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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 Don Zimmerman, 2013 AEMA President I am honored to be re-elected as AEMA’s 2013 president. With help from our blue chip directors and officers, I look forward to guiding our AEMA organization in a direction that again proves beneficial to our membership. We have plenty on our agenda. As we prioritize our agenda items, with input from our members, one area of concentration is our involvement with the legislative processes in each of our member states to negotiate and create an education program for our merit shop Accessibility and Residential Equipment contractors that stands as an approved alternative to programs unavailable to merit shop contractors. This program is intended to offer an option for registration, certification, and licensure requirements in our member’s States. AEMA’s value as a national voice for our Accessibility and Residential equipment industry is strong. AEMA provides an opportunity for members to unite nationwide to accomplish goals that benefit our industry in the long term. Whether it includes law making, code involvement, safety issues, or new ideas, AEMA is involved. We have represented our members in law making negotiations and we have directors and officers on national code committees. Our directors, officers and members are continually involved in positions with NAEC and other national, regional, and local industry organizations. AEMA is a well-rounded, talented organization.
Membership is a priority in our organization. AEMA offers an affordable solution to become involved in the many areas that drive our Accessibility and Residential industry. Whether you are an active member, or whether you are interested in becoming a new member, feel free to contact or e-mail any of our directors / officers listed on our website with questions you may have about our organization.
I believe that our AEMA organization and membership together provide a unique process to gain unlimited wisdom and create unlimited opportunity for our Accessibility and Residential Equipment industry. I honor the opportunity to be involved in this adventure. Sincerely, Don ZimmermanNews January, 2013 ASME held their first meetings in Las Vegas the week of January 7. AEMA was represented on both the PRE ( residential elevator committee) and the A18 ( wheelchair lift committee) with several members on each committee. November, 2012 Elections were held for Board positions with a record number of nominees this year. Results from the election are as follows: Newly Elected Board Members: Don Zimmerman - Home Lift of TX - Contractor Member Deb Leary - Access Lifts & Ramps - Contractor Member Tom McIsaac - Stannah Stairlift - Manufacturer Member Returning Board Members: Joe Newstrom - Arrow Lift - Contractor Member Mark Bosley - Adaptive Environments - Contractor Member Mark Townsend - Garaventa - Manufacturer Member August, 2012 AEMA intensifies its support of the NAEC program to certify technicians. This program ( CAT) was initiated in response to our needs for technician licenses. After a successful program for commercial elevator technicians (CET), this program was developed and ultimately certified. Without this program, all accessibility companies are in danger of being without a program to validate the expertise of our technicians. AEMA is encouraging NAEC to continue the program while encouraging is membership to use this valuable tool. It’s one we don’t want to lose. See AEMA’s most recent “newsletter” for further details. September 14, 2011: AEMA's annual meeting will b held at this year's NAEC Conference in New orleans. Annual General Meeting - Date and Time: Wednesday September 14, 2011 5-6pm; Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside (NAEC host hotel) Compass September, 2010: AEMA held its annual AGM in Cincinnati at the NAEC Convention. The gathering was dedicated to honoring the decades of service from Dave Balmer and Marie McDonald. Both Dave and Marie are nationally known and respected in our industry. They are starting to enjoy some free time while still staying involved with us. Marie has just resigned from the A18 committee and Dave still shares his knowledge and teaches in the Toronto area. It was a fitting tribute to two people that have given tirelessly to our industry over the years. Other discussions at the meeting also centered around 2011 elections for AEMA officers and Board. The election should take place in October and new terms will begin January 1. 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. | |
| Code Corner May 30, 2013 ASME A18.1 - Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts The current edition is 2011. Work is currently under way on changes for the 2014 edition. Copies are available through ASME.
ASME A17.1 - Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators The current edition is 2010. The 2013 edition is scheduled to be released later this year. Work is currently under way on changes for the next edition. Safety requirements for Limited Use/Limited Application (LULA) elevators are contained in Section 5.2 and safety requirements for Private Residence Elevators (PRE) are in Section 5.3. Copies are available through ASME.
ICC/ANSI A117 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities The current edition is 2009. Work is currently under way on changes for the 2014 cycle. This standard contains technical requirements for accessibility in buildings and facilities including requirements for platform lifts and elevators. Scoping is contained in the building codes. Copies are available through ICC.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010) is the current edition. It provides both scoping and technical requirements for accessible design, including requirements for platform lifts and elevators. Copies are available at www.access-board.gov.
International Building Code (IBC) The current edition is 2012. Work is currently under way for changes for the 2015 edition. This standard provides scoping for accessible elements in buildings, including lifts and elevators. Copies are available through ICC.
National Electric Code (NEC) The current edition is 2011. Work is currently under way for changes for the 2014 edition. This standard provides electrical requirements for the design and installation of lifts and elevators. Copies are available through NFPA. | |
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