July—September 2020 | Volume 27 Issue 3
Life Moving Forward Pay Compression: What it is and How to Fight It 5 Questions with Congressman Lieu Mobility MY Way ...and so much more!
THE NMEDA MAGAZINE
A Voice, A Heart, A Hope:
Remembering Becky Plank
NMEDA.org
See pg. 32
NMEDA____________________
Advocating Automotive Mobility _____________for Your Clients
Learn About Mobility Solutions and Earn CEU Credits for Free Advocating Automotive Mobility for your Clients: Driver Rehabilitation and Automotive Mobility Solutions Course (AAM) The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is offering an introductory level online CE course to help healthcare professionals understand automotive mobility solutions for patients with disabilities. By learning about automotive vehicle modifications, health professionals will be able to suggest options for caregivers or patients who want to drive but need accommodations. Topics covered include learning about the importance of Mobility and Related Services, Driving as an Instrumental ADL, Diagnosis, Assessment, and 5 Real-life Case Studies.
NMEDA's AAM Course is: • Offered online, for your convenience • AOTA,
ADED, CCMC pre-approved for .15 CEU (1.5 Contact Hours)
FREE
FOR ALL ATTENDEES
Sign Up Online At www.NMEDA.com/CEU For more information and the direct course link, access through the Healthstream® Learning Center or contact NMEDA at learning@NMEDA.org or 813.264.2697.
NMEDA CIRCUIT BREAKER
JUL—SEP 2020
THE NMEDA MAGAZINE
President Christian Quandt
CEO Danny Langfield
Layout, Editor & Creative Director Katie McDonald
Contributing Writers Harry Baergen Jud DeMott Chuck Hardy Danny Langfield Katie McDonald David Parton Susan Quandt Clancy Rowell Mike Savicki Amy Schoppman
VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3
CONTENTS
FEATURES
COLUMNS
26 Pay Compression: What it is and How to Fight It - By Clancy Rowell
8
32
On the Cover A Voice, A Heart, A Hope: Remembering Becky Plank - By Susan Quandt
38 5 Questions With Congressman Lieu - By Amy Schoppman 48 GR Report: The Now, The Next, and The Nonstop - By Amy Schoppman 50 Mobility MY Way - By Mike Savicki
The Circuit Breaker is published quarterly by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.
18
Officer’s Message - By Jud DeMott CEO’s Message - By Danny Langfield
20 Industry Advisor - By Harry Baergen 40 QAP Straight Talk - By Chuck Hardy 46
Canada President’s Message - By David Parton
ALSO
4
Board of Directors
6
Staff Directory
10 Dealer Member Directory 43 Around the Industry
3327 W. Bearss Avenue Tampa, FL 33618
44 QAP Dashboard
For business office, advertising, and subscriptions:
52 Industry Member Directory
Tel: 813.264.2697 Toll-Free: 800.833.0427 www.nmeda.org info@nmeda.org
54 Allied Health Professional Member Directory 57 Edu/Government/Non-Profit Member Directory
Subscription rates for the USA and Canada: $16.50/four issues. Back issues are available by calling the NMEDA office.
58 Dates to Remember
All rights are reserved under copyright laws © 2020. The articles published in the Circuit Breaker reflect the opinions of their authors, not NMEDA. As such, NMEDA neither takes a position on nor assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the information or statements contained therein.
NMEDA MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association is to advocate and establish excellence in providing safe, reliable transportation solutions to enhance accessibility.
Jul–Sep 2020
3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christian Quandt, President
David Parton, Canadian President
Advanced Wheels 33 Bradley Park Road East Granby, CT 06026 860.653.8064 phone christian@advancedwheels.com
Mobility in Motion 1710 Bishop Street N., Unit 8 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 519.623.9930 phone david@mobilityinmotion.net
Sam Cook, Vice President
Anne Hegberg, Associate Rep.
Superior Van & Mobility 1506 Lakeshore Court Louisville, KY 40223 502.447.8267 phone scook@superiorvan.com
Marianjoy Rehab Hospital 26W171 Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 630.909.6080 phone anne.hegberg@nm.org
Eric Mansfield, Secretary
Catherine Martin, Rep. at Large 1
MobilityWorks 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 800.638.8267 phone eric.mansfield@mobilityworks.com
Ilderton Conversions 701 South Main Street High Point, NC 27260 336.841.6100 phone cmartin@ilderton.com
Jud DeMott, Treasurer Access 2 Mobility, Inc. 12406 State Highway 155 South Tyler, TX 75703 877.254.5438 phone jud.demott@gmail.com
Gina Lewis, Manufacturer Rep.
Total Mobility Services 4785 Penn Avenue Boswell, PA 15531 330.888.9941 phone dennis@tmservices.com
Bob Lundin Rep. at Large 3
Adapt-Solutions 145 Damase-Breton St-Lambert, QC G0S 2W0 866.641.0419 phone ginalewis@adapt-solutions.ca
MobilityWorks 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 800.638.8267 phone bob.lundin@mobilityworks.com
Kevin McMahon, Manufacturer Rep.
Dan Walsh Rep. at Large 4
BraunAbility P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 800.843.5438 phone kevin.mcmahon@braunability.com
Bussani Mobility 500 Central Avenue Bethpage, NY 11714 516.938.5207 phone dwalsh@wegetyouthere.com
Chad Blake, Past President Ability Center 4797 Ruffner Street San Diego, CA 92111 858.541.0552 phone cblake@abilitycenter.com
4
Dennis Charvat, Rep. at Large 2
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
MOBILITY
INNOVATIONS
800 488 7688
www.mobilityinnovators.com
The Jimmy by Veigel is a seat belt assist device designed to aid drivers and passengers with buckling and unbuckling the seat belt buckle in an automobile. The Jimmy’s ergonomic design is light weight and easy to use. Buckling: The ergonomic joystick grip gives you more control to easily engage the buckle. Un-Buckling: Simply pull back on The Jimmy lever while pressing the release button to effortlessly disengage the buckle. Safety: Pulling back on the lever alone will not disengage the buckle. The release button has been designed to prevent unintended disengagement of the buckle.
Light weight ergonomic design for maximum comfort Safety release button prevents unintended disengagement of the buckle Vehicle specific mounting brackets ensure a safe fit and no damage to your automobile safety belt buckle Specific applications available to fit most vehicles Installation is quick and easy
within minutes
Simply clamp the vehicle specific side brackets to the male side of the buckle Can be removed without damage to the factory belt buckle
Jul–Sep 2020
5
NMEDA STAFF DIRECTORY Danny Langfield CEO danny.langfield@nmeda.org
Kristen Clevidence Quality Program Manager kristen.clevidence@nmeda.org NMEDA is heartbroken to share the news that
Mikala Ballard
Andy Ghillyer, our Director
Membership & Administration Coordinator
of Education & Training
mikala.ballard@nmeda.org
and dear friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2020.
Chuck Hardy Director of Quality Assurance & Compliance chuck.hardy@nmeda.org
Andy had been a member of our team since September 1, 2018. He brought so much to our association: a Ph.D. in Management Studies from the University of Surrey, UK; a
Trevor Jennings Director of Partner Relations trevor.jennings@nmeda.org
wealth of business and training experience; a passion for learning; and, maybe most important to those of us who grew to know him well, an inimitable British wit and charm. Andy was also an accomplished author.
Katie McDonald
His textbooks, published by McGraw-Hill,
Director of Communications & Social
included “Business Ethics: A Real World
katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org
Approach” currently in its 5th edition. It is a gross understatement to say that
Marilyn Myers Meetings & Conferences Manager marilyn.myers@nmeda.org
Andy will be missed. He had become a true member of the NMEDA family. For those who have asked about a remembrance, Andy’s wife Sherry has requested that donations be made in his
Amy Schoppman Director of Government Relations amy.schoppman@nmeda.org
name to the American Stroke Association or to Autism Speaks (please use info@nmeda. org as the eCard recipient email). Cards and notes for the Ghillyer family can be sent to NMEDA at 3327 West Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL 33618. Rest in peace, Andy—we’ll raise a pint for ya.
6
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Plug N Play for Sienna and Pacifica Drive-Master Co., Inc. 37 Daniel Road West Fairfield, NJ 07004 Phone: (973) 808-9709 Fax: (973) 808-9713 peter@DriveMasterMobility.com DriveMasterMobility.com
Independent Driving Systems Inc. 580 TC Jester Blvd. Houston, TX 77007 Phone: (713) 864-1460 Fax: (713) 864-1469 info@IndependentDrivingSystems.com IndependentDrivingSystems.com
Introducing the New GEN-XR and PNP-70!
GEN-XR
PNP-70
The GEN-XR is our easiest to install reduced steering system. The GEN-XR allows for 0-100%, and anywhere in between, reduction to the steering. The steering effort can easily be adjusted on the fly by the dealer and locked in. The GEN-XR is a plug n play installation on the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica only needing 3 wires to be soldered (ignition and CAN).
The Plug N Play 70 offers 70 functions for the Pacifica with a simple box that plugs into the OBD-II. The functions are controlled via a tablet. An option is available for Toyota but is not fully plug n play and thus requires tapping a few wires.
Key Features
Key Features
Plug N Play easy installation 0-100% range of reduction (and anywhere in between) Switch over to OEM steering for family members to drive Safety oriented with an advanced backup system Includes phone for adjusting effort and monitoring any errors
Plug N Play easy installation Control HVAC, Windows, Mirrors and more Small form factor
Jul–Sep 2020
7
OFFICER’S MESSAGE
NMEDA’s Financial Health During COVID-19 By Jud DeMott NMEDA TREASURER
T
he Coronavirus seems to have
half of fiscal ’20. Then a number of
directed the association to target
affected most all businesses
dealers have requested that their
our IPR spending more on influencer
and organizations in one
scheduled audits be postponed due
groups and less on the general
way or another. Home improvement
to budget restraints also affecting
consumer. And since most of those
stores are doing a booming business.
NMEDA revenues.
influencer events and conferences
Even some restaurants report sales
have been cancelled, so have our
increases with carry-out and delivery
Now the Good News….
surpassing their total sales pre-
First, Danny and the NMEDA staff
the IPR budget is healthy by natural
COVID. But many other businesses
have done a stellar job of holding
(although unforeseen) events.
and industries are not faring so well.
down expenses. Any expense that can
Our industry qualifies as “essential
be cut has been cut. A salary freeze
business” in most states, so that
has been put into effect, and no new
generally has allowed us to keep
hires are anticipated in the short run.
our doors open. But that doesn’t
Second, over the years, NMEDA has
mean that our customers are willing
staff over the years. And as your
established a significant reserve fund
to venture out. I have talked with a
businesses re-open and you begin to
to address just such shortfalls. That
number of you, and learned that sales
“see light,” please be sure to get any
is in keeping with best practices
levels have varied from almost non-
postponed audits rescheduled. If you
for non-profit organizations like
existent, to nearly “business as usual”
have ideas on how NMEDA can assist
ours. The operations budget for
depending on our local situations.
in the re-opening of our dealerships,
fiscal 2021 was just approved by
contact Danny or any board member.
So how is your NMEDA organization
the board, and it does contemplate
We are very open to your input.
doing? We count on our annual
dipping into the reserve fund this
conference as a major revenue source.
fiscal year. The board also approved
With our co-located conference
a recommendation from the Finance
being moved to fall of 2021, a big
Committee to rebuild the reserve fund
hit was made to our fiscal 2021
by setting aside an additional 25% of
budget (7/1/20–6/30/21). And the
excess revenues in future years until
pandemic put a big dent in our fiscal
the fund is replenished to FY20 levels.
2020 budget. We are seeing a lag
With regard to the IPR (Industry
in revenues. With our restructured
& Public Relations) budget… As
QAP audit program, NMEDA bills us
you know, IPR income is directly
dealers, then pays the audit firm. Our
tied to sales of goods from our
contract reduced your audit fees,
manufacturing members to us dealers
which is a great thing. But RADCO
(the CAP fund). With sales down, we
got off to a slow start, so there was
dealers are buying less goods, ergo
decreased audit income for the first
less IPR revenue. But you dealers had
8
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
participation and travel expenses. So
All this to say that the NMEDA patient is healthy due to historically sound fiscal policies and good stewardship of NMEDA funds by leadership and
---
Jul–Sep 2020
9
NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS UNITED STATES ____________________________
ALABAMA Griffin Mobility 213 Chestnut Street NW Hartselle, AL 35640 (256) 751-1365 1 Gulf States Mobility 1647 Coosa River Parkway Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-6590 1,2,3 MobilityWorks Birmingham 3747 Pine Lane SE Bessemer, AL 35022 (205) 426-8261 1,3 MobilityWorks - Huntsville 2150 Meridian Street North Huntsville, AL 35811 (234) 542-3022 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Montgomery 2015 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 244-1011 1,3 Sylacauga Handicapped Inc 1304 Talladega Hwy Sylacauga, AL 35150 (256) 249-3717 1,2,3 Team Adaptive Medical Inc 1251 Boltons Branch Drive Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-1088 1,3
____________________________
ARIZONA Ability Center - Goodyear 13765 W Auto Drive Suite 125 Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 242-0552 1,3 Ability Center - Phoenix 23606 N 19th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85085 (623) 879-0800 1,3 Ability Center - Tucson 4720 N La Cholla Blvd Suite 150 Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 293-3596 1,3
10
United Access - Phoenix 1825 E Germann Road Suite 24 Chandler, AZ 85286 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3 United Access - Scottsdale 14885 N 83rd Pl., Ste 105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (877) 501-8267 1
____________________________
ARKANSAS Superior Van & Mobility Fayetteville 2887 N College Ave Suite B Fayetteville, AR 72703 (479) 521-8433 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Jonesboro 2500 Commerce Dr Building A Suite B Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 933-7270 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility North Little Rock 7323 Cock of the Walk Suite B North Little Rock, AR 72113 (501) 725-9070 1,3
____________________________
CALIFORNIA Ability Center - Fresno 2563 N. Fordham Avenue Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 291-2563 1,3 Ability Center - Inland Empire 711 S Allen St San Bernardino, CA 92408 (909) 383-3883 1,3 Ability Center - Long Beach 2715 Seaboard Ln Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 634-5962 1,3 Ability Center - Orange Co 11600 Western Avenue Stanton, CA 90680 (714) 890-8262 1,3 Ability Center Sacramento 6550 Freeport Blvd Suite A Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 392-1196 1,3
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Ability Center - San Diego 4797 Ruffner Street San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 541-0552 1,3
MobilityWorks - Fresno 120 North Diamond Street Fresno, CA 93701 (559) 268-9394 1,3
Ability Center - San Luis Obispo 3548 Empleo St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 549-7996 1,3
MobilityWorks - Oakland 1822 Embarcadero Avenue Oakland, CA 94606 (234) 542-3022 1
Ability Center - Santa Rosa 3285 Santa Rosa Avenue Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95707 (707) 575-6997 1,3 Access Options, Inc. Fremont 41545 Albrae St Fremont, CA 94538 (408) 734-5438 1 Access Options, Inc. Watsonville 109 Lee Road Suite D Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-6804 1,2,3 AERO Mobility 1001 N Weir Canyon Road Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 973-8600 1,2,3 Driving Specialties of Sacramento 2216 Cemo Circle #A Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 635-2765 1 Economy Medical Lifestyle Mobility 4025 Nelson Ave. Suite B Concord, CA 94520 (925) 671-4800 1 Gary E. Colle, Inc./dba Goldenboy of San Diego 12130 Dearborn Place Poway, CA 92064 (858) 748-9414 1,3 MobilityWorks - Beverly Hills 1424 S La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 432-0700 1,3 MobilityWorks - Chico 1300 Nord Avenue Chico, CA 95926 (800) 225-7361 1,3
