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RESNA 2021 CONFERENCE: WELCOME HOME Written by: ANDREA VAN HOOK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RESNA
Spring is in the air, as is the promise of post-COVID life returning to some semblance of normal. At RESNA, we are preparing for our next conference. RESNA 2021: Welcome Home will take place virtually July 7-10. Past President Mary Ellen Buning inspired this year’s theme, through her coining of the phrase “mother ship” as a shorthand description of RESNA. Last year, we celebrated RESNA’s 40th Anniversary, and in finding out more about our own history, we were surprised and delighted to discover deep roots and connections with other assistive technology organizations. As a result, at this conference, we are honored to have the participation of so many fellow AT groups such as the Clinician’s Task Force, ADED (Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists), NCART, GAATO (the Global Association of Assistive Technology Organizations), and AgrAbility, to name a few. The RESNA conference offers continuing education and IACET CEUs for ATPs working in all areas of assistive technology. Seating and mobility, as well as complex rehab, are always big topics at the conference. In addition, the conference also provides opportunities for AT practitioners to “stretch,” explore other areas of practice, and find out about the latest research and technologies. New this year are three “master class” sessions for advanced practitioners. These 90-minute sessions will include a high level of engagement and discussion. The topics are: • •
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Ethics for Assistive Technology Practice and Policy Overview of NIDILRR DRRP Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability, i.e. ‘The Right Wheelchair for the Right Person at the Right Time’ Full Access: a look into myriad iOS accessibility settings to increase user independence
Also new this year are 30-minute “buzz sessions,” based on the belief of NRRTS founder and former RESNA President Simon Margolis that you should be able to get anything across in under 30 minutes. The buzz sessions feature new technologies and provocative topics, such as “Using the “F-Words” to Obtain Funding for Mobility and Standing Devices,” “Why It Is Time for a Policy Change on Standing Power Mobility,” and “Use of AT to Facilitate Engagement in Sport.”
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Finally, in keeping with the theme, the conference will also have several sessions on smart home technologies and home modifications. These technologies and areas of practice seem to be a growing trend among ATPs who are seeking to offer more services. After all, what good is a wheelchair if the client is unable to leave the house with it? Please check out the schedule and sessions at www.resna.org, and feel free to contact me directly with any questions at execoffice@resna.org. Conference registration includes access to the session recordings and CE for up to six months.
NEW RESNA RESOURCES •
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New webpage on ATP recertification – review the steps needed to renew your ATP certification, including suggested timelines, CE requirements, and how to send in your application. Go to www.resna.org and click on “ATP Recertification” under the Quick Links. AT Forum – RESNA’s AT Forum is open to members and non-members, and is now available on RESNA Connect, our new on-line community. Check it out under “Resources” on the website.
Are there other resources RESNA could provide that would be helpful? Let us know!
CONTACT THE AUTHOR Andrea may be reached at EXECOFFICE@RESNA.ORG
Andrea Van Hook is executive director of RESNA. She has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit association management. She lives and works in the Washington, D.C., area.
