The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund, OPAF, http://www.opfund.org,
offers the following information in cooperation with the National Mobility
Equipment Dealers Association, NMEDA, http://www.NMEDA.org, as a public
service announcement, PSA, that helps to fulfill OPAF’s official
representation of the fields of orthotics and prosthetics in community and
philanthropic circles.
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In 2005, OPAF PSAs and overall operations are made possible thanks in part
to the generosity of OPAF’s top current supporters, including the American
Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, ABC,
http://www.abcop.org/; Morrison & Foerster LLP http://www.mofo.com/; and
Ohio Willow Wood http://www.owwco.com/.
Thanks to all for their commitment to OPAF’s chief mission: enable
individuals with physical disabilities — especially those served by members
of the U.S. O&P community — to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement,
physical fitness, and social interaction.
Every PSA helps to build a bridge between OPAF, and therefore the O&P
community, and individuals and organizations concerned with the past,
present, and/or future of orthotics and prosthetics. Alongside OPAF’s other
service programs, OPAF PSAs help to advance the abovestated mission while
promoting, enhancing, and protecting the reputation of O&P in the public
eye.
Learn more about OPAF at http://www.opfund.org and see our thanks to all
OPAF supporters at:
http://www.opfund.org/thankyou2005.htm.
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NMEDA Continues Growth as Mobility Issues Amplify
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association continues its membership
growth as automobile dealers and manufactures recognize the market increase
for adaptive mobility products.
NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment dealers,
driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to
broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be
transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment. All members work
together to improve transportation options of people with disabilities.
Formed originally as an association of mobility equipment dealers in the
state of Florida, membership opened on a national level in 1989 and the
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association was established. The
organization promotes and supports individual members engaged in the
modification of quality transportation for people with disabilities.
Membership has grown to over 650 members with the bulk of the membership
located in the United States and Canada.
NMEDA members adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration and follow the NMEDA Guidelines. NMEDA members update
the Guidelines, a living document providing detailed recommended practices
on equipment installation and modifications, yearly. Every NMEDA member
agrees to follow these Guidelines when they join the association.
The Quality Assurance Program, QAP, is a nationally recognized accreditation
program for the mobility equipment industry. The program promotes quality,
safety, and reliability within the industry. Some states now require a
dealer’s participation in the QAP to perform work for the Vocational
Rehabilitation Programs. The QAP is the only program of this nature
developed for the mobility equipment industry. A QAP designation enhances
vehicle modification and mobility equipment installation in a manner
consistent with the highest guidelines available in the industry. The states
that have adapted the program include South Carolina, Ohio, Colorado,
Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico and
New York. Kentucky is pending. Louisiana and North Carolina require QAP or
an equivalent.
NMEDA is dedicated to ensuring safety standards for vehicle modifications
and works with a Ford Committee and a General Motors Committee on a regular
basis. These committees are attended by representatives from the
manufacturer as well as NMEDA members. In the light of to its continuing
growth, NMEDA would like to educate the consumer as to the safety features
that they should now expect when having a vehicle modified.
For more information contact NMEDA 1-800-833-0427 or visit www.NMEDA.org
