NMEDA Partners with University of Pittsburgh SHRS on Educational Initiatives

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Oct 22, 2020

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS).

In an Oct. 15 news announcement, NMEDA said Pittsburgh SHRS will administer and oversee NMEDA’s educational and training programs.

NMEDA, the non-profit trade association for wheelchair-accessible vehicles and adaptive automotive equipment manufacturers and dealers, administers the Quality Assurance Program for dealerships and Certified Technician program for equipment installers.

Going forward, Amy Lane, a University of Pittsburgh occupational therapist and certified driver rehabilitation specialist, will serve as NMEDA’s Director of Education & Training. In that role, Lane, who manages and operates the SHRS Adaptive Driving Program, will devote at least 50 percent of her time to supporting NMEDA.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Rehabilitation Science & Technology Continuing Education (RSTCE) team will also be available to support NMEDA’s Learning Management System and online education program.

NMEDA President Christian Quandt said in the announcement, “We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Pitt RST. The RST Department at Pitt is recognized globally for its expertise and innovation in all kinds of mobility applications. Having them oversee NMEDA’s education and training is truly a boon to our program.”

Danny Langfield, NMEDA’s CEO, added, “The members of NMEDA are dedicated to helping folks with disabilities regain their independence. I can’t think of a more complementary partner for that mission than the remarkably talented people associated with Pitt RST. This is how associations and industries get better — by collaborating with the best minds available to achieve much more than we could accomplish on our own.”

“We are thrilled to be supporting NMEDA with their education and training as part of our long term and growing relationship,” said Jonathan Pearlman, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor of Pittsburgh’s RST. “This opportunity helps highlight RST’s ability and enthusiasm to support educational excellence with our partners in the assistive technology field. It also adds to our ongoing experience in supporting training in the Veterans Administration, hosting the International Seating Symposium, and leading other world-class training activities.”

NMEDA’s 2021 Annual Conference and Expo is scheduled for Sept. 16-21 in Columbus, Ohio. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) will simultaneously host its annual conference, marking the first time the associations have co-located their events.