous articles have explained, in

vehicle.

test program. These used vehicles

“

standards across the country. To

cannot be certified with a statement

By way of background, Canada

add to the problem of low priority

of compliance (alterer) label, but they

proclaimed the Act in 1971 following

enforcement by the provinces, alterers

can be considered modified without

the US where the Act and safety

became aware that the federal Act

rendering inoperative any federal

standards were promulgated in

only applied to vehicles before the

standard as prohibited by US federal

1966. The Canadian Act required

first purchase at the retail level. In

law.

that every manufacturer (including

other words, only to new “untitled”

In Canada, however, rendering

alterers) of motor vehicles obtain

vehicles, was the “word on the street.”

authority (a three-digit registration

This titled vehicle loophole quickly led

number) from TC to affix a national

many conversion companies to make

safety mark (NSM) to every vehicle,

sure all vehicles were titled before

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.

O

ver the past few years, the NMEDA Compliance Review Program (CRP) has

published several articles about structurally modifying used vehicles in North America to adapt vehicles

the United States it simply cannot be done, legally that is. The possible exception is where alterers of new vehicles use a strict vetting program to consider slightly used vehicles like new, so the used vehicles can still fall under the umbrella of the new vehicle

inoperative federal standards by modifying used vehicles is not prohibited by federal law as it is in

20

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

In Canada, however, rendering inoperative federal standards by modifying used vehicles is not prohibited by federal law as it is in the US.”

conversion to deliberately circumvent

if you will, that a change of title

balance in today’s industry between

federal requirements and testing.

did not necessarily constitute a

professional companies and non-

Of course, not having to comply

first retail sale, especially if further

compliant companies, one problem

with federal standards, the company

manufacturing work is to be done

with non-compliant companies

resigns from housing engineering

on the vehicle for the purpose of

who have given up their NSM is

expertise, which can lead to lower

the end user. This was challenged in

that they cannot qualify for NMEDA

quality as well as non-compliance.

several court cases resulting in rulings

membership, which requires an NSM.

Then, during the late 1980s and early

that upheld TC’s position (some TC

NMEDA membership obligates a

1990s TC was receiving complaints

cases may not be registered in case

“

company to participate in NMEDA’s

law). These events and others were a

quality assurance program (QAP),

turning point for the adaptive vehicle

quality control requirements, and

industry in Canada and as a result

NMEDA audits as well as compliance

many companies, even to this day, are

with federal safety standards.

professionally certifying, producing

However, the main problem with

through the Ministers office from the disabled community about poor quality and lack of certification in adaptive vehicles. Some complaints were accompanied by evidence of some very shoddy workmanship and obvious non-compliance. This prompted TC to send out letters to

Also, among the attendees was Mrs. Becky Plank from the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) USA, resulting in the inception of NMEDA Canada.”

as many conversion companies it could find across Canada, around 40 at the time, with an invitation to attend a central meeting in Toronto, Ontario, on a “without prejudice” basis. The intention of the meeting was to explain to the industry its responsibilities under the law and to offer financial assistance for consortium testing for those companies who were interested in adapting compliant vehicles.

Transport Canada was surprised at the large number of small companies from across Canada who showed up for the meeting. Also, among the attendees was Mrs. Becky Plank from the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) USA, resulting in the inception of NMEDA Canada. The project was spearheaded

by H. Baergen, Senior Enforcement Officer, TC, backed by B. Kershaw, Director, TC, who had financial signing authority and subsequently SRD Bolduc, the consulting firm that won the bid for consortium testing.

During these times, TC also established a policy, interpretation

quality products, affixing an NSM and becoming NMEDA self-regulating members.

these conversion companies who are allowed by TC to manufacture non-compliant new vehicles for the

However, around 2012, personnel

disabled is that they cause false

changes, retirements, attrition, and

competition for the compliant NSM

budget restraints stifled the ability

companies who are spending money

for TC’s road safety enforcement

on testing, certifying, and NMEDA

section to function in the field and

membership. It is also disconcerting

TC’s position on retail sale was

that the non-compliant companies

abandoned. Transport Canada’s

do not disclose to their disabled

position today, according to the Chief,

customers that their vehicles are not

Enforcement, is that a titled vehicle

tested and do not comply with a

does not fall under the Act and it is

number of federal safety standards,

up to the province to deal with it.

such as, CMVSS 206, 207, 208, 210,

This is resulting in a number of non-

214, 301, and 302. Therefore, in terms

compliant companies across Canada,

of a Canadian solution, the Canadian

when audited by TC, to give up their

chapter of NMEDA is petitioning the

NSM and claim that they are adapting

Minister of Transport to revisit the

only titled vehicles that do not require

loophole allowed by the Transport

federal compliance. Subsequently, due

Canada Road Safety Enforcement

to TC’s arbitrary policy, TC has to back

Group.

off and it is business as usual for these companies. Although, there is more

Oct–Dec 2020

21

INDUSTRY ADVISOR

(continued)

The ultimate solution, of course,

It appears that if TC would abandon

comply with all applicable federal

would be for Canada to adopt the

its fear of litigating and close the

safety standards when performing

US prohibition to render inoperative

“titled” vehicle loophole again, or

manufacturing work on a new OEM

a federal safety standard on a used

initiate a change to the Act to clarify

vehicle that has an NSM affixed to it,

vehicle (Title 49 USC Chapter 30122).

the definitions, such as adding

subject to audit by TC. By allowing

However, this may not be legally

“further manufacturing” to the

the arbitrary loophole of adding a

feasible due to the different legal

wording of first retail sale, it would

name on a title, before the vehicle is

systems in the US and Canada. In

cause many companies to become

finished, TC is eliminating an entire

the US, when a vehicle becomes a used vehicle, federal law continues to ensure the vehicle remains in compliance with federal standards, while in Canada, converting actual used (pre-owned) vehicles has always been an unregulated freefor-all and now with the TC “titled” vehicle loophole new altered vehicles fall under this unregulated category as well. Regarding new vehicle conversions, the word “titled” means a provincial licensing function and is not found in the federal Act or regulations. According to the definitions in the Act, “manufacture, in relation to a vehicle, includes any process of assembling or altering the vehicle prior to its sale to the first retail purchaser,” and “sell includes to offer for sale or lease, have in possession for sale or lease or deliver for sale or lease.” In the adaptive conversion industry, it is usually the conversion company together with occupational therapists that deliver the vehicle for sale, because the customer often is not able to drive the vehicle until it is converted. Sale of the conversion usually transpires in conjunction with the new vehicle sale.

22

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

“

However, the main problem with these conversion companies who are allowed by TC to manufacture non-compliant new vehicles for the disabled is that they cause false competition for the compliant NSM companies who are spending money on testing, certifying, and NMEDA membership.”

professional and produce better

industry from the requirements of the

vehicles for the disabled population.

