RESNA looks to boost membership among ATPs

WASHINGTON – As part of its strategic plan for 2026, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology Society of America (RESNA) has set a goal of closing the gap between the number of assistive technology professionals (ATPs) and the number of RESNA members. 

Currently, there are about 4,700 ATPs nationwide, but only 1,400 are RESNA members. 

“The idea behind this is to get more of our ATPs to join RESNA as members,” said Andrea Van Hook, executive director, at RESNA’s recent annual membership meeting. 

To address the gap, RESNA launched an email campaign in 2025 targeting ATPs who are not members, highlighting benefits like access to live webinars and on-demand courses. 

The campaign initially boosted membership among ATPs from 48% to 53%, but recent data shows the number has slipped back to 47%. 

“We were like, ‘Why, what’s going on?’” Van Hook said. “We think the campaign might be adding new member ATPs, but we might not be retaining (existing members).” 

In 2026, RESNA, guided by its Marketing and Communications Committee, will take a deeper dive into “what’s working and what’s not, and what members really want,” Van Hook said. 

“That’s what’s great about a strategic plan – you set out a goal and measurements, and then it helps you discover more about what you’re trying to do,” she said. 

To help attract new members, RESNA also plans to introduce an “Emerging Professional” discounted membership in 2026, with a full launch in 2027. 

“This would allow new professionals, sort of, three years to get up to the full RESNA membership price,” Van Hook said. 

Of course, RESNA will also continue efforts to increase the number of ATPs and elevate their value, Van Hook says. Key initiatives will include working with the organization’s research community to show improved patient outcomes when ATPs are involved, and fostering mentorship, virtual networking and continuing education.