Vocational Rehab

Vocational Rehab Schedule

Get ready for an energizing, hands-on experience designed exclusively for Vocational Rehabilitation professionals. The VR VIP Experience offers education, collaboration, and networking. All tailored to your unique role in helping clients achieve mobility independence.

See the full VR schedule below, and don’t forget to download the registration form to secure your spot at this year’s VR VIP Experience.

2026 NMEDA Annual Conference and Expo, VR VIP Program has been approved by CRCC for 8 contact hours. VOC form will be issued upon confirmed completion of program.

Friday
February 20, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—8:30 a.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    Welcome, Program Overview

  • 8:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m. Gatlin E-4

    Best Practices in Adaptive Driving Equipment & Vehicle Modifications

    Panel Discussion
    This panel reviews key standards and guidelines shaping adaptive driving equipment and vehicle modifications, including QAP requirements, FMVSS considerations, make inoperative rules, and guidance from NHTSA, ADED, and NMEDA. Panelists will discuss why QAP matters at the state level and how compliance supports safety, consistency, and better outcomes for vocational rehabilitation clients.

    Panelists
    Chuck Hardy – Director of Quality and Compliance, NMEDA
    Tammy Phipps, OTR/L, CDRS – Owner, President, & CEO, Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence
    Justin Riendeau – Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs & Product Safety, BraunAbility

  • 10:00 a.m.—10:15 a.m.

    AM Break

  • 10:15 a.m.—11:00 a.m. Gatlin E-4

    From Evaluation to Delivery: The VR, Driver Rehab, and Dealer Partnership

    This interactive session explores real world case studies highlighting collaboration between vocational rehabilitation professionals, driver rehab specialists, and mobility dealers. Through examples of what worked, what didn’t, and lessons learned, presenters guide attendees through team based problem solving to support better outcomes for clients.

    Presenters:

    • Jud DeMott, President, Access2Mobility
    • Sara Hansel, State Office Program Specialist Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (PSART)Employment, Medical & Technology, Provider & Field Support Department, Texas Workforce Commission
    • Craig Rogers, CDRS, CDI, CDLE, Program Coordinator / Supervisor of ADT Services, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Gatlin E-4

    Roundtables

    Roundtable Topics:

    • Working with NMEDA QAP Dealers
    • Collaborative Partnerships and Navigating Challenging Clients
    • Evaluation Processes and Procedures: Best Practices

    Facilitators:
    Jud DeMott, President, Access2Mobility
    Russ Newton, General Manager, Sure Grip Hand Controls

    These interactive roundtable sessions bring together small groups for focused discussions on working with NMEDA QAP dealers, building collaborative partnerships while navigating challenging client situations, and best practices in evaluation processes and procedures. Facilitators may rotate topics to encourage shared insight, discussion, and problem solving.

     

  • 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.
    Butler

    Lunch

  • 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. Gatlin E-4

    Lessons Learned: Client and Provider Perspectives

    Through real life stories and shared experiences, this session explores the relationship between mobility dealers and the clients they serve, highlighting lessons that support better outcomes and stronger partnerships.
    Presenters:
    • Romie Campbell, General Manager, MobilityWorks Orlando
    • Ray McKay, Sales Consultant, MobilityWorks of Orlando
    • Stephen Sundarrao, Associate Director, University of South Florida
  • 2:00 p.m.—2:15 p.m.

    PM Break

  • 2:15 p.m.—3:15 p.m. Gatlin E-4

    Ask the Experts: An Interactive Q&A

    Join industry leaders for an open, interactive Q&A session covering real world questions, challenges, and scenarios facing the mobility industry today. This session invites attendee participation and practical discussion, offering expert insight across a range of topics.
    Presenters:
    • Kristen Clevidence, Quality Program Manager, NMEDA
    • Paul Ferry, DES/VR Home and Vehicle Modification Coordinator DES/VR Accessibility Specialist
    • Lenny Ovadia, General Manager, United Access of Phoenix
    • Justin Riendeau, Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs & Product Safety, BraunAbility
    Moderator:
    Shawn Richmond, Government Relations & Policy Manager, NMEDA
  • 3:15 p.m.—4:00 p.m. Gatlin E-4

    Peer-Led Roundtables

    Topics:
    • Evaluation Processes and Procedures: Best Practices
    • Building Partnerships with NMEDA Dealers and Members

    Moderators

    • Sara Hansel, State Office Program Specialist Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (PSART)Employment, Medical & Technology, Provider & Field Support Department, Texas Workforce Commission
    • Stephen Sundarrao, Associate Director, University of South Florida
  • 4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.
    Gatlin Foyer

    Welcome Reception

  • 5:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m. Gatlin D

    Opening General Session

    Click here to view information on the Opening General Sessions.

  • 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
    Gatlin B,C

    Expo Grand Opening (Dinner Included)

Saturday
February 21, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—9:00 a.m.

