FROM THE NRRTS OFFICE

2020 IS ENDING!

Written by: GERRY DICKERSON, ATP, CRTS®

The wildest, craziest, most controversial year in our lives … ever.

The pandemic impacts every aspect of our lives at some level. Some areas are affected more than others. Where I live and work, there has been an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and there are some discussions about potential lockdowns. I am not sure how the small businesses that remain would survive another lockdown.

I hope that you, your families, and the communities where you live and work remain safe and healthy.

On October 28, NRRTS held its first ever, virtual Open Meeting. It was a fantastic success! We had approximately 90 participants, including our newest NRRTS Registrants from Canada!

After a few brief introductions, Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS, executive director of NRRTS, began the program by introducing Bill Noelting’s "Talk Rehab." If you haven’t checked out Talk Rehab, follow this link: https://www.noelting.com/talkrehab. Some very cool stuff.

Walker then went on to introduce Noelting's teaser video, "Connections." You will be able to view this video and the entire Open Meeting on the NRRTS website.

Next, there was a request for client interaction photos. If you have photos from client interactions and the necessary photo releases, please send them to the NRRTS office. We need to tell our story!

Walker and Annette Hodges then went on to describe our continuing education program. IACET-approved CEUs, on demand webinars, the 2021 continuing education offerings, beginning with the founder of LUCI, Barry Dean. Social media, Unite4CRT and DIRECTIONS magazine were all highlighted.

Another important announcement was the re-publication of the book "Complex" by Mark Sullivan. You can order a copy or download a copy from the NRRTS website at www.nrrts.org/ complex. The cost for the digital version is $10.00 USD, and the print copy is $15.00 USD. Money well-spent.

Next, Walker described the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Supplier Certificate program. This exciting, new certificate program is a game changer for our profession! Watch your email for the announcement that Course 1 is available.

Profound thanks to our Charter Corporate Friends, Corporate Friends, and acknowledgment to our fellow professional organizations that led to the discussion of NRRTS Canada, and then to the best part, in my opinion, the awards ceremony.

Our friend, colleague and fellow advocate Jenny Siegle received the Consumer Advocate of the Year Award a few months ago at her home, presented by Tom Hetzel, CEO of Ride Designs. Walker spoke of how amazing and deserving Siegle is of this award. Siegle is a passionate, articulate advocate for CRT. She gives an extraordinary amount of her time, energy and commitment to the CRT community

Amy Odom presented the Distinguished Service Award to Tom Simon, ATP, CRTS®. Simon is an outstanding ATP, CRTS® working for Numotion in Texas. Simon is also a passionate advocate and dedicated member of the NRRTS board of directors.

It was then my turn to present the Simon Margolis Fellow Award. This year’s award winner is Mike Barner from the University of Michigan Seating and Mobility Program. He is known to some of us as "Junior," to others as the "Asparagus King," and to everyone as Mike. He is another passionate advocate for the CRT community. A NRRTS board member, president-elect, president and past president, Barner now serves on the NRRTS Advisory Board. Congratulations, Junior!

I presented the last award to Weesie Walker. She received the NRRTS Fellow Award in 2012. With the passing of Simon Margolis is 2017, the board of directors voted to honor the memory of Simon by renaming the NRRTS Fellow Award to the Simon Margolis Fellow Award. This renaming gave the Fellow Award a deeper, more powerful meaning. Walker’s lifelong commitment to the CRT community, her personal and professional grace, her skill and her leadership of NRRTS, made it a very easy decision for the NRRTS board to elevate her existing Fellow Award to that of the Simon Margolis Fellow Award.

It was my very deep honor and pleasure to present these awards toMike Barner and Weesie Walker.

The meeting closed with the complete video "Connections" from BillNoelting, and then some Q&A and fun conversation.

With the success of this first virtual Open Meeting, we are thinking of having them more frequently. NRRTS will send out notifications of upcoming meetings. Please pass the word along so we can include everyone interested in the world of “Complex” and "Connections."

Whatever you celebrate at this time of year, I hope you celebrate withthe ones you love most.

Stay safe and healthy. Here is to an interesting 2021!

Gerry may be reached at GDCRTS@GMAIL.COM

Gerry Dickerson, ATP, CRTS®, is the current president of NRRTS and is a NRRTS Simon Margolis Fellow and RESNA Fellow.