Don Clayback, Executive Director at NCART, has announced he is leaving the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) advocacy organization at the end of September.
In a March 29 e-mail to NCART members, Clayback — who has been NCART’s Executive Director for 13 years — said, “While this was not an easy decision, it is the right time for me to make a change.”
NCART President Chris Yule recognized Clayback’s accomplishments in a March 29 news announcement.
“Don has been a true leader and an incredibly effective advocate for the CRT industry and the individuals with disabilities we serve during his tenure as Executive Director,” Yule said. “The board of directors and I sincerely thank him for his years of direction and dedication. We wish him the best in his next chapter and know that he will continue to be successful in his future endeavors.”
NCART’s board will name the organization’s next Executive Director later this year, the announcement said, adding that an NCART committee is searching for Clayback’s successor.
The announcement noted that during Clayback’s time as Executive Director, “NCART increased the awareness and understanding of CRT and led collaborative efforts that secured CRT policy and legislative improvements at the federal and state level. These included permanent exclusion of CRT power and manual wheelchairs and their components from Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program, prevention of CRT payment cuts and improvements in coverage at the state level, and passage of CRT recognition legislation in eight states. Additionally, Clayback was instrumental in the growth of the annual National CRT Conference and Congressional Fly-In that connects advocates and stakeholders with members of Congress to promote needed CRT-related actions.”
Clayback said in the announcement, “I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have had at NCART to help protect and improve access to CRT for people with disabilities. It has been an honor to advocate to ensure the children and adults we serve receive the highest-quality equipment and supporting services they deserve to live full and independent lives. I thank all the dedicated advocates and organizations of the CRT community for their commitment and am confident NCART will continue its important work for many years to come.”
