Clinician Task Force

Clinician Task Force This task force was formed in 2004 by clinicians concerned about the current CMS coverage policies for wheeled mobility devices.

This non-profit organization provides clinical based expertise to inform/promote public policy, best practices, and positive outcomes for people with disabilities needing seating and wheeled mobility services. Who We Are

The Clinician Task Force (CTF) is comprised of 82 members, primarily occupational and physical therapy practitioners, whose work involves providing wheelchair seating and mobilit

y services to individuals with disabilities. All of our members care deeply about individuals with disabilities who require wheeled mobility devices. Rita Hostak and Cara Bachenheimer, governmental affairs specialists who work for Sunrise Medical and Invacare Corporation, were the catalysts for the creation of the Clinician Task Force. They also provided technical assistance and support based on their considerable knowledge and experience with the regulatory process. Their participation in the Clinician Task Force was on a voluntary basis as is the majority of the membership of the CTF. Most members of the task force have over 15 years of experience practicing in assistive technology, primarily in wheelchair and seating evaluation and recommendation.

This week Theresa Berner and Jill Sparacio represented the CTF at the 2026 Congressional CRT Product Expo and Leadership...
05/15/2026

This week Theresa Berner and Jill Sparacio represented the CTF at the 2026 Congressional CRT Product Expo and Leadership Summit on Capital Hill. Standing alongside partners across the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) community, they met directly with members of Congress and their staff to showcase CRT products and engage in conversations for policy to protect access. Advocacy for access and coverage for CRT is at the core of the mission of the CTF. We hope to continue to engage with all stakeholders in an united effort to ensure all individuals have access to the technology that they deserve.

CTF members in attendance included: Julie Piriano, Jessica Presperin Pedersen, Jill Sparacio, Theresa Berner and Ashley Detterbeck.

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month! 🎉This month we're honoring the incredible Occupational Therapists whose work cre...
04/18/2026

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month! 🎉

This month we're honoring the incredible Occupational Therapists whose work creates life-changing opportunities for patients & clients and inspires the next generation of innovators in complex rehabilitation technology.

Student spotlight: Kyle Harris just wrapped up his OT capstone experience at with CTF member Stephanie Cooley, OTR/L, ATP. Kyle told us "It makes me smile hearing stories of how individuals plan to use their chair to see their kids or grandkids run a race, play in a sport, or see them perform. Knowing that the equipment we work to provide allows people to engage and participate in the things that bring them joy in their life is the greatest reward of the work we do.”

Thank you to all occupational therapy professionals who are shaping tomorrow's healthcare solutions and impacting the patients and clients you serve!



Image: Kyle Harris, 3rd year occupational therapy student at The Ohio State University and Ryan Burnett PT, DPT, ATP are pictured utilizing a stair climbing PMD in a stairwell at Dodd Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Members Act Now! The proposed changes to Local Coverage Determination language threatens to limit power seat elevation (...
04/01/2026

Members Act Now!
The proposed changes to Local Coverage Determination language threatens to limit power seat elevation (K0830, K0831) coverage and deny medically necessary equipment for beneficiaries who use a Group 2 power wheelchair. Please share with your clients, suppliers, clinicians and reps and submit your story today to protect access and coverage of technology invaluable to independence, safety and health. For more information about the benefits of power seat elevation, see RESNA position statement (2020) and Policy Analysis on Power Seat Elevation Systems (Masselink et al, 2022) on the CTF website. Stay tuned for a letter from the CTF coming soon.

Email your comments to PMDRecon@noridiancom by midnight on April 4th!

Day 2 at Abilities International is officially in the books! Looks like a wheelie good time was had by all! ☺️ 👩🏼‍🦽
03/27/2026

Day 2 at Abilities International is officially in the books! Looks like a wheelie good time was had by all! ☺️ 👩🏼‍🦽

Members of the CTF gathered to collaborate with industry partners to provide education and network with clinicians at th...
03/27/2026

Members of the CTF gathered to collaborate with industry partners to provide education and network with clinicians at the first conference in LA!

03/21/2026
Join us for two days of forward-thinking education, collaboration and practical strategies you can put into action immed...
03/17/2026

Join us for two days of forward-thinking education, collaboration and practical strategies you can put into action immediately at the Abilities International Accessibility Conference March 26–27, 2026 in Los Angeles. There's still time to register and be part of the conversation shaping the future of complex rehab technology. We can't wait to see you there!

CTF members presenting include:
Tamara Kittleson, MSc, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Lee Ann Hoffman, EdD,OTD, MSc, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, CAPS
Erin Michael, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS, CSMC
Stan Arledge, ATP/SMS
Christie Hamstra, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS
Lisa Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
Jenny Siegle, Advocate, Producer Altitude Sports & Entertainment

03/13/2026

New FREE online training is now available to help build practical manual wheelchair skills for everyday life!

These web-based, self-directed courses include step-by-step guidance, photos, videos, and safety tips for skills such as navigating ramps, turning and maneuvering, transfers, wheelies, and more.

Courses are available based on propulsion style:
• Using both arms
• Using one arm and one leg
• Using both legs

Designed for manual wheelchair users, care partners, and rehabilitation professionals. This training is based on the Wheelchair Skills Program and developed in collaboration with wheelchair users.

Explore the training: https://wheelchairskillsprogram.ca/en/upcoming-courses/

International Wheelchair Day was founded in 2008, by Steve Wilkinson, a passionate advocate for wheelchair users whose v...
03/01/2026

International Wheelchair Day was founded in 2008, by Steve Wilkinson, a passionate advocate for wheelchair users whose vision was to create a global movement that celebrated the positive impact of wheelchairs, recognized the efforts of those who provide and support mobility solutions and raised awareness about the millions of people still in need of a wheelchair. We support the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) and honor Steve by promoting International Wheelchair Day. Accessibility, inclusion, and mobility must remain a global priority.

CTF Members just created this infograph for CRT Roles & Responsibilities. We would like to thank our members for this c...
02/19/2026

CTF Members just created this infograph for CRT Roles & Responsibilities. We would like to thank our members for this contribution! This can also be found on the CTF website to download. See link in bio.
Author credit: CTF members Britta Schwartzhoff, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS and Laura Morgan, PT, DPT, APT

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Venice, FL
34285

Website

https://gofund.me/36d2ecf7

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