ASSISTIVE Mobility REPAIR GROUP (AMRG)
Assistive Mobility Repair Group (AMRG) is an organization committed to establishing standards for assistive mobility and complex rehab repairs. AMRG provides a comprehensive set of expectations for assistive mobility/CRT repair technicians, methods for evaluating their qualifications, and guidance for training support. The initiative and its certification process are founded on open collaboration among industry participants, such as technicians, providers, manufacturers, and more.
Mission
The mission of AMRG is to set and maintain universal standards for assistive mobility and complex rehab technology (CRT) repair technicians by collaborating with industry partners.
Structure
AMRG engages a variety of industry participants to guarantee a thorough certification program. Members from the industry can contribute through board or committee involvement.
Board of Directors
The AMRG Board of Directors upholds the organization's mission by establishing and enforcing universal standards. Their responsibilities include ensuring that each technician in the certification body meets the required standards set forth for an assistive mobility and CRT technician and is dedicated to following a specified code of ethics and standards of practice.
Aaron Parks
Chair of The Board
Aaron Parks
Aaron is a seasoned ATP with over 22 years of experience in the Mobility field. Throughout his career, he has worked with multiple manufacturers in technical education, custom solutions, and research & development. Aaron has also served as a consultant for various providers, enhancing efficiency in their repair departments.
A key member of the Pride/Quantum seminar team, Aaron has presented across the United States and collaborated closely with area representatives to facilitate in-service training for providers. His expertise was also instrumental at Merits Health Products USA, where he contributed significantly in both educational and R&D roles.
Currently, Aaron leads the technical and educational department for a Florida provider, continuing to drive innovation and excellence in the Mobility field.
Tyler Mahncke
Tyler Mahncke
Tyler Mahncke is the Senior Vice President of VGM Clinical Mobility and Accessibility. He was previously the President of U.S. Rehab and is still responsible for the complex rehab technology division at VGM and Associates. Tyler has been with the VGM Group since 2013 and during that time has spent countless hours working alongside providers and manufacturers in the CRT market and helping to build programs that the industry needs and to help providers thrive in their business today.
Dan Fedor
Dan Fedor
Dan Fedor has been in the HME industry for over 30 years and currently serves as the Director of Reimbursement for U.S. Rehab a Division of The VGM Group Inc. Dan joined VGM in 2014 and before that, was the Director of Education and Compliance for Pride Mobility Products / Quantum Rehab for 13 years. Prior to joining Pride, Dan served as a Senior Manager for Provider Outreach and Education (POE) and Electronic Data Interchange for the Jurisdiction A DME MAC (Travelers Insurance and United Healthcare) for nearly 6 years. He currently sits on the Medicare Council and has presented at numerous local and national events regarding Medicare compliance and reimbursement including, Medtrade, Heartland Conference, ISS, RESNA and for multiple state association meetings. Dan is a graduate of Penn State University where he earned a BS in Economics.
Don Clayback
Don Clayback
Don Clayback has 37 years of leadership and accomplishment in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries. His experience includes executive leadership, provider operation and management, industry consultant, and advocacy roles. He most recently served 13 years as Executive Director of NCART (National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology), the national manufacturer and provider association dedicated to ensuring people with disabilities have access to CRT products and supporting services. At NCART Don was responsible for monitoring, analyzing, reporting, and influencing legislative and regulatory activities on state and national levels.
Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS
Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS
Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS is the Sr. Director of Payor Relations and Regulatory Affairs at the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART). She has worked in the seating and wheeled mobility industry for the past 40 years as a clinician, advocate, and educator where she presents nationally and internationally on seating and wheeled mobility with a focus on evaluation, documentation, and clinical applications of available technologies. Julie is a member of the RESNA Board of Directors where she serves on the Finance and Government Affairs Committees and is the board liaison to the Professional Standards Board where she recently served as the Chair. She is an active participant in the Wheeled Mobility and Seating SIG and the PT PSG. She is a Friend of iNRRTS, a member of the APTA and the Clinician Task Force. She serves on the DMEMAC Advisory Councils, the board of the AMRG Group, several State Associations, and the Mobility Management Editorial Board. Julie is a highly proactive industry resource on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the complex rehab industry.
Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
Mark Schmeler is a practicing Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) serving as the Director of the Center for Assistive Technology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is also an Associate Professor and the Vice Chair for Clinical Services & Policy in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. Further he is the co-director of the International Seating Symposium. His research is focused on clinical service delivery especially the analysis of large data to inform practice and policy for wheelchair mobility and related assistive technologies. Other research interests include the application of outcome measures, telehealth, product development, and product testing. He also works closely with local, national, and international organizations as an advocate for appropriate access to assistive technology devices and services.
Steve Cranna
Steve Cranna
Steve Cranna is the Director of New Business Development & Government Relations at VGM Canada. He is on the Canadian board of CSMC, and numerous other industry committees throughout Canada. Steve represents the Canadian interest in the AMRG Group program and partnerships with Canadian efforts to further the technician training and certification goals.
Contact
Standards Committee
The AMRG Standards Committee provides assistive mobility and CRT industry input, review and recommendations in regard to encounters associated with the implementation of AMRG certification standards. Members of this committee possess background knowledge and experience from various areas within the assistive mobility and CRT industry.
INDUSTRY Supporters
AMRG is made possible thanks to the backing and support of organizations and businesses across the assistive mobility and CRT industry. If you have interested in lending your support, please contact AMRG.