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Welcome to the Clinician Task Force
The nation's most experienced and respected seating and mobility clinicians working to improve access for consumers with disabilities and medical conditions who require seating, mobility, and other specialized equipment (Complex Rehab Technology).
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The ADA at 30
This year marks 30 years since a major milestone in our nation's history-the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Anna Frey
Because Anna was in elementary school when she contacted Polio, once she was home after a year of Rehab, she was not allowed to attend the public school. She was 'home schooled' meaning the district sent 1 woman 2 days/week for only an hour or 2. Anna was very bright (having been told to skip the 2nd grade, by the same district) and took advantage of every chance to learn; but she was so sad not to be able to attend school with other children, adn really missed the socialization of being in a regualr school environment. By the time the ADA passed she was a working adult. Post ADA Anna would say she benefited from freedom of movement given her ability to drive her van, park it within blocks of her job, no step entrance to her office building and freedom to take a vacation on her beloved Long Beach Island in NJ, being able to book a hotel room that had the accessibility features to meet her needs.
Marilyn Saviola
Marilyn would always tell this histerical story that while she was getting her Masters degree at NYU, she needed 2 class mates to meet her every day to lay down the plywood over the steps into the classroom building, so they could push her power chair up the crazy sttep ramp, to allow her to attend class. This happened everyday for 2 year. NYU finally build a permanent ramp the last week of school!!! I think Marilyn would say that the ADA validated her fight that she was not a second class citizen and now she could point to this legislation that she DID have 'a right to access' her world - transportation, education, etc. Thanks to ADA, Marilyn freely roamed the streets of Brooklyn going out to dinner (to those accessible restaurants which are actually accessible) thanks to more reliable curb cuts on all street corners --- though still NOT at EVERY street corner, Marilyn knew each street and the layout that allowed her indepndent travel.
Why support the CTF?
The Clinician Task Force (CTF) provides the voice of the clinical community in order to make a positive difference in ensuring appropriate access to assistive technology. There is clearly a need for experienced clinicians in the field of wheeled mobility and seating to share their knowledge and experience regarding Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) and the CTF is that forum.
Are you interested in starting a seating clinic or providing seating and wheeled mobility service in your practice setting? If so, correct coding and documentation for therapy reimbursement is critical to understand. Check out the on-demand webinar "Therapy Billing Codes for Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Services" http://www.nrrts.org/teleseminars-1/on-demand-webinars-1
What others are saying about the CTF
-Don Clayback
Executive Director, NCART"2019 was another active year for CRT access and it was very encouraging to see the growth and increased involvement of the CTF. The CTF is ideally suited to bring CRT experienced therapists together to ensure the important clinical voice is heard regarding CRT policies, safeguards, and access. Glad to have them engaged as we enter 2020."
-Weesie Walker
Executive Director, NRRTS"The CTF has made great strides in several areas. The number of participating clinicians has grown significantly. This offers an opportunity for CTF members to work in more local areas on CRT Issues. The CTF has produced a number of informative videos that explain what the CRT Issues are and how it affects the consumer. This effort will raise awareness and bring more advocacy action. The CTF has supported, promoted and participated in the Unite4CRT townhall meetings. The CTF also supports NRRTS by presenting numerous webinars and writing CEU articles for DIRECTIONS. This collaboration shows that together we can make a difference."
-Mary Ellen Buning
Director, RESNA"At RESNA we are so pleased to see the new energy and enthusiasm that is so noticeable at the CTF. The leaders of our two organizations are now meeting monthly. We are collaborating on some initiatives related to progress with position papers and other efforts to influence public policy. It is great to see the remarkable growth in CTF membership and the development of committees to focus member's energies. We look forward to continued partnership in 2020 and invite you help us celebrate RESNA's 40th anniversary."
-Weesie Walker
Executive Director, NRRTS"The CTF has made great strides in several areas. The number of participating clinicians has grown significantly. This offers an opportunity for CTF members to work in more local areas on CRT Issues. The CTF has produced a number of informative videos that explain what the CRT Issues are and how it affects the consumer. This effort will raise awareness and bring more advocacy action. The CTF has supported, promoted and participated in the Unite4CRT townhall meetings. The CTF also supports NRRTS by presenting numerous webinars and writing CEU articles for DIRECTIONS. This collaboration shows that together we can make a difference."
-Alexandra Bennewith
MPA, Vice President, Government Relations, United Spinal Association"United Spinal Association so appreciates CTF's passion, commitment and expertise. It's a pleasure to work with the CTF team: individuals dedicated to seating and positioning for people with disabilities. Thank you CTF!"
Why is it so hard for me to get the wheelchair I need?
A video for full time wheelchair users on how to improve your access to get the wheelchairs you need!
Watch Video
A Message from Laura Cohen Co-founder and former Executive Director
The CTF has been requested to assist with education and training of HHS Staff, CMS, CMS contractors, and legislators about the differentiation between DME and CRT. We have led efforts to propose substantive recommendations with supportive evidence for proposed policy changes.
I am also very proud of the work our dedicated group has done to effect change within APTA and AOTA to define CRT and CRT clinical practice and advocacy in organizational policy and priorities at the highest level.
It has been a privilege to lead this group of passionate dedicated clinicians. I have great confidence in the CTF Executive Leadership Team and look forward to participating in continued efforts to realize CRT legislation and policy improvements to enable CRT access for people with complex mobility impairments.