News

The APTA Wisconsin Academic Liaison Committee (ALC) is sponsoring this scholarship. The recipient will receive $300 towards their first year of APTA/APTA WI membership dues after graduating.

Prerequisites:

PT/PTA student graduating this spring/summer

APTA Wisconsin member

To apply:

Graduating PT/PTA students will write an essay (no longer than 500 words) to apply that should address and will be assessed in 3 areas:

1. School or community involvement including any job experience

2. APTA WI/APTA involvement

3. An idea for a project you’d like to work with the ALC on over the next year to increase student involvement in APTA WI. (This should be the primary focus of the application)

The application should be a Word document or PDF and sent to the ALC co-chairs, Erik Gregersen and Billy Bruggink, (erik.gregersen@froedtert.com and billy.bruggink@froedtert.com) by June 1. In the email also include full name, school attending, year in school, APTA ID# and address.

The winner will be chosen by the ALC and notified within two weeks of the application deadline.

APTA Wisconsin's Direct Access Toolkit is designed to support healthcare administrators, rehabilitation directors, and clinicians in successfully implementing a direct access model of care.

Aligned with APTA Wisconsin’s strategic priorities, this resource provides:

• Guidance on obtaining administrative approval
• Overcoming common barriers
• Integrating direct access into various outpatient settings

With evidence-based insights and practical tools, the toolkit also serves as a valuable resource for those engaged in direct access legislative advocacy efforts.

Members can download the FREE toolkit at https://aptawi.org/members/directaccess/.

The House of Delegates (HOD) is the policy making body of the APTA. It is a representative body of APTA membership. This will be a unique experience, as a student, to see how the Association plans the direction of the profession. The delegates hear motions presented by the components and elect leaders for the APTA Board of Directors.

The 2025 House of Delegates will take place in Washington D.C. on July 13 & 14 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST.

This scholarship covers your flight to the HOD and housing for your stay (up to $1000). The scholarship recipient will receive mentorship from the Wisconsin delegation through attending meetings, house sessions, and collaborative time.

To apply: Please write a 500 word essay on the value of APTA membership in your student PT/PTA career.

The application should be a Word document or PDF and sent to the ALC co-chairs, Erik Gregersen and Billy Bruggink, (erik.gregersen@froedtert.com and billy.bruggink@froedtert.com) by April 25. In the email also include full name, school attending, year in school, APTA ID# and address.

The winner will be chosen by the ALC and notified within two weeks of the application deadline.

The APTA Wisconsin Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for upcoming leadership positions! If you are passionate about advancing the profession of physical therapy and want to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to consider running for a position. If you have friends or colleagues that would be great in a leadership role, please consider nominating them as well.

Positions up for election in fall 2025 include treasurer, secretary, nominating committee member, director, and delegate. Serving in these roles is a fantastic opportunity to shape the direction of our profession, advocate for our members, and contribute to the continued growth of physical therapy in our state.

Position descriptions can be found on the APTA Wisconsin website. Please reach out to Lauren Hogan at hoganln@uwm.edu with any questions or nominations for yourself or a colleague.

APTA Wisconsin is excited to announce the formation of the Leadership Development Committee, and we need passionate, motivated members to help shape the future of leadership within our organization!

About the Committee:

The Leadership Development Committee is dedicated to identifying and supporting members with leadership growth aspirations. Through mentorship, education, and networking, this committee will help members develop the skills and connections they need to lead within APTA Wisconsin and beyond.

Committee Goals:

• Identify members with leadership potential and aspirations.
• Connect members to APTA leadership programs and courses.
• Establish a Leadership Development Network for mentorship and growth.
• Collaborate with the Nominating Committee to match leaders with opportunities.
• Organize leadership development events, including conference courses, workshops, and webinars.
• Foster mentorship opportunities within APTA Wisconsin.
• Develop a microwebsite listing leadership development opportunities.

Who We’re Looking For:

Chair – A visionary leader to guide the committee, spearhead initiatives, and collaborate with APTA Wisconsin leadership.

Committee Members – Enthusiastic individuals who want to cultivate leadership within APTA Wisconsin and help drive our mission forward.

Why Join?

• Gain leadership experience within APTA Wisconsin.
• Help shape the future of leadership development in the profession.
• Build connections with like-minded professionals and mentors.
• Make a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders.

Interested? Apply now and be part of this exciting new initiative! For more information or to apply, contact us at aptawi@aptawi.org.

Great news for physical therapists and their patients—SB 964 has officially taken effect allowing physical therapists to certify eligibility for disabled parking plates and cards through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. This is a significant step forward in improving accessibility and patient care.

A huge thank you to APTA Wisconsin member Chad Novasic, PT, for leading this initiative!

Check Your Sign-In Access

PTs can begin the process by logging in under Health Care Specialist Sign In:

https://disabledparking.wi.gov/

 

Verify Patient Eligibility

Temporary Permit (valid up to 6 months):

Eligibility & Application Details

Permanent Permit (renews every 4 years):

Eligibility & Application Details

 

Complete the Application

Paper Applications (English & Spanish):

• Temporary Permit ($6 fee)
• Permanent Permit (no fee)

Applicants are encouraged to make a copy before submission.

 

Online Applications:

Log in to the Health Care Specialist Portal and complete under “Applicant Information.”

Any applicable fees must still be paid online.

 

Clinic & Healthcare System Considerations

Each clinic or healthcare system should establish protocols regarding:

• Current, past, and prospective patients.
• Any associated costs for processing permits.
• Managing the authorization process within the practice.

 

Questions?

Email: [Wisconsin DMV Email Service]

Phone: (608) 266-3041

Fax: (608) 267-5106

This new authorization ability empowers PTs to better serve patients with mobility impairments, making it easier to access essential parking accommodations. Let’s spread the word!

Thank you to every candidate who stepped forward to run for a position. Your time throughout the nomination process, and your willingness to provide your skills and expertise for the benefit of APTA Wisconsin is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all of the members who took time to participate in the election. Member engagement is vital to the health of the Association and shaping our leadership team.

Newly elected members will take office January 1, 2025.

 

President

Sue Griffin, PT, DPT, MS

Registered Parliamentarian

 

Vice President

Carmen Liebelt, PT, DPT, MBA

 

Delegates

Connie Kittleson, PT, DPT

Jill Boissonnault, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Carlynn Alt, PT, BS, MS, PhD

Bryan Cummings, PT, DPT, MS

 

Alternate Delegates

Krissa Reeves, PTA, M.Ed

Jack Knudson-Stuhr, PTA

Lindsay Dolan, PT, DPT

Dan Pinto, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT

 

Director

Sheri Bunyan, PT, PhD

Jonathon Weiss, PT, DPT, EdD

 

Nominating Committee

Kate Bennett, PT, DPT, ATC, NCS

Kristi Hallisy, PT, DSc

Lauren Hogan, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS, FAAOMPT

Jane Bernatovich, PT

 

 

Appointed by the Board of Directors to fill unexpired 1 year terms:



Secretary

Allison Hodgson, PT, DPT

 

Director

Jill Boissonnault, PT, PhD, FAPTA