    NMEDA Conference Game Changer Sessions (Breakfast Included)

  • 9:15 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

    Exclusive VR Exhibit Hall

    Guided Product Demonstrations with Exhibitors/Meet the Manufacturer

  • 11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

    Exhibit Hall (Lunch Included)

  • 3:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

    Dealer Roundtables (optional)

Friday
February 20, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—8:30 a.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    Welcome, Program Overview

  • 8:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    Best Practices in Adaptive Driving Equipment & Vehicle Modifications

    Panel Discussion
    This panel reviews key standards and guidelines shaping adaptive driving equipment and vehicle modifications, including QAP requirements, FMVSS considerations, make inoperative rules, and guidance from NHTSA, ADED, and NMEDA. Panelists will discuss why QAP matters at the state level and how compliance supports safety, consistency, and better outcomes for vocational rehabilitation clients.

    Panelists
    Chuck Hardy – Director of Quality and Compliance, NMEDA
    Tammy Phipps, OTR/L, CDRS – Owner, President, & CEO, Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence
    Justin Riendeau – Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs & Product Safety, BraunAbility

  • 10:00 a.m.—10:15 a.m.

    AM Break

  • 10:15 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    From Evaluation to Delivery: The VR, Driver Rehab, and Dealer Partnership

    This interactive session explores real world case studies highlighting collaboration between vocational rehabilitation professionals, driver rehab specialists, and mobility dealers. Through examples of what worked, what didn’t, and lessons learned, presenters guide attendees through team based problem solving to support better outcomes for clients.

    Presenters:

    • Jud DeMott, President, Access2Mobility
    • Sara Hansel, State Office Program Specialist Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (PSART)Employment, Medical & Technology, Provider & Field Support Department, Texas Workforce Commission
    • Craig Rogers, CDRS, CDI, CDLE, Program Coordinator / Supervisor of ADT Services, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    Roundtables

    Roundtable Topics:

    • Working with NMEDA QAP Dealers
    • Collaborative Partnerships and Navigating Challenging Clients
    • Evaluation Processes and Procedures: Best Practices

    Facilitators:
    Jud DeMott, President, Access2Mobility
    Russ Newton, General Manager, Sure Grip Hand Controls

    These interactive roundtable sessions bring together small groups for focused discussions on working with NMEDA QAP dealers, building collaborative partnerships while navigating challenging client situations, and best practices in evaluation processes and procedures. Facilitators may rotate topics to encourage shared insight, discussion, and problem solving.

     

  • 12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.
    Butler

    Lunch

  • 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    Lessons Learned: Client and Provider Perspectives

    Through real life stories and shared experiences, this session explores the relationship between mobility dealers and the clients they serve, highlighting lessons that support better outcomes and stronger partnerships.
    Presenters:
    • Romie Campbell, General Manager, MobilityWorks Orlando
    • Ray McKay, Sales Consultant, MobilityWorks of Orlando
    • Stephen Sundarrao, Associate Director, University of South Florida
  • 2:00 p.m.—2:15 p.m.

    PM Break

  • 2:15 p.m.—3:15 p.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    Ask the Experts: An Interactive Q&A

    Join industry leaders for an open, interactive Q&A session covering real world questions, challenges, and scenarios facing the mobility industry today. This session invites attendee participation and practical discussion, offering expert insight across a range of topics.
    Presenters:
    • Kristen Clevidence, Quality Program Manager, NMEDA
    • Paul Ferry, DES/VR Home and Vehicle Modification Coordinator DES/VR Accessibility Specialist
    • Lenny Ovadia, General Manager, United Access of Phoenix
    • Justin Riendeau, Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs & Product Safety, BraunAbility
    Moderator:
    Shawn Richmond, Government Relations & Policy Manager, NMEDA
  • 3:15 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
    Gatlin E-4

    Peer-Led Roundtables

    Topics:
    • Evaluation Processes and Procedures: Best Practices
    • Building Partnerships with NMEDA Dealers and Members

    Moderators

    • Sara Hansel, State Office Program Specialist Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (PSART)Employment, Medical & Technology, Provider & Field Support Department, Texas Workforce Commission
    • Stephen Sundarrao, Associate Director, University of South Florida
  • 4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.
    Gatlin Foyer

    Welcome Reception

  • 5:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
    Gatlin D

    Opening General Session

    Click here to view information on the Opening General Sessions.

  • 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
    Gatlin B,C

    Expo Grand Opening (Dinner Included)

Saturday
February 21, 2026

  • 8:00 a.m.—9:00 a.m.

    NMEDA Conference Game Changer Sessions (Breakfast Included)

  • 9:15 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

    Exclusive VR Exhibit Hall

    Guided Product Demonstrations with Exhibitors/Meet the Manufacturer

  • 11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

    Exhibit Hall (Lunch Included)

  • 3:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

    Dealer Roundtables (optional)