Medtrade Attendees React to ADA 25th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 25, 2015)—On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), legislation designed to extend accessibility and prevent job discrimination for people with disabilities. Much like the equipment and services provided by the HME industry, the ADA boosted independence for millions of Americans. On the eve of the July 26 anniversary, several Medtrade attendees reflected on the ADA’s progress to date, as well as the work that is yet to be done.

“Medtrade and the ADA are really both about increasing independence for people with disabilities. Great minds and great companies come together at the show with equipment and services that improve accessibility for people with all kinds of disabilities. The 25th anniversary of the ADA is a great chance to reflect on how far we’ve come. Opportunities for HME providers will continue to expand as the ADA becomes even more ingrained and people live longer lives.” 

— Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade

“In the last 25 years, the ADA has created opportunities and transformed lives. As we celebrate the ADA and how far we’ve come, this anniversary is also a reminder of how far we need to go. We all need to remain vigilant that people with disabilities have access to the best technology and equipment, which can make a major difference in their lives.”

— Tom Ryan, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare

“The ADA brought to light the fact that a substantial portion of our population was suffering alone or in silence because the larger world was inaccessible to them.”

— Laurie Bachorek, chief operating officer, MetroCare Home Medical Equipment, Grand Prairie, Texas

“While America is far from perfect, as a country we have certainly recognized needs of mobility-impaired Americans. The accessibility to transportation, entertainment venues, restaurants, schools, and national parks has evolved tons in the last 25 years. The technology advances that allow people with disabilities to participate in life are more amazing every day. Mobility and independence is what America is all about and we are engaged.”

— Jim Greatorex, Business Development, VGM Retail Services

“The ADA has made a significant difference in the opportunity for this community to engage and participate in what most of us take for granted. However, government policies through Medicare and Medicaid restrict the ability to use new technology to further this effort. This is the unintended consequence of a flawed payment system based on inappropriate pricing mechanisms that don’t allow for research and innovation.”

— Joel D. Marx, Medical Service Company, Cleveland, Ohio

—Greg Thompson