(PRWEB) December 17, 2004

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment. All members work together to improve transportation options of people with disabilities.

Formed originally as an association of mobility equipment dealers in the state of Florida, membership opened on a national level in 1989 and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association was established. The organization promotes and supports individual members engaged in the modification of quality transportation for people with disabilities. Membership has grown to over 650 members with the bulk of the membership located in the United States and Canada.

NMEDA members adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and follow the NMEDA Guidelines. NMEDA members update the Guidelines, a living document providing detailed recommended practices on equipment installation and modifications, yearly. Every NMEDA member agrees to follow these Guidelines when they join the association.

The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is a nationally recognized accreditation program for the mobility equipment industry. The program promotes quality, safety, and reliability within the industry. Some states now require a dealerÂÂ’s participation in the QAP to perform work for the Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. The QAP is the only program of this nature developed for the mobility equipment industry. A QAP designation enhances vehicle modification and mobility equipment installation in a manner consistent with the highest guidelines available in the industry. The states that have adapted the program include South Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico and New York.

Kentucky is pending. Louisiana and North Carolina require QAP or an equivalent.

NMEDA offers QAP workshops, national updates in their Circuit Breaker Newsletter and will hold the 14th Annual Conference, February 9-12, 2005 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The featured speaker is Jeffrey Gitomer. 800-833-0427. www.nmeda.org

The key to a quality and safe vehicle modification.

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