Clayback to Step Down from NCART Executive Director Role
After 13 years of reimbursement and policy work, the longtime CRT advocate will vacate the association’s leadership position in September.
After 13 years of leadership in the complex rehab industry, Don Clayback will step down from his role as Executive Director of the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART).
Since 2009, Clayback has led multiple efforts to protect access to complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) for consumers and industry stakeholders. He departs the association on Sept. 30.
“Don has been a true leader and an incredibly effective advocate for the CRT industry and the individuals with disabilities we serve during his tenure as Executive Director,” said Chris Yule, president of NCART. “The Board of Directors and I sincerely thank him for his years of direction and dedication. We wish him the best in his next chapter and know that he will continue to be successful in his future endeavors.”
The NCART efforts to raise CRT awareness and secure state and federal policy wins during Clayback’s time as Executive Director include:
- The permanent exclusion of CRT power and manual wheelchairs and their components from Medicare’s competitive bidding program.
- Prevention of CRT payment cuts.
- Improvements in coverage at the state level.
- Passage of CRT recognition legislation in eight states.
Additionally, Clayback was instrumental in the growth of the annual National CRT Conference and Congressional Fly‐In that connects advocates and stakeholders with members of Congress to promote needed CRT-related actions.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have had at NCART to help protect and improve access to CRT for people with disabilities,” Clayback said. “It has been an honor to advocate to ensure the children and adults we serve receive the highest quality equipment and supporting services they deserve to live full and independent lives. I thank all the dedicated advocates and organizations of the CRT community for their commitment and am confident NCART will continue its important work for many years to come.”
The NCART Board of Directors has begun plans to transition the organization’s leadership to its next Executive Director, who will be named later this year. Additional details regarding the position will be made available by an NCART committee conducting the search for Clayback’s successor.