Motor Vehicle Safety Act in Canada

Although, the word “titled” is likely

and from its audit responsibilities. This

borrowed from the US where it is

is to the detriment of persons with

used by the industry to make the

disabilities who purchase new vehicles

distinction between a new vehicle that

in good faith thinking that “it complies

is subject to certification requirements

with everything,” as was the common

and a used vehicle that is subject

response to a survey that TC did

to the make inoperative prohibition.

among disabled buyers of adaptive

In Canada, that line between new

vehicles a number of years back. It is

and used is more critical, because

also contrary to the purpose of the

once a new vehicle escapes federal

Act, which was obviously intended to

jurisdiction there is no federal law that

include alterers of adaptive vehicles.

covers used vehicles like there is in

---

the United States. The requirement under section 5 in the Canadian Act was intended for alterers to

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

ROI in Action

By Katie McDonald NMEDA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL

H

ow do you measure a successful investment? By dollars and cents, by sales

numbers? There are many ways to determine if an investment has yielded positive returns. For Tom O’Neil of Auto Express South in Ft. Myers, FL, he deemed the CAMS training hosted at his dealership in November 2019 a success just moments after the event started.

Tom saw the incredible long-term investment their team was making in the eyes of the local professors, students, and DRSs who now have a personal connection with the AutoExpress South team.

Through hosting a CAMS event, Tom positioned his dealership as a community player. Catering from a local barbeque restaurant, a speciality cake from a local bakery,

24

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

and a “swag bag” with AES branded

some transactions because we were

goodies...Tom took this opportunity

armed with the right information and

to stand out with the local attendees

the right reputation.”

who could drive business his way in the future.

“Giving back to the community and going above and beyond makes you a contender in a sea of dealers to stand out above the rest,” Tom said.

“We want the students to remember us three, five, ten years down the road. They’ll still remember the awesome training they attended at our facility with a food truck and snow cones.”

Of course, these long-term investments must show some real profits eventually, and according to Tom, they have: “We’ve been involved with the VA in Tampa and following the 2019 event we were able to close

--As you know, in-person events have been suspended for 2020, but we’re starting to plan our 2021 events now! If you’re interested in hosting a CAMS training, please contact us at learning@nmeda.org.

Get Social with NMEDA

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

RandyK@clockmobility.com 800.732.5625 Clock Conversions

clockconversions.com

SAVE THE DATE

Oct–Dec 2020

25

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AROUND THE INDUSTRY Deal Struck for QAPx Development At its July 16 meeting, the NMEDA board of directors authorized the staff to enter into an agreement for the development of QAPx, the next-generation software solution for the digital administration of QAP. As those who attended the dealersonly forum at the 2020 Annual Conference & Expo are aware, NMEDA has been negotiating for many months with the Adaptive Driving Alliance on a deal to develop QAPx based on some of the core functionality of their DocuTrack app.

Timelines are still TBD, but initial development is already underway.

BraunAbility Releases “Drive for Inclusion Report Card” According to a recent press release, BraunAbility has released its first “Drive for Inclusion” Report Card which shares the results of their survey on satisfaction with ADA effectiveness. The company set out to shed light on the state of inclusion for the mobility disability community with the intent of furthering diversity and inclusion. Braun surveyed both the general population and The Driving Force, the company’s online community of people with mobility impairments and their caregivers. Visit www.BraunAbility.com for more information.

VMI Introduces Honda Odyssey According to a recent press release, Vantage Mobility International (VMI) has introduced its newest wheelchair accessible vehicle: the VMI Honda Odyssey with Northstar® Conversion. The release indicates that the vehicle has flexible seating options and added safety features. For more information visit www.VantageMobility.com/honda-odyssey.

MobilityWorks Announces New CEO MobilityWorks recently announced that Bryan Everett has been appointed as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Bill Koeblitz who has served as CEO of the company since he founded the business in 1997.

According to a press release, Mr. Koeblitz will assume a new position as Chairman of the company’s board, providing counsel and guidance to MobilityWorks’ leadership and supporting the ongoing successful execution of MobilityWorks’ long-term strategic plan.

QAP Audits Completed on Target As many of you are aware, the 2019–2020 audit cycle was originally scheduled to be completed

by June 30, 2020. Due to the extreme challenges our members have been facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline was extended until the end of September and we are happy to report that we have successfully completed all audits for this cycle!

A big thanks goes out to our dealers for setting aside time in your busy schedules to complete your audit, and to the dedicated audit team for carrying out this important requirement of the QAP. The new audit cycle for 2020–2021 starts now, and we will continue to perform all audits remotely until further notice.

Oct–Dec 2020

27

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28

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

By Katie McDonald NMEDA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL

W

hen I interviewed

Much like a home renovation, this type

with some other areas needing a

with Danny Langfield,

of project may seem intimidating,

pretty significant remodel. Let’s start

NMEDA’s CEO, for the

it will be frustrating at times, but

with the website, nmeda.org.

Communications Director position

the end result will totally be worth

a little more than two years ago, I

it. Follow me on this renovation

asked what type of projects I could

analogy…if our web presence is a

NMEDA.org – Simpler & More Intuitive

be working on in this role. The annual

house, the first step in a renovation

I would venture to guess that

conference was on that list, the Circuit

project is to determine the scope of

everyone reading this article has

Breaker magazine, and then the “big

the renovation. Is it a complete tear

visited the NMEDA website. No one

ticket item” would be an overhaul of

down? Must we raze the property and

can deny that it holds lots of great

our web presence. Danny explained

start from scratch? Are the bones

information. From the most basic info

that this overhaul encompassed three

good? Do we just gut it to the studs

about auto mobility for the consumer

areas: 1) Our public facing website,

and rebuild from there? Maybe there

just entering this world, to more

NMEDA.org, 2) Our member portal,

are certain rooms that function just

detailed information on conversions,

or association management system

fine and need some new appliances,

and then of course QAP guidelines

(AMS), and 3) Our training portal, or

and it’s only the bathroom that needs

and specific information only of

learning management system (LMS).

a deeper remodel.

interest to our members. A struggle

He assured me the web overhaul was not an immediate project we’d be tackling, but it was in the not too distant future. Well, the future is now, and it sure is exciting.

It was determined that our NMEDA web presence home fell into the third category. Most of it was working fine, and could benefit from some organization, maybe a few upgrades,

one may have though is navigating through all of this information to find exactly what it is you need. Much like a cluttered pantry, it badly needed some better organization and some

Oct–Dec 2020

29

“Legislation Tracker” and a new blog devoted solely to GR efforts. The “Advocacy” tab on the new site is where the Legislative Action Center can be found, along with many other resources, including our Legislative Program.

