RIFTON, N.Y. – Rifton Equipment recently signed on for Medtrade 2025, scheduled for Feb. 18-20 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. The venerable manufacturer of adaptive equipment made the decision for a variety of reasons.
According to Derek Meier, government affairs director, part of the reason comes down to Medtrade’s renewed commitment to complex rehab technology (CRT) in the form of a new feature called CRT Live.
“The new CRT Live showcase, planned for 2025, reflects Medtrade’s and AAHomecare’s commitment to spotlighting CRT,” says Meier. “Each participating company [Medtrade exhibitor] has an opportunity to highlight their new technologies and solutions.”
CRT Live will incorporate educational sessions demonstrating each CRT manufacturer’s products, technology, and key benefits. Participating companies will be highlighted in the online show guide, onsite signage, Medtrade Monday publication, and through Medtrade’s social media outlets. “Rifton, the Educational Advisory Board [EAB] of Medtrade, and AAHomecare are all committed to bringing CRT back to the show floor,” Meier adds. “CRT Live is the first step in this process.”
Medtrade Monday sat down with Meier to learn more about Rifton’s rich history, as well as additional reasons that company officials decided to return to Medtrade after an extended absence.
Medtrade Monday: How would you characterize the standard of care for people with disabilities over the last few decades?
Meier: Prior to 1975, the standard of care for thousands of people with intellectual and physical disabilities was abysmal. Understaffed, state-run institutions housed children and adults in woeful neglect. Attempts were made over decades to shine a light on the plight of this neglected population. It wasn’t until 1972 that the nation was fully confronted with this horror, when ABC reporter Geraldo Rivera climbed through the fence surrounding the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island and brought his cameraman into one of the buildings. His footage captured residents roaming the building naked or sitting on the floor in filth, with no opportunities for education or development.
Medtrade Monday: What was the result of his investigative reporting?
Meier: His broadcast, The Last Great Disgrace, forced legislators to action, resulting in the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-142) which later, in 1990, became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Medtrade Monday: How did Rifton start to become involved?
Meier: Not long afterward, Rifton’s sister company, Community Playthings, began receiving requests from public schools for customized adaptive chairs to accommodate the needs of the new students arriving at their doors. Community Playthings is a school and daycare provider of furniture and play equipment that started in 1948. By 1975 it had established a loyal customer base among public schools around the country, so it was a natural choice to meet the needs of this new student population.
In 1977, the Community Playthings catalog included for the first time an insert highlighting a new line of adaptive equipment called Rifton Equipment. For many years Rifton and Community Playthings operated as a single business entity with shared management. By 2004 Rifton had grown large enough to spin off as its own unit, with headquarters in Rifton, N.Y., in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Medtrade Monday: How has Rifton managed to continue its strong momentum?
Meier: Rifton continues to see strong growth primarily due to our commitment to encouraging direct design and customer service feedback from core customers. We are committed to ensuring the best life possible for the most disadvantaged members of our community by providing them with equipment which reflects the value we see in each of them, and in their caregivers.
Medtrade Monday: When did the idea to exhibit at Medtrade start to emerge again?
Meier: Rifton recently engaged AAHomecare, and this, in addition to Medtrade’s recommitment to including CRT in its offerings, made us feel it was time to re-engage. We are happy for Medtrade’s renewed commitment to CRT and we want to do our part to ensure that it continues.
Medtrade Monday: Why is it important for Rifton to continue its made-in-the-USA tradition?
Meier: Rifton’s commitment to manufacturing the highest quality products here in the U.S. is reflective of our values and of the whole industry’s commitment to providing end users with products and services that meet their needs. Attempting to do this overseas would jeopardize that commitment.
Medtrade Monday: How well do legislators understand the value of CRT?
Meier: We continue to see legislators and legislation which champions CRT and elevates the needs of our community. At the federal and state level there are committed champions of the CRT industry who understand the complexities and are committed to ensuring equitable access for all.
Medtrade Monday: How would you characterize the state of CRT in 2024?
Meier: As a newcomer to the industry, I am impressed and grateful for the energy, collaboration, and welcome I’ve experienced. The CRT industry is exceptionally strong due to the teamwork between our state associations, AAHomecare, VGM, NCART, ITEM Coalition, NRRTS, providers, and manufacturers. We are a committed team and look forward to moving the ball forward.
Medtrade Monday: How can HME providers expand advocacy in the CRT world?
Meier: Join your state association. State Associations are key as they provide a forum where things come together, and priorities can be made. TexMEP, MAMES, NEMEP, OAMES, PAMES, and so many others provide exceptional resources and have incredibly strong leadership teams which ensure all voices are heard.
