​It’s CRT Awareness Week — What Is CRT?

August 15-19, 2022 is CRT Awareness Week. What is CRT? It stands for Complex Rehab Technology, which is a term used to describe wheelchairs, power chairs, and other mobility devices that help people with disabilities live more independent lives. Basically what we do here at Build My Wheelchair. So to bring awareness to CRT this week we'll be discussing all the different types of CRT and the history behind this week.

What is Complex Rehab Technology (CRT)?

Complex Rehab Technology products are highly individualized and customized to meet the unique medical and functional needs of people with disabilities. They are different from standard wheelchairs in that they are designed to provide optimal function, positioning, and support. CRT products can help people with disabilities live more independently by improving their ability to participate in activities of daily living, work, school, and leisure.

CRT products include:

• Wheelchairs
• Power chairs
• Standing frames
• Seating and positioning systems
• Bathroom safety equipment
• Communication devices

Some people with disabilities need CRT products to be able to participate in activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and bathing. Others use CRT products to improve their mobility so they can work, go to school, or enjoy leisure activities.

CRT products are prescribed by a team of medical professionals that includes a physician, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. The prescription is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the person’s medical condition, functional abilities, and lifestyle.

Why Do We Celebrate CRT Awareness Week?

Complex Rehab Technology products are life-changing for people with disabilities and their families. CRT Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the difference that CRT makes in the lives of people with disabilities and to raise awareness about the importance of access to CRT.

CRT Awareness Week was established in 2006 by NCART, a national trade association that represents manufacturers and suppliers of CRT products. NCART’s mission is to ensure people with disabilities have access to the Complex Rehab Technology they need to live independently.

During CRT Awareness Week, advocates for people with disabilities, rehabilitation professionals, and others raise awareness about the importance of access to CRT products and services. Events are held across the country to educate people about CRT and the difference it makes in the lives of people with disabilities.

How Can You Get Involved?

There are many ways to get involved in CRT Awareness Week. Here are a few ideas:

• Share your story — Write a blog post, make a video, or post on social media about how CRT has made a difference in your life. Use the hashtag #CRTAwarenessWeek to help spread the word.
• Educate others — Hold an event at your school, place of worship, or community center to educate others about CRT.
• Advocate for access — Contact your elected officials and tell them why it’s important for people with disabilities to have access to CRT products and services.
• Donate — Make a donation to an organization that provides funding for people with disabilities to get the Complex Rehab Technology they need, such as The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation or United Cerebral Palsy.
• Join other advocates for important CRT conversations with Congress at the September 9th Congressional Fly-In Event: https://2022-virtual-crt-congressional.constantcontactsites.com/

Complex Rehab Technology Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the difference that CRT makes in the lives of people with disabilities. Get involved and help spread the word!