In this latest installment of our series interviewing some of the most influential voices in the complex rehab industry, we sat down with Dr. Lee Ann Hoffman — an internationally recognised occupational therapist, educator, and leading authority in 24-hour posture care management and assistive technology.
With more than 25 years of global clinical experience spanning the U.S., U.K., Middle East, and South Africa, Dr. Hoffman has dedicated her career to advancing evidence-based practice in seating, mobility, and long-term postural health. As Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, she combines academic leadership with hands-on clinical expertise, helping shape the next generation of rehabilitation professionals.
At the inaugural Abilities International Accessibility Conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Hoffman will lead her two-part Positioning With Purpose series, exploring sustainable strategies for 24-hour posture care management through both theory and hands-on lab sessions. She will also join the panel discussion Facing Change: The Many Facets of Adjustment in CRT, examining the emotional and practical realities of adapting to complex rehabilitation technology.
Tell us about your role in the CRT industry.
I teach in the field of assistive technology at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy Program, on the Dallas, Texas campus. My work focuses on educating future clinicians and health care professionals about assistive technology, wheeled mobility, and positioning strategies that support individuals with complex needs. Through collaboration with our CRT industry partners, I aim to help translate evidence-based practices into real-world solutions.
You’re speaking at Abilities International Conference, what is your topic about?
I’ll be presenting on 24-hour posture care management, which focuses on supporting postures of lying, sitting, and standing throughout the entire day and night. The session will highlight why 24-hour posture care management is essential for addressing secondary complications, improving comfort, and promoting participation in daily activities. There will be a theory-based session followed by a hands-on lab where practical strategies and assistive technology solutions will be shared.
Why do you value getting face to face with the rest of the industry?
Face-to-face interaction is incredibly valuable in an industry as collaborative as CRT. Conferences create opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss real-world challenges, and build relationships with professionals who share the same mission. I value these types of conversations as they often lead to new solutions and partnerships enabling us to collectively make improvements for the people we serve.
What challenges are you looking to overcome from attending the conference?
One of the biggest challenges in CRT is keeping pace with all the evolving technologies. Attending the Abilities International Conference allows me to learn from other experts, hear different perspectives, and identify strategies for improving access and outcomes.
We can’t wait to see you there, why else should a clinician, manufacturer or reseller attend the conferences in 2026?
The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect the entire CRT ecosystem all under one roof. Whether you’re a clinician, manufacturer, or supplier, it provides valuable education and meaningful networking opportunities. It’s also a chance to collaborate on solutions that move the industry forward and ultimately improve the lives of individuals in our CRT community.
Will you visit the expo next door too? What are you most excited about?
Absolutely. The expo is always one of the highlights because it showcases the newest innovations and technologies in mobility and rehabilitation. I’m particularly excited to see products, learn about new assistive technologies, and speak industry partners about solutions that can better support end users.