MobilityWorks - Pasadena 325 North Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 584-8181 1,3 MobilityWorks - Riverside 7239 Indiana Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 (951) 686-3152 1,3 MobilityWorks Sacramento 3127 Fite Circle Suite B Sacramento, CA 95827 (800) 225-7361 1 MobilityWorks - San Diego 8130 Parkway Drive LaMesa, CA 91942 (619) 474-4072 1 MobilityWorks - San Francisco 890 Cowan Road Suite B Burlingame, CA 94010 (800) 225-7361 1,3 MobilityWorks - San Jose 1245 Laurelwood Rd Santa Clara, CA 95054 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Van Nuys 7720 North Sepulveda Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91405 (888) 473-5402 1,3 Modesto Mobility Center Inc 1025 Lone Palm Avenue Suite 5A-B Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 577-1069 1,3 SACVANS Mobility 5821 Florin Perkins Road Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 381-8267 1 Colorado Fleet & Mobility, dba Mobility of Denver 2311 S Platte River Drive Denver, CO 80223 (844) 289-2635 1
____________________________
1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer
COLORADO Frontier Access & Mobility Systems, Inc. - Fort Collins 819 E. Mulberry St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 223-8267 1
Wheelchair Getaways 32 Stony Hill Rd. Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 790-9998 1
____________________________
DELAWARE
Mobility Driven 832 Nth Crest Unit B Grand Junction, CO 81506 (970) 712-1435 1
MobilityWorks - Bear 1010 Contractors Way Bear, DE 19701 (302) 613-7555 1
MobilityWorks Englewood 4750 S Santa Fe Circle Suite 5 Englewood, CO 80110 (720) 640-9989 1,3
True Mobility Inc 773 South DuPont Hwy New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 836-4110 1
United Access - Colorado Springs 6285 Corporate Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (877) 501-8267 1 United Access - Denver (South) 5910 E County Line Rd Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3 United Access - Denver (West) 9500 W 49th Ave Ste C107 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3
____________________________
CONNECTICUT Advanced Wheels - East Grandby 33 Bradley Park Road East Granby, CT 06026 (860) 653-8064 1,2,3 Advanced Wheels - East Haven 650 Coe Avenue Suite 2 East Haven, CT 06512 (203) 800-8064 1 CT Mobility/Columbia Ford Inc. 234 Route 6 Columbia, CT 06237 (860) 922-7482 1 MobilityWorks - East Hartford 104 Pitkin Street E. Hartford, CT 06108 (860) 282-8202 1,3
____________________________
FLORIDA Active Mobility and Design, Inc. dba Buddy’s Holiday Mobility 6144 S US Highway 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34982 (772) 465-9600 1,3 Advanced Driving Systems, Inc. 662 Capital Cir NE Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 671-2300 1,2,3 Auto Express South 4852 Palm Beach Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33905 (239) 693-4000 1
Mobility Express 4320 US Highway 19 New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727) 849-0262 1
MobilityWorks - Orlando 7260 Narcoossee Road Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 674-8778 1,3
Mobility Express Inc 7910 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33771 (727) 556-2917 1
MobilityWorks - Tallahassee 1505 Capital Circle NW Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-4383 1
Mobility Transportation Systems 4010 East Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 246-9116 1,2,3
MobilityWorks - Tampa 8706D East Broadway Ave Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 628-4255 1,3
MobilityWorks - Clermont 20354 US Hwy 27 Clermont, FL 34715 (352) 322-2256 1,3 MobilityWorks - Daytona 364 Destination Daytona Ln Ormond Beach, FL 32137 (386) 586-5495 1,3 MobilityWorks - Fort Lauderdale 5601 Powerline Road Suite 104 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (954) 974-7028 1 MobilityWorks - Fort Myers 12530 Metro Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33966 (239) 275-1900 1
Custom Mobility 7199 Bryan Dairy Road Largo, FL 33777 (727) 539-8119 1
MobilityWorks Jacksonville 2727 St Johns Bluff Road S Jacksonville, FL 32246 (904) 281-0111 1,3
In Motion Mobility LLC 2201 NW 102 Place #1 Doral, FL 33172 (786) 534-2046 1,3
MobilityWorks - Lake Worth 1925 10th Ave N Unit 1 Lake Worth, FL 33461 (561) 586-1997 1,3
Kempf Inc 5532 56th Commerce Park Blvd. Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 630-0409 1,3 Mike Erdman Mobility 4650 US Highway 520 Cocoa, FL 32926 (321) 636-8887 1 Mobility America 5130 Hwy 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 816-1513 1
MobilityWorks - Largo 8203 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33771 (727) 521-4248 1,3 MobilityWorks - Miami 5201 NW 77th Ave Suite 100 Miami, FL 33166 (305) 234-0071 1,3 MobilityWorks - Ocala 7265 SW 62nd Ave Unit 1 Ocala, FL 34476 (352) 300-1173 1
Ocean Conversions & Mobility 750 East Sample Road Bldg 1 Suite 3 Pompano Beach, FL 33064 (954) 942-6033 1,2,3 Ocean Conversions of Fort Myers Inc 5751 Zip Drive Ft. Myers, FL 33905 (239) 936-6333 1,2,3 P&A Mobility Enterprises Inc 320 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 739-5596 1 Piper Medical Mobility & Accessibility 1885-B NE 149th Street North Miami, FL 33181 (305) 940-2030 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Pensacola 130 Industrial Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32505 (850) 378-8914 1,3 Team Adaptive - Pensacola 3618 N Pace Blvd Pensacola, FL 32505 (850) 332-1688 1,3 Team Adaptive Inc - Panama City 1201 Harrison Avenue Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 522-0059 1 The Mobility Store LLC 915 N Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 688-3900 1
____________________________
Jul–Sep 2020
11
NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS GEORGIA Adaptive Driving Solutions 3585 Riverwatch Parkway Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-2688 1,2,3 Custom Mobility Van & Lift Sales & Svcs. LLC 315 Whitehead Rd Athens, GA 30606 (706) 353-1099 1,3 MobilityWorks - Atlanta 3700 Dekalb Technology Pkwy Doraville, GA 30340 (470) 427-0696 1,3 MobilityWorks - Marietta 1255 Kennestone Circle Suite 100 Marietta, GA 30066 (800) 444-9100 1,3 MobilityWorks - Savannah 3938 Ogeechee Road Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 233-1050 1 Quail Country Customs 731 South Westover Blvd Albany, GA 31707 (229) 432-7258 1 R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Athens 164 Commerce Blvd Athens, GA 30606 (470) 276-6282 1
MobilityWorks - Niles 9207 N Milwaukee Ave Niles, IL 60714 (847) 673-4300 1,3 MobilityWorks - Plainfield 23855 W Andrew Road Plainfield, IL 60585 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Villa Park 155 East North Avenue Villa Park, IL 60181 (888) 473-5402 1,3 Personal Mobility Champaign 1109 Parkland Ct Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 398-1188 1,3 Personal Mobility - Peoria 7611 N Harker Drive Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 966-3089 1,3 Personal Mobility Springfield 2924 N Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 544-2699 1,3 Southern Bus and Mobility - Breese 12950 Koch Lane Breese, IL 62230 (618) 526-4131 1,3
____________________________
INDIANA
R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Conyers 2130 Sigman Road Conyers, GA 30012 (770) 483-0767 1,2,3
MobilityWorks - Merrillville 1710 W 81st Avenue Merrillville, IN 46410 (234) 200-1339 1,3
HAWAII
Superior Van & Mobility Evansville 3414 Interstate Drive Evansville, IN 47715 (855) 208-5576 1,3
____________________________
Soderholm Mobility 2044 Dillingham Blvd Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 834-1417 1,3
____________________________
ILLINOIS Alternative Mobility Solutions, Inc. dba AMS Auto 1340 Cobblestone Way Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 527-7297 1,3
12
Superior Van & Mobility Fishers 13095 Parkside Drive Fishers, IN 46038 (317) 436-6722 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Fort Wayne 2218 Contractors Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (855) 208-5576 1,3
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Superior Van & Mobility Indianapolis 5410 South Madison Ave Indianapolis, IN 46227 (855) 208-5576 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility South Bend 4246 Meghan Beeler Ct. Suite 1 South Bend, IN 46628 (855) 208-5576 1,3
____________________________
IOWA Siebert Mobility of Iowa LLC 3554 Dolphin Drive Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 351-3159 1,3
Superior Van & Mobility Louisville 1506 Lakeshore Court Louisville, KY 40223 (855) 208-5576 1,3
____________________________
LOUISIANA Crescent Vans, Inc. 2424 Hickory Ave Metairie, LA 70003 (504) 738-2634 1,3 FastServ Medical - Bossier 1329 Driftwood Drive Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 741-9586 1,3
KANSAS
Fastserv Medical - Monroe 112 Summer Lane West Monroe, LA 71291 (318) 396-3366 1,3
Banner Mobility Resources Inc. 231 SE 53rd St Ste C Topeka, KS 66609 (785) 235-3070 1
Superior Van & Mobility Baton Rouge 12329 Industriplex Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (855) 208-5576 1,3
Jay Hatfield Mobility LLC Columbus 200 S East Avenue Columbus, KS 66725 (800) 545-4227 1
Superior Van & Mobility Harvey 1901 Westbank Expressway Suite 500 Harvey, LA 70058 (855) 208-5576 1
____________________________
Jay Hatfield Mobility LLC Wichita 11922 East Kellogg Wichita, KS 67207 (620) 429-2636 1 Kansas Truck Mobility 8846 West Monroe Circle Wichita, KS 67209 (316) 722-4291 1 United Access - Lenexa 7921 Bond St Lenexa, KS 66214 (877) 501-8267 1,3
____________________________
KENTUCKY Superior Van & Mobility Lexington 761 East New Circle Road Lexington, KY 40505 (855) 208-5576 1,3
____________________________
MAINE Advanced Modifications Inc. 1766 Hammond Street Hermon, ME 04401 (207) 848-8226 1,3 MobilityWorks - Gray 32 Lewiston Road Unit 2B Gray, ME 04039 (207) 657-6664 1,3
____________________________
MARYLAND Auto Assist Inc 5002 Lehigh Road College Park, MD 20740 (301) 699-2238 1 BEDCO Mobility 6300 Falls Rd Unit 2 Baltimore, MD 21209 (410) 825-1440 1
1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer
Koons Ford of Annapolis 2540 Riva Road Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 224-2100 1,3 MobilityWorks - Beltsville 11409 Maryland Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 (301) 595-4466 1,3 MobilityWorks - Windsor 2601 N Rolling Road Windsor, MD 21244 (443) 384-0080 1 Oneness Mobility Services 7701 Penn Belt Drive Forestville, MD 20747 (301) 568-6686 1,2,3 The Customizers, Inc. 14133 Pennsylvania Ave Hagerstown, MD 21742 (301) 797-7727 1 Total Mobility Services Inc Frederick 5411 Yukon Court Suite B Frederick, MD 21703 (240) 490-7840 1,3 ____________________________
MASSACHUSETTS Adaptive Mobility Equipment, Inc. 1551 Fall River Ave Seekonk, MA 02771 (508) 336-2556 1,3 MobilityWorks - North Attleboro 57 George Levin Drive N. Attleboro, MA 02760 (508) 643-0605 1,3 MobilityWorks - Norwood 560 Providence Highway Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 278-8885 1,3 MobilityWorks - Wodburn 299 Washington Street Suite H Woburn, MA 01801 (339) 298-5650 1,3
____________________________
MICHIGAN Access Mobility Center 7620 Eastman Avenue Midland, MI 48642 (989) 633-6100 1
Clock Mobility - Grand Rapids 6700 Clay Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 698-9400 1,2,3
Cummings Mobility Burnsville 2511 West Hwy 13 Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 435-8889 1
United Access - Cape Girardeau 753 S Kingshighway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 (877) 501-8267 1
Clock Mobility - Lansing 5540 S Pennsylvania Ave Suite 11 Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 272-4488 1
Cummings Mobility - Little Canada 2940 Rice St. Little Canada, MN 55113 (651) 633-7887 1
United Access - Columbia 618 Jackson St Columbia, MO 65203 (877) 501-8267 1,3
Clock Mobility - Traverse City 587 W Blue Star Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 943-9890 1 Creative Mobility Group, Inc. - Byron Center 7740 Clyde Park Avenue SW Byron Center, MI 49315 (616) 583-9730 1
____________________________
MISSISSIPPI Handicapable Vans Inc 5516 North State Street Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 981-0042 1,2,3 Js Mobility Unlimited Inc 3880 Flowood Drive Flowood, MS 39232 (601) 939-2112 1,2,3
Creative Mobility Group, Inc. - Madison Heights 32217 Stephenson Hwy Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 577-5430 1,3
Mobility Systems Inc 2857 Oak Grove Road Hattiesburg, MS 39402 (601) 264-0609 1,2,3
Creative Mobility Group, Inc. - Wayne 33073 Michigan Avenue Wayne, MI 48184 (734) 595-4400 1,3
Team Adaptive Inc - Biloxi 978 Tommy Munro Drive Biloxi, MS 39532 (228) 388-5700 1,3
MobilityWorks - Detroit 1604 East 14 Mile Road Madison Heights, MI 48071 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Saginaw 8175 Gratiot Road Saginaw, MI 48609 (888) 473-5402 1,3
Total Mobility Concepts LLC 2074 Cliff Gookin Blvd Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 269-2068 1
____________________________
MISSOURI
MINNESOTA
DW Auto & Home Mobility Specialties 1208 N Garth Ave Columbia, MO 65203 (800) 568-2271 1,2,3
Bert’s Truck Equipment of Moorhead, Inc. 3804 Hwy 75 North Moorhead, MN 56560 (218) 233-8681 1
Jay Hatfield Mobility LLC Lee Summitt 1115 SW Oldham Parkway Lee Summit, MO 64081 (620) 429-2636 1
Cummings Mobility Albertville 6540 Jansen Ave NE Albertville, MN 55301 (763) 497-0103 1,2,3
Southern Bus & Mobility Inc - Valley Park 80 South Highway Drive Valley Park, MO 63088 (636) 825-0700 1
____________________________
United Access - Kansas City 8200 NW 97th Ter Kansas City, MO 64153 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - Saint Louis (North) 9389 Natural Bridge Rd St Louis, MO 63134 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3 United Access - Springfield MO 1389 N Cedarbrook Ave Springfield, MO 65802 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - St. Louis (South) 980 S Highway Dr Fenton, MO 63026 (877) 501-8267 1
____________________________
NEBRAKSA Mobility Motoring 7222 South 142nd Street Omaha, NE 68138 (402) 884-3333 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Omaha 11147 Mockingbird Dr. Omaha, NE 68137 (402) 934-7826 1,3
____________________________
NEVADA
Ability Center - Las Vegas 6001 S Decatur Blvd Suite N Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 434-3030 1,3 MobilityWorks - Las Vegas 2100 S. Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 876-9606 1,3
____________________________
Jul–Sep 2020
13
NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW MEXICO
MobilityWorks Londonderry 54 Wentworth Avenue Londonderry, NH 03053 (603) 437-4444 1,2,3
United Access Albuquerque 3825 Osuna Rd NE Ste 1 Albuquerque, NM 87109 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3
New England Motor Car Co Inc 13 River Road Hudson, NH 03051 (603) 888-1207 1,3
____________________________
NEW JERSEY Brunswick Automotive Professionals 1490 US 1 North North Brunswick, NJ 08902 (732) 545-6300 1,3 Drive-Master Systems & Controls 37 Daniel Road West Fairfield, NJ 07004 (973) 808-9709 1,2,3
____________________________
NEW YORK Abilities Unlimited of NY, Inc. 90 E Jefryn Blvd Deer Park, NY 11729 (800) 664-8434 1,2,3 Advance Mobility Plus Inc 847 East 43rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718) 253-1212 1 Agor Enterprises, Inc Rochester 951 Panorama Trail South Rochester, NY 14625 (585) 385-2556 1
FTMobility 255 US Highway 46 West Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 (973) 546-1900 1
Agor Enterprises, Inc Syracuse 1241 Erie Blvd W Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 510-4272 1
MobilityWorks Cinnaminson 2303 Wallace Blvd Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 (888) 473-5402 1,3
Boulevard Van City 2708 Niagara Falls Blvd Wheatfield, NY 14304 (716) 731-4335 1,3
MobilityWorks Farmingdale 5105 New Jersey Route 33 Wall Township, NJ 07727 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Highland Park 211 Woodbridge Ave Highland Park, NJ 08904 (732) 640-5350 1,3 MobilityWorks - Woodbury 1549 Gateway Blvd Woodbury, NJ 08096 (888) 473-5402 1,2,3 ____________________________
14
Bussani Mobility Bethpage 500 Central Ave Bethpage, NY 11714 (516) 938-5207 1,3 Bussani Mobility Mamaroneck 501 Concord Avenue Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 835-8267 1,3 Bussani Mobility Team East, LLC 401 E Middle Country Road Smithtown, NY 11787 (631) 240-4128 1 Main Mobility 9580 Main Street Clarence, NY 14031 (716) 759-6811 1,2,3
