Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Category: General
Hello everyone!
April is officially National Volunteer Month, so there’s no better way to start off this letter than by recognizing all of the wonderful volunteers who make RESNA go. From our Board of Directors to our SIGs and PSGs to our countless committees, we couldn’t do this without you. Your involvement, generosity, and dedication contributed to all of RESNA’s success this year. Thank you for your unwavering support!
I’m excited to share one of these new successes! RESNA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Durable Medical Equipment and Complex Rehab Technology (DMERT) Group. DMERT Group is a non-profit certification body tasked with setting the benchmark for durable medical equipment and complex rehab repair training standards through industry collaboration. Through this MOU, RESNA creates a pathway for those who are not already credentialed ATPs to attain this credential. By looking outwards to other groups that specialize in certification, we will be increasing the number of professionals who will be providing quality services to people with disabilities everywhere.
Our conference is another area where our volunteers are invaluable! If you haven’t checked out our Keynote Speakers for the RESNA 2022 Virtual Conference yet, I encourage you to head to our conference page as soon as possible. Kevin Malta, Product Manager at Waymo, focuses on the rider experience in autonomous vehicles. His team builds tools to help riders achieve independence through safe and accessible intra city transportation options. Professor Tom Shakespeare is a Professor of Disability Research of the medical faculty at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is also the Chair of the Light for the World, an International organization that empowers people with disabilities, promotes inclusive education, and protects eye health around the world. Finally, our own Dr. Jan Miller Polgar will present the Colin McLaurin Lecture.
We will finalize the conferences full educational program in early May, so be sure to check back for updates.
RESNA formally recognizes the efforts of its volunteers during our Annual Conference. It’s not too late to nominate your peers who have made significant contributions to the field of AT or RESNA. The deadline for the RESNA 2022 Awards is this Friday, April 22nd. There are so many RESNA members and volunteers who deserve this recognition. We are looking forward to honoring them in July!
Best,
Maureen Linden