From Great Idea to Implementation: Successes & Blunders Along the Way with Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
Join RESNA Immediate Past President James A. Lenker, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow for an engaging fireside chat exploring the evolution of innovation in assistive technology with 2025 Colin McLaurin Distinguished Lectureship Awardee Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET at the Bakery Square Experience Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Attendance is welcome both in-person and virtually via streaming. If you’re planning to join us in person, we warmly invite you to attend a reception at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Abstract:
Over the decades many innovations in the field of Assistive Technology have evolved. Some have found their way to routine practice, some have fallen short, some are still works in progress, and others have been implemented in ways outside their intent. This session will discuss the journey of several good ideas from conception to practice from the lense of a seasoned practitioner involved in the journeys. Examples include the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential, practice guidelines, coverage policies, online education, outcome measures, and telehealth. The purpose of this session goes beyond a historical perspective but rather to inform the future for strategies, expectations, and inspirations to continue the ongoing process to improve and innovate assistive technology devices and services in an ever-evolving landscape.
Upon attending this session, attendees will be able to;
1. List three assistive technology device or service innovations that have evolved into practice in the past 30 years.
2. List three factors that facilitate implementation of innovations to practice.
3. List three barriers to implementation of innovations to practice.
4. Describe one assistive technology device or service innovation that had good intension with misinterpreted implementation.
Completion of this webinar and all required components earns 0.1 IACET CEUs.
Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Education & Training in the Department of RST at Pitt. He oversees all aspects of the graduate training curriculums and continuing education in the field of AT. He has practiced as an Occupational Therapist and assistive technology Professional for over 30 years. He serves as Interim Director of the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology. His research is focused on clinical outcomes and service delivery models to foster evidence-based practice and equitable policy for access to products and services. He has published several peer-reviewed articles and position papers related to tool development, registries, telehealth, and best-practices. He teaches a graduate-level course on AT funding and policy.
For questions regarding the Colin McLaurin lecture please contact info@resna.org.