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
MobilityWorks - Albany 1892 Central Avenue Suite 25 Albany, NY 12205 (888) 473-5402 1,3 MobilityWorks - Buffalo 3560 Sheridan Drive Amherst, NY 14226 (716) 342-3530 1,3 Tims Trim Inc 25 Bermar Park Rochester, NY 14624 (585) 429-6270 1,2,3 United Access - Rochester 3760 West Henrietta Rd Rochester, NY 14623 (877) 501-8267 1 United Access - Syracuse 2211 Erie Blvd E Syracuse, NY 13224 (877) 501-8267 1
____________________________
NORTH CAROLINA Care Solutions 110 B Edney Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 (828) 698-9844 1 Helping Wheels Mobility & Conversions 1078 Tunnel Road Suite F Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 552-3900 1
MobilityWorks - Concord 4012 Dearborn Place NW Concord, NC 28027 (704) 886-0868 1 Stalls Medical Inc dba Adaptive Vans Inc 7980 Chapel Hill Road Suite 101 Cary, NC 27513 (919) 233-0732 1 Van Products - Raleigh 2521 Noblin Road Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 878-7110 1,3 Van Products - Wilmington 394A Green Meadow Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 793-5661 1
____________________________
OHIO Columbus Mobility Specialists, LLC 6330 Proprietors Rd Suite C Worthington, OH 43085 (614) 825-8996 1,2,3 Key Mobility Services 1944 US State Route 68 N Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 374-3226 1 Marietta Mobility Steves Vans & Accessories Unl 221 Pike Street Marietta, OH 45750 (800) 690-4950 1,2,3
Ilderton Conversion Company 701 South Main Street High Point, NC 27260 (336) 841-2020 1,2,3
MobilityWorks - Akron 810 Moe Drive Akron, OH 44310 (888) 473-5402 1,3
Ilderton Conversion of Asheville 35 Dogwood Road Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 670-1111 1,3
MobilityWorks - Bedford Heights 5040 Richmond Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (800) 951-6238 1,3
Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte 1424 Archdale Drive Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 523-2022 1,3
MobilityWorks - Dayton 214 Valley Street Dayton, OH 45404 (937) 963-0733 1,3
MobilityWorks - Charlotte 4025 Queen City Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 (704) 399-0900 1,3
MobilityWorks - Sharonville 11755 Mosteller Rd Sharonville, OH 45241 (513) 791-4000 1,3
1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer
MobilityWorks - Toledo 1020 Laskey Road Toledo, OH 43612 (888) 473-5402 1,3
____________________________
OKLAHOMA Handicapped Vehicle Services Unlimited 7215 East 46th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 622-8400 1 Mobility One Transportation 17520 East Pine Street Tulsa, OK 74116 (918) 437-4488 1 United Access - Oklahoma City 730 W Hefner Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (877) 501-8267 1,3
____________________________
OREGON Ability Center - Eugene 3574 Marcola Road Springfield, OR 97477 (541) 726-4001 1,3 Ability Center - Portland 9740 SW Wilsonville Road Suite 250 Wilsonville, OR 97070 (971) 224-5895 1,3 R & J Mobility Service LLC - Medford 4938 Crater Lake Avenue Medford, OR 97504 (541) 245-4846 1,3 R & J Mobility ServicesLLC - Salem 200 Hawthorne Avenue SE Salem, OR 97301 (503) 838-5520 1,2,3 United Access - Portland (East) 12905 NE Airport Way Portland, OR 97230 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - Portland (West) 4347 NW Yeon Ave Portland, OR 97210 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3
____________________________
PENNSYLVANIA
PUERTO RICO
TEXAS
Keller Wheelchair Lifts 197 Main Street Luzerne, PA 18709 (570) 288-1004 1,2,3
Equipos Pro Impedidos De P.R., Inc. Carr #1 Int R796 Km 10.4 Bo. Bairoa La 25 Caguas, PR 00725 (787) 746-7667 1,3
Access2Mobility, Inc. 12406 State Highway 155 S. Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 592-6760 1,3
Keystone Coach Works 4786 Library Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 (412) 833-1900 1,2,3 MITS Corp 11448 North Main Street Extended Glen Rock, PA 17327 (717) 235-5899 1 MobilityWorks - Allentown 2200 South 12th St Suite 2210 Allentown, PA 18103 (888) 473-5402 1,2,3 MobilityWorks Philadelphia 925 South Trooper Road Norristown, PA 19403 (888) 473-5402 1,2,3 MobilityWorks - Pittsburgh 1012 Seco Road Monroeville, PA 15146 (888) 473-5402 1,3 Palmiero Mobility 16165 Conneaut Lake Road Meadville, PA 16335 (814) 336-1061 1 Steffy’s Garage Inc dba SGI Mobility 235 W Main Street Leola, PA 17540 (717) 656-6065 1,3 Total Mobility Services Inc Boswell 4785 Penn Avenue Boswell, PA 15531 (814) 629-9935 1,2,3 Total Mobility Services Inc Harrisburg 7917 Derry Street, Suite 124 Harrisburg, PA 17111 (800) 558-7408 1,3 ____________________________
____________________________
SOUTH CAROLINA Ilderton Conversion of Charleston LLC 8550 Rivers Avenue N. Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 576-0414 1,3 MobilityWorks - Columbia 3624 Fernandina Road Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 828-5754 1 MobilityWorks - Greenville 563 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607 (864) 293-7171 1
____________________________
TENNESSEE Apple Independence Mobility 1750 Lee Seminary Road Cookeville, TN 38506 (877) 528-5788 1 MobilityWorks Chattanooga 1325 Mackey Branch Drive Chattanooga, TN 37421 (423) 308-8267 1,3 MobilityWorks - Gallatin 1015 S Water Avenue Gallatin, TN 37066 (651) 451-7373 1 MobilityWorks - Nashville 173 Industrial Drive Lavergne, TN 37086 (615) 280-5058 1,3 Superior Van & Mobility Knoxville 10640 Braden Dickey Lane Knoxville, TN 37932 (855) 208-5576 1,3 United Access - Memphis 2165 Hillshire Cir Memphis, TN 38133 (877) 501-8267 1,3
Adaptive Driving Access College Station 2214 N Earl Rudder Freeway Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 307-7676 1,3 Adaptive Driving Access Corpus Christi 2201 Gollihar Road Corpus Christi, TX 78415 (361) 852-0922 1 Adaptive Driving Access Houston 6836 N Sam Houston Pkwy W Houston, TX 77064 (713) 874-9100 1,2,3 Adaptive Driving Access McAllen 120 North 20th Street McAllen, TX 78501 (956) 971-0001 1 Adaptive Driving Access Pasadena 3430 E Sam Houston Pkwy S Pasadena, TX 77505 (281) 487-1969 1,2,3 American Lift Aids Beaumont 2310 Calder Ave Beaumont, TX 77702 (409) 832-3400 1,2,3 American Lift Aids, Inc. Tyler 2407 W Southwest Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 581-8844 1,2,3 Andy’s Mobility & Lift Services 1502 Santa Ursula Laredo, TX 78040 (956) 722-7371 1 Lift Aids Inc 1500 Westpark Way Euless, TX 76040 (817) 835-0035 1,2,3
____________________________
Jul–Sep 2020
15
NMEDA DEALER MEMBERS MobilityWorks - Austin 239 Commercial Drive Buda, TX 78610 (512) 295-3800 1,3 MobilityWorks - Dallas 4150 Interstate 30 Mesquite, TX 75150 (972) 270-7114 1,3 MobilityWorks - Fort Worth 2110 N Beach Ft Worth, TX 76111 (866) 211-8267 1,3 MobilityWorks - San Antonio 6473 DeZavala Road San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 697-8884 1,2,3 MobilityWorks - Selma 16262 IH 35 North Selma, TX 78154 (210) 718-0055 1,3 MobilityWorks - Waco 2700 Franklin Avenue Waco, TX 76710 (254) 754-2700 1 Open Road Mobility Amarillo 6669 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79110 (806) 353-2747 1 Open Road Mobility Lubbock 7411 82nd Street Lubbock, TX 79424 (806) 771-5873 1,2,3 Texas Mobility Services, LLC dba Texas Adaptive Aids 701 Bearcat Road Unit B Aledo, TX 76087 (817) 394-3914 1,3 United Access - Austin 15301 Interstate 35 Ste A Pflugerville, TX 78660 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - Dallas (East) 2704 Lawing Ln 300 Rowlett, TX 75088 (877) 501-8267 1,2,3
16
United Access - Dallas (North) 2109 Luna Rd Ste 200 Carrollton, TX 75006 (877) 501-8267 1,3 United Access - El Paso 8736 Gateway East Blvd Suite B El Paso, TX 79907 (877) 501-8267 1
____________________________
UTAH United Access - Salt Lake City 9082 S 300 W Sandy, UT 84070 (877) 501-8267 1
____________________________
VERMONT MobilityWorks - Essex Junction 5C David Drive Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 878-8640 1,3
____________________________
VIRGINIA Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence d/b/a DRCE Mobility Solutions 14101 Parke Long Court Suite E Chantilly, VA 20151 (703) 345-2990 1,3 Independent Lifestyles 4880 South Amherst Hwy Madison Heights, VA 24572 (434) 846-7510 1 MITS of VA 2075 W Main Street Waynesboro, VA 22980 (540) 932-7300 1 Mobility Plus Inc of Virginia 763 Union Street Salem, VA 24153 (540) 389-3400 1,3 MobilityWorks - Alexandria 5751 General Washington Dr Alexandria, VA 22312 (234) 542-3022 1 MobilityWorks - Norfolk 6059 Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502 (757) 455-9889 1,3
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
MobilityWorks - North Chesterfield 7450 Midlothian Turnpike North Chesterfield, VA 23225 (804) 220-0611 1,3 Priority Honda Hampton dba Priority Mobility 4115 W Mercury Blvd. Hampton, VA 23666 (757) 838-1252 1
____________________________
WASHINGTON Absolute Mobility Center 21704 87th Ave SE Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 481-6546 1,3 Goldenwest Mobility 1815 E Francis Ave Spokane, WA 99208 (509) 484-3842 1,3 Kersey Mobility 7202 Evergreen Way Everett, WA 98203 (425) 353-6563 1,3 Kersey Mobility LLC 14640 NE 91st Street Suite A Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 406-8484 1 Kersey Mobility Systems Inc 6015 160th Avenue East Sumner, WA 98390 (253) 863-4744 1,2,3
____________________________
WISCONSIN A & J Mobility - De Pere 1330 Mid Valley Drive De Pere, WI 54115 (920) 632-4882 1,3 A & J Mobility - Eau Claire 2650 Prospect Drive Eau Claire, WI 54703 (715) 874-6630 1,3 A & J Mobility - McFarland 4125 Terminal Drive McFarland, WI 53558 (608) 579-1500 1,3 A & J Mobility - Richfield 3058 Helsan Drive Richfield, WI 53076 (800) 517-1024 1,3
A & J Mobility - Valders 333 Washington Street Valders, WI 54245 (920) 775-9333 1,2,3 MobilityWorks - Green Bay 844 Ontario Road Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 491-8384 1,3 MobilityWorks - Stevens Point 2833 Stanley Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 997-8881 1,3 MobilityWorks - Waukesha N8 W22195 Johnson Drive Ste 130 Waukesha, WI 53186 (888) 473-5402 1,3
____________________________
WYOMING Frontier Access & Mobility Systems, Inc. - Cheyenne 1207 E Pershing Blvd Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 637-7663 1 ___________________________
1 = Mobility Equipment Installer 2 = Structural Vehicle Modifier 3 = High Tech Driving Systems Installer
CANADA
____________________________
ALBERTA Accessible Vehicle Solutions Inc. 1231 36 Avenue NE #14 Calgary, AB T2E 6N6 (587) 319-2819 1 ECO Medical 18303 107 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5S 1K4 (780) 483-6232 1,3 Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Calgary) 4216 54 Avenue SE Unit 60 Calgary, AB T2C 2E3 (403) 243-6300 1 Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Edmonton) 14568-116 Ave. Edmonton, AB T5M 3E9 (844) 799-5464 1
____________________________
BRITISH COLUMBIA Advanced Mobility Products 101-8620 Glenlyon Parkway Burnaby, BC V5J 0B6 (604) 293-0002 1 Alliance Mobility Solutions 1075 McCurdy Road Kelowna, BC V1X 2P9 (236) 420-1400 1,3 Alliance Mobility Solutions 12211 Vulcan Way #110 Richmond, BC V6V 1J7 (604) 370-7004 1,3 Island Mediquip Ltd 2258 Dorman Road Nanaimo, BC V9Z 6R4 (250) 824-0390 1 Island Mediquip Ltd 750 Enterprise Crescent Victoria, BC V8Z 6R4 (250) 634-1895 1 Medichair Northern BC 849 2nd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3A6 (250) 562-8280 1
Sidewinder Conversions & Mobility Ltd. 44658 Yale Road West Chilliwack, BC V2R 0G5 (604) 792-2082 1,2,3
Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Toronto) 14 Goodmark Place Etobicoke, ON M9W 6R1 (844) 799-5464 1
Silver Cross Automotive Inc.(Maple Ridge) 11393 Kingston St. Unit 4 Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y7 (877) 215-760 1
Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Waterloo) 675A Davenport Road Waterloo, ON N2V 2E2 (844) 799-5464 1,2,3
MANITOBA
QUEBEC
Northland Home Healthcare Products 865 Bradford Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0N6 (204) 786-6786 1
Adaptation 04 Inc 3025 rue Girard Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 2M4 (819) 372-0102 1,3
____________________________
____________________________
ONTARIO Conval-Aid/Liftability 2600 Lancaster Road Ottawa, ON K1B 4Z4 (613) 738-2721 1 Courtland Mobility 1355 Artisans Court Unit B Burlington, ON L7L 5Y2 (800) 354-8138 1,2,3 Goldline Mobility & Conversions 762 Industrial Road London, ON N5V 3N7 (519) 453-0480 1,2,3
SASKATCHEWAN PrairieHeart Mobility 3033 Saskatchewan Drive Regina, SK S4T 1H5 (306) 584-8456 1,3
____________________________
Centre d Autonomie 399 Ave De La Friche Dolbeau Mistassini, QC G8L 2T3 (418) 276-8336 1,3 Centre de L’auto St-Lambert 145 Damase Breton St-Lambert de Lauzon, QC G0S 2W0 (866) 641-0419 1,3 Eureka Solutions 107-829 J-Ambroise Craig Levis, QC G7A 2N2 (866) 562-2555 1 Eureka Solutions 2755 Montee St Hubert Longueuil, QC J3Y 4H6 (866) 562-2555 1,3
Mobility in Motion 1710 Bishop Street N Unit 8 Cambridge, ON N1T 1T2 (519) 623-9930 1
Eureka Solutions 5018 Industrial Blvd Sherbrooke, QC J1R 0P4 (866) 562-2555 1,3
Northend Mobility 301 Aqueduct Street Welland, ON L3C 1C9 (905) 735-5552 1,2
SMVR 2 Visions Inc 414 Blvd St Germain Ouest Rimouski, QC G5L 3N4 (418) 723-9225 1,3
Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (London) 2028 Dundas Street London, ON N5V 1R2 (844) 799-5464 1
TVR Technologies Inc 595 Lanaudiere Repentigny, QC J6A 7N1 (888) 919-2555 1,3
Silver Cross Automotive Inc. (Ottawa) 5300 Canotek Road Unit 42 Ottawa, ON K1J 1A4 (613) 290-5279 1
Van Action 2005 Inc 4350 Autoroute 13 Laval, QC H7R 6E9 (800) 668-8705 1,2,3
____________________________
Jul–Sep 2020
17
CEO’S MESSAGE
Progress Amidst Chaos: Advancing NMEDA’s Technology Initiatives By Danny Langfield NMEDA CEO
W
ell, it has certainly been
on-a-pig” cosmetic makeover; we
an interesting three
A New Member Portal
mean an ALL new website—graphic
The backend database engine that
months since the last
treatment, navigation, content—the
associations run on is known as an
column I penned for this publication.
works. Staff has been working with a
AMS—Association Management
This missive is being composed right
member task force to ensure our new
System. The AMS is where your
web presence is intuitive, simple, clean
company and individual member
and professional. We are focusing
profiles reside. It is also the home of
on our three core constituencies: the
training records and all the technology
auto mobility industry, the buying
used for event registration, audit
public and our partners, a group that
results and corrective actions, and
includes allied health professionals,
much, much more. It is essentially the
organizations such as United Spinal
equivalent of a dealer’s DMS.
around the 4th of July. For a good little bit here we have all been living on COVID time…and it is decidedly different, that’s for sure. Sometimes it has felt like the time has absolutely crept by; on the other hand, how could time be creeping by when three months ago feels like three lifetimes? Strange days have found us, indeed. As of this writing, the NMEDA office’s home state of Florida has exploded with new cases, although thankfully hospitalizations and deaths have increased only slightly. But, just like
“
and PVA, and our friends in voc rehab
We are bringing a disciplined approach to the new website: simple, clean, intuitive. We are aiming to go live on October 1.”
last issue, I find myself rolling my eyes
and the VA. We are charting a clear
For many years NMEDA has utilized
as I write—because I realize when you
navigational path for each group to
a custom AMS, and, as many of
actually read this, likely early August,
ensure our targeted message and
you know from painful, first-hand
there is simply NO TELLING what the
resources for each hits its mark.
experience, it has…issues. So, a few
situation will be.
Our current website actually has a
months ago we signed a deal with
The NMEDA staff has continued to
tremendous amount of pretty good
work remotely, and I’m pleased to
content, but over time the navigation
be able to report that we are making
has, quite frankly, spiraled out of
really good progress on several key
control. We are bringing a disciplined
initiatives. An update follows…
approach to the new website: simple, clean, intuitive. We are aiming to go
A New Website
live on October 1; circumstances could
I’ll start with the highest-profile effort
conspire to thwart that goal (as we
we have underway, the development
have seen), but that is our target,
of a new website. This is no “lipstick-
nonetheless.
