Simon Margolis

I ran across this photo of a CELA (Continuing Education and Legislative Action) Event in DC. Simon conceived and developed this event to bring together the CRT Industry to deliver the message to Congress about the importance of access to appropriate technology for people with disabilities.
Most importantly, he understood the need to have the consumer, the person living the experience, deliver the message.
This photo of Simon was taken outside the Congressional offices with one of the consumer advocates.

Although the format has changed, a form of this event continues to this day. Because of Simon……

Simon was a dear friend and mentor. He invited me to join the first meeting of separating Complex Rehab from DME. I continue to support CRT!
Since I was in Compliance, he wanted my opinions.

He was such a kind, humorous, and dedicated man. I love that both his wife and daughter continue to be friends.

There will never be another Simon!

My first conversation with Simon was at the Seating Symposium (not yet called the “International” Seating Symposium) in Memphis, TN. He gathered a group of people to discuss the need for an organization that would provide recognition of suppliers who believed in continuing education and standards of practice. This field was so new and without regualtion, anyone could provide seating and mobility products. It was the wild, wild west. Slowly, people came to see the importance having access to resources that would improve the service delivery model.

Simon and I remained friends from that day forward. I learned so much from him, not just about being a professional supplier, but more about how our industry partners need to work together to improve outcomes for people who relied on our service.
It was a great honor (and daunting) to take over for Simon as ED at NRRTS.
He continued to mentor me and share his vision for our industry. He would always take my call!
Sometimes I don’t think we have made enough progress towards creating a more efficient system the way Simon envisioned.

But one thing is true: he was right about everything.

This is one my favorite photos of Simon.
We were in DC for a Board Retreat. Gerry was checking in to the hotel with his party on wheels. All those coolers were filled.
Take a look at the expression on SImon’s face.

At a Board Retreat, Simon was gifted a fancy purple hat (as you know, purple was his favorite color).
He gave me this pose for an unforgetable photo of him rocking his hat.
He pulled it off!