States ted: ReCprReEsHeAn B VIP
VO
16
By Amy Schoppman NMEDA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & PUBLIC POLICY
P
HAB VI
VOC RE
Voc Rehab VIPs Return in 2022 funding, managing the anxiety
far better than trying to understand
that can accompany high-tech
how some of it works just from the
modifications, quality assurance,
manufacturer’s website).” From a
NMEDA once again hosted
and which client-provided vehicles
networking standpoint, attendees
a group of Vocational
can be converted – over the course
first gathered at Saturday’s VR VIP
Rehabilitation professionals—
of four hours (we’ll include breaks
kickoff reception, which “provided
affectionately referred to as our
next time, I promise!). The panel was
a great opportunity to network with
“VR VIPs”—at the 2022 conference
designed to generate comparative
VR counselors in other states.” The
and Auto Mobility Expo. Forty-two
policy discussions among the VIPs,
networking opportunities continued
individuals representing 16 states
and many attendees appreciated “the
throughout the event, with nearly all
braved travel difficulties and a tropical
ability to compare aspects of [their]
attendees identifying “meeting others
storm to join us in Charlotte and meet
state’s policies and procedures” and
in VR and discussing how VR policies
with their VR colleagues, learn more
“learning from colleagues about
work in their states” as a favorite
about the auto mobility industry,
how other states approach service
aspect of their conference experience,
and explore the latest life-changing
provision.” The sessions also included
noting that “these connections are
products and innovations on display in
brief presentations from NMEDA
beneficial long after the conference
the Auto Mobility Expo.
and ADED staff on the Associations’
ends.”
N
resources, underscoring “how the In response to feedback from our
organizations work together to
If you would like to see your VR
2021 VR VIPs, we expanded this
assure that VR, the VA, and private
representatives in Kansas City next
year’s programming to include both
sector partners facilitate safe and
year (or if you are a VR employee and
morning and afternoon sessions of
independent driving.”
would like to join us next year), please contact me.
VR-only education. The exclusive education sessions kicked off with
Outside of the classroom, the
an “enjoyable, informative, and
Expo provided VIPs with “excellent
very well put together” VR policy
opportunities to talk directly to
panel discussion, which covered
equipment manufacturers and
multiple topics – including bids vs.
dealers” as well as “the ability to
fee schedules, procurement issues,
see equipment in person (which is
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