18
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
a company called MemberSuite to license their off-the-shelf AMS, which will be integrated with the new website. While not nearly as public-facing as the new website, the AMS is arguably more important to our members, particularly in your everyday online interaction with the association. Much more to come on this, but suffice it to
say that transactions such as event
associated with keeping our current
develop QAPx based on some of the
registration, member profile changes,
AMS limping along, we have been able
core functionality of their DocuTrack
and most importantly, training
to provide these upgrades for about
app. Much more to come on this as
records, are about to see a major
the same cost of our current AMS/
well…
improvement. Speaking of training
LMS combo. And both products are
records…
serious improvements over the status
A New Learning Management System The third leg of our online triple crown will be the new LMS. We signed
quo. Win? Win. Now, will there be a learning curve? Yep. Can’t be helped. But it will definitely be worth it…
QAPx
And that about wraps up the update. These days I occasionally wonder: Are we running a technology firm or a trade association here? But the truth is our association needed
Breaking news here…shortly before
modernizing in these arenas, there
Brainshark, with a significantly
the magazine went to press, the
is just no doubt about it. We are
more advanced system called Path,
NMEDA board of directors authorized
actively excited to share these
from Blue Sky eLearning. Among
the staff to enter into an agreement
upgrades with you, and I hope you’ll
other benefits, Path features much
for the development of QAPx, the
find a corresponding increase in the
better functionality and the ability
next-generation software solution
value of your NMEDA membership.
to transmit course completion and
for the digital administration of QAP.
assessment scores IMMEDIATELY to
---
As those of you who attended the
your member profile in the AMS.
dealers-only forum at the conference
Thanks to some favorable buyer’s-
are aware, NMEDA has been
market conditions and the
negotiating for many months with the
(unfortunately) significant expense
Adaptive Driving Alliance on a deal to
a deal to replace our current solution,
Jul–Sep 2020
19
INDUSTRY ADVISOR
More About Strategic Testing By Harry Baergen – Autoregs Consulting NMEDA CRP COORDINATOR Harry Baergen was previously the Regulation Enforcement Officer for Transport Canada. Currently, he acts as the Compliance Review Program (CRP) Coordinator for NMEDA. If you have any questions about the contents of this article, or about the NMEDA CRP, contact Harry Baergen at 778.888.2210.
T
he last article in this space addressed a recurring problem in the adaptive manufacturing
industry about using aging high mileage vehicles for certification testing. In this issue, based on recent cases, CRP is adding more information about strategically choosing test vehicles, especially for companies that alter multiple makes and models of vehicles. The goal for a smaller company, of course, is to use less test vehicles to represent more models. In the 70s and early 80s, beginning with the 1969 Ford Econoline, (‘E’ series) when full size vans with lowered floors and raised roofs were popular, conversion companies would crash test the heaviest vehicle in a model series to represent the “extreme case” and extrapolate the test results down to the lighter vehicles. For example, the NMEDA consortium test program for the F/ CMVSS 301 fuel system integrity
20
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
test for a Ford E350 van would
niche in the adaptive marketplace
represent a Ford E250 with the
and for optimal fuel efficiency the
same conversion. The E150 with the
OEMs are offering more power train
lighter frame was tested to represent
configurations within a given make
the E150 only. Most vans were rear
and model. Hence, the question arises:
drive and the power trains consisted
which vehicle configuration to test to
of similar transmissions with V/8
represent a company’s diverse fleet?
engines. Then, beginning with the 1984 Plymouth Voyager, the lowered floor mini-van became the adaptive vehicle of choice. Over the years the engine configurations in mini-vans were also similar in a given make or model, so basically, the heaviest model with full optional equipment was tested. Now we seem to be entering an era where the general
Besides the obvious consideration to test at the beginning of a new model year change the next obvious thing to consider in choosing test vehicles is the vehicle make and model that the conversion company has decided to be the “prime mover,” the conversion design, vehicle make and model, that will sell the most.
“
Generally, companies will have
market is demanding larger European
conducted some kind of market study
type vehicles, so the original
before designing a conversion for
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are
the adaptive market to determine
offering spacious high roof front drive
the demand for a particular vehicle
vans with low floors in many different
combination. This market analysis
configurations and engine options.
would likely include the features
Fortunately, these vans can be
and options in the prime mover. For
made wheelchair accessible without
example, if a wheelchair accessible
structural modifications that require
pick-up truck or SUV conversion with
destructive vehicle testing. However,
a V/8 engine and 4X4 running gear
trucks and SUVs are also carving a
is considered to be the main seller,
Where a test is intended to cover several models with the same conversion, often the heavier vehicle would be the extreme case, but not always.”
the company would make sure the
A recent example of having a valued
that Toyota had done a re-test, but
vehicle used for certification testing
line of communication with the OEM
only a frontal, this helped the latter
will cover that configuration. Where
is the 2017 Toyota Sienna that had
conversion companies with the
a test is intended to cover several
undergone a number of under-hood
decision to also do only a frontal
models with the same conversion,
changes to accommodate the new
crash test. It was determined that a
often the heavier vehicle would be
evaporative emissions requirements.
rear crash was not necessary based
the extreme case, but not always. A
Structurally, the 2017 was the
on engineering analysis and bench
2500 4X4 pick-up model might be
same vehicle and the platform and
testing that concluded that the
dimensions were the same as its
neoprene filler hose would not change
used for crash testing to apply to the 1500 4X4 if the frames, and power trains are the same and if there is little difference in body height. However, to be sure which models can be covered with the same test vehicle the most important element must be brought into the picture— the OEM engineers who designed and tested the vehicles in the first place. Getting information from OEM engineering may not be easy, especially for small conversion companies that buy OEM chassis direct from a dealer. Smaller conversion companies do not always have a direct line of communication with the OEM vehicle supplier and if they do OEMs are often reluctant to disclose testing information. Albeit, sometimes an OEM will disclose general information, such as the particular models it crash tested to certify the fleet, or whether it crash tested vehicles to address certain model year changes, or which model it crash tested to certify different engine options. The OEM, of course, has the resources to crash test more vehicles to represent more configurations than the average conversion company and the OEM has at its disposal more data from previous testing to draw on for analysis. However, any information from the OEM can prove to be extremely valuable for the up-fitter in deciding which model and options to test.
“
However, to be sure which models can be covered with the same test vehicle the most important element must be brought into the picture—the OEM engineers who designed and tested the vehicles in the first place.”
2016 predecessor, but Toyota had
its performance in a rear F/CMVSS 301
made a number of changes, mostly
fuel system integrity test.
in the engine compartment. This
This is the kind of strategic decision
made the side entry conversion companies question the validity of their own existing crash testing. The changes in the 2017 included: a new intake manifold design, direct injection and pressure pump changed from port injection, a plastic engine head cover changed from a cast cover, a new transmission housing with no oil pan, an eight speed transmission changed from a six speed transmission, possible heavier engine mount cradle, an additional fuel line to the evaporative canister, separate evaporative canister and purge unit changed from a single unit, a neoprene filler neck changed from rubber, and the 2017 vehicle was 55 pounds heavier. Some companies decided that their conversion does not interfere with the changes and other companies decided that their conversion did interfere, but were not sure whether it warranted a re-test. However, when it was discovered
making that would also apply to scenarios such as different engine types in the same vehicle model. For example, an inline four-cylinder, a V/6 or a V/8 engine, optional in the same platform. A third-party reviewer, such as NMEDA CRP, cannot be expected to determine similarities or differences between the crash dynamics of vehicles with different engine configurations. This means that the conversion company will have to make some decisions about which engine configuration to test. It can decide to test all engine configurations, it can decide to sell only certain engine configurations (prime movers) and test those, or it can determine which engine configuration might be the extreme case, if there is one, in crash testing, and determine if the test results from the extreme case can be extrapolated to the other models with different engines. As mentioned, although the extreme
Jul–Sep 2020
21
INDUSTRY ADVISOR
(continued)
case is often the heaviest vehicle,
Some OEMs have up-fitter programs,
different engine configurations, brake
this is not always the case. Therefore,
like the Ford QVM program, and some
re-testing for raised body CG changes,
the extreme case scenario will very
are even known to ask up-fitters for
new model changes, hitch receivers,
likely have to involve the OEM to
their federal test reports, although
vehicle class changes, etc., an OEM
enable the alterer to demonstrate to
the reverse scenario would be rare.
contact can be invaluable, if not
CRP that the results from the tested
However, even general information
absolutely necessary, for a company in
vehicle can be extrapolated to other
or verbal information that can be
the business of altering OEM vehicles.
engine configurations. Otherwise,
obtained from the OEM through other
NMEDA can only post the vehicle
relationships can be extremely helpful,
On another important note, as
configuration that was tested.
especially in strategically choosing
OEMs involvement often appears to
test vehicles.
be illusive and freely sharing test data
A converted vehicle is manufactured
before acquiring test vehicles. Also,
with up-fitters is not something OEMs
by at least two companies including
depending on the circumstances,
are known for. Although, the OEM will
the OEM. Therefore, the OEM has
NMEDA may try to assist an alterer in
often support conversion companies
some vested interest in the converted
communicating with the OEM.
in other ways, especially those alterers
vehicle as it makes its way in the
who are trying to comply with federal
marketplace. CRP would strongly
---
law. For example, OEMs will share
encourage smaller conversion
exhibits with alterers at trade shows
companies to not hesitate in seeking
appearing to endorse the product
testing information from the OEM.
that also carries the OEM brand.
Whether it be for information about
mentioned in many previous articles, a NMEDA member should not hesitate in seeking advice from NMEDA CRP
MGA Research Corporation
Discover the MGA Advantage
FMVSS 207/210 &SAE J2249
Seating System, Seat Belt Anchorage and Wheelchair Anchorage Testing Experts.
Test with the Best: We are proud to serve the industry for over thirty years.
| email: david.winkelbauer@mgaresearch.com | phone: (262) 763-2705 | web: mgaresearch.com | 22
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Last summer, NMEDA developed a three-year strategic plan. Part of this plan included an action item to: “Strategically expand multi-channel communication efforts by growing our LinkedIn audience by a minimum of 10% annually.” Well, we’re proud to say we’re 11 months into the plan and we’ve crushed that goal.
Since August 2019, NMEDA’s LinkedIn page has grown 176% up to 764 followers. As our most member-facing social platform we’re ecstatic about the growth we’ve seen and hope you, our members, take advantage of LinkedIn as another two-way communication channel with the association. We will continue to meaningfully grow all communication efforts through sharing relevant, timely, and clear messages with our members.
Are you linked in?
www.LinkedIn.com/company/NMEDA
Jul–Sep 2020
23
est. 1986
y’s
* with EZ Lock App
WHEELCHAIR DOCKING SYSTEM BL-6290 1 piece base system EZ-8202 2 piece base system *smaller profile *variable heights
MRC-51T
Manual Release Cable (recommended)
TOUCHPAD One button with LED lights
VOICE FEEDBACK NOTIFICATION* “READY”
Chair LOCKED
“STOP”
Chair NOT LOCKED
“WARNING”
Lock DEACTIVATED
“CHAIR UNLOCKED” “LOCK RE-ACTIVATED” “SOLENOID MALFUNCTION”
Please Roll Back System Ready Service Required
“PLEASE TURN OFF IGNITION TO UNLOCK CHAIR”
*OPTIONAL FEATURES
Red - (STOP) wheelchair not locked Yellow - (WARNING) deactivated Green - (READY)wheelchair locked
•
NEW CERTIFICATION
MASTER TECHNICIAN In recognition of the dedicated service and experience of our NMEDA Certified Technicians (NCT), we are launching a new rank of technician—the Master NCT. To be eligible to apply, candidates must provide: • •
An unexpired NCT Certificate Proof of two cumulative years of full-time employment with a NMEDA dealer member
To qualify for Master NCT, applicants must meet the following requirements within one year of application acceptance: 1. Proof of MSS hands-on training attendance within last two years or proof of completion within one year of Master NCT application acceptance 2. Proof of Braun/VMI/Revability hands-on training attendance within last two years or proof of completion within one year of Master NCT application acceptance 3. Proof of Powered Gas & Brake Secondary School training attendance within last two years or proof of completion within one year of Master NCT application acceptance 4. Proof of four unexpired ASE electives A4 (Suspension and Steering), A5 (Brakes), A6 (Electrical/Electronic systems), and G1 (Automotive Maintenance and Repair) Download an application form at www.NMEDA.com/MasterNCTApp All supporting documentation can be emailed to learning@nmeda.org or faxed to 813.962.8970. For more details, contact NMEDA at learning@nmeda.org | 813.264.2697
GUEST SPEAKER
Pay Compression: What It Is and How to Fight It by Clancy Rowell COMPENSATION ANALYST, INSPERITY
P
any business, whether you’re
Why is pay compression a problem?
growing a small company
Pay compression can lead to
with a candidate, benchmarking
or working at an enterprise-level
turnover if employees feel they’re
an offer using an antiquated
organization.
being undervalued. This is more apt
pay scale can result in the
to happen if long-time employees
applicant turning away from
discover that they’re receiving little
your organization. (Asking for a
more money than new hires.
job seeker’s salary history won’t
The situation can be especially
help much, either, especially if
ay compression can happen in
Yet what is wage compression exactly? How does it happen? And, when it happens in your business, how can you address it? Let’s take a closer look at salary compression as well as how to spot, resolve, and prevent it from reoccurring in your company.
What is salary, wage or pay compression? Pay compression is a compensation issue that develops over time. Also referred to as wage or salary compression, it occurs when there’s little difference in pay between
troublesome when your best, most tenured employees decide to jump ship. Even if they’re not actively
•
Later in the process, when it’s time to discuss compensation
a prospective hire knows they can find a higher paying job elsewhere. You must also be
“
careful about state and local laws
can lose motivation resulting in lost
that prohibit employers from
productivity.
inquiries regarding salary history.)
looking for a new job, employees
Also referred to as wage or salary compression, it occurs when there’s little difference in pay between employees regardless of differences in their respective knowledge, skills, experience or abilities.”
employees regardless of differences in their respective knowledge, skills, experience or abilities. When it occurs, it can be found between: •
Tenured employees and new hires (when new hires join the company at compensation levels similar to long-time employees)
•
Managers and their direct reports (when there are small wage differences between employees within the same job family at an organization)
26
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Wage compression can hamper recruiting efforts, too. For example:
What causes wage compression?
•
When there’s a significant
To understand how to avoid wage
disconnect between internal
compression from developing, it helps
pay rates and what the market
to understand why it happens in the
indicates is acceptable, you may
first place.
lose out on top talent – especially if a job is posted with an inappropriate salary range.
Below are four common causes of pay compression:
1. The minimum wage increases A common cause is an increase in the
3. Inconsistent pay practices over time
4. Increased employee awareness While not a cause of wage
minimum wage rate. When low-level
Market forces may drive a company
compression per se, employee
employees receive a legally mandated
to pay a higher salary to attract a new
awareness about the topic can
pay increase that action can throw off
employee into a critical role.
transform what may have been a quiet
If you continually fail to account
reality into a growing issue of low
the pay scale for an entire company. Over time, pay levels may converge.
for how that higher salary impacts
morale, decreased productivity, and
Ideally, whenever the minimum
the compensation levels of existing
talent loss.
wage is increased, all jobs within
employees in comparable positions,
Employers and managers must
an organization should be reviewed
you can inadvertently create pay
never prohibit employees from
to ensure pay levels make sense
compression.
discussing pay as so doing would
Creating confusing job families can
violate employee rights. Under
compared to the new minimum wage. Many companies, however, may not have the budget to do this. If money is tight, there are options (see “Encourage collaboration between HR
also play a contributing role. If one job family has multiple levels of a job function with different roles
the National Labor Relations Act, employees have the right to discuss working conditions, which includes
and responsibilities, but everyone
compensation.
is compensated using the same
Employees will eventually learn about
salary range, wage compression can
pay inequalities, even if you don’t
develop.
spot it first. Whether it comes up
Sometimes a new hire is brought in
For example, if a company has three
in the wake of a new hire or when
at a starting salary or hourly wage
distinct levels of accountants, each
that is close to (or in some cases
should have their own unique salary
higher than) what the new employee’s
range.
and finance staff” section below). 2. The market rate for starting salaries increases
someone does online research, sooner or later word will spread about salary compression.
manager earns (or others in the same role with more experience). Typically, this dynamic happens in a tight labor market, one in which companies must offer competitive salaries to lure high-demand professionals (software developers, for example). When the market rate for starting salaries increases faster than organizations can afford to give raises to existing employees, wage compression often results. A good rule of thumb to remember? Generally, direct reports shouldn’t exceed 90 percent of their supervising manager’s salary. This is something that HR professionals can and should keep an eye on, and a topic we’ll discuss in more detail momentarily.
Jul–Sep 2020
27
GUEST SPEAKER
(continued)
How to combat pay compression Wage compression is a significant issue, and resolving it isn’t simple.
