As the executive director of iNRRTS, I often describe our work as both deeply rooted and forward thinking. We are grounded in the values of integrity, professionalism and service, yet we are always preparing for the next challenge, building a stronger field for Complex Rehab Technology. In recent months, I had the privilege of experiencing this balance firsthand at two noteworthy events: the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference and 2025 CRT Congressional Fly-In in Washington, D.C.
Both gatherings were very different in scope and style, but they shared an unmistakable energy: The commitment of people who believe in CRT, who care about advancing our field and who place the needs of individuals living with disabilities at the center of everything they do.
Reconnecting in Canada: The Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference
Attending the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference as an exhibitor this year was a reminder of the importance of being present, approachable and open to listening. From the vantage point of our booth, I was able to greet Registrants, manufacturers, clinicians and suppliers as they passed through the exhibit hall. What struck me most was the curiosity and enthusiasm with which so many approached our table, not just to collect information but also to share their own experiences, questions and aspirations.
Conferences are, of course, about education and product knowledge, but they are also about human connection. As I stood at the booth, I was able to hear directly from supplier professionals about their daily challenges, their successes with clients and their determination to grow professionally. Individuals spoke about the value of structured educational pathways, such as the CRT Supplier Certificate Program, which provide a foundation for building a career in CRT rather than just “learning as you go.” Others expressed gratitude for the existence of a registry and a professional association that affirms the standards of practice in this field.
These conversations, while informal, were powerful. They reminded me that the future of CRT will be carried forward not only by seasoned professionals but also by new and emerging voices who are eager to make a difference. As an exhibitor, I felt appreciative to be able to both share resources and learn from those who stopped by.
The Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference also underscored the international character of our work. While the U.S. and Canadian systems differ in policy and funding, the underlying values are shared: ensuring access, promoting independence and recognizing CRT as an essential service. Being part of this event renewed my conviction that collaboration across borders enriches our field and that we must continue to learn from one another’s innovations and challenges.
Advocacy in action: The 2025 CRT Congressional Fly-In
If the Canadian conference represented listening and connection, the 2025 CRT Congressional Fly-In represented action and advocacy. As one of the organizers of the 2025 Fly-In, in partnership with NCART and U.S. Rehab, I had the honor of welcoming supplier professionals, manufacturers, clinicians, consumers and advocates to Washington, D.C., where together we carried a unified message to Capitol Hill: Complex Rehab Technology is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.
The Fly-In is always a logistical challenge. Coordinating schedules, preparing participants with talking points and ensuring that visits to legislative offices are both efficient and impactful requires immense behind-the-scenes effort and the invaluable support of our sponsors. But the reward for this effort was unmistakable. Our delegation met with dozens of congressional representatives, sharing stories that put a human face on CRT.
I was privileged to participate in several meetings and witness firsthand the power of collective advocacy. Participants shared personal stories and professional insights that underscored the essential role of timely access to appropriate equipment and services. Again and again, policymakers and their staff responded with genuine interest, listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating that our message was being heard.
As an organizer, what filled me with pride was not only the professionalism of our delegation but also the authenticity of their voices. Each participant spoke from personal experience, whether as a supplier professional or manufacturer advocating for clients’ rights to access, a clinician reinforcing medical necessity or a consumer living the daily realities of navigating life with CRT. This diversity of perspectives made our advocacy more compelling, and it underscored the collective strength of our community.
Common threads
The Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference and the  2025 CRT Congressional Fly-In could not be more different: One focused on education and networking, the other on legislative advocacy. Yet as I reflect on both events, I am struck by the common threads.
- Commitment to growth: Whether in Toronto or on Capitol Hill, the individuals I encountered were eager to grow personally, professionally and collectively.
- Respect for standards: Conversations at the booth and in congressional offices alike highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards for CRT practice. People recognize that excellence requires both knowledge and advocacy.
- Passion for people: Both gatherings reinforced the reality that CRT is about people, and enabling independence, dignity and participation in society for those who rely on these critical interventions.
These common threads remind me that our work is not compartmentalized. Advocacy strengthens education; education enhances practice; and practice fuels stories that drive advocacy. Each element supports the other, creating a cycle of growth that benefits our entire field.
Gratitude and optimism
As executive director, I feel immense gratitude. Gratitude for the conference organizers in Canada who created a space for connection and learning. Gratitude for the Fly-In participants who traveled, prepared and spoke with courage. Gratitude for colleagues and partners who continue to support the mission of iNRRTS in advancing professionalism in CRT.
But gratitude is only part of the picture. I am also deeply optimistic. These events demonstrated that we are not only sustaining our profession but also building momentum. We are cultivating new talent, raising our collective voice and ensuring that policymakers and communities recognize the value of CRT.
The challenges are real: workforce shortages, funding barriers and policy complexities. Yet the energy I witnessed in Canada and in Washington convinces me that we are up to the task. When CRT supplier professionals, manufacturers, clinicians and consumers come together with shared purpose, there is no challenge too great.
Looking ahead
As we look ahead to the coming year, I encourage all of us to carry forward the spirit of these gatherings. For some, that may mean investing in professional development through programs like the CRT Supplier Certificate Program. For others, it may mean mentoring the next generation of CRT supplier professionals. For still others, it may mean joining us on Capitol Hill in the future to continue advocating for the policies that ensure access to CRT.
Whatever role you play, know that you are part of a larger movement, one that is shaping the future of CRT with integrity, passion and vision. Together, we are building more than a profession. We are building a community, a voice and a legacy. And for that, I could not be more grateful.
Andrea Madsen, ATP
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.