Member Portal (AMS) While the website just needed some organization, a few new appliances, and a fresh coat of paint, our Member Portal needed a bit more help. For years we’ve been using a custom-built AMS. At first it was exactly what we needed, but as the association grew and needs changed, the upkeep for a Portion of new website “Home” page.

custom system was more challenging and costly than anticipated. For this, we opted to tear the AMS down to the studs. We have lots of great

better ways to provide information.

great strides in making NMEDA QAP

We tackled this by first building

accreditation a gold standard for

a simplified and more intuitive

auto mobility--and now that QAP

navigation.

is a requirement in 26 states and 1

When a user visits the website there

province for vehicle modifiers, this

are three main doors that they can

searchable directory will inevitably

enter through: 1) Consumers, 2)

drive more business to our members.

Auto Mobility Professionals, and 3)

On a related note, the next “upgrade”

Partners. With help from a mini task

we’re excited about is our Legislative

force of members we determined

Action Center. QAP is a requirement in

these categories best identified our

these 26 states and 1 province thanks

three target audiences and each of

to the efforts of our government

these audiences will have their own

relations team—no other entity is

landing page with resources clearly

advocating for the interests of the

laid out that would be most valuable

auto mobility industry in the US

to each.

and Canada. In addition, NMEDA is

The next thing we’re doing to better

sought after time and time again as

provide information to our audiences is through a new “Industry Member Directory.” Similar to our current “Locate a Dealer” functionality, the Industry Directory will allow users to search NMEDA members based on line of business. We expect this new tool to be especially helpful to our Voc Rehab and DRS friends for when they’re recommending specific mobility equipment for their clients. The association has made

30

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

a subject matter expert related to Autonomous Vehicles, and vehicle safety as these topics pertain to individuals with disabilities.

Our Government Relations team is constantly working on behalf of our members and this new feature will more easily share all of their efforts with you. You will be able to track specific bills of interest with the

data and information but decided to seek a brand new system to manage

this data. Our new AMS is powered

by MemberSuite, an off-the-shelf product that has years of association management experience and is very easily integrated into our publicfacing website. Some of the benefits our members will see as a result of this change include: Simplified Event Registration When it comes time for the Annual Conference, a CAMS training, or the Manufacturer Service School, the process to register for any NMEDA event will be simple and nonheadache inducing!

Easy Access to Member Data Whether you need to update contacts for your organization, change a payment method, or access training records, the new system makes this easy and intuitive.

New Member Portal “Online Store.”

New Online Store Ordering QAP labels, Make

you know the current LMS has a 24-

Inoperative labels, NMEDA

hour delay on the NCT exam, which

brochures, and other items currently

causes some headaches around audit

found on the Supply Order Form

time. And, a common theme with

can now be done quickly and easily

each of the areas we are working

through the member portal.

on, the new system should be more

Faxing and scanning is a thing

intuitive and user friendly.

of the past--welcome to the 21st century everyone!

Training Portal The last area that needed some help was our learning management system. The current platform, Brainshark, gets the job done but has some limitations we were ready to overcome. The new LMS, Path – by Blue Sky eLearning, connects directly with

While the process has not been as fun as binge watching an HGTV marathon, it will be worth it. So tune in on November 16 when all of the new systems will go live! There will inevitably be some learning curves to overcome, but we are confident that the final product will be a breath of fresh air for both staff and our members.

---

our AMS which will provide many improvements. Most notably, eliminating delays between course completion and certification. Many of

New website “Consumer Resources” page.

Oct–Dec 2020

31

 

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

•

MEMBER NOTICE

ADED Offers Specialized Instructor Badge for Driving Instructors

By Liz Green EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADED

Mobility Equipment Dealers are an important part of this new curriculum.

What: ADED has rolled out a new educational program, Specialized Instructor Badge. Candidates working on achieving this accolade may be reaching out to you as a mobility equipment dealer for assistance on a portion of their education requirements. Candidates for the badge take an on-line course that reviews and discusses the various low-tech adaptive driving equipment and modifications that they may encounter when training a driver that has completed their comprehensive driver evaluation. A portion of the course is a hand’s on demonstration of the equipment, so the candidate has some exposure before working with clients.

Who: Driving Instructors teaching drivers with disabilities, supporting driver rehabilitation programs. These professionals, once trained, will be providing specialized driver’s training, often on the equipment that the CDRS has prescribed.

Request for Mobility Equipment Dealers: You or your staff at your dealership may be approached by these candidates for a demonstration session of this equipment. This is a demonstration session only, and not a skills test or attestation of competency. While a behind the wheel experience is ideal, it is not mandatory. The intention of this portion of the program is to educate and expose those badge candidates to low tech driving equipment. The candidate will have a form provided by ADED that you will be asked to sign affirming that the demonstration session has been conducted.

Why: The goal of this program is to increase the numbers of skilled professionals at every level of driver rehabilitation, including driver instruction, and you can be a part of this process.

Learn More: Learn more about the program here: www.aded.net/page/Specialized_Instructor_ Badge Questions: Please contact ADED at 866-672-9766 or info@aded.net with any questions about the program.

Oct–Dec 2020

33

5 Questions With...

Congressman Gus Bilirakis

By Amy Schoppman NMEDA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Representative Gus Bilirakis first entered Congress in 2007 when he succeeded his father in representing Florida’s 9th (now 12th) congressional district, which covers the northern portion of the Tampa Bay area and includes NMEDA’s headquarters. In addition to geographical proximity, our offices share two major public policy concerns: veterans and accessible transportation. A longtime member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Bilirakis has worked to improve claims processing and benefits for combat-disabled servicemembers, most recently introducing bipartisan legislation—the Major Richard Star Act—with NMEDA friend and supporter Congressman Raul Ruiz.

A concurrent member of the powerful House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Congressman was also an early advocate of ensuring that autonomous vehicles are developed with seniors and people with disabilities in mind. Upon introducing the Addressing Community Challenges from Emerging Self-Driving Systems (ACCESS) Act—legislation requiring the Department of Transportation to establish an advisory council on developing autonomous vehicle technology to specifically meet the needs of seniors and disabled individuals—he stated: “Simple things most of us take for granted, such as getting to work, going to the doctor, a trip to the grocery store, or traveling across town to visit family, can be difficult undertakings for some. Self-driving cars could put seniors and those with disabilities back in the driver’s seat of their lives, providing them with greater independence and mobility.”

Read on to learn more about Congressman Gus Bilirakis in this edition of “5 Questions With…”

1. What inspired you to run for public office?

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

3. What is your favorite aspect of Florida’s 12th congressional district?

I was inspired to run for public

Relationship building is the single

My favorite aspect of Florida’s 12th

office while watching my father

most important skill I utilize on

is the people I serve. The area has

proudly represent Florida’s Ninth

Capitol Hill. Treating everyone I

grown tremendously over the course

Congressional District. Growing up,

encounter with dignity, respect and

of my lifetime, but that sense of

my father taught me the importance

compassion goes a very long way

community and connectedness is

of serving others, having pride in your

in both business and in life, and the

still there. The downtown Tarpon

family heritage, and the need to make

same applies in Congress. I try to

Springs area also holds a special

a positive impact in my community.

never burn bridges, to deliver on

place in my heart: as a kid, I grew

These are the values that drive me to

every promise I make, and to treat

up helping out in my grandparent’s

get up in the morning and continue

people as I would like to be treated.

bakery and playing with my friends

representing the people of District 12.

