The National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies (NARA) is a leading organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for rehabilitation providers across the United States. Since its establishment in 1978, NARA has been at the forefront of promoting excellence in rehabilitation services, ensuring that providers have the resources and support they need to deliver high-quality care.
History of NARA
Following the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, NARA was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization with the primary goal of promoting and advocating for the interests of rehabilitation providers and agencies. The “Rehab” Act of 1973 was the first federal law to address civil rights and equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, this act provided grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance. It aimed to secure equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination in federal programs, employment, and contractors.
Over the years, NARA has grown to become a leading voice in the rehabilitation industry, representing over 100 organizations and 90,000+ therapists across the United States.
Our Values
At NARA, we are guided by a set of core values that drive everything we do:
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in all aspects of rehabilitation services, from patient care to business operations.
- Integrity: We operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our interactions.
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration and partnership to achieve common goals.
- Innovation: We encourage innovation and creativity in rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes and advance the field.
- Compassion: We are committed to providing compassionate care and support to those we serve.
Our Goals
Our goals are centered around supporting and empowering our members to deliver exceptional rehabilitation services:
- Advocacy: We advocate for the interests of our members and the rehabilitation industry as a whole.
- Education: We provide education and resources to help our members stay up-to-date on the latest best practices and industry developments.
- Networking: We facilitate networking opportunities for our members to connect, share ideas, and collaborate.
- Quality Improvement: We promote quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and rehabilitation services.
The Meaning Behind Our logo
The logo intends to answer the three important questions:
- Who is NARA?
- Who does NARA represent?
- How is NARA involved in Rehabilitation?
Each element of our logo helps answer these questions:
- The stars represent our sister organizations, and the regulatory bodies NARA works with to advocate and support the interests of our members and their businesses.
- The blue and red eclipses represent physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
- The Capitol Building represents Williams & Jensen, who keep NARA connected to the pulse of legislative happenings that impact our members and industry.
- The outer circle created by the stars and eclipses illustrates that NARA recognizes and supports the many aspects that come together to create the Rehabilitation Industry.
- The arch line represents our coverage of all settings where therapy is delivered, from outpatient to hospital, from skilled nursing facility to schools, from home health to occupational health.
Why Become a NARA Member?
As an active industry provider, a NARA membership offers you several benefits, including:
- Resources and Network for All Therapy Settings and Disciplines: Gain access to a comprehensive network of rehab leaders to collaborate and connect with on the business of rehab.
- Exclusive Members Area: Access our website’s exclusive members area, which includes all Town Hall and SIG call meeting topics and resources, historical complimentary webinars, and the membership directory.
- NARA eAlerts: Receive legislative and industry updates through NARA eAlerts, available to unlimited members of your staff.
- Monthly Town Hall Calls: Participate in monthly Town Hall calls for up-to-the-minute resources and industry updates, open to any/all of your staff.
- Special Interest Group (SIG) Calls: Join SIG calls, including SNF, Outpatient, Home Health, Acute/Hospital, Compliance, Pediatrics, Revenue Cycle, and Leadership. These calls provide opportunities for your employees to connect and collaborate with peers in the industry.
- Member Discounts: Enjoy member discount pricing for conference registrations and webinars.
- Exclusive Webinars: Attend exclusive webinars with the Williams & Jensen lobby team.
- QUAD A Membership Discount: Receive a 10% membership discount with QUAD A (formerly AAAASF).
- Regulatory Comments Participation: Participate in the development of comments for regulatory issues.
- Advocacy Campaigns and Resources: Access advocacy campaigns and resources to amplify your voice with Congressional Members.
- Voting Privileges: Exercise voting privileges at NARA’s annual business meeting in the spring.
- Board Position Eligibility: Become eligible for election to a board position.
- Committee Participation: Join NARA committees as a member or chair.
Join the NARA Community
If you’re passionate about delivering high-quality rehabilitation services and want to be part of a community that shares your values, we invite you to join NARA today. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
In order to experience all the benefits of NARA, we offer a trial membership. Click here to learn more!
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