3 minute read
WEESIE'S WORLD
THE GOOD OLE DAYS
Written by: WEESIE WALKER, ATP/SMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NRRTS
Back in the olden days ...
Remember when your parents talked about the “good ole days?”
It is important to recognize the tremendous progress made to define and support the professional RRTS ® and CRTS ® over the past 30 years. At the beginning of NRRTS, people involved in seating and mobility understood the need for a professional organization. Most of these people worked for companies that provided Durable Medical Equipment, respiratory services and maybe even party supplies. They were often the only one providing seating and mobility in these businesses. Being part of an organization made up of other like-minded individuals was really a godsend. Any opportunity to get together and share stories and experiences was the best learning event ever. The Registrants were excited to have an opportunity to guide and shape this organization that represents the dedicated men and women providing seating and mobility. Registrants were proud to be part of NRRTS. Manufacturers, clinicians and suppliers were on board with their support and participation.
In 1999, the NRRTS Board hosted an event to bring Registrants and stakeholders together and named it the Leadership Planning Conference. With support from corporate sponsors, the two-day event featured education and development of a mission statement and a marketing tag line. Beyond these tasks,participants networked with their peers. The future leaders were easily identified. Many of the attendees are still active in NRRTS today.
Let’s be guided by their enthusiasm to continue theNRRTS’ mission. RRTS ® and CRTS ® represent not only commitment but also an attitude toward being the very best Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) supplier. NRRTS is the only organization dedicated to the individual CRT supplier. NRRTS offers the best continuing education in CRT. Our publication, DIRECTIONS, is the de-facto journal for CRT.
Those were the “good ole days,” but the future of NRRTS holds much promise guided by our board members and supporters who share the same visions and enthusiasm. Because of the many hours of our volunteers’ time and effort, NRRTS continues to expand the awareness of best practice for the provision of CRT.
CONTACT THE AUTHOR Weesie may be reached at WWALKER@NRRTS.ORG
Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS, is the executive director of NRRTS. She has more than 25 years of experience as a Complex Rehab Technology supplier. She has served on the NRRTS Board of Directors, the GAMES Board of Directors and the Professional Standards Board of RESNA. Throughout her career, she has worked to advocate for professional suppliers and the consumers they serve. She has presented at the Canadian Seating Symposium, RESNA Conference, AOTA Conference, Medtrade, International Seating Symposium and the NSM Symposium. Walker is a NRRTS Fellow.