34

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

on the Sponge Docks. The church I

grew up in, got married in, and raised my family in is still there and is an ever-present part of the [Hellenic] community. Plus, the food is simply phenomenal. Tarpon will always be home.

4. What problem or policy isue do you think deserves more attention?

I believe we have a broken mental healthcare system and that we need to improve access to care, remove the stigma associated with getting treatment, and provide affordable options for people who need help.

It is the root of so many of our societal problems, and the humane way to address the problem is to be proactive. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or zip code. Everyone knows someone who been impacted by a mental health issue, and we can and should be doing more to help those in need.

5. What does “mobility” mean to you?

Mobility means independence and the freedom to go where you want to go and do what you want to do.

Many of us take this simple idea for granted. I have become more conscious of it as I’ve watched my own parents deal with mobility issues.

While they were once able to travel

become dependent on others for assistance. Autonomous vehicles offer hope to those who struggle with their personal mobility and, while this technology is still very new, I am hopeful that advancements will be made to make this technology safe and accessible to everyone.

---

freely on their own, they have now

FAST FACTS • Republican • Represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District • Committees: Veterans Affairs, Energy & Commerce • https://bilirakis.house.gov

Oct–Dec 2020

35

QAP STRAIGHT TALK

Top 5 QAP Audit Findings and How to Prevent Them

by Chuck Hardy NMEDA DIRECTOR OF QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE

F

irst off, I hope that you are all

this is not the same as manufacturer

must renew the training prior to

staying safe and healthy. I was

certification training. Manufacturer

the expiration date shown on the

looking at the most recent QAP

certification training is also a QAP

electronic certificate provided by

metrics dashboard (found right after

Rule requirement for technicians, but

NMEDA. The expiration date can

this article on page 40) and thought

manufacturer certification training is

also be found in the member portal

it would be a good idea to go through

specific to a product or product line

by reviewing the training records

each of the top five audit findings and

and is training delivered directly from

for the technician. Renewal can be

give you the information you need to

the manufacturer.

accomplished by either (1) taking the

Per the QAP Rules, each dealer

entire course over again, or (2) taking

(1) understand them, and (2) prevent them from occurring during your next QAP audit. So with that, lets not waste any time and dig into it!

location is required to have at least one NCT on staff. As part of the audit process, the auditor will review the

the NCT test only option. Registering for NCT training, and NCT certification renewal is done through the website under the “Professional Training”

Here are the top five audit findings as

training records for the dealer and

of the time of publication:

determine if (1) there is an NCT on

section.

staff, and (2) if the NCT certification

One final tip for preventing this audit

1.

NCT Expired/Missing

2. QC Manual Needs Update 3. Tool Calibration Due/Overdue 4. NHTSA Modifier Database Needs Update 5. QAP Contact Needs to Complete Required Training

1. NCT Expired/Missing NCT stands for NMEDA Certified Technician which we will now refer to

“

is current. If the auditor finds either condition is not met, the audit finding is recorded.

training for auto mobility technicians

This finding can be prevented by

that is administered by NMEDA, in

making sure there is an NCT on staff

partnership with the University of

and that the NCT certification training

Pittsburgh’s Dept. of Rehabilitation

is not expired. NCT certification

Science & Technology (see related

training expires every two years. The

stories on pages 18 & 44). Note that

technician with NCT certification

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

ahead of the planned audit date. This

One final tip for preventing this audit finding is to check for compliance well ahead of the planned audit date. This will give ample time to assure there is at least one NCT on staff and the certification is current.”

simply as “NCT.” This is certification

36

finding is to check for compliance well

will give ample time to assure there

facility layout or has incorrect

serial numbers that match your

is at least one NCT on staff and the

information on it like the phone

calibration certificates. Also

certification is current.

number or address

note that the auditor may find

2. QC Manual Needs Update

The facility layout is used by the

floor that are not listed in the

This is a finding that occurs when

auditor to be able to have some

manual. So make sure all the

the auditor determines there is

insight to the facility layout

torque wrenches being used in

information in the QC Manual that is

before arriving at the shop.

the shop (all of them) are listed

either (1) out of date/not current, or

There are not many findings for

in this appendix.

(2) does not reflect the work, or work-

this one, but what I have seen

flow observed at the dealer location.

most often is when there is

other tools being used on the

an incorrect address or phone

The QC Manual is a required element

•

(Appendix D) is out of date and

number shown. To prevent this

of the QAP Rules and is first verified

does not list all products sold or

finding make sure the address

and approved during the initial

equipment being installed and

and phone numbers are correct.

accreditation and on-boarding

Equipment and Product listing

serviced by the dealer

process. However, over time, and as things change at a dealership, the manual may need to be updated.

These are the most common items that require a manual to be updated and what you can do to prevent this type of audit finding: •

Organizational Chart (Appendix A) is out of date and does not reflect current staff or proper QAP Contact The org chart should show the company/location hierarchy and that typically includes showing the names of the owner, shop or general manager, QAP contact, and sometimes technicians.

But I can tell you the most important thing the auditor will look for on the org chart is for the QAP Contact. To prevent this finding, make sure the QAP contact shown on the chart is the same name listed the member portal as the “QAP Primary” contact.

•

Measuring and Test Equipment

OK, think about this one for

listing (Appendix C) does not

a minute. One of the most

accurately reflect the tools

significant parts of the QAP

used at the facility including

Audit is to look at a sample

showing wrong model number,

of customer files. In those

or missing serial numbers when

customer files there should

required

be a work order of some type showing the equipment installed

On this listing we should

on that particular job. The

see, as a minimum, the four-

auditor will take that equipment

corner scale set and one or

and manufacturer and make

more torque wrenches. There

sure it is shown in the Appendix

may also be other items, but

D product listing, make sense?

the auditor will be focused

This also includes vehicle

mainly on these two items.

conversions, so if you are

The issue we see here are

selling pass-through wheelchair

several. Sometimes the make

accessible vehicles (WAV),

and model numbers for

then these manufacturers and

the tools are incorrect, but

conversion types need to be

more of the times the serial

listed in Appendix D.

numbers are missing. The serial numbers for the scale set and

Therefore to prevent this

any of the torque wrenches

finding, you want to make sure

are important because they

every type of equipment and

provide traceability to the

every type of vehicle conversion

calibration certificate. To

you sell is listed in Appendix D.

prevent this finding, make sure the measuring equipment listed

•

Facility Layout (Appendix B) does not accurately reflect

has accurate make/model and

•

The in-process and inspection forms used by the dealer are

Oct–Dec 2020

37

QAP STRAIGHT TALK

(continued)

not the same ones shown under

forms and place a note in the

and the due date has been exceeded.

