Mission Statement

The User’s First Alliance seeks to ensure appropriate access to seating and mobility equipment by empowering Wheelchair Users, Clinicians, and Providers with education and information resources that inspire action and motivate change.

Who is part of the Users First Alliance?

The Users First Alliance is comprised of people who support The Users First Alliance mission statement and want to part of strengthening the voice of people who use wheelchairs. With a stronger voice we can “push for more” and demand policies that provide more choice in mobility products.

What is the Users First Alliance?

The Users First™ Alliance believes that wheelchair users should not have to sacrifice functional outcomes and performance when choosing their equipment.

Why was the Users First Alliance formed?

In the challenging and ever-changing arena of rehabilitation equipment, it is often easy to lose sight of the most important person in the wheelchair industry, the consumer. The Alliance members believe that users' needs should be met based on function and performance of a product, not solely on funding requirements. By forming the alliance, the group is able to pool resources and work collectively to foster positive change.

How does this benefit me?

Whether you are a provider, clinician or wheelchair user, the Users First Alliance is there for you. The Alliance will support you by providing many links to a variety of support organizations and resources.  The Users First Alliance will offer suggestions to common challenges regarding funding information and explain the process of obtaining a wheelchair including the current credentials of qualified wheelchair professionals. Users First Alliance will fight to ensure that people have appropriate access to high-end rehabilitation equipment.

Can other companies or associations join the Users First Alliance?

The Users First Alliance had its formal debut at the International Seating Symposium in March 2007. At this time, the Users First Alliance has not determined the details of membership expansion, yet anticipates an increase in membership, both individual and industry-based.

What is the legal foundation of the Users First Alliance?

The Users First Alliance is being formed as a Tennessee non-profit corporation and will be applying for 501(c)3 status.

What is the leadership structure of the Users First Alliance?

Currently, Ann Eubank, OTR/L, ATP is the Executive Director. There are four working committees responsible for the formation and direction of the Alliance. The Executive Committee, comprised of Tom Rolick, Vice President of Business Development for Permobil, Tom Borcherding, Executive Vice President, Global Sales for The ROHO Group, and David Lippes, Chairman and CEO of TiLite; the Marketing Committee, comprised of Barry Steelman (Permobil), Melissa Keim (The ROHO Group) and Josh Anderson (TiLite); the Training and Education Committee, comprised of Tina Roesler (TiLite), Darren Hammond (The ROHO Group) and Ann Eubank (Permobil); and the Legal and Regulatory Committee, comprised of David Lippes (TiLite), Dave McCausland (The ROHO Group) and Darren Jernigan (Permobil).