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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
-Peter W. Thomas
ITEM Coalition Coordinator"The ITEM Coalition greatly appreciates the CTF and the value they add to the field's advocacy efforts. CTF serves as a vital source for clinical expertise on seating, mobility, and other issues facing people with disabilities, and their contribution has been integral to a variety of projects to expand access to assistive devices and technologies. We look forward to continuing our longstanding collaboration with the CTF and its members as we work to advance public policy for people with disabilities, illnesses, and chronic conditions."
-Claudia Amortegui
President, The Orion Consulting Group, Inc."With my feet solidly in the world of funding, it has been a breath of fresh air to have the involvement of the CTF. The expertise of the CTF members is crucial for the end-users, not only in the evaluation and product selection, but in their dedication to making sure the proper products are paid through the various insurance companies. Their voice is not only key in the reimbursement of individual claims but also in the expansion and/or development of new coverage policies. I always look forward to working with this incredible group."
-Jean L. Minkel, PT, ATP
Senior Vice President, Independence Care Systemt (ICS) / On A Roll"CTF amplifies the voice of the clinician. Some of us work in clinics, others as educators, still others as suppliers or inside manufacturers. CTF brings us together as CLINICIANS, giving us a voice within the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) choir! As a member of CTF, you get to be influenced AND be an influencer! "
-Rita Stanley
Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, RESNA"The Clinician Task Force is not just an organization of highly skilled and experienced physical therapists and occupational therapists; it is a group with a passion and mission to improve access to technology for people with disabilities. CTF members understand what is needed to promote positive health outcomes and quality of life for their clients. Their experiences and observations related to declining access to technologies provides a highly valuable perspective for policy makers and legislators. Their collective voice is critical in any effort to bring meaningful change."
-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.