Simon Margolis, a fixture in and a fighter for the complex rehab technology industry for decades, has died.
News that Margolis had passed away in the early hours of July 25 swiftly circulated among colleagues who praised his dedication to the industry and his personal integrity.
During his career in healthcare, Margolis worked in many fields and wore many hats, including that of assistive technology professional/seating & mobility specialist (ATP/SMS). He also worked in the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) fields, and did his post-graduate work in O&P at New York University Post-Graduate Medical School.
 accepts award from Chairman Mike Ballard at National Seating & Mobility’s 2014 symposium.
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<p>His résumé included positions as a surveyor for the Joint Commission, director of the National Re/hab Network for The MED Group, and director of seating & wheeled mobility services for Ottobock USA. He was VP of clinical and professional development for National Seating & Mobility for eight years, and later became executive director for the National Registry of Rehab Technology Suppliers (NRRTS). </p>
<p>A devoted advocate of the complex rehab industry and the consumers who benefit from it, Margolis continued to serve as a NRRTS consultant even after he officially retired in 2013 due to health concerns. </p>
<p>In a July 26 letter to stakeholders, Don Clayback, executive director of NCART, said, “I knew and worked with Simon very closely in different capacities for over 30 years. And many others in the [assistive technology] and [complex rehab technology] arena had that same honor. He was a great guy to have leading an initiative or as a member of your team. … And even more important than that, he was a good man.” </p>
<p>Clayback noted that Margolis was a leader within all three major assistive technology and complex rehab industry organizations, having served as RESNA’s president and on its board of directors, on NCART’s board of directors, and as NRRTS’s executive director. Clayback added that Margolis was instrumental in creating both NCART and NRRTS. </p>
<p> “In all these positions, Simon’s passion and dedication had a common goal: protecting and improving access to high-quality, individually configured equipment that people with disabilities rely on and ensuring it was provided by qualified professionals and organizations,” Clayback said. </p>
<p>An article in the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune said Margolis, 66, was survived by his wife, Marcia, and his daughter and son-in-law, Erica and Tyler Negrini. Services were held on July 26. </p>
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