Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Category: Member News
Dear RESNA Community,
As we embrace the full swing of spring, I am filled with pride for the incredible momentum within our society. This month, we have much to celebrate—from the brilliant minds shaping the future of assistive technology to the dedicated volunteers who are the heartbeat of RESNA.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
In honor of Global Volunteer Month, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member who lends their time and expertise to RESNA.
Whether contributing to our AT standards initiatives, serving on a committee, reviewing articles for the Assistive Technology journal, writing exam questions for the Professional Standards Board, or mentoring the next generation of AT professionals, your commitment enables our community to thrive. You are the backbone of RESNA, and we are immeasurably grateful for your selfless dedication to improving the lives of others through technology.
Innovation in Action: 2026 Developers’ Showcase
It is my pleasure to highlight the winners of the 2026 RESNA Developers’ Showcase, held in late March at the Abilities International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles. These innovators represent the cutting edge of our field:
- OmniCuff wins Denis K. Anson Innovation Award: Congratulations to Will Muter of Reachable Technology. OmniCuff, a modular magnetic-mechanical assistive hand system, received the highest number of audience votes. It is particularly moving that this inaugural award—named in honor of the late Denis Anson—goes to a project that embodies the pragmatic, user-centered approach to innovation for which Denis was a career-long advocate.
- Arc-RAD receives 2026 AT IMPACT Award: The IMPACT Center presented their 2026 AT IMPACT Award to Dr. R. Lee Kirby for the Arc-RAD, a self-deploying rear anti-tip device for wheelchairs. This elegant design promises to significantly enhance safety and independence for manual wheelchair users. Congratulations, Lee!
We also want to recognize our other showcased innovators, including Randall Wesley for the Hinged Tub Transfer Bench and Dan O’Crowley for the Exsel mobility system. Your work inspires us all.
Next Stop: New York Metro
The momentum continues as we look toward our next major event. I hope you will join us for the RESNA Track at the Abilities International Accessibility Conference, taking place April 30 – May 1 at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center. This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain high-level continuing education, learn from the premier researchers and practitioners in our field, and support our next generation of developers in the Student Design Challenge and the Student Scientific Paper Competition.
I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Warm regards,
Jim Lenker, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow
President, RESNA