•
There are steps that employers can take, beginning with determining appropriate pay rates. From there, you can take concrete steps to move toward better pay equity. Here’s how you can start the process of getting back on track. 1. Assess current pay practices Chart the course back to a more realistic internal pay scale by understanding why it’s an issue and researching the possible root causes for it in your organization. Questions to ask include: •
Do your current pay practices reflect market demand?
•
Did minimum wage recently increase in your location?
•
Are there obvious wage inconsistencies between
managers and staff? Within job
it’s good to view your compensation
families?
structure and policy as a flexible
Do your pay levels reflect your
document that can be amended as
company’s vision and goals? If
needed.
not, what needs to change to
Review changes in job descriptions,
realign your compensation with
and check whether pay changes
those objectives?
have kept up with responsibilities,
Once you’ve assessed the situation
especially as jobs evolve.
fully, develop formal compensation
Also reconsider how to use incentives,
practices and policies to prevent
especially ones such as at-risk pay –
future problems.
when an employee’s compensation
2. Consider market conditions
is tied to their performance. This is
When assessing current pay practices, it’s important to consider the labor market. External labor factors that may impact your internal compensation plan include:
another possible pay compression culprit. When at-risk pay is too easy to achieve, nearly everyone gets the full amount, resulting in wage compression. 3. Encourage collaboration between HR and finance staff
•
Minimum wage laws
•
A tight skilled worker supply
if they haven’t been accounted for
•
Rapidly escalating wages for
in a company’s budget. That’s why
high-demand jobs Some years these market drivers may not be as strong as others, so
Adjustments in pay can be expensive
HR and finance professionals should work together to determine salary structures. Basic compensation knowledge and an understanding of economic restraints are essential. There may be some instances where paying an employee more is warranted, such as when: •
They are working in a more expensive location
•
The position generates revenue
•
The job is in high demand
•
The situation is temporary
If the finance department determines there’s no budget to address pay inequities, an organization can address salary compression in other ways.
28
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Some options include:
6. Maintain best practices
assess what can you afford to pay to attract and retain the talent you need.
•
Variable pay plans
Once the entire pay structure has
•
Workplace flexibility
been assessed, the plan to bring
For information on how sound HR
•
Other desirable, non-monetary
employee pay in alignment with the
strategies—like addressing pay
market and with organizational goals
compression—can help foster healthy
may take time to implement.
business growth, download our free
benefits or rewards Additionally, these incentives may increase employee morale but not the company’s annual salary budget. 4. Consult legal counsel
You’ll also want to take steps to avoid future pay compression problems by: •
(especially for the most in-
While assessing your company’s pay structure, pay attention to any discrepancies that may have evolved that could appear discriminatory, such as gender-based pay differences. Gather data and look carefully at these root causes, since they can present serious (and costly) legal problems if left unaddressed. If you discover any evidence of discriminatory compensation practices, consult with legal counsel on next steps. 5. Communicate the new policy
Monitoring market rates
•
Keeping current employees paid at appropriate levels
To this end, review all compensation levels on an annual basis, but pay close attention to manager-staff and new hire-tenured employee salary levels.
How can smaller companies deal with pay compression?
The revised compensation policy should outline how to pay new hires
easy to understand and consistently referenced and utilized. Ask managers or senior leaders to practice with talking points and make salary compensation discussions part of the workplace.
This article was reprinted with permission from Inperity. Original post: www.insperity.com/blog/pay-compression
Creative ways smaller companies can address wage compression include: •
Offering essential employees shares of equity
•
Providing flexible work schedules
•
along with addressing other compensation topics. It should also be
About the author: Clancy Rowell is a Compensation Analyst at Inperity and has more than seven years of experience as a compensation consultant and HR generalist. His current role at Insperity involves providing compensation project deliverables and guidance to clients. Clancy holds an SPHR certification and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in finance and business operations from Southern Methodist University.
from that of a large company with
and how to compensate employees for promotions and merit increases,
---
scaling rapidly are somewhat different
accumulated over time.
changes. It can also improve morale.
hr-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them)
solutions for smaller companies
business leadership is proactive
implementation of pay structure
insperity.com/guide/7-most-frequent-
Salary compression prevention
a pay compression issue that has
differences can help with the
and how to avoid them. (www.
demand skills and positions)
Demonstrating to staff that current in addressing inequitable pay
e-book: 7 most frequent HR mistakes
Grooming longer-tenured employees for promotion
•
Structuring compensation as a mix of base and variable, goalbased bonus pay
When combating salary compression, however, the basic goal is the same for every company: to continuously
Jul–Sep 2020
29
Meet all the Elements of Safety and Find Your Formula at:
qstraint.com/elements
T H E F O R M U L A : F E AT U R E S + B R A C K E T S + R E M O T E + C R A S H T E S T S =
PERSONAL WHEELCHAIR DOCKING SYSTEM
LEARN MORE AT: QSTRAINT.COM/QLK-150
THE ELEMENTS OF SAFETY
30
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
DON’T GET CAUGHT BETWEEN A ROCK
AND
A HARD PLACE
7.5” H
WHEN IT COMES TO WHEELCHAIR & OCCUPANT SECUREMENT EASY PULL
eFUTURESAFE AMF-BRUNS DEVELOPED 1ST WHEELCHAIR SAFETY & ANCHORING SYSTEM. EST 1958.
VISIT US!
Abilities Expos
New York • #801 Toronto • #315 Chicago • #709
AMF-Bruns of America 877-506-3770 www.amfbrunsamerica.com
Jul–Sep 2020
31
A Voice, A Heart, A Hope... Remembering Becky Plank by Susan Quandt OWNER, ADVANCED WHEELS
W
hat was Becky Plank to NMEDA? A voice, a heart, a hope…
She was NMEDA, it was her idea, it was her work, her mission, her responsibility. She was its steward, its voice, its champion. Our first organizer, our industry concierge, our identity’s midwife. Becky brought us together, a group with wild disparities of culture and community, and bound us together by the strength of our convictions. Becky initiated our shared agenda, convinced us that an association would have a voice. In association, we might benefit from the engineering research and quality testing that none of us could afford on our own. The
Jeff Ruff & Becky
hope was that, in willing agreement to standards, we could compete safely in the emerging marketplace. Together, we could compete for our clients in a world where the pace of change was accelerating before our eyes and the technology that informed the world had made access available to all, or most. At first, we were flashy, scrappy, homespun, Eastern intense or California cool, in those days when assembling at the conference was a raucous, busy, high-energy affair, enthusiastically greeting and meeting one another in person, known before as a phone voice. Becky handled the introductions, taught us how to speak to one another in a common
dialect and helped us learn to match
phase not quite a quilt, but so much
our strides and schedules. The
more than a collection of beautiful
differential energies and paces of our
beginnings. By 2000, first-timers were
memberships and regions required
already an established hierarchical
a sensitive eye toward inclusion
group in our mostly- lateral
and, occasionally, a deft hand at
organization, allied with established
translation. We learned together,
members of the executive board.
building partnerships that spanned
For many of the elected members,
oceans, surviving the occasional East-
the first requirement for conference
West or North-South default to binary
packing, after making sure one had all
entrenchment.
one’s brochure copies and stacks of
NMEDA emerged from its formative
business cards, was the purchase of a jacket to be worn whenever Becky
mandated this nod to professional
Becky schooled herself in her role
conduct. Helpful notations were
and nurtured her staff of motivated,
made in Board member notebooks
caring organizers and administrators
as reminders. She handled reactions
to create an annual experience that
to the dress code with patience,
enhanced the knowledge, quality
negotiating bolo string ties for
and integrity of the organizations in
Windsor knots, but insisted that
our partnership. She elicited choice
jeans were not appropriate conference wear and helped take
ets R equi y, Bo red b Nu nn , Terry John Mall Labr ey on
Beck
many a tag from a new jacket for a recently-installed Board member.
Jack
participation plums from the more affluent and ambitious among us—
,
conference bags evolved each year from basic two-handled totes to a couple of years when waterproof
Regional differences, common interests
zippered, back saver conferenceaccommodations to national
logo canary-yellow totes showed up
schooling patterns for occasions
in airports swelled with spring and
of pandemic will be added to our
summer travelers. Our conferences
planning lists for years going forward.
center, define, and nurture our
quickly grown to be an inaugural
Challenging then and now, regional
associations.
professional event for so many of
divides had a history as old as the
Short Circuits were another effective
the membership. NMEDA showed
nation’s, largely nurtured from
tool in Becky’s arsenal. A quick email
new members how to conference,
the same seeds. Becky, adept
blast could convey an immenent or
how to participate, how to manage
at identifying exceptionalities,
important change in process, a new
in what for many was an entirely new
established commonalities and
quality guidelines addition, a safety
environment. Today’s conferences
encouraged collaboration. In the
recall or an administrative deadline.
host a smaller, more cosmopolitan
nascent industry, the spirit was willing,
In the early years of NMEDA, Short
participant group, but still celebrate
but the field was new, the “science”
Circuit editions were routinely printed
first-timers and encourage all aspects
proprietary, and the independent
from the one computer in the office
of collaboration at and between
attitudes of the entrepreneurs and
and placed in paper form into a
conferences.
experimenters characterized the field.
literal, rather than a virtual, inbox.
Our anticipated Columbus 2021
ADA ’90 made access national and
Becky brought the membership into
convergence carries the tradition
universal law. NMEDA made it work.
the light of electronic technology,
of common interest forward—a
Becky made NMEDA work.
insisting on universal inclusion in the
Adopting a national identity meant adjusting more than just locations of the annual conference, which had
centralized location to replace our former East-West patterns in the face of changing and unpredictable weather patterns. Considering
electronic world, however grudging
From break room table to formal board room
Becky developed an exemplary staff team to manage an elected, appointed, and eclectic Board and organization, self-ruled and accountable. Becky moved us quickly international with her own unique brand of generous hospitality and standards enforcement. Canada, of course, was first, but the European Mobility Group was evolving at the same time, with representatives and
ce
ren onfe C l nua L 7 An ando, F 199 Orl
manufacturers Scandinavian, Israeli, and Dutch/English.
the introduction among the more traditional of these industry founders. Today, we conference virtually, meet from home, collaborate electronically, and use paper as an occasional, archival backup. We rarely print out email, today. In Becky’s day, voting was done by paper ballot, at the conference, during business sessions open to the membership. A nominating committee did its work, but the rules still allowed nominations from the floor, as well. Owners got the star; the star got the vote. One vote, one
Jul–Sep 2020
33
company... At least until the first year
Issues of privacy, product rights,
members to hundreds when Becky
was over and we emerged with a few
copyrights and patents, guidelines,
and Red stepped away from our
multiple-location dealers, a then-new,
and bylaws all marked the ascent of
center stage. In the decade that
now-familiar format. Becky didn’t
our collection of individual companies
followed, by ’99, NMEDA shared
duck those formative conversations,
to a new identity as a coherent (semi-
space at its conference with ADED for
encouraging the dialogue and urging
coherent) group.
classrooms and workshops for CEUs
civility. Multiple locations were just
From the first, Becky shaped our
and offered CDRS renewal points
one of the complex considerations of NMEDA’s formative years–the resolution of those multiple locations into the reality of consolidation has been the defining dynamic of the evolving industry since the turn of the century. Selection of Board
organization around mobility for real people, remembering the mission and using her own experience of training drivers to work empathetically with driver trainers. ADED was a natural partner. Using the annual conference in the formative years, affiliates and associates in health care,
for Wheelchair Lift Applications. Workshops included SAE standards, NHTSA updates, and FMVSS specifics. VA officials spoke directly to our membership. Senior Executives from Ford, Chrysler and General Motors met with our Executive Board, a distant dream for the charter
vocational, and rehabilitative services,
members.
developed a system of education
Becky and Red blue-skied a day
and certification that engaged state
when our membership would
and federal agencies with those
occupy a place at the table for
responsible for the outcomes of those
our budding technologies and
regulations. We will, as we reconvene
creative adaptations. Government
in Columbus, affiliate in a shared
partnerships enjoyed by NMEDA
conference space again, with an
today, influential in allowing and
approved curriculum for ADED
maintaining NMEDA’s voice with
recertification, in 2021. Becky believed in good beginnings. Each year’s first timers meeting was a command performance. The high-visibility presence of the VIP first-time group, specifically under the charge of the Executive Board,
policymakers and influencers, owe Becky their inception. Becky brought us to Washington, where today we’re represented by a cadre of professional voices, a PAC, advocates for our organization, clients, and our members. Becky created an initial voice for our
kicked off the conference experience
organization, together stronger than
for the first-time attendees in ways
our individual selves, representative
successors now follows procedures
that welcomed them overtly and fully.
of our commonalities and of our
developed to streamline transition
First timers and new members are
aspirations and ideals. A worthy
in a systematic way to promote
celebrated today in ways reminiscent
goal, but one that required a knitting
representation by all sectors of our
of Becky’s warm welcomes, carrying
together of our increasing varied
organization.
on a tradition begun when we were
alliances and improved levels of
all, mostly, mom and pop shops,
communication and trust. She
before we identified as family-owned
traveled, those first years, to each
and -operated, instead…
region, visited our shops, met our
QAP participation required more
She wrote the first scripts, honed
work and our nuclear families, and
challenging training and serious
our focus, created our organizational
accommodation to standards than
identity. NMEDA membership grew
our industry, and many of our
from its inception in 1989, when we
members, had ever committed to.
counted just over 50 dues-paying
Becky negotiated those early, tricky conversations with a clear perspective and the most generous of intentions.
34
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
quickly understood who valued what. A mixed blessing, some thought, since she would then be unerring when identifying a perfect committee
world of the internet and rewarded us with her approval and with the best and most current industry information to be found. Online learning was initiated under her direction, making certification without physical travel possible, under the Guidelines we adopted. She advocated for the essential importance of shared service schools, an equalizer for certifying techs in various types of shop settings and with disparate access to resources. NMEDA’S first Collective Service School was held June 21-26, 1993 in Atlanta, a bold undertaking for our insular, individualized shops. Invited by David Potter at the spring conference, reviewed in the Circuit Breaker the following issue, Becky’s first attempts to bring techs together for training were brave forays
Becky
1997
&
Red
rence
Confe nada
a DA-C
NME
toward what became an essential industry service. Nine manufacturers and fifty techs made a success of that first event. Collaboration in that initial endeavor required unprecedented flexibility from
match, but each of us learned we
the membership–for the times, an
were cherished.
act of faith. Agreement on process, shared knowledge of intimate
She created, then inhabited, the role of Director of NMEDA–a complex association of mobility dealers, manufacturers, modifiers, associates, professional, and health-oriented members. Each of her successors has refined and improved that position, tailoring the role to reflect and respond to the needs of NMEDA in a rapidly-changing reality. The strength of the relationships built during those early years benefit us still. It was important that we heard directly from Harry Baergen and Gayle Dalrymple about “Make
Inoperative” regs and the Federal Motor Vehicle regulations. We learned directly how the NHTSA and Transport Canada regulations affected and protected our clients and companies. We trusted that we were on the right side of regulation by adhering to our agreements. That trust made QAP implementation possible. Becky brought us through the initial agreements and processes of QAP, made each of us buy a computer and learn to use it, dragged us into the
manufacturing details and information formerly proprietary–Becky brought us through that necessary cultural evolution and built working teams of strong characters together to advance shared interests. The curricular descendent of that first Atlanta gathering, NMEDA’s 2019 collective service school hosted manufacturers from Golden Boy’s California to Maine’s Crescent coast, in a mobility shop just outside Bradley Airport in Connecticut and certified techs from dozens of shops attending the multi-day training. Significant
Jul–Sep 2020
35
investment of presenter and
facilitated our work toward shared
technician time and energy makes this
ends—a heavy lift, many of those
level of training possible, and a strong
years. Gathering our group in early
system of assessment sustains such a
2002 challenged the very fabric of
program. Becky encouraged NMEDA
our international, collective identity.
to commit to those investments early;
Nurturing our development as her
we’ve adhered to those commitments,
highest priority, Becky presented her
to our benefit.
successors with an accomplished
She founded this association,
professional staff and an organization
established trust and agreements and
responsive to its mission. At our best,
Becky
we reflect her best intentions. Well begun, Becky. We wouldn’t be us without you. --Editor’s Note: I’d like to send a special thank you to Marilyn Myers, for her tireless efforts to support this article. She spent hours pouring over past Circuit Breakers and thumbing through old photos which I know brought back memories of all varieties, then even more time was spent scanning or mailing relevant items to help Susan and I put together this final piece. Thank you, Marilyn!
