President's Message

Welcome to RESNA’s presence on the World Wide Web.

In the years leading up to the 21^st century, significant changes occurred for people with disabilities.  Changes in legislation led to the explicit recognition of the civil rights of all people with disabilities.  Additionally, changes and growth in technology provide people with disabilities with increasing opportunities for personal growth, fulfilling employment and better quality of life.

During the 30 years of RESNA’s history, there has been a dramatic proliferation of assistive technology as well as legislative recognition of the value and importance of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering.  While the field has changed, RESNA has consistently maintained a position of importance as being the preeminent professional organization in the world and the only organization in North America solely dedicated to rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology with the widest and most diverse constituency.  RESNA is a vital venue for professionals working in the field by being involved in policy, education, certification, standards and as a robust forum for the interchange of ideas.

RESNA’s mission to maximize the health and well being of people with disabilities through technology is reflective of the work and commitment of its members.  RESNA’s many products and services support its members and contribute to enhancing and advancing careers and contributing to the public welfare.

RESNA must deal with a continually changing landscape in the fields of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology.  We must find the best ways to advocate for the organization’s core mission of providing technology to those people who can benefit most while representing an increasingly diverse group of professionals involved in the research, education and service delivery of ALL kinds of assistive technology.

I encourage you to explore this website and consider working toward our common goals and helping to make RESNA the international authoritative source of knowledge and leadership in rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology.

Sincerely,

Jerry Weisman

President, RESNA