Appendix G “In Process and

Appendix stating you are using

The finding could also be for a

Inspection Forms” section

an electronic system.

measurement tool used in the shop that has been found without evidence

This one is a little tricky. The

of calibration.

if the dealer is using a form

3. Tool Calibration Due/ Overdue

You can prevent this finding by

or process other than what is

This finding speaks for itself. QAP

assuring that all the measurement

audit finding here would be

shown in Appendix G of the manual. Here is the main mode of failure; you use your own custom form, but you did not replace the one shown in the manual. In other words, if you used the QC Manual template, which most dealers do, there will be several ‘sample’ forms in the manual by default. The auditor will look for the forms you are actually using and compare them to the ones in Appendix G. So, if you are using your own form, you need to take out the sample form and put yours in. Hope this makes sense. And if you are using an electronic system like QAP Express, QAPx, or Docutrack, you can take out all the sample

Rules require measurement tools to be calibrated when they are used for any quantitative measurements.

This includes four-corner scale readings when performing weight analysis and torque measurements that are part of a manufacturer’s installation instructions. Calibration is typically performed by a third-party accredited lab that will provide a calibration certificate to the dealer.

The calibration interval is determined by the equipment manufacturer and can typically be found in the owner’s

tools being used are calibrated and not expired. It’s a good idea to create a schedule for these tools similar to how you create a maintenance schedule. This way you can have confidence your tools are being calibrated at the proper interval. If you have any questions about tool calibration, go to the document center on the website and look for “QAP-N01 – Scale and Tool Calibration Sheet” here you will find calibration resources you can contact to have your tools calibrated.

manual. The most common calibration interval is one year but can be less or more depending on the equipment or requirement. The finding occurs when the auditor reviews the calibration certificate or the calibration tag if

4. NHTSA Modifier Database Needs Update This finding means that the information observed on the NHTSA database is missing or incorrect.

Typically, the business is either not listed at all (not found) or has incorrect information like the wrong business name or address.

The reason NHTSA has the database is to show what dealers are approved

on i t a r

Calib Due

to take advantage of the make inoperative exemptions defined by 49 CFR 595.7. The QAP Rules require that all accredited locations are listed in the database. it used to be that the auditor would look for the dealer letter that was sent to NHTSA asking to be placed in the database, but now that everything is on-line and the application can be

38

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

done directly on the NHTSA website,

“Identification of Adapted Vehicle

That’s right, make sure for yourself,

the auditor will go directly to the

Modifier (49 CFR Part 595)” from the

before the audit takes place that

database and perform a search for

document type dropdown menu.

your QAP Contact has the required

the dealer by name and location. If

training.

the dealer is not found (is location specific) it becomes a finding. Note location, so if your company has

5. QAP Contact Needs to Complete Required Training

multiple locations, each one needs to

This last one will be the simplest one

be registered and listed in the NHTSA

to explain and prevent. The QAP

database.

Contact is required to have QAP-

also the registration is by physical

123 and QAP-4 training. The finding To prevent this finding make sure that

occurs when the auditor is doing

your company and location is listed

a pre-audit review. The pre-audit

in the database and the information

review takes place 1-5 days ahead of

(name and address) are correct. If

the planned audit date and does not

you want to look up and see if your

require any dealer interaction. During

location is listed you can go to

the pre-audit review, the auditor

https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/ and click

will go into the member portal and

on the “Modifiers” button. And, If you

identify the name listed as the “QAP

are not listed and want to register for

Primary” contact, then go into the

the first time, or if you need to update

training records and confirm that

your listing you can do so at the same

person holds current QAP-123 and

link and clicking on the “Manufacturer

QAP-4 training. And I bet you can

Portal” button then selecting

guess how to prevent this finding?

Well, that’s it folks. We went over the top 5 findings that occur on QAP Audits and described what you can do to prevent all of these findings when you are audited. If you take all the actions necessary to prevent all of these common findings, you should be in great shape for your audit and sail through it like a breeze. I hope you found this information helpful and wishing you all the best for your next audit and hoping you stay healthy and safe. Until next time, keep moving life forward.

---

Oct–Dec 2020

39

QAP DASHBOARD

QAP DASHBOARD AVERAGE FINDINGS PER AUDIT October 2019–September 2020

1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

TOP 5 AUDIT FINDINGS

October 2019–September 2020 NCT Missing/Expired

49

QC Manual Needs Update

29

Calibration Overdue

27

NHTSA Listing Needs Update QAP Contact Training Incomplete

26 18

AUDIT FINDING SEVERITY October 2019–September 2020

Successful Audit 25%

Major 8% Minor 15%

Opportunity for Improvement 52%

40

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Sep

QAP DASHBOARD

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

335

331

330 324

325

321

320

319

320 315 310

Jun-19

Sep-19

Dec-19

Mar-20

Jun-20

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

Accreditations

8

3

3

Sep-19

5

4 2

Dec-19

Mar-20

Dealers with No Audit Findings Equipos Pro Impedidos - Caguas, PR FT Mobility - Saddle Brook, NJ Goldline Mobility - London, ON Ilderton Conversion - Asheville, NC Ilderton Conversion - Charlotte, NC Jay Hatfield Mobility - Columbus, KS Jay Hatfield Mobility - Lee Summit, MO Jay Hatfield Mobility - Wichita, KS Kansas Truck Mobility - Wichita, KS Kersey Mobility - Everett, WA Kersey Mobility - Sumner, WA Key Mobility Services - Xenia, OH Keystone Coach Works - Bethel Park, PA Mobility One Transportation - Tulsa, OK MobilityWorks - Akron, OH MobilityWorks - Charlotte, NC MobilityWorks - Concord, NC MobilityWorks - E. Hartford, CT MobilityWorks - Gray, ME MobilityWorks - Londonderry, NH MobilityWorks - North Chesterfield, VA MobilityWorks - Roseville, MN MobilityWorks - Toledo, OH

MobilityWorks - Villa Park, IL MobilityWorks - Wall Township, NJ MobilityWorks - Windsor, MD MobilityWorks - Woburn, MA Palmiero Mobility - Meadville, PA Sidewinder Conversions - Chilliwack, BC Silver Cross Automotive - Calgary, AB Silver Cross Automotive - Edmonton, AB Silver Cross Automotive - Etobicoke, ON Silver Cross Automotive - Maple Ridge, BC Silver Cross Automotive - Ottawa, ON Silver Cross Automotive - Waterloo, ON Superior Van & Mobility - Evansville, IN Superior Van & Mobility - Fishers, IN Superior Van & Mobility - Ft. Wayne, IN Superior Van & Mobility - Indianapolis, IN Superior Van & Mobility - Omaha, NE Superior Van & Mobility - South Bend, IN The Customizers - Hagerstown, MD United Access - Columbia, MO Van Action - Laval, QC Van Products - Raleigh, NC

5

4 2

2

Jun-20

Sep-20

Newly Accredited Dealers Mahadev Motors - Richmond, BC MobilityWorks - Roseville, MN

Oct–Dec 2020

41

CANADA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Moving Forward

By David Parton — Mobility in Motion PRESIDENT, NMEDA CANADA

W

elcome to the year of

to address industry needs and

I just want you to know, despite flying

Covid-19. We kicked off

concerns.

in smaller circles, your Canadian

Thank you, David Hubbard, for

Board and committees are continuing

this insanity with our

last visit to Daytona Beach and our conference where already contact was being discouraged as friendships were renewed or started.

