4 minute read
WEESIE'S WORLD
LOOKING BACK ON 2023
Written by: WEESIE WALKER, ATP/SMS
Here we are at the end of 2023. It’s always hard to believe that another year has passed. They say that time flies when you are having fun. Well … this year has been a total blast!
Here are some of the highlights:
• With Registration going strong in Canada, suppliers in Australia are now joining our organization. The benefits of sharing concepts, processes and ideas is unmeasurable. In October 2023, the NRRTS Board of Directors voted to approve the tradename iNRRTS to recognize the multi-country make-up of the Registry.
• The Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Supplier Education program is up and going. Having this foundation of knowledge available to any willing person creates a pathway for new people to enter this very rewarding field. Having a standardized education program is a big step toward professional recognition.
• NRRTS/University of Pittsburgh project on Repair Practice Guidelines has developed a great tool to share with funding agencies and/or policymakers to outline the required service and maintenance required to keep CRT mobility systems in good working order. This is a commonsense approach to address the current issues surrounding access to repairs in a timely manner.
• NRRTS was represented at over 20 different industry events. That must be a record! This is one of the very best ways to increase awareness of the organization and its mission.
• Two Registrants earned the Simon Margolis Fellow Award. Elaine Stewart, ATP, CRTS®, and Carey Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS®, were named in 2023. Both of these individuals have led NRRTS and set an example for all CRT Suppliers. Not only are they highly regarded for their service provision, but they are also giving back to the industry their time and effort to make a difference. There will never be a time when this is not necessary.
NRRTS WAS REPRESENTED AT OVER 20 DIFFERENT INDUSTRY EVENTS. THAT MUST BE A RECORD! THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY BEST WAYS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS MISSION.
• NRRTS has many other volunteers who work on specific goals. The Canadian Advisory Committee steers the organization to meet the specific needs in Canada. The NRRTS Education Committee works together to identify relevant topics and expert presenters. Unite4CRT is devoted to sharing what it means living with a disability.
• NRRTS Continuing Education has awarded CEUs for over 10,000 seat hours of continuing education in the past 12 months. That is another way NRRTS is fulfilling its mission of improving access and services to people who rely on CRT.
• DIRECTIONS magazine is the only publication focused on the provision of CRT. Through the regular features, DIRECTIONS promotes the idea that it takes a village. There is much to learn from each story of the person who relies on CRT, the clinician who recommends CRT, the supplier who provides, fits and maintains CRT, and the manufacturer who offers product choice, innovation and solutions.
• NRRTS held its open meeting in early November. If you were unable to attend, we encourage you to watch the video of the open meeting at https://nrrts.org/2023-open-meeting/.
There is still a long way to go to overcome the obstacles and roadblocks that create delays, denials and endless documentation. CRT Suppliers must be recognized for the value they bring to the process. Lawmakers, funding agencies and CRT consumers must be able to rely on CRT Suppliers and have trust in the system.
Who is ready to step up and get involved?
Here’s to a more exciting 2024 for NRRTS!
CONTACT THE AUTHOR
Weesie may be reached at WWALKER@NRRTS.ORG
