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Join RESNA Immedi ate Past President James A. Lenker\, PhD\, OT/L\, FAOTA\, RESNA Fellow for an engaging fireside chat exploring the evolution of innovation in assist ive technology \; with 2025 Colin McLaurin Distinguished Lectureship A wardee Mark Schmeler\, PhD\, OTR/L\, ATP on Friday\, October 23\, 2026\, at 3:30 p.m. ET at the Bakery Square Experience Center at the University of Pittsb urgh. Attendance is welcome both in-person and virtually via streaming. If you&rsquo\;re planning to join us in person\, we warmly invite you to att end a reception at 3:00 p.m. ET.
\nAbstract:
\nOver the decades many innovations in the field of Assistive T echnology have evolved. Some have found their way to routine practice\, so me have fallen short\, some are still works in progress\, and others have been implemented in ways outside their intent. This session will discuss t he journey of several good ideas from conception to practice from the lens e of a seasoned practitioner involved in the journeys. Examples include th e Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential\, practice guidelines \, coverage policies\, online education\, outcome measures\, and telehealt h. The purpose of this session goes beyond a historical perspective but ra ther to inform the future for strategies\, expectations\, and inspirations to continue the ongoing process to improve and innovate assistive technol ogy devices and services in an ever-evolving landscape. \;
\n \;Upon attending this session\, attendees will be able to\
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\n1. List three assistive technology
device or service innovations that have evolved into practice in the past
30 years.
\n2. List three factors that
facilitate implementation of innovations to practice. \;
\n3. List three barriers to implementation of innova
tions to practice. \;
\n4. Describe
one assistive technology device or service innovation that had good inten
sion with misinterpreted implementation.
Completion of this webinar and all required components earns 0.1 IACET CEUs.
\n\;Mark Schmeler\, PhD\, OTR/L\, ATP is an Associate Pro fessor and Vice Chair for Education &\; Training in the Department of R ST at Pitt. He oversees all aspects of the graduate training curriculums a nd continuing education in the field of AT. He has practiced as an Occupat ional Therapist and assistive technology Professional for over 30 years. H e serves as Interim Director of the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology. His research is focused on clinical outcomes and service delivery models t o foster evidence-based practice and equitable policy for access to produc ts and services. He has published several peer-reviewed articles and posit ion papers related to tool development\, registries\, telehealth\, and bes t-practices. He teaches a graduate-level course on AT funding and policy.& nbsp\;
\nFor questions regarding the Colin McLaurin le cture please contact info@resna.org.
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