& Sa lly Su llivan
Becky & Greg Sm “On A R ith oll” Rad io Host & Auth or 36
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
MEMBER NOTICE
New FREE Online Training Course: Introduction to Automotive Mobility In the Summer of 2019—what seems like a decade ago now—the Dealer Marketing sub-committee of the Education and Training Committee proposed the creation of an orientation/on-boarding module to introduce new hires to the Automotive Mobility industry. Whether that person had prior healthcare or automotive experience or not, the DM committee felt that there was a need for a brief overview module specific to our industry, the allied healthcare professionals we work with, and the medical conditions that present mobility challenges to our customers. After multiple rounds of review, we are proud to announce the arrival of “Introduction to Automotive Mobility,” a 35-minute module that can be used as an on-boarding or refresher training opportunity for both sales and technician personnel. The module includes a completion certificate but does not require a formal exam at its conclusion. The best part is that the training is FREE! NMEDA would like to recognize the hard working members of the DM Committee for making themselves available to provide valuable insights and feedback during those multiple rounds of review: •
Cassy Churchill, BraunAbility
•
Ashley Crook, Sure Grip
•
Paul Erway, Superior Van & Mobility
•
Monique McGivney, Ability Center
•
Rich Venhaus, United Access
•
David Yount, Brandl Mobility Finance
If you have new people in need of a brief introduction to our industry, or experienced people who could benefit from a brief reminder of the valuable services we provide to our customers, sign them up!
If you need assistance in getting people registered, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Learning@nmeda.org. Learn more by visiting www.NMEDA.com/training/introtoautomobility.
Jul–Sep 2020
37
5 Questions With...
Congressman Ted Lieu By Amy Schoppman NMEDA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Ted Lieu is the third-term U.S. Representative for California’s 33rd congressional district. An alumnus of Stanford and Georgetown Universities, Congressman Lieu—recognizing the opportunities America had given to his Taiwanese immigrant family—joined the US Air Force and served in the JAG corps. He subsequently receivied various recognitions for his domestic and international activities as a military prosecutor and advisor to Commanders. Promoted to Air Force Reserves Colonel in 2015, the Congressman is one of only four computer science majors currently serving in Congress and is frequently sought out for his insight on technology-related issues (including innovation, cybersecurity, and consumer safety in relation to technologically advanced vehicles). Elected president of the 2015 freshman class by his Democratic colleagues, Representative Lieu sponsored seven legislative proposals—including a bill to help homeless veterans and a bill to combat foreign propaganda and misinformation—that were signed into law during his first term. Read on to learn more about California Congressman Ted Lieu in this edition of “5 Questions With…”
1. What inspired you to run for public office? When I was three years old, my family immigrated to the United States. My parents went from selling gifts at flea markets to owning numerous gift stores around our hometown of Cleveland. Recognizing the opportunities the United States gave my family, I wanted to give back to my country, so I joined the
channel my passions for protecting the environment; advocating for veterans; fighting for civil liberties; and preserving high ethical standards in government. For that reason, I decided to run for local office in Torrance, California and eventually for Congress. It has been an honor to serve the residents of California’s 33rd district and represent them in Washington.
2. What skill(s) do you utilize most frequently on Capitol Hill? Good communications skills are critical on the Hill. As a CoChair of the House Policy and Communications Committee, I work on the Democratic Leadership team to craft messaging around important legislation and initiatives in our caucus. The work of legislating is deeply important, but so is how you
United States Air Force. I served on
talk about it. Making sure Americans
active duty and currently serve as
know that their Representatives are
a Colonel in the Reserves. I wanted
working for them and are responsive
to continue serving my country and
to their needs is key.
38
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
3. What is the last thing you read for fun (not a briefing memo)? The Year’s Best Science Fiction: Thirty-Fifth Annual Collection
Autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve the lives of people with disabilities, including veterans, by providing new transportation opportunities. That said, we can’t ignore AV-related
4. What are your thoughts on autonomous vehicles? As a recovering Computer Science major, I recognize the power of innovation—especially when it comes to technological advancements
cybersecurity issues. I also support environmentally friendly efforts to innovate in the transportation sector,
5. What does mobility mean to you? Mobility means having the opportunity and freedom to live an independent life. We must work on creating a world where everyone can achieve their goals regardless of physical limitations. ---
and I look forward to seeing how autonomous vehicles can safely expand mobility.
that can improve the lives of many.
FAST FACTS • Democrat • Represents California’s 33rd Congressional District • Committees: Judiciary, Foreign Affairs • Caucuses: ALS, Smart Transportation, Cystic Fibrosis, Parkinson’s Multiple Sclerosis • https://lieu.house.gov Jul-Sep 2020
39
QAP STRAIGHT TALK
Remote Audits— Adapting to the Times by Chuck Hardy NMEDA DIRECTOR OF QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE
F
our years ago, we began
reading this now and wondering if
have brought us to this point. Why
looking into remote auditing as
in-person audits are going away,
shouldn’t we leverage these tools
a viable method for validating
the answer is ‘no’. In-person audits
and technological advances? I think
dealer compliance to QAP. Looking
will always be a part of QAP
we would be foolish if we didn’t try
back at that decision, boy was it was
auditing and will still be conducted
and see if we could still provide a
a good thing we did. There were a
moving forward. In-person audits
comprehensive, robust audit that lived
lot of ‘kinks’ to work out. A lot of
are especially useful for initial
up to the high standards of QAP. And
testing to identify best methods.
accreditation audits where facility
that’s what we did.
A lot of writing and re-writing of
visual inspection is mandatory. But
procedures and processes. A lot of
remote auditing will be one of the
trial-and-error. But I am proud to say,
primary methods for auditing in
at this time, we have a remote audit
the future as far as I can tell. It’s not
process that is working, and nicely
just our industry, many industries
at that. I don’t think any of us could
have adopted some form of remote
have predicted the situation we find
auditing and it continues to grow
ourselves in today. But, being able
as an audit methodology of choice
to pivot from primarily on-site audits
around the globe.
to remote audits is paying dividends for us now as travel is not advised, social distancing is a must, and a dealer’s availability to host audits is at a premium. Frankly, I don’t know what shape we would currently be in if not for the ability to conduct QAP audits remotely.
“
The big question for NMEDA regarding remote auditing was, “Is it possible to audit a dealer remotely and have the same integrity and thoroughness as an on-site audit?” I can tell you without naming names that we had our share of sceptics. But there was only one way to find out—we had to try it. So, in May 2015,
The big question for NMEDA regarding remote auditing was, ‘Is it possible to audit a dealer remotely and have the same integrity and thoroughness as an on-site audit?’”
So, what is a remote audit? A remote audit is one carried out
The strength of a remote auditing is
a remote audit task force was formed.
with the auditor in a location away
efficiency through technology. Ten
The primary objective of the task
from the dealer’s physical location.
years ago, I don’t think we would
force was to identify the hardware,
Traditionally, and until now, all dealer
have considered remote auditing for
software, and methods that would be
QAP audits have been conducted
our dealers as not many people were
required to conduct the audit, and to
in-person. Whereas remote audits
using the technology we have today.
layout an audit process that would
are conducted using audio-video
Smart device availability, audio-
work for all dealers. Then finally, to
conferencing software with the
video and conferencing apps such as
run a pilot.
auditor sharing a computer screen
Facetime, Skype, and GoToMeeting,
with the dealer over an internet
and then the enormous increases
connection. And, in case you’re
we have seen in internet speeds
40
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
The first remote audit pilot was conducted at the Sidewinder facility in Chilliwack, British Columbia. We
documents taken from customer files of completed jobs, your quality manual, insurance information and training records for the installers performing the work and lastly, the calibration records for the measuring and test equipment used to complete the installs. The most efficient way to send the files is through an email with scanned images, although some dealers have uploaded the documents to cloud drives and sent the auditor a link which works just as well. After the auditor has the requested documents,
learned a lot from that experience.
Many of you have already experienced
Not only that they served some good
your first remote audit. As of June
burgers at the local joint in town, and
25, 2020, we have completed 147
that Graham had some really nice
remote audits, that’s over a third of
classic cars, but we found out that
our dealers. But for everyone who
some things worked well, while others
has not yet experienced one, let’s
You click on this link on the day of the
did not. For example, the need to
walk through what the remote audit
audit and join a video conference with
have a solid internet connection, the
process will look like to you.
the auditor. Typically, you will use a
importance of both parties using the same communication tools, and being able to share documents and images, were some of the challenges that we faced and later evaluated. Over time, and through a meticulous process of trial and error, we resolved all the
First is the scheduling call with the auditor to lock down the date. Then there will be a request from the auditor to send in documents to complete your audit as the audit is conducted in two parts. These are
they will review them. Then the fun starts. You will receive a GoToMeeting invitation link in an email from the auditor.
phone to call into the meeting using the number provided by GoToMeeting. We have found that phones work better than voice over internet (in other words, using your computer’s microphone). The rest of the audit
issues we encountered during the first pilot. Jump forward to today’s remote audits. We use GoToMeeting webbased conferencing software and cell or land-line phones for verbal communication. The GoToMeeting interface can share documents in real time with the dealer, make screen annotations when something needs to be pointed out, and pass the screen over to the dealer if there is anything they need to share with the auditor. We’ve come a long way and there are still improvements that we can make. We know that, and these will be realized and improved over time as we continue to exercise the system and process.
Jul–Sep 2020
41
QAP STRAIGHT TALK
(continued)
is conducted through GoToMeeting
conclude with a summary of results
is the physical location of the auditor
interface. The auditor will share the
and you will be requested to sign
who is conducting the audit.
results of the initial document review
off on a copy of the report to send
and then proceed to conduct the rest
back to the auditor. That’s it! Simple,
of the audit by interview. You will be
painless, and effective.
able to see exactly what the auditor is
With that, thank you for taking the time to learn more about remote audits and I hope you have a great
In conclusion, remote auditing is here
experience when you are called upon
to stay. While during the pandemic
to have your first. When you’re done,
we are relying solely on remote
if there is something you feel that is
audits, our plans for the future are to
not up to par, please let me know. We
or findings that take place during
conduct audits on an alternating cycle
always want to seek ways to improve
the audit it will be discussed and
between on-site and remote audits in
and continuously adapt to the times
documented in real time. The auditor
a three-year pattern (onsite-remote-
and provide our members with an
will share every detail and ask for
remote) then repeat. Remote audits
audit experience that has value.
your concurrence before moving on
are identical to on-site audits as far as
to the next item. Finally, the audit will
the process goes. The only difference
referencing on your computer screen and ask any questions throughout. If there are any areas of improvement
42
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
---
AROUND THE INDUSTRY Sure Grip Shifts Output to Support PPE Prouduction “Making things that help people. It’s what we do,” said Cody Howell, Operations Manager at Sure Grip. When Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on companies to help make essential equipment to fight COVID-19, the NMEDA member sprung into action. Pairing up with another local company, BBI, the two began producing face shields for local healthcare workers.
Ability Center Installs Shields in Vehicles to Keep Customers Safe Ability Center, located in Tucson, AZ. recently rolled out barriers that separate the driver and passenger seats from the rest of the vehicle in an effort to support growing safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As we know, many mobility equipment customers face illnesses that put them at higher risk for contracting any virus. These shields provide peace of mind, but may also save a life.
QAP Audit Timeline Extension As many of you are aware, the current audit cycle was due to be completed by June 30. Due to the extreme challenges our members have been facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the last several months NMEDA and RADCO have been working with dealers to postpone and reschedule audits as needed. Conditions remain uncertain, and, accordingly, staff has asked the NMEDA board of directors to authorize an extension to the current audit cycle. At its June meeting, the board indicated that all audits for the current cycle are to be completed no later than September 30, 2020. Authorization was also provided to continue to conduct all audits remotely. RADCO & NMEDA staff will continue to be sensitive to the needs of our members in this trying time; we appreciate your cooperation as we work with you to ensure that this critical aspect of the Quality Assurance Program is completed in a timely manner for all locations, per the board’s directive.
Senate Introduces AUTO for Veterans Act Legislation authorizing the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow qualifying veterans to receive more than one automobile grant has been introduced in the US Senate. The “Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities (AUTO) for Veterans Act” would amend the U.S. Code to permit eligible veterans to receive financial assistance to replace their vehicles every 10 years. This bipartisan legislation is the companion bill to H.R. 5761, which was introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this year. If the legislation is passed and signed into law, veterans will no longer be limited to a single lifetime auto grant. Instead, VA will be permitted to authorize multiple auto grants throughout a veteran’s lifetime (similar to how the Special Adaptive Equipment Grant currently functions). Senator Joe Manchin, one of the bill’s sponsors, states: “Our paralyzed Veterans live with the constant reminder of their personal sacrifices made to keep their fellow Americans safe. They fought for our freedoms and deserve support here at home. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan AUTO Act with Senator Collins to provide our paralyzed Veterans with a new vehicle grant every 10 years instead of the current program which provides one vehicle grant in their lifetime.” NMEDA joins Paralyzed Veterans of America and other veterans service organizations in supporting passage of the AUTO Act. With approximately 60 legislative days remaining in this Congress, we will keep members updated on efforts to advance this important legislation.
Jul–Sep 2020
43
QAP DASHBOARD
QAP DASHBOARD AVERAGE FINDINGS PER AUDIT July 2019–June 2020
1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
TOP 5 AUDIT FINDINGS July 2019–June 2020
NCT Missing/Expired
42
Calibration Overdue
32
QC Manual Review Needed
26
QAP Contact Training Incomplete
24
NHTSA Listing Needs Update
23
AUDIT FINDING SEVERITY April 2019–March 2020
Successful Audit 25%
Major 7% Minor 15%
Opportunity for Improvement 53%
44
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
QAP DASHBOARD
QAP DASHBOARD TOTAL QAP DEALERS IN GOOD STANDING Quarterly: June 2019–June 2020
332 330 328 326 324 322 320 318 316 314 312
331
330
324 321 319
Jun-19
Sep-19
Dec-19
Mar-20
Jun-20
NEW QAP APPLICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS Quarterly: June 2019–June 2020 Applications 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Accreditations
8
7 5 3
Jun-19
3
Sep-19
4
5
2
Dec-19
Dealers with No Audit Findings Ability Center - Tucson, AZ Advanced Modifications Inc. - Hermon, ME Advanced Wheels - East Granby, CT AERO Mobility - Anaheim, CA AMS Auto - Woodstock, IL Apple Independence Mobility - Cookeville, TN Columbus Mobility Specialists, LLC - Worthington, OH ECO Medical - Edmonton, AB Island Mediquip Ltd - Victoria, BC Medichair Northern BC - Prince George, BC MobilityWorks - Dayton, OH MobilityWorks - Highland Park, NJ New England Motor Car Co. Inc. - Hudson, NH Priority Mobility - Hampton, VA Southern Bus & Mobility - Breese, IL Superior Van & Mobility - Lexington, KY Superior Van & Mobility - Louisville, KY True Mobility Inc. - New Castle, DE United Access - Springfield, MO
4 2
Mar-20
Jun-20
Newly Accredited Dealers Andy's Mobility & Lift Services - Laredo, TX R & R Van Lift Sales & Service - Athens, GA
Jul–Sep 2020
45
CANADA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I Bet I Am Not Alone By David Parton —Mobility in Motion PRESIDENT, NMEDA CANADA
A
s a Canadian, and as a
These past few months have seen
implementation of WC-18, 19, and
population of what are often
those points of interest, targets for
20 for the benefit of occupied
innocuous even apologetic
education in hopes of bringing about
wheelchairs in transportation.
people, I want to say how sorry I am
change, have been working from
that the border between our two
home offices, and either, not available,
nations is closed and sounds to not
or working on fires, or not working at
be opening any time soon. I am a
all.
Canadian and proud of the heritage and history of my home. I am also a big fan of what is in every respect my first cousins living in the nation to the south of me. I recall being pulled over by a State Trooper in Toledo, Ohio one morning on a return trip from my favorite state, Florida. The officer decided not to ticket me because as he said, I was a foreigner. The word almost stung as I said in the back of my mind, “We share so much and have more in common than likely any two nations on the planet!” But I did not argue, no ticket was a preferred outcome. These last months have tried our collective patience and stepped on nerves we didn’t know we had. I felt leading up to March that your Canadian board of directors had kept up a steady pace, working on issues and opportunities on behalf of the members here in Canada. We have opened up many doors and made good connections both federally and provincially. We have had to remind ourselves we are in a relay race and not a single sprint. Targets are moving and not static.
46
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
A recent policy was enacted by the Canadian Transportation Agency that was undertaken during a time when the legislative schedule was
Our government relations committee
not as full as usual. The new law
has had to essentially shelve projects
gives protection to ability-challenged
which were heading toward in-person
individuals preventing penalty
meetings. Social distancing, travel
ticketing when extra space is required
restrictions, and changing work
for mobility devices. The law gives
locations has left everything on hold.
specific rights and spells out penalties
We are trying to figure out now how
for infractions. What it does not do
to get reinvigorated and to find new energy and direction. One positive thing this pandemic has brought for some is that time is available, or at least not in such short supply.
