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Welcome to AEMA

We are a non-profit organization formed in 1990 to meet the needs of the accessibility equipment manufacturers, distributors and end users. In 2005 the association modified its vision and its bylaws in order to create an .all industry members association.. Any person, firm or corporation with an interest in the private residence elevator and accessibility equipment industry may join the association and become a full voting member with equal input into the activities of the association.

The following excerpt is direct from the bylaws of the association: Article II - Scope and Definition a. Scope AEMA is an association of persons and entities with an interest in the .Private Residence Elevator and Accessibility Equipment. industry. b. Definition The term "Private Residence Elevator and Accessibility Equipment. industry includes the design, manufacture , installation , servicing and maintenance of vertical, inclined and horizontal conveying systems which are used primarily to provide access and/or egress for persons in public and private residence environments, commonly known as platform lifts, stair-lifts, wheelchair lifts, access elevators, private residence elevators, home elevators, stairway chairlifts, limited use/limited application elevators, LULA elevators and similar products. (See Article V-Section 1 for membership qualifications).

Message From

Tom McIsaac, 2010 AEMA President

Welcome to AEMA - 2010. As the President of the Association for 2010, I would like to welcome our new members as well as our returning associates. AEMA is an Association for it's members dedicated to ensuring that all Accessibility and Residential products are safe, reliable and that as members we take into consideration the end user as our partners as well as our customers.

The current slate of officers are listed within this website, so please feel free to contact any of these individuals for answers to any questions concerning this Association, but more importantly we need your input on what you or your company is looking for from the Association. The current Board is in its 4th year after changing AEMA's composition. We constantly need your guidance on the future direction to steer this Association.

The value of AEMA will always be as the national voice for our accessibility industry. It has become recognized through the strength of its members and their continued involvement in the direction of the industry. Whether it’s code writing or safety advocacy, AEMA members are leading the way and must continue to do so. A strong voice must be there when needed or when our industry is challenged.

Membership has been a priority in 2010. AEMA has become much more affordable so our membership base can grow, even in this time of economic uncertainty. Our direction is to make AEMA an even stronger voice by swelling our membership ranks. Manufacturers have helped in encouraging their dealers to join and support our industry advocacy.

So far in 2010, we have continued our updating of the AEMA website, which has been on-going for the last few years. This has been a rewarding 12 months with the web preparations coming together and being more effective in serving our members with pertinent industry information.

Kevin Brinkman, TK Access, remains busy at code meetings, representing AEMA to help ensure that the codes stay favorable to the Accessibility Industry. There have been several changes proposed, so keep watching the AEMA Newsletter for updates. The newsletter is usually a quarterly production.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the President of this Association and am looking forward to serving the Accessibility and Residential Industry. Again, please feel free to contact me with any suggestions.

Best regards,

Tom McIsaac

News

April, 2010: AEMA membership grows as early returns have already resulted in 9 new members joining the association. Membership efforts are still going on and the outlook is good for many more additions to membership.

February, 2010: By a unanimous vote, The AEMA Board has voted to lower the annual dues and eliminate any Initiation fee for its membership. In the discussion, the importance of serving the industry was stressed and the economic conditions were also noted. The fees were always to serve the members and the current needs of the association are relatively low, until new programs are initiated and developed. The reduced dues schedule will go out to the membership with this year’s renewal letters.

September, 2009: The AGM was held at the NAEC Convention and enjoyed a large turnout of AEMA members. The discussions centered around direction for the organization, code activity, and model elevator law enactments and the effect that was having in various parts of the country.

April, 2008: AEMA members are active in all areas of the code development process. Of immediate interest is the ICC / ANSI A117 changes being considered. Particular interest is in the platform options for LU/LA elevators, which is good for the industry. Platform lifts are more of a challenge. Clear platform sizes vary when alcove requirements are used. We are striving for uniformity that can be universal and work with inclines. Power operators are also an issue being addressed. Any support will be greatly appreciated and can be directed through Kevin Brinkman at National Wheelovator.

Code Corner

March 19,2010

ASME A18

Work is continuing on

potential revisions to

the standard for 2011 edition. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 16 in Chicago.

ASME A17

Work is continuing on

several potential changes

for the next edition for

LU/LA and Private

Residence elevators.

The next meetings are scheduled for May 3 and 4 in Portland, OR.

ICC/ANSI A117

No meetings are currently scheduled. Final preparations are in process for publishing of the next edition of the standard.

ADAAG

On June 17, the DOJ announced its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to adopt Part I and III new guidelines proposed by the Access Board in 2004. No news on when the DOJ will adopt the new guidelines.

IBC

Results of the committee hearings are available on the website. Final Action hearings will be in May.

AEMA

An Association of Members of the Accessibility Industry