For the second year in a row, the National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association is a Gold-level sponsor of the RESNA conference. There’s a natural synergy between RESNA and NMEDA in that both associations support professionals who work with people with disabilities on mobility issues, and the two organizations have some members in common. But are you aware of all of the different services and programs NMEDA provides, and how a NMEDA dealer can help you with your clients? 

 

Founded in 1989 as a non-profit trade association, NMEDA supports nearly 600 mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers, and driver rehabilitation specialists in the U.S. and Canada dedicated to expanding mobility opportunities for people with disabilities. 

 

NMEDA offers a Quality Assurance Program (QAP), a recognized accreditation program for the mobility equipment industry. The only program of its kind, QAP was developed to promote quality, safety and reliability within the industry. A QAP designation enhances vehicle modification and mobility equipment installation in a manner consistent with the highest guidelines available. In fact, every NMEDA member is required to adhere to the rules of QAP and are audited once a year by a third party audit firm to ensure their compliance.

 

NMEDA dealers require individual, in-person equipment evaluations; brand name and quality products for accessible conversions; on-site local support and sales, service; and 24/7 emergency assistance. In addition to vehicles, NMEDA dealers offer wheelchair ramps, hand controls and steering aids, transfer seats and seating solutions, wheelchair securement and tie downs, scooter lifts and special acceleration and braking solutions for adaptive vehicles.  

 

The NMEDA website (www.nmeda.com) has a full range of consumer-oriented information that can be used with clients, including a mobility equipment dealer locator tool, and information about financing and government funding. The organization’s blog, which is kept up-to-date, has articles on caregivers, safety tips, senior citizens, disability benefits, even traveling with a disability and more. 

 

To promote mobility awareness, NMEDA sponsors “National Mobility Awareness Month” in May. During this annual contest, four “Local Heroes” can win a customized accessible vehicle. In 2014, over 1,400 people participated in the contest, casting more than 4 million votes in support of their local heroes. Communities across the US and Canada rallied to provide an additional two dozen local heroes with accessible vehicles, when they did not qualify as one of the top four. This year’s winners will be announced in June. Pictured on the left is one of last year's winners, Antonio Dowels, in his new accessible vehicle. 

 

“It’s an exciting time right now in the industry, with many more consumer-friendly and lifestyle-friendly mobility options available than ever before,” said Dave Hubbard, Executive Director and CEO of NMEDA (pictured right). “We’re looking forward to coming to Denver and sharing that with attendees all of the information and support we can provide.”