“
is impact upon municipal transport agencies or interprovincial companies as the agency has no authority over these. We are still not requiring municipal buses to provide wheelchair securement, and we are not requiring
It also struck me that our members are not just dabbling in this mobility business. We have all made significant commitment to and investment in our industry. Our organization is called NMEDA, but our signature trademark is our QAP program.”
We are still motivated to bring
passenger trains or airplanes to
resolution to the issues and
provide for wheelchair capacity and
challenges experienced by the clients
safety on their vehicles. Rights are
we serve: The homogenization
enshrined, but the mechanism to
of standards across Canada; full
enable is still absent.
Both the US Board and the Canadian
a real problem yet, and no solution
that is being shopped right now. We
Board are making it a priority to
was needed before he felt he had a
hold ourselves to higher standards,
encourage membership growth
real problem. I don’t know how not
and the insurance companies need
and great care is being taken to not
feeling your foot on the accelerator
to be shown that we are not just
negatively impact members, many of
could not be considered a real
any apple in the basket. We can
whom are struggling with challenges
problem, but hey, I’m just a layman.
demonstrate by our shared values,
I have spoken with an agent at a large
education, and our audited standards,
which are plentiful, including the pandemic and restrictions related to it.
insurance brokerage who has earned
we are not bringing the risk that
my trust over many years. I have
others may represent.
One necessary part to our businesses
asked that they explore the creation
It is my hope to shortly be sending
is the need for liability protection
of group policy with specific focus
out a questionnaire asking questions
and garage auto policies to protect
on the needs of mobility vendors
that the underwriters will be seeking
us and the vehicles we are charged
here in Canada. For myself, we have a
answers to. If any Canadian members
with modifying or the owners of those
fleet vehicle policy for our company
are finding themselves not being
vehicles they have placed in our trust.
vehicles. We also have a public
renewed, or offered significantly
In the past, insurance companies have
liability policy to cover business
reduced policy coverages at increased
operations, commercial property
cost, please reach out to me and I will
insurance for owned buildings, and
refer you on to the agency working to
tenant’s liability for leased premises.
craft this program.
invested premiums into the stock market and generated significant returns on these investments. Current circumstances have seen these investments become much less predictable and so insurance underwriters are now looking with much more jaundiced eyes at risk of any kind. One company or industry group can be squeaky clean, but it seems only one bad apple will cause the whole basket to spoil. Suddenly, the risk associated with installation of a scooter lift, hand controls, even a grab bar in a client’s home, are all being looked at and the underwriters don’t like what they think they are seeing. My comment to one was, “Look down the road, you will also be needing these things. If you are fortunate enough to live long enough, many of these things are in your future.” A good friend told me a while back that he was driving and realized he could not feel his right leg. I suggested he look into a solution before he became a statistic, but he felt he had not had
Finally, we have a Garage Auto policy to cover inventory vehicles, client vehicles in our care, dealer plate coverage, all activities directly related to our vehicle modification activities. Until you sit down and go over the files, I didn’t really realize the complexity of my own coverage. I have been able to trust the files to good brokers who made it their business to keep everything in place and keep the costs manageable. When I was made aware of the impending issue with my own renewal coming up my thought was, “I bet I
If you consider yourself to be a vehicle mobility vendor and are likewise having this challenge, we welcome you to join our association, show your credentials, become QAP accredited. This insurance package will be made available only to NMEDA/QAP members. But don’t worry, we welcome new or renewed members. It is my hope that this will be a value-added program that further makes membership an even more logical choice. ---
am not alone.” It also struck me that our members are not just dabbling in this mobility business. We have all made significant commitment to and investment in our industry. Our organization is called NMEDA, but our signature trademark is our QAP program. I have asked for the creation of a NMEDA/QAP insurance program and
Jul–Sep 2020
47
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT
The Now, The Next, and the Nonstop by Amy Schoppman NMEDA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
A
provocative theory has
regarding spending and taxes will
gained popularity amongst
The Next
need to be made. In short, 2020 is
PPP was designed as a bridge for
HR professionals, cable news
really leaning into an overall theme of
businesses to maintain their payrolls
talking heads, and My Neighbor
“uncertainty.”
and operations through “the worst”
Who Essentially Shouts During His
To mitigate this uncertainty, NMEDA’s
of the pandemic but, as infections
Zoom Meetings: the coronavirus is accelerating the greatest workplace transformation of our lifetimes, and will permanently change how and where Americans work (and socialize and communicate and shop and learn…). While the scale and
advocacy and government relations program has rearranged its issue portfolio to include three general categories of government proposals and initiatives that may impact or be of interest to our members, their
rise and states contemplate stepping back from their initial plans to reopen, the path forward is not as linear as some had initially hoped. Amidst the uncertainty, one thing is sure: COVID-19’s impact on federal, state,
employees, and the clients they serve:
and local budgets will be significant.
The Now
decreased revenue sources and
This category, predictably, includes
significant new expenditures, program
to be seen, this “new normal”
government initiatives that can
(specifically Vocational Rehabilitation
of virtual meetings, cancelled
immediately impact members.
program) services and funding are at
conferences, and reduced travel is
The Paycheck Protection Program
risk of being reduced or eliminated.
generally expected to continue for at
(PPP)—established by Congress to
To be clear, no formal proposal to
least the immediate future.
provide forgivable loans to small
decrease VR funding or eliminate
Also expected to continue? Federal
businesses—is a premier example.
VR services has been introduced;
and state governments’ near-singular
Massively popular (and complex), the
NMEDA is, however, keeping its eye
focus on attempting to manage this
PPP’s initial $350 billion in funding
on anticipated budgetary restraints
pandemic and the profound public
was followed by a second round of
while working with our partner
health and economic impact thereof.
late-April funding, timeline extensions,
organizations, lawmakers, and key
Congress does not have a reputation
and program clarifications. Congress
agencies to ensure that current and
for acting in a nimble or timely
is currently (as of the writing of this
future transportation-related services
manner—the House and Senate have
article) considering extending the
for people with disabilities are not
traditionally embraced, sometimes
PPP application deadline once again.
adversely affected.
to a comical degree, their roles as
Resources—including summaries,
deliberative bodies—but these days
FAQs, and webinars—addressing
legislation is being drafted and
PPP and other continually evolving
passed in record time. State agency
pandemic-related legislation
policies and guidelines are constantly
immediately impacting our members
changing. Budgets have been
can be found in the “Coronavirus
decimated and difficult decisions
Resources” section of NMEDA’s
permanence of socially distanced work (and leisure and communication and shopping and learning…) remains
website. (www.nmeda.com/covid19)
48
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
With all levels of government facing
The Nonstop This category includes classics such as “Implementation of The Veterans Mobility Safety Act” and “Resolving Past Due VA Invoices.” These efforts have not been paused or eliminated due to current events and, while
GR-related activities traditionally
lead on an array of post-pandemic
the house down while you’re on a
involve a significant amount of in-
legislative and regulatory proposals.
virtual conference call with seven
person interaction, we’ve adapted
Maintaining and strengthening our
poorly-lit colleagues. I get it. The
to the absence of Capitol Hill
relationships during these strange
past few months have collectively
meetings and agency events by
times will help NMEDA cut through
been one of the most aggravating
engaging in persistent and strategic
the noise (now), move its GR agenda
experiences of my life—enduring a
communications with Congressional
forward (next), and continue to be
25-floor elevator ride with Carrot
offices and federal agencies. We will
successful (nonstop).
Top (a story for another day) doesn’t
not lose our momentum, and we refuse to allow NMEDA’s initiatives and issues to get lost in the chaos.
even compare—but please know that NMEDA’s GR team is here to reduce
*******
uncertainty and aggravation while
Our advocacy reach also extends
I realize most recipients of this
providing guidance, resources, and
beyond the federal level—a fortunate
magazine are likely focused on other
uninterrupted industry advocacy
position to be in considering states
things right now: staying healthy
during this unprecedented time.
have flexed their power since
and safe, learning to use unfamiliar
coronavirus arrived on the scene, and
technology, and preventing your
states are also expected to take the
child (or partner) from burning
---
Get Social with NMEDA
For informa�on and to become a dealer, contact Randy. RandyK@clockmobility.com 800.732.5625 Clock Conversions
clockconversions.com
Jul–Sep 2020
49
Mobility Way By Mike Savicki — Afterburner Communications NMEDA CONSULTANT
A Heart of Gold! Bob Lujano’s Journey from Texas to Alabama, Athens and Beyond
T
here is a scene in the
co-conspirators. The ensuing level of
USQRA National Championships to
Academy-Award nominated
laughter not only adds another layer
his credit and had the 2020 season
documentary, “Murberball,”
of humor to the film’s in-your-face
not been cancelled early due to
when co-star, Bob Lujano, and his
reality, it also proves that when it
coronavirus/COVID, he very likely
teammates, play a prank on an
comes to disability and assistance—
may have had eight. He was a long-
unsuspecting team support staffer.
the keyword being assistance—quad
standing member of Team USA
In short, it involves Lujano hiding
rugby players, even ones with no
earning international medals plus a
himself away in an empty cardboard
arms and legs, laugh in the face of
Paralympic Bronze (Athens, 2004).
box, his teammates pretending it is
accepting it.
On the court he was as fierce a
Meet Bob Lujano. He is 51 now and
defender as they come. Ask any of the
too heavy for them to lift. Then, when the staffer offers assistance and tries to lift the box onto a hotel room bed, Lujano pops out and scares her to the raucous delight of the roomful of
recently retired from murderball, the sport more tamely known as wheelchair (or quad) rugby, after playing for 25 years. He has seven
top offensive threats from any country in the world what they thought about the competitive Bob Lujano and you’ll get looks of frustration and disbelief along with NSFW curses in languages you likely won’t understand but surely will recognize. Nobody in the wheelchair rugby world wanted Bob in their face. Off the court, Bob’s story is worth sharing, too. Let’s start on January 6, 1979, age nine, when Bob contracted meningococcemia, a rare form of meningitis. To save his life, all four limbs had to be amputated. If you think losing limbs earned Bob a pity party, think again. Bob’s family and
50
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
We can learn life lessons from Bob, too. “So much of living with a disability is mental,” he shares. “The support of family and friends can help so much, and looking to those who friends kept his bar high and Bob
Now, more than three decades later,
have been down the road before you
grew up more active, energized and
Bob has set aside his leg prostheses
for guidance and tips helps, too, no
motivated than most. Pre-Law at
and uses a manual wheelchair. He
doubt. I’m open to anyone who wants
the University of Texas - Arlington.
drives a smaller, more user friendly
to come up to me and talk about
Master of Science in Recreation
and practical 4-door Chevy Sonic.
disability and I still learn from others.”
Sports Management at the University
Bob says modern technology is
of Tennessee. A position at the 1996
making it easier to plug in his iPhone
“But it’s up to each of us, disabled or
Paralympic Games as the Venue
for assistance, stay connected and
Director of the City Hall East Project.
safe, and enjoy being on the road.
Then the Lakeshore Foundation
As for his present system of enter
purpose.”
and exit, Bob typically transfers into
Spend even a minute with Bob Lujano
staff in November of 1998 where he spent more than a decade as a Recreation Specialist, developing and implementing recreation programs for kids and youth. Ask any kid Bob has ever counseled, taught, friended, or mentored what they think of him and you’ll get smiles and outpourings of love. Bob is now an Inclusion Specialist, a shift toward public policy and corporate plus non-profit compliance, working at Lakeshore’s National Center on Health, Physical Activity & Disability. Bob starts by crediting the Texas Rehabilitation Commission with helping him get to where he is today. In addition to vocational training, the commission provides counseling, financial assistance, and job placement. Bob took advantage of as many opportunities as he could, right down to using their services to get his driver’s training, license, and first vehicle. By age eighteen, Bob was driving an adapted vehicle (an SUV) using arm and leg prosthetics, primarily walking with a cane. He chose the higher vehicle because it meant he wouldn’t have to bend his legs to enter and exit. Why didn’t he get his license and a car at sixteen? His dad told him that when he got accepted to college, it would be time
either the back or passenger seat, pulls his folded wheelchair in behind him, then hops into the front driver’s seat. He still uses hand controls and a spinner knob, contacting them with special arm prosthetics. His process is so efficient and fine tuned that Lakeshore has a how-to video that features Bob behind the wheel. Yes, if you are wondering, a quadruple amputee can drive. “My driving is one hundred percent the result of modern technology,” Bob
not, to learn that we have one body and it’s up to us to take care of it. We are alive and we are here for a
and you’ll agree, he has a heart of gold. --When Bob Lujano was seventeen, he wrote down a list of things he wanted to accomplish in his life. Of everything he listed, the final two have just happened in the last five years—get married and write a book. Bob’s book, No Arms, No Legs, No Problem, chronicles his personal journey, something he considers himself fortunate to be able to enjoy and share. Told with a voice of gratitude, Bob invites others to live life with everything they’ve got. Find Bob’s book through Amazon. You can also learn more about Bob at noarmsnolegsnoproblem.com.
says. “It’s both the technology in the vehicle as well as the technology of the prosthetics. Both have changed so much through the years and both continue to change. I’m grateful.” As for the freedom and independence that comes with driving, Bob adds, “Driving is one of those number one things we all need in our lives. When every kid I come in contact with at Lakeshore turns sixteen, I tell them it’s time to get their driver’s license. Driving is everything. It’s freedom, it’s fun, it’s independence, and it’s practical. I learned all that a long time ago and still love getting behind the wheel no matter if it’s around home in Birmingham or back to visit family still in Texas.”
to think about it.