Father of the Bride #3 ish was produced using Zoom video having all of the actors in separate places. In spite of this, I found the short movie endearing. We really have become a virtual society. I still miss hugging, but my grandkids make sure I get some, so all good.

It took some time and adapting to what is being called a “New Reality.”

My web designer daughter calls me an idiot for using that phrase, but it seems to fit from my perspective.

The Canadian Board for NMEDA Canada has continued to put a collective shoulder to the wheel and with help from staff in the Home Office and generous industry volunteers, we have continued to work on topics which are of concern to our industry and our association.

It has been difficult as each member of the Canadian Board has seen challenges in their professional and personal lives. Carving out time to meet takes a commitment and choices.

keeping us on track and reminding us of what has been done and what

the future.

needs to be addressed.

We started a number of initiatives

Sometimes there are just plain

which we are beginning to find

administrative items that need to be addressed. The Canadian Association is a distinct entity and has its own

meetings with CAOT have all been cancelled, but we are finding ways to bring them back onto the calendar.

to reflect where we are.

NMEDA, ADED, and CAOT, all have

Currently the Bylaw’s have been

common concerns and perhaps even

reviewed and brought in line with those approved by the US Board of NMEDA. The Bylaw’s committee has reviewed the changes and “Canadianized” the document. After the Canadian Board

“

issues at times. We may approach these concerns from different angles but our efforts when combined show greater potential for success.

We have a board member who has been thrust into discovering how to

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.”

has had an opportunity to give final

have a close family member move

review, the updated Canadian Bylaw’s

away from long-term care, into aging

as Board approved, will go out to for

in place in the family home.

approval by the membership along

Board for making a choice to continue

with Board elections in November.

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

ways to push forward in. Scheduled

Bylaw’s which need to be kept current

Thank you to the members of the

42

to function and lay out direction for

Aging in place is no cake walk and the level of commitment is massive

and time consuming. This is no role

Members of parliament, federal or

and can raise a toast to the end of this

for the timid, it is a labour of love. We

provincial. We elect these people

chapter. I will gladly buy you a drink

applaud the effort and appreciate

to represent us and to make laws to

at our next in person conference.

that your first priority is family, just as

protect us and our nation. If we don’t

our first commitment in the Mobility

raise the issue, how will they know

Business is treating our clients like

anything about the issue.

extended family.

“

This is not the end of the road; it is a bump in the road. Your life is a journey, not a destination.

---

Each of us has a voice and ultimately a civic duty to raise this with our Members of parliament, federal or provincial. We elect these people to represent us and to make laws to protect us and our nation. If we don’t raise the issue, how will they know anything about the issue.”

Our vice president has taken a new

Educate and illuminate, we need to

job in Ottawa as the staff OT at

develop allies in this matter. Election

the Ottawa University. Living in the

years are the most fertile years for

seat of the Federal Government for

moving this forward. But showing up

Canada, we have high hopes for being

late and hoping to gain interest, is not

able to raise more of our legislative

likely to succeed. The seeds need to

concerns. The politicians and their

be planted and given time to sprout.

support staff are all there in Ottawa.

We have a good story to tell and an

We would ask and encourage all

issue that politicians can get behind

NMEDA Canada members to speak

and make policy around.

with both your local MP, your

Stay safe and take precautions as you

provincial MPP, and your regional

see appropriate. We all have a role

government if you are able.

to play. We need to remain open for

There are many fine articles and

business or we will be unable to help

booklets that talk about securing occupied wheelchairs into transporting vehicles. We collectively sell and service various modes for transporting clients and their mobility devices. It is unacceptable that the standards codified in WC-18/19/20 are

anybody. Keep good policy in place in your place of business, your staff are important and need guidance in keeping safe distance and sanitizing measures undertaken. Better to say we never had to deal with it, than to have it infect our staff, our friends,

still voluntary and not mandated by

and our family.

any government in Canada.

My hands have seen far more alcohol

Each of us has a voice and ultimately

of late than my lips have. I look

a civic duty to raise this with our

forward to when we all meet again

Oct–Dec 2020

43

EDUCATION & TRAINING REPORT

NMEDA’s New Approach to Education & Training

by Amy Lane NMEDA DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & TRAINING

A

s I write this introduction,

years, I’ve been fortunate to attend

of making education and training

I am getting up to speed

many NMEDA conferences, meeting

meaningful, affordable, and relevant

with the duties as the new

countless good people and made

to the membership is commendable.

Education and Training

many lifelong friends along the way!

Whether it be to obtain or maintain

As you can see, I’ve been involved

certification, to assist dealers in

Director. Admittedly, I am excited about this new endeavor and happy to be working, albeit remotely, with the dynamic group at NMEDA. In addition to myself, a team of faculty and staff from the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST) have been contracted to manage the membership’s education needs, assist in addressing the strategic goals of this position, and assist with the integration and implementation of educational content into the new learning management system.

But first, let me share some

in driver rehabilitation for a good part of my career and enter this new position with some knowledge and background of the business. As part

“

reaching out to their local influencers, or to provide education to healthcare professionals about the automotive mobility industry, NMEDA is

In addition to myself, a team of faculty and staff from the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST) have been contracted to manage the membership’s education needs...”

information about me. I have worked

of my driver program, I fully recognize

addressing all those needs in a cost-

in both healthcare as an Occupational

the benefits of having QAP dealers

effective manner.

Therapist, and in academia as a

in my local area and respect all that

Clinical Instructor at the University

they do for me and my clientele.

of Pittsburgh. Over the past 20 years

Although I’ve been involved in driver

I have operated and managed a

rehabilitation and the automotive

comprehensive driver rehabilitation

mobility arena for many years, I am

program and continue to do so. As

now looking at the industry with a

an active member of ADED in the

new point of view.

past, I have held previous positions

For example, consider the education

today’s world. Unfortunately, it has

and training that NMEDA offers for

also affected how we provide our

technicians, dealers, salespeople,

training programs.

as president, as well as chair of their publication and leadership development committees. Over the

44

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

and healthcare providers. The goal

As we all know, 2020 has been a year of uncertainty, change, and doing things in a new or different way. We hear that so often, and many of us are getting tired of hearing how COVID-19 is forcing us to change our way of doing business. Yet, it is the truth in

Due to travel bans and restrictions, mandatory isolations after travel, and general health concerns, our live, in-person training events have been postponed for the remainder of the year, including the popular Manufacturer Service Schools (MSS). We are looking to schedule these in 2021, so please check the website training calendar for planned programs and future opportunities for education and training.

