Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Category: Member News
What first inspired you to work in assistive and rehabilitation technology?
Since a young age, I’ve always had an interest in technology and wanted to study to be an engineer, but I learned quickly that my skills might be better suited for occupational therapy. Growing up with low vision, as well as watching my grandfather with post-polio push a clunky wheelchair, gave me a unique perspective that there was a lot of work needed to improve the human–machine interface for people with disabilities. Assistive technology was the perfect match to pursue these career interests. My first job as an inpatient OT in the late 1980s put me right in the realm of trying to make poorly designed wheelchairs work for people with limited function. I was also inspired by being told, “This is just how we design things, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” At that point, I found out about RESNA and a like-minded group of people who wanted to make a difference. It all fell into place thereafter!
You’ve worked in clinical practice, education, and national program development. What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
I have been fortunate throughout my career to be a member of RESNA and work at the University of Pittsburgh, where practice, research, teaching and service all intersect with one another. I enjoy all aspects, but I think it all comes down to making sure people with disabilities have equitable access to the AT devices and services they need to function and participate in society. This seems pretty simple; however, it is a complex process and often a vicious cycle at times. Policy should reflect best practices; best practices and products should be inspired by users and informed by clinical observation; observations should be validated by research; and we all have a responsibility to advocate. I have been fortunate to be involved with at least a few wins over the years, especially the ATP and SMS certifications, clinical implementation of telehealth, creation of an online master’s degree, practice guidelines, coverage for seat-elevating devices, and the development of a large wheelchair data registry that supports research to inform practice, policy, and product development. But sometimes I feel this is just a small dent in what needs to be accomplished, so I now focus more attention on supporting the next generation, especially through teaching and mentorship.
How do you see assistive technology changing in the next few years?
Despite all the challenges, I do think there are some interesting opportunities on the horizon. Society is becoming more accepting of disability, given baby boomers are getting older and will make up a large proportion of the population. Boomers and Gen Xers like me are now starting to understand the need for technology and environmental accommodations in order to age in place. Mainstream technology is becoming more flexible to support people with different needs. Accessibility is moving towards being built into everyday products and places, which is really where adoption and implementation become a reality. Artificial intelligence also presents many opportunities, as well as threats, for AT users and providers. Devices with AI can learn and automate a person’s routine to reduce the number of steps associated with a task. For example, a power wheelchair can learn to get people with limited motor abilities or vision impairment where they need to be, just like autonomous cars are now doing. Smart home tech is also moving in the direction of automation, but accessibility needs to be built in up front and not be an afterthought. As a clinician with a vision impairment who needs to interact with an inaccessible electronic health record system, I am most intrigued with testing ambient listening, whereby a conversation with a client can be transformed into clinical documentation that is also formatted to comply with coverage policy. This will benefit all clinicians burdened with documentation.
What advice would you give to students and early-career professionals who want to get more involved in the field of assistive technology?
First, I genuinely welcome those who have chosen to pursue a career in AT. Regardless of the challenges, it is a very fulfilling field and makes a real difference to people with disabilities who have limited options other than properly considered and designed AT provided by qualified providers who have their best interests at the forefront. Find an area you are passionate about (i.e., device category, application, or research) and pursue it, as that is what will get you out of bed in the morning and carry you through your career. Build a strong network across the field (especially through RESNA membership), as nobody can go at this alone. Be patient and focus on the wins, as small as they might seem, but they do add up. Embrace critically assess advancements in technology, as it changes quickly. Stick to a core value of putting the person you serve first. Finally, get involved or find ways to advocate for AT and the people who use it.
Dr. Mark Schmeler is RESNA’s 2026 Colin McLaurin Lecturer. Stay tuned for more information about his lecture, coming this fall.