Photos courtesy of Bob Lujano and noarmsnolegsnoproblem.com
NMEDA INDUSTRY MEMBERS INDUSTRY ____________________________
Access & Mobility Finance, Inc. 1020 Aileen Street Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 299-1039 Accessible Vans of America, LLC. 334 Buckington Street St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 294-1762 Accessible Vehicle Solutions 2620 W Silver Spring Drive Milwaukee, WI 53209 (414) 788-6280 Adaptive Driving Alliance 111 Stow Avenue, Ste 103 Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 (330) 928-7401 Adaptive Mobility Systems, Inc. 2072 N. Bibb Drive Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 674-0776 Adapt-Solutions 145 Damase-Breton St-Lambert, QC G0S 2W0 (866) 641-0419 Affordable Mobility - Egan Auto 2035 Corbett Dr. Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 521-1006 All Medical, Inc. dba AM Accessibility 2011 Hampton Street Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 779-2011 AMF Bruns of America 1797 Georgetown Road Hudson, OH 44236 (877) 506-3770 Automobility P.O. Box 421 Montrose, Vic 3765 Australia (039) 762-2277 AvonBrook Floor 2 Block A Cookstown Court Dublin, Ireland D24WK28 +3530879894946 B & D Independence Inc. 1024 Empire Street Mt.Carmel, IL 62863 (618) 262-7117
52
Banclease Acceptance Corporation 8221 Tristar Drive Irving, TX 75063 (214) 615-0661
Freedom Motors Inc., division of Savaria 14 Goodmark Place Etobicoke, ON M6W 6R1 (905) 799-5545
Bever Mobility Products 2885 Sanford Ave SW 41693 Grandville, MI 49418 (888) 959-6198
General Motors Corporation 100 Renaissance Ctr., MC482-A20-B98 Detroit, MI 48265 (313) 667-8682
Brandl Mobility Finance Services 559 Hwy 10 South St. Cloud, MN 56304 (866) 581-3922 BraunAbility P.O. Box 310 Winamac, IN 46996 (800) 843-5438 Bruno Independent Living Aids 1780 Executive Drive Oconomowoc, WI 53066 (262) 953-5396 Burhill Financial Services 116 N. Jefferson St. Dayton, OH 45402 (937) 224-3033 Creative Carriage Ltd. 6 Ridgeview Street St. George, ON N0E 1N0 (519) 740-4801 Crescent Industries 191 Washington St. Auburn, ME 4210 (207) 777-3500 DealerTeam.com, LLC 2195 Larkspur Ln Redding, CA 96002 (530) 232-3260 Driving Systems, Inc. 16139 Runnymede St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 782-6793 EZ Lock 2001 Wooddale Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 214-4620 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles 1000 Chrysler Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (800) 255-9877 FleetPro Capital Services 219 Ashley Road Mascotte, FL 34753 (407) 716-0465 Fortress Partners 5005 Plainfield Ave NE Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 447-2293
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Golden Mobility & Rehab LTD 3150A Faithfull Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 8H3 (306) 242-9060 Harmar Mobility 2075 47th St. Sarasota, FL 34234 (800) 833-0478 Ingenium Engineering Services 4345 Teal Road Petersburg, MI 48270 (734) 279-9345 J. A. Allen & Associates 830 Mill Ridge Court Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C4 (416) 254-7237 Jaliscos Automotive 8750 NE Emerson St Portland, OR 97220 (503) 251-3865 Johnson Hand Controls LLC 3960 Locust Grove Rd Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 449-0089 Joysteer USA, Inc. 6624 Clay Avenue SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (832) 783-9751 KEMPF 1245 Lakeside Dr. #3005 Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (408) 773-0219 Mahadev Metal Works & Fabrication Unit 124, 125 - 11071 Bridgeport Rd. Richmond, BC V6X 1T3 (604) 270-3317 Malley Industries, Inc. 1100 Aviation Avenue Dieppe, NB E1A 9A3 (506) 859-8591 Manufacturing Production Services Corp. 2222 W. Enterprise St. Escondido, CA 92029 (800) 243-4051
Maximized Mobility Inc 649 The Parkway Unit 1 Petersborough, ON K9J7K2 (705) 750-0777 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC 8501 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy Ladson, SC 29456 (843) 666-4333 Midwest Transit Equipment 414 E Beaver Street Morocco, IN 47963 (708) 932-5328 Mobility Funding Group, Inc. 2040 Frontage Road South Waite Park, MN 58387 (877) 327-3533 Mobility Innovations 51277 Celeste Dr. Shelby Twp, MI 48315 (586) 843-3816 Mobility Software Solutions 851 Trafalgar Ct, Suite 160W Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 358-2000 Mobility Store & More 1116 E. Kingsbury Street Seguin, TX 78155 (830) 386-0446 MPower Engineering, Inc. 6175 Melvin Avenue Tarzana, CA 91356 (818) 614-6149 MVSCS (Inspired Solutions International) 6668 9 Hwy Selkirk, MB R1A 4G2 (866) 994-6559 New Life Van Auto & Truck Modification 258 Van Keuren Avenue Pine Bush, NY 12566 (845) 361-1244 Paradigm Solutions 29 Rockefeller Blvd. Rensselaer, NY 12144 (518) 426-8850 PMG Technologies Inc. 100 Du Landais St. Blainville, QC J7C 5C9 (450) 430-7981 Pritchard Auto Group 980 Hwy 18 East Britt, IA 50473 (352) 552-6674 PSA Insurance & Financial Services 11311 McCormick Rd. Hunt Valley, MD 21031 (443) 798-7495
NMEDA INDUSTRY MEMBERS Q’STRAINT/Sure-Lok 4031 NE 12th Terrace Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 986-6665
Sunrise Medical Solutions, Inc PO Box 425 Grayson, GA 30017 (770) 676-7337
Vehicle Protection Services PO Box 2106 Pflugerville, TX 78660 (512) 585-5911
RADCO, Inc. 3220 E. 59th Street Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 272-7231
Sure Grip Hand Controls 4850 Route 102 Upper Kingsclear, NB E3E 1P8 (506) 363-5289
Webb Capital Corp. PO Box 213 Coppell, TX 75019 (800) 886-4926
Revability 1655 Wall St. Salina, KS 67402 (620) 314-3053
Tempe Mobility 7975 S. Autoplex Loop Tempe, AZ 85284 (480) 598-2383
Wolfe Mobility 368 Main Street Picton, ON K0K 2T0 (613) 476-1768
Royale Mobility LLC 100 Newark Street Haverhill, MA 01832 (978) 374-4530
TMN 58 Ha”Khermesh Haifa, Japan 31000
S-E-A Ltd 7001 Buffalo Parkway Columbus, OH 43229 (614) 888-4160
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc 6565 Headquarters Drive Plano, TX 75024 (469) 292-4649
Specialty Transportation Systems, Inc. 2720 North Main Street Newton, NC 28658 (828) 464-9738
Vantage Mobility International 5202 S. 28th Place. Phoenix, AZ 85040 (800) 348-8267
SAVE THE DATE
Jul–Sep 2020
53
NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
____________________________
ALABAMA Brandon Adamson State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 Chris Adkison State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 Christopher Andrews State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 917-8432 Jacob Ellison State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 917-8432 Josh Forsman State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999 Tracey Kennedy State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999 Lou Klein LynLo Enterprises, Inc. 8933 Green Chase Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 (941) 726-2220 Cory McClendon State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 917-8432 Craig Rogers State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430
54
Jennifer Rogers State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 William Scott State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 David Shelnutt State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999 Cedrick Wallace State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 414-8430 Miika Weiman State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 915-2299 Stephen Williams State of Alabama Dept. of Rehab Services 201 London Parkway Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35211 (205) 870-5999
____________________________
ARIZONA Jennifer Nordine Driving to Independence LLC 1414 W. Broadway #111 Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 449-3331
____________________________
CALIFORNIA Penny M. Anders Sharp Memorial Hospital Rehab 1641 Borana St. San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 565-2437 Lula Capuchino Capuchino Therapy Group 3601 Marconi Ave. Sacramento, CA 95821 (916) 481-1300
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Paul Cooper Adaptive Driving Program P.O. Box 641 Montebello, CA 90640 (323) 855-1502 Melanie Henry Driver Cognitive Assessment Center, LLC 4550 Black Avenue, Suite D Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 249-5947 Gregory Paquin Gregory J. Paquin 5140 Florence Ave. Unit C Bell, CA 90201 (323) 326-1383
____________________________
COLORADO Sarah Davidson Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson St. Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8117 Barry Doyle Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8218 Tiffany Heck Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson St. Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8237 Colleen Knoll OTR/CDRS Craig Hospital 3425 S. Clarkson Street Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 789-8218
____________________________
FLORIDA Lisa Crisalli Accessible Mobility Solutions 3936 SE 20th Ave Keystone Heights, FL 32656 (352) 339-2039 Stephen A. Emerson Stephen A. Emerson Inc. 1384 Wainwright Way Ft. Myers, FL 33919 (239) 633-0180 Janet Gardner Grace Adaptive Driving 18908 Adams Country Way Lutz, FL 33559 (813) 631-9700 Lori Grismore USF Health 8031 Brien Green Way Temple Terrace, FL 33637 (813) 396-0728
Judi Hamelburg Advanced Driver Rehabilitation Inc. 1031 Ives Dairy Rd. Suite 228 N. Miami Beach, FL 33179 (305) 770-0747 Dave Krieger Driver Rehabilitation Services, Inc. 9315 Hunters Park Way Tampa, FL 33647 (800) 738-9967 Ginger H. Le Grace Adaptive Driving/ Ginger Fitness Rehab 27553 Cashford Circle Suite 101 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 631-9700 Eilif L. Olesen Eilif L. Olesen 12700 66 Street N #1128 Largo, FL 33773 (727) 424-7485 Jillian Steen Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital 300 Hollywood Way Hollywood, FL 33021 (954) 614-6051
____________________________
GEORGIA Matt Abisamra Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7722 Dan Allison, MS OTR/L, ATP, CDRS Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7763 Lakisha Gray Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7720 James Kennedy Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 367-1296 Rajesh Pagadala Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency 3586 Riverside Drive Macon, GA 31210 (478) 279-1885 Jacqueline Valme Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital 747 South Eighth Street Suite D Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 229-6498
____________________________
NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS ILLINOIS
LOUISIANA
Anne Hegberg Marianjoy Rehab Hospital 26W171 Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 909-6080
Michael K Shipp MKS Consultants, LLC 1340 Mitcham Orchard Rd Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 245-7361
INDIANA
MARYLAND
Mason Campbell Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana 9531 Valparaiso Court Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 879-8940
Elin Davis American Occupational Therapy Association 6116 Executive Blvd Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852 (800) 729-2682
____________________________
Suzanne HardestyPritchard Easter Seals Crossroads 4740 Kingsway Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 (317) 721-8636 Kathy Kachanoski Columbus Regional Hospital 1732 Timbercrest Dr. Columbus, IN 47203 (800) 841-4938 Mary Ellen Keith Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana 18 Wilson Drive Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 696-0405
____________________________
____________________________
MASSACHUSETTS Eugene Blumkin Massachusetts Rehab Commission 600 Washington Street Boston, MA 2211 (617) 204-3721 Tricia/Mark Whitehouse Adaptive Driving Program, Inc. 250 Milton St., #LL002 Dedham, MA 2026 (781) 329-6656
____________________________
MICHIGAN
Carmen Palanca Carmen Palanca 1156 Ridgeview Ct. Avon, IN 46123 (317) 660-6506
C Kerry Jones The Space Between 26875 Church St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-0226
Jeff Perron Rehab Hospital of Indiana 2430 Lingerman Way Avon, IN 46123 (317) 329-2115
Kelby Lloyd Special Driving Services, Inc. P.O. Box 241 Okemos, MI 48805 (517) 349-7990
Eva Richardville Therapeutic Mobility Services, Inc. 311 N. Airport Office Park Ft. Wayne, IN 46285 (260) 417-8399 Russell Schimmell Easterseals Rehabilitation Center 3701 Bellemeade Avenue Evansville, IN 74414 (812) 492-0645
____________________________
KENTUCKY MaryFrances Gross On the Road, Again 4805 Hemlock Way Lexington, KY 40514 (619) 607-1142
____________________________
Robert E. Reid Special Driving Services, Inc. PO Box 241 Okemos, MI 48805 (517) 349-7990 ____________________________
MISSISSIPPI Nikki Simmons Driving Independence 5225 Crawford Road Hernando, MS 38632 (901) 734-7472
____________________________
NEW YORK Gail Babirad Rehabilitation Technology Assoc. Inc PO Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 (800) 987-2753
Jurgen Babirad Rehabilitation Technology Associates, Inc. Post Office Box 540 Kinderhook, NY 12106 (800) 987-2753 Linda Farrell Albany Medical Center 210 Rabie Road Averill Park, NY 12018 (518) 577-4447 Nick Albanese Fitzgerald’s Driving School, Inc. 1350 Deer Park Avenue North Babylon, NY 11703 (631) 667-9642 John Lorenzetti, OTR/L, CDI, DRS FLX Driver Rehabilitation, LLC 4144 High Banks Rd. Geneva, NY 14456 (315) 585-9198 Raanan Zidile Tri-Boro Driver Rehabilitation & Mobility Services, Inc. 1642 Coney Island Aveue Brooklyn, NY 11230 (718) 414-2457
____________________________
NORTH CAROLINA Cyndee Crompton Driver Rehabilitation Services 605 Cabaret Rd. McLeansville, NC 27301 (336) 697-7841 Mike Edwards North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation NC Div of Vocational Rehabilitation Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28212 (704) 568-8804 Liz Green ADED 200 First Avenue N.W. #505 Hickory, NC 28601 (866) 672-9466
____________________________
PENNSYLVANIA Lori Benner Milton S. Hershey Medical Center 30 Hope Drive EC 130 Hershey, PA 17033 (717) 531-7444
Brenda Bennett Transportation Solutions 4202 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509 (814) 833-2301 Amy Lane OTR/L CDRS Adaptive Driving Program/U of Pittsburgh 3600 Forbes Avenue at Atwood Suite 3010 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 864-3068
____________________________
SOUTH CAROLINA Tom Jackman South Carolina Voc Rehab Technology Program 1410-C Boston Ave. W. Columbia, SC 29170 (803) 896-6080 Alan B. Simmerson CDRS WJBD VA Medical Center 3602 Deerfield Drive Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 776-4000
____________________________
TENNESSEE Amy Palmer Amy Palmer 1235 Fuller Rd. Dyersburg, TN 38024 (731) 446-7210 Martha Stephenson, RN Martha Stephenson 1701 W State Line Road South Fulton, TN 38257 (731) 479-1568
____________________________
TEXAS Chad Strowmatt Strowmatt Rehabilitation Services 11020 Katy Freeway Suite 217 Houston, TX 77043 (713) 858-1582
____________________________
WISCONSIN Chelsea Hales The Master’s Driving School W 7366 Flambeau Point Rd Ladysmith, WI 54848 (715) 532-0327
____________________________
WYOMING Lyndsie Fuller North Platt Physical Therapy PO Box 159 (269) 532-3375
Jul–Sep 2020
55
NMEDA ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS CANADA ____________________________
BRITISH COLUMBIA Larry Bowen Larry Bowen PO Box 78095 Northside RPO Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 4X5 (604) 996-4893 Lisa Kristalovich GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver, BC V52 2G9 (604) 734-1313 Dean Robertson Access Driver Rehab Specialists 3405 W 31 Ave. Vancouver, BC V6S 1X6 (604) 263-5218 ____________________________
NEW BRUNSWICK Maura Dulong, OT Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation 800 Priestman St. Fredericton, NB E3B 0C7 (506) 452-5876 ____________________________
ONTARIO Shah Baqar, OT, CDRS Saint Elizabeth Driver Assessment (Toronto) 20 Linsmary Court Markham, ON L6E 1L2 (416) 419-3031
Wendy Nieuwland Skill Builders Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre 370 Bayview Drive, #100 Barrie, ON L4N 7L3 (705) 727-0319 Susan Paszt Susan Paszt PO Box 58 Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0 (705) 875-2133 Tamalea Stone Drive ON! Comprehensive Driver Rehabilitation 398 McDonnel Street Unit 4 Peterborough, ON K9H 2X4 (705) 741-7660 ____________________________
QUEBEC Dana Benoit Constance Lethbridge Rehabilitation Center 7005 de Maisonneuve West Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1891 Stephanie Bois CISSS des Laurentides / Programme ECAV 1300, boul. Cure-Labelle Blainville, QC J7C 2N8 (450) 437-6001 Nathalie Maertens CISSS des Laurentides / Programme ECAV 1300, boul. Cure-Labelle Blainville, QC J7C 2N8 (450) 437-6001
Alyssa Merilees Constance-Lethbridge Rehab Tim Danter Centre All Dominion Driver Training and Traffic Education Centres 7005 boul. De Maisonneuve Quest Limited Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 882 Fairway Road N (514) 487-1891 Kitchener, ON N2A 0C2 (905) 330-1596 Susan Sofer Autonomy Community F. Lortie Therapy F. Lortie 6900 Boul Decarie 68 Bloomfield Suite M170 London, ON N6G 1P3 Cote St-Luc, QC H3X 2T8 (519) 495-9541 (514) 733-1414
56
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Kristian Thivierge Centre de Readaptation Constance-Lethbridge 7005, Boulevard de Maisonneuve Quest Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1891 Minh-Thy Truong Constance-Lethbridge Rehab Centre - MT 7005 boul. de Maisonneve Montreal, QC H4B 1T3 (514) 487-1770 ____________________________
SASKATCHEWAN Suzanne Lendvoy SK Health Authority 2180 23rd Avenue Regina, SK S4S 0A5 (306) 766-5968 ______________________________
NMEDA EDU/GOV’T/NON-PROFIT MEMBERS EDU/GOV’T/NONPROFIT ____________________________
Marie-Eve Barbeau Programme Adaptation Vehicule (SAAQ) 333, boul. Jean-Lesage, S1-27 Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6 (418) 528-4281
Patrick Delplancke Transport Canada - Road Safety & Motor Veh. Reg. 330 Sparks St Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5 (613) 998-2189 Todd Keanan James A. Haley VA Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs. Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 972-2000
Sean Berry Texas A&M Transportation Institute 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-6375
Michel Morency S.A.A.Q 333, boul. Jean-Lesage, C-4-21 Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6 (418) 528-3597
Eric Bradley Texas A&M Transportation Institute 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-7492
Torrey Morse Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 55 Farmington Ave, 12th Fl Hartford, CT 6105 (860) 424-4865
Timothy P. Brant Brant’s Driving School 596 Goucher Street Johnstown, PA 15905 (877) 395-7011
Tina Paff Bicks Driving School 6367 Glenway Ave Cincinnati, OH 45211 (513) 251-2100
Rev. Julius Lee SMCL Foundation & Associates Inc. Adaptive & Multi-services Organization 2910 Seine Street New Orleans, LA 70114 (504) 450-4014 Matt Rivers Road Rules Driving School 2540 Farmcrest Avenue Peterborough, ON K9L1H7 7058749220 Stephen Sundarrao Rehabilitation Engineering & Technology Program 4202 E. Fowler Avenue ENB 118 Tampa, FL 33620 (813) 974-5346 James Wooldridge SIU Department of Rehabilitation of Services 500C South Lewis Lane Carbondale, IL 62948 (618) 453-2331
Lance Bullard Texas Transportation Institute A&M Univ. 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-6153
Jul–Sep 2020
57
DATES TO REMEMBER This calendar of upcoming events is provided as a service to NMEDA members. The Circuit Breaker cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Please verify dates and locations with the organizations listed.
NMEDA Board of Directors Meeting August 20, 2020 September 17, 2020 October 15, 2020
Abilities Expo - Phoenix
September 11—13, 2020 Visit www.abilities.com/phoenix for more information.
Abilities Expo - Toronto
October 2—4, 2020 Visit www.abilitiesexpotoronto.com for more information.
Abilities Expo - Houston
October 30—November 1, 2020 Visit www.abilities.com/houston for more information.
To have your information included in Dates to Remember, please submit at least 12 weeks before the event to katie.mcdonald@nmeda.org.
58
NMEDA Circuit Breaker
Jul–Sep 2020
59
where you want in life
The BraunAbility Pacifica offers the uncompromised performance you deserve, from the Most Recommended Name in Mobility*
BraunAbility.com *Based on 2016 Dealer Service Technician Study
844.382.8134