Finally, we have some new projects and updates coming your way, so be on the lookout for those announcements in the near future.

getting to know you, working with

In the meantime, if you have any

As I continue to get settled into my

you, and addressing your education

questions, comments or ideas, please

new position here, I look forward to

and training needs.

contact me at: amy.lane@nmeda.org ---

MGA Research Corporation

Discover the MGA Advantage

FMVSS 207/210 &SAE J2249

Seating System, Seat Belt Anchorage and Wheelchair Anchorage Testing Experts.

Test with the Best: We are proud to serve the industry for over thirty years.

| email: david.winkelbauer@mgaresearch.com | phone: (262) 763-2705 | web: mgaresearch.com | Oct–Dec 2020

45

Mobility Way

By Mike Savicki — Afterburner Communications NMEDA CONSULTANT

The World Can Wait

Loren Worthington’s Life in Front of and Behind the Lens...

B

ack in the early 2000s,

this adventurer really didn’t seem like

beachfront properties, Worthington

Arizona’s Loren Worthington

too much of a stretch.

saw an opportunity in promoting,

made a decision to see

the world. And why shouldn’t he?

The Army brat who was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, was already used to traveling, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring in the family’s small RV (tents for the kids) and admits it wasn’t until he was 18 that he spent a night in a hotel. Seeing the world to

The timing seemed right, too. Armed with an economics degree from Arizona State and having spent time in business with his father, a civil engineer, the duo had recently sold their company and Worthington was feeling an itch to explore once again. So first he headed to Canada, then back through the United States, then down into Mexico, all of it on wheels, traveling and exploring like he had done as a kid.

listings do better with high quality photography, Worthington began planning, composing, orchestrating, and producing the high-reward photo shoots right down to the table, chair, fashion model, sailboat, and proper lighting. As his business grew, his plans to keep traveling came to an end. The world, he figured, could wait.

Behind the Lens Picking up a camera seemed like a logical extension and soon Loren

Rocky Point (Puerto

Worthington found a new love behind

Penasco on the

the lens. In addition to shooting for

Sea of Cortez) his

his business, Worthington began

entrepreneurial

capturing sports images, too. The

mind kicked in and

former athlete (he sustained a cervical

his plans changed.

spinal cord injury at age 21 while

With the economy

sliding into third base) found a way

booming and

to get back into the part of his life he

“expats” from the

never thought possible.

investing money in

NMEDA Circuit Breaker

via the Internet. And because

But when he hit

US and Canada

46

renting, and selling the properties

“After my injury it was painful to be on the sidelines,” Worthington, now

56, explains. “So I picked up a camera

my energy for doing what I

and now, twenty years later, it’s more

love, not being a burden on

a part of my life and my day than I

someone else or using it all

could have imagined.”

up simply trying to make it

Beginning with a 12 athlete sports

happen.”

calendar for the independent living center which is now the thriving Ability 360 (where he currently serves as the Photography, Marketing & Communications Manager), Worthington has shot such high profile events as the Toronto ParaPan Games and the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympic Games.

Rolling into the Future Remember how Loren Worthington’s original plan was to see the world? Well, that’s not completely off the table just yet. For backcountry travel and long range adventures, he also drives a modified 2008 Ford E Series van with a self-engineered pull-

“Just like how I’m looking at what my next bike will be, and how I can take my photography and videography to

“In sports, especially working with

behind camping unit equipped with a

athletes with disabilities,” he shares,

galley and enough storage space for

“they let me in, I know where to be,

his Reactive Adaptations mountain

and they recognize and respect me

handbike, his wife, Karla’s gear, and

for taking the time to understand their

room for his two dogs, Amber and

sport.”

Annie.

“And when I get in that zone shooting

“My mindset when I travel,”

for others - making things lighter and

sports, nothing else matters,” he adds.

Worthington explains, “goes from that

stronger, and customizing as much as

“Sports photography, especially, is

scouting ‘be prepared’ mantra to once

you can right down to the half an inch,

so fast it takes practice, you need to

I get rolling and make that first turn

especially for power chairs.

know where to be and when, and you

and see Phoenix in the rear view, to a

need to be ready to change batteries,

huge endorphin rush, a life balance, a

“And it’s about creating vehicles

lenses, cameras and so much else.

sense of freedom.”

Athletics takes muscle memory and

a different level, I’m looking at what can be done to vehicles to support those of us with disabilities who just don’t sit still,” he explains. “It’s all about working through trade-offs taking some things out to make room

that can handle the transitions,” he adds. “Because the transitions—in

With eyes set on someday soon

life, on the road, and in vehicles,

heading deep into Idaho along rail

too, it doesn’t matter—are where

Loren’s minivans have always served

trails and backroads, he has already

the opportunities are. Don’t get

as his primary means of travel and

made multiple 14-day trips down the

comfortable because you don’t think

transport for his gear and equipment.

Baja, plus equally long adventures

you can do something, change your

He is on his fourth vehicle (with each

in Colorado and Utah, plus National

mindset, find a way, create a way.”

of the previous three registering more

Parks like Yellowstone and Zion, not to

than 150,000 miles) and has driven

mention heading up and down A1A to

---

both VMI and Braun conversions. He

the Florida Keys and back.

photography does, too.”

has high standards and expectations for his vehicles, often working within the industry to customize and modify accessories and add-ons to suit his lifestyle.

Worthington sees a need for the mobility industry to keep pushing and changing. With an eye toward modifying primary vehicles to support both the daily activities and demands

He offers, “The wrong van, the

along with the active lifestyles of the

wrong vehicle, can be such a

disabled, he sees a need for more

detriment to life, not just the

research into what can be pulled

physical wear and tear but also the

behind a vehicle.

mental strain it gives you. I have a big need for transport and I need Photos courtesy of Loren Worthington.

