The Abilities International Accessibility Conference will welcome one of the most respected and influential voices in complex rehab and assistive technology when Jean Minkel, PT, ATP joins the 2026 speaker lineup in Los Angeles.
A long-time physical therapist, master clinician, and internationally recognized assistive technology expert, Jean Minkel has spent decades shaping best practice in seating, wheeled mobility, and person-centered care. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Rehab and Mobility Services at Independence Care System, where she leads clinical strategy and mobility services supporting people with complex needs.
Jean’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized by the assistive technology community. She was named a RESNA Fellow in 1995 for her expertise and leadership, and later received the Sam McFarland Mentor Award in 2012 in recognition of her commitment to education, mentorship, and professional development across complex rehab.
At Abilities International, Jean will take part in the plenary panel From Small Acts to Big Wins: Policy and Advocacy in AT. The session explores the value of true interdisciplinary collaboration in equipment evaluation, bringing together therapists, suppliers, rehabilitation engineers, and users. Through interactive discussion, the panel highlights how integrated team approaches enhance evaluation quality, streamline workflows, and ensure user-centered outcomes.
Jean will bring a clinician’s perspective on user-focused advocacy, emphasizing the importance of elevating lived experience, respecting professional expertise across disciplines, and ensuring that individuals who use complex rehab technology are equal partners in the decision-making process.
Her participation underscores Abilities International’s commitment to education that is clinically grounded, ethically driven, and rooted in real-world practice. Attendees can expect thoughtful insight, practical perspective, and leadership shaped by decades of experience at the intersection of care delivery, policy, and advocacy.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Jean and many other industry experts at the LA Abilities International Accessibility Conference. It is the premier event advancing accessibility, innovation, and business excellence.
Full details of ticket offers can be found at abilitiesconference.com