The arrival of a new year fills me with both excitement and a profound sense of responsibility. Each January, we are presented with a unique opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year and set our sights on new goals that will advance our mission to serve the Complex Rehab Technology community.
Looking back, 2024 was a year of innovation, collaboration, and resilience. We navigated challenges together, mourned loss, celebrated milestones, and reaffirmed our commitment to improving access to CRT for those who depend on it. I am immensely proud of the strides we made in professional development, advocacy, and expanding awareness of the vital role CRT plays in enhancing quality of life. But as much as we accomplished, the start of 2025 reminds us that our work is never done. With new challenges come new opportunities to lead and innovate. This year, iNRRTS is poised to build on its foundation of excellence. We will focus on several key fronts:
Strengthening Education and Professional Designation
Continuing education serves as the foundation for professional growth, enabling CRT Suppliers to stay informed, adapt to changes, and excel in their fields. Recognizing its importance, we are committed to maintaining our superior educational offerings to ensure our members remain at the forefront of advancements in complex rehabilitation technology. We will address emerging issues and trends, such as regulatory changes and evolving patient needs in CRT practices. By providing comprehensive and forward-thinking educational resources, we aim to continue to empower CRT Suppliers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This continued commitment to education fosters innovation, improves outcomes for individuals relying on CRT, and strengthens the overall impact of our industry.
Expansion of the CRT Supplier Certificate Program:
The iNRRTS CRT Supplier Certificate Program continues to expand, solidifying its role as the first dedicated educational initiative for CRT Suppliers. This groundbreaking program provides comprehensive training designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of CRT Suppliers, ensuring they are equipped to meet the unique needs of individuals with complex mobility and accessibility challenges. Its ongoing growth reflects a strong commitment to elevating industry standards and fostering a community of well-informed professionals. By offering robust educational resources and a structured educational pathway, the program not only advances individual career development but also contributes to improving outcomes for the populations served by CRT Suppliers.
Strengthening Advocacy and Community for CRT Access
In 2025, we commit to breaking down barriers faced by CRT users by amplifying their voices and driving meaningful changes through partnerships with advocacy groups, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Simultaneously, we will expand the iNRRTS community by fostering inclusivity, engaging a broader network of professionals, and sharing best practices to spark innovation and enhance collective impact.
Embracing Innovation
Technology continues to evolve, offering new possibilities for CRT interventions. We will explore ways to integrate these advancements into our practices, ensuring that iNRRTS remains a leader in a rapidly changing landscape. Our commitment to innovation reflects our dedication to improving outcomes for individuals who rely on CRT. We will examine how emerging tools can enhance both product design and service delivery, while remaining ever vigilant of the ethical implications of their employment.
Enhancing Collaboration
Collaboration is the lifeblood of progress. In 2025, we will prioritize building stronger bridges between iNRRTS and other organizations within the CRT ecosystem. By bringing together Suppliers with clinicians, manufacturers, and researchers, we can develop holistic solutions that address the complex needs of CRT users. This collaborative effort will be built around cross-disciplinary initiatives that align with shared interests.
Launching a Digital Platform for CRT Professionals
One of the most exciting initiatives for 2025 is the development of an exclusive digital platform for DIRECTIONS, The Journal of Complex Rehab Technology. This platform will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, featuring peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and the latest research in CRT. By creating a dynamic and accessible resource, we aim to continue to elevate the standards of practice and foster a culture of continuous learning within the CRT Supplier community.
As we embark on this journey, I am deeply inspired by the resilience and passion that define the iNRRTS community. Each day, I am reminded of the extraordinary dedication of our Registrants and resolute board members, who work tirelessly to advance our shared mission. I am in awe of the courage and determination of CRT users, whose voices and experiences fuel our commitment to driving meaningful change. And I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our partners, whose collaboration strengthens our collective efforts. Together, we are more than a professional organization; we are a movement bound by a shared vision to make a lasting difference.
As we focus on our priorities and remain true to our core values, I am confident that we will achieve remarkable milestones in the year ahead. The road before us may present challenges, but it also holds vast opportunities to drive transformative growth and lasting impact. By coming together as a united community, leveraging our strengths, and staying committed to our mission, I believe 2025 will be a year defined by progress, resilience, and hope. Let us move forward with purpose, ready to create a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Wishing you all a prosperous and impactful year ahead. Warm regards, Andrea
Andrea may be reached at amadsen@nrrts.org.
Andrea Madsen, ATP is the Executive Director of iNRRTS, the International Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers. She has over 20 years’ experience providing Complex Rehabilitation Technology to adult and pediatric patients in Southern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, Northern Iowa and Internationally through her work with Mayo Clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Finance, is a credentialed Assistive Technology Professional and has been a Certified Complex Rehabilitation Technology Supplier®. She served for 10 years on the iNRRTS Board of Directors and as Committee Chair for the Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Services. She has lectured for the University of Minnesota Rochester, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, and at ISS.
