Pre-Conference Sessions for Allied Health Professionals

Advance Your Practice. Expand Your Network. Redefine Mobility.

Join us for an immersive two-day educational event designed exclusively for clinicians, therapists, driver rehabilitation specialists and professionals working in or interested in learning more about the automotive mobility field. This is your opportunity to connect directly with leading practitioners, explore application of products for diverse client needs, deepen your expertise, and discover the latest mobility solutions that empower the lives of your clients.

Event Details

Pre-Conference Learning Objectives

  1. Describe key clinical, technical, and safety factors that influence recommendations for adaptive automotive mobility solutions.
  2. Explain how allied health professionals, mobility dealers, and manufacturers work collaboratively to support safe and effective vehicle adaptations and modifications.
  3. Apply foundational principles of client assessment and equipment matching common mobility and driving-related scenarios.
  4. Analyze factors affecting the suitability of vehicle platforms and adaptive equipment, including client needs, usability, and safety considerations.

Dates:
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, February 20, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Additional Information

  • Participants must attend the full program as scheduled and complete the required course evaluation
    to receive contact hour credit. Partial credit is not awarded.
  • The assignment of contact hours or CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content,
    products, or clinical procedures.
  • Financial Disclosure:
    Presenters receive conference registration.
  • Non-Financial Disclosure:
    None.
  • Cancellation Policy:
    The provider (NMEDA) reserves the right to cancel the course due to unforeseen or unavoidable
    circumstances at any time. NMEDA is not responsible for non-refundable airline or hotel
    reservations that participants may incur due to course cancellation. NMEDA reserves the
    right to change a course date, location, or instructor. Learners may cancel at any time without
    notification. We recommend including a cancellation clause when booking travel or refraining
    from making reservations until one week prior to the scheduled training.
  • If you require special assistance or accommodations when attending this event, please contact
    conference@nmeda.org.

Who Should Attend:

  • Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Rehabilitation Professionals
  • Driver rehabilitation specialists and professionals
  • Clinicians and healthcare professionals involved in supporting clients with automotive mobility needs

Why Attend?

  • Engage with your peers and industry leaders
  • Deepen your understanding of the latest in automotive mobility technology, adaptive driving equipment, and industry standards
  • Gain practical insights and best practices for your clients
  • Expand your network and collaborate with industry professionals
ADED Provider Contact Hour Program

ADED Provider Contact Hour Program. This program is approved for 14 contact hours. The approval and assignment of ADED Contact Hours does not imply endorsement.
AOTA Approved Provider Program

NMEDA is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 15103.
This live activity is offered at 1.4 CEUs, Introductory, OT Service Delivery and Professional Issues.
The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
COPSKT

This course is preapproved by COPSKT for 14 contact hours or 1.4 CEUs.
RESNA CEU Provider

This course is approved for 1.4 RESNA CEUs.

Thursday
February 19, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Gatlin E-3

    Vehicle Modifications: Seating, Access, and Mobility Solutions

    Presenters:

    • Tammy Phipps, MS, OTR/L, CDRS, MAJ (USAR RETIRED)
    • Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS
    • Trista Windows, COTA/L, CDRS

    This full-day session provides an in-depth look at vehicle modifications for individuals with mobility needs. Participants will learn key considerations for vehicle selection, wheelchair securement, and seating options, along with clinical reasoning for various solutions. Hands-on activities, case studies, and collaborative discussions will equip attendees to address real-world mobility challenges and support client safety and independence.

Friday
February 20, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

    Beyond the Basics: Tailored Solutions for Unique Clients

    Presenter:

    • Chad Strowmatt, OT, OTD, CDRS

    Explore clinical case studies to distinguish when low-tech or high-tech vehicle modifications are most appropriate, adaptations for out-of-the-box applications, the journey to licensure, and effective team collaboration. This session includes specific case examples of vehicle modifications, strategies for matching solutions to client needs, and the challenges and benefits of working closely with dealer technicians and staff.

  • 1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.

    Standards, Practices and Informed Client Choices in Mobility Solutions

    Panelists:

    • Chuck Hardy
    • Erin Engelau
    • Elizabeth Soles, OTR/L, CDRS, CAE

    Moderator:

    • Petra J. McCarney, MS, OTR/L, CDRS

    Discover what really sets quality mobility solutions apart in this lively, discussion-driven panel session. Dive into the real-world intersection of driver rehabilitation, mobility equipment, product comparisons, dealers, and regulations. Get ready for practical tips and clear answers to those tricky client questions about standards and compliance. This isn’t your average standards course. Our expert panel promises real-world insights and useful takeaways you’ll use every day.

  • 4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.

    NMEDA Conference Welcome Reception

  • 5:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

    NMEDA Opening General Session

    Click here to see details of our Opening General Session.

  • 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

    Expo Grand Opening

Thursday
February 19, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
    Gatlin E-3

    Vehicle Modifications: Seating, Access, and Mobility Solutions

    Presenters:

    • Tammy Phipps, MS, OTR/L, CDRS, MAJ (USAR RETIRED)
    • Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS
    • Trista Windows, COTA/L, CDRS

    This full-day session provides an in-depth look at vehicle modifications for individuals with mobility needs. Participants will learn key considerations for vehicle selection, wheelchair securement, and seating options, along with clinical reasoning for various solutions. Hands-on activities, case studies, and collaborative discussions will equip attendees to address real-world mobility challenges and support client safety and independence.

Friday
February 20, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

    Beyond the Basics: Tailored Solutions for Unique Clients

    Presenter:

    • Chad Strowmatt, OT, OTD, CDRS

    Explore clinical case studies to distinguish when low-tech or high-tech vehicle modifications are most appropriate, adaptations for out-of-the-box applications, the journey to licensure, and effective team collaboration. This session includes specific case examples of vehicle modifications, strategies for matching solutions to client needs, and the challenges and benefits of working closely with dealer technicians and staff.

  • 1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.

    Standards, Practices and Informed Client Choices in Mobility Solutions

    Panelists:

    • Chuck Hardy
    • Erin Engelau
    • Elizabeth Soles, OTR/L, CDRS, CAE

    Moderator:

    • Petra J. McCarney, MS, OTR/L, CDRS

    Discover what really sets quality mobility solutions apart in this lively, discussion-driven panel session. Dive into the real-world intersection of driver rehabilitation, mobility equipment, product comparisons, dealers, and regulations. Get ready for practical tips and clear answers to those tricky client questions about standards and compliance. This isn’t your average standards course. Our expert panel promises real-world insights and useful takeaways you’ll use every day.

  • 4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.

    NMEDA Conference Welcome Reception

  • 5:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

    NMEDA Opening General Session

    Click here to see details of our Opening General Session.

  • 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

    Expo Grand Opening