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 ACE Mobility 9850 East 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46229 (317) 241-2444 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 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 Ct Dublin, Ireland D24WK28 +3530879894946 B & D Independence Inc. 1024 Empire Street Mt.Carmel, IL 62863 (618) 262-7117

48

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

Fortress Partners 5005 Plainfield Ave NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 447-2293

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

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

Brandl Mobility Finance Services 559 Hwy 10 South St. Cloud, MN 56304 (866) 581-3922

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

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 Driverge Vehicle Innovations 4199 Kinross Lakes Parkway Suite 300 Richfield, OH 44286 (330) 510-3069 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

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 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 Master’s Speciality Vehicles LLC 800 Quick Trip Way Belton, MO 64012 (800) 783-3613

Maximized Mobility Inc 649 The Parkway Unit 1 Petersborough, ON K9J7K2 (705) 750-0777 Mobility Acceptance Co 1108 E Main St Suite 200 Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 505-4000 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 LLC 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 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 Q’STRAINT/Sure-Lok 4031 NE 12th Terrace Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 986-6665 RADCO, Inc. 3220 E. 59th Street Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 272-7231

NMEDA INDUSTRY MEMBERS

Royale Mobility LLC 100 Newark Street Haverhill, MA 1832 (978) 374-4530

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

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

Vantage Mobility International 5202 S. 28th Place.

Phoenix, AZ 85040 (800) 348-8267

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

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

Tempe Mobility 7975 S. Autoplex Loop Tempe, AZ 85284 (480) 598-2383 TMN 58 Ha”Khermesh Haifa, Israel 31000

Webb Capital Corp.

PO Box 213 Coppell, TX 75019 (800) 886-4926 Wolfe Mobility 368 Main Street Picton, ON K0K 2T0 (613) 476-1768

FREE Online Training Course: Introduction to Automotive Mobility This 35-minute tutorial provides a brief overview of the automotive mobility sector for anyone who is new to this industry. It is a great on-boarding tool for new employees or a refresher training for both sales and technician personnel. Topics covered include: • Overview of Automotive Mobility Industry • Medical Diagnoses and Recommending the Right Product • Funding Sources

www.NMEDA.com/training/IntroToAutoMobility Oct–Dec 2020

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NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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 0 (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 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 North #1128 Largo, FL 33773 (727) 424-7485 Jillian Steen Memorial Rehabilitation Institute 300 Hollywood Way Hollywood, FL 33021 (954) 614-6051

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GEORGIA Matt Abisamra Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7722 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

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

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NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS 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

Linda Farrell Albany Medical Center 210 Rabie Road Averill Park, NY 12018 (518) 577-4447

Eugene Blumkin Massachusetts Rehab Commission 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 2211 (617) 204-3721

Karen Fitzgerald Fitzgerald’s Driving School, Inc. 1350 Deer Park Avenue North Babylon, NY 11703 (631) 667-9642

Tricia/Mark Whitehouse Adaptive Driving Program, Inc. 250 Milton St., #LL002 Dedham, MA 2026 (781) 329-6656

John Lorenzetti, OTR/L, CDI, DRS FLX Driver Rehabilitation, LLC 4144 High Banks Rd. Geneva, NY 14456 (315) 585-9198

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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 OTR CDRS Easterseals Rehabilitation Center 3701 Bellemeade Avenue Evansville, IN 74414 (812) 492-0645

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

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

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Jurgen Babirad Rehabilitation Technology Associates, Inc. Post Office Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 (800) 987-2753

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

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NEW YORK Nick Albanese Fitzgerald’s Driving School, Inc. 1350 Deer Park Ave North Babylon, NY 11703 (631) 667-8261 Gail Babirad Rehabilitation Technology Assoc. Inc PO Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 (800) 987-2753

Raanan Zidile Tri-Boro Driver Rehabilitation & Mobility Services, Inc. 1642 Coney Island Aveue Brooklyn, NY 11230 (718) 414-2457

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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

Amy Lane OTR/L CDRS Adaptive Driving Program/U of Pittsburgh 3600 Forbes Avenue at Atwood Suite 3010 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 864-3068

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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

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TEXAS Christine Salinas Strowmatt Rehabilitation Services 10690 Shadow Wood Drive Suite 113 Houston, TX 77043 (713) 722-0669 Chad Strowmatt Strowmatt Rehabilitation Services 11020 Katy Freeway Suite 217 Houston, TX 77043 (713) 858-1582

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

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

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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

Oct–Dec 2020

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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 CBI Health Group 20 Linsmary Court Markham, ON L6E 1L2 (416) 419-3031

Tamalea Stone The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre 505 Smyth Road Ottawa, ON K1H 8M2 6137378899 ____________________________

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 Constance-Lethbridge Rehab Centre 7005 boul. De Maisonneuve Ouest Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1891 Alyssa Merilees Constance-Lethbridge Rehab Centre 7005 boul. De Maisonneuve Ouest Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1891

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

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NMEDA Circuit Breaker

Minh-Thy Truong JAPAN Constance-Lethbridge Rehab ____________________________ Centre 7005 boul. de Maisonneve Etsuo Horikawa Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 Center for motion analysis & (514) 487-1770 mobility development, Saga ____________________________ Univ. Hospital.

5-1-1 Nabeshima SASKATCHEWAN Saga City, Japan 8498501 80 3377 2588 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 ____________________________

Sean Berry Texas A&M Transportation Institute - SB 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-6375 Eric Bradley Texas A&M Transportation Institute 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-7492 Timothy P. Brant Brant’s Driving School 596 Goucher Street Johnstown, PA 15905 (877) 395-7011 Lance Bullard Texas Transportation Institute A&M Univ. - LB 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-6153 Patrick Delplancke Transport Canada - Road Safety & Motor Veh. Reg. 330 Sparks St Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5 (613) 998-2189

George Hicks Ingenium Engineering Services 4345 Teal Road Petersburg, MI 48270 (734) 279-9345 Todd Keanan James A. Haley VA Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs.

Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 972-2000 Rev. Julius Lee SMCL Foundation & Associates Inc. Adaptive & Multi-services Organization 2910 Seine Street New Orleans, LA 70114 (504) 450-4014 Brian McLane Paradigm Solutions 29 Rockefeller Blvd.

Rensselaer, NY 12144 (518) 426-8850 Michel Morency S.A.A.Q 333, boul. Jean-Lesage, C-4-21 Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6 (418) 528-3597 Torrey Morse Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 55 Farmington Ave, 12th Fl Hartford, CT 06105 (860) 424-4865

Tina Paff Bicks Driving School 6367 Glenway Ave Cincinnati, OH 45211 (513) 251-2100 Karrie Reinecke Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 614-5300 Matt Rivers Road Rules Driving School 2540 Farmcrest Avenue Peterborough, ON K9L1H7 (705) 874-9220 Ed Stang Disabled Sailing Association 402 Houghton Ct Kelowna, BC C7V1X (250) 859-0816 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

Oct–Dec 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 November 19, 2020 December 17, 2020 January 21, 2021

NMEDA Office Closings

November 26—27, 2020 (Thanksgiving Holiday) December 24, 2020—January 1, 2021 (Winter Holiday)

Abilities Virtual Experience 2

November 20—22, 2020 Visit www.abilities.com/virtual for more information

Abilities Expo - Los Angeles

February 26—28, 2021 Visit www.abilities.com/losangeles 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

Oct–Dec 2020

55

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