IARP adopted this Mission Statement in 2004: by now I am sure every member has at least seen it once in print, or heard it once in a state of the Association address.  But what really do all of these well crafted words mean?   Over the course of the next few issues of the Rehabilitation Professional, I hope to explore this in detail.

To Unite (Dictionary.com) - a verb, used with and without an object: to join, combine, or incorporate so as to form a single whole or unit; to cause to adhere; to cause to be in a state of mutual sympathy, or to have a common opinion or attitude; to have or exhibit in union or combination; ‘to become joined together or combined so as to form a single whole; to act in concert or agreement;’ to share a common opinion, attitude, etc; to be joined by or as if by adhesion.

In exploring these definitions while thinking about the diversity of the IARP membership, it is easy to realize that the goal of this Mission Statement may be difficult at best.  We are comprised of a diverse membership, providing a diverse range of services, spread across a globe.  However, we share a common body of knowledge and intellect to combine in this quest.

I do not think it is in IARP’s interest to form a singe unit or whole, other than in our shared goals – we have much interdisciplinary independence to be proud to celebrate. We are a vibrant Association, not given to enduring sympathy.  I do not think we are capable of sharing a common opinion – in fact much of our strength comes from our diverse opinions and our ability to zealously debate them. 

I believe our strength is to ‘to become joined together…to act in concert or agreement’; our diversity gives us this strength as much as it creates challenges.  This by no means infers that there is only one opinion; there may be many.  What it implies to me is, that when necessary, we agree to share a common ground as a group.  We cling to the intersection of common, shared, beliefs and values while we pursue our individual and group objectives. As much as we are different, we are also the same. And this is what will allow us to achieve our Mission.  We will see much of this over the coming months as IARP pursues and enters into new relationships with diversified organizations sharing the common ground of Rehabilitation; as we emphasize the value and importance of our sections and chapters; as we strive to become clear in our efforts to provide value to members.

I am pleased to write in this issue of the new Rehabilitation Professional: the Official Journal of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. I believe this issue represents the tenet of becoming a ‘single whole’. The return of Tim Field, Ph.D., as Editor represents an embracing of our foundations, the early years of NARPPS; the enhancement of the role of Ralph Crystal, Ph.D. as Manuscript Editor will perpetuate the professional aspects of our Association; the addition of Cloie Johnson, M.Ed., as Managing Editor will bring contemporary and creative thinking, keeping the RehabPro vibrant, moving into the future.

I am committed to keeping IARP on the wind, seeking wind shifts, and committed to holding the course of meeting its member’s needs: Chapters across the globe; individual members in far away countries; students who are the future of our profession and association; practitioners expanding the scope of their practice into new and exciting venues; purchasers of all of our services, individual or group, all to benefit the end consumer – the individual with a disability.  Already this year we have greatly expanded the budgets of all sections to allow increased services, added education and insurance programs for members, collaborated with Disability Management Employer’s Coalition as an Affiliate Partner, and other groups to increase business opportunities, supported diverse and important legislation and produced branded merchandise to promote RehabPro pride.

There will be many opportunities in the future to come together - I look forward to working with all of you in these efforts.