Monthly Archives: June 2009
Motivated Ms. Wheelchair hopes to inspire others
Cambridge, Ia. – Turn into their driveway, just past the alfalfa and hay field a mile south of this Story County town. Walk past her older brother’s muddy Ford F-150, up the accessible wooden ramp, and into the home where Angie Plager has lived for most of her 26 years.
“You mind if I sign a photo for you?” she says immediately, flashing her lively blue eyes as she whips out a photo and Sharpie.
Clearly, Angie is ready for visitors. She wears the same tiara and sash – emblazoned with “Ms. Wheelchair Iowa 2009” – that she’ll wear at today’s “Day at the Races” event at the Iowa Speedway.
Research Seeks Cure For Central Pain Syndrome
Those with spinal cord injuries, who have multiple sclerosis, or who’ve suffered a stroke are also often diagnosed with central pain syndrome.
It’s a harsh reality for people with debilitating conditions like spinal cord injury or stroke.
Many of them live with chronic, excruciating pain.
Kellye Lynn reports research is underway in Baltimore which could someday end the suffering for patients with central pain syndrome.
Patients who have the condition say it feels like being stabbed with a thousand burning knives.
Australian first tests home-based rehab for spinal cord injury patients
An Australian first study will test live online rehabilitation with video gaming to give spinal cord injury patients the hope of regaining the movement of their hands.
The ReJoyce workstation is being used for the first time in Australia in tele-rehabilitation which allows patients to get real time specialist physiotherapy over the internet.
The patient wears a glove that enables electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles in the hand to grasp and release, in the hope of sprouting new connections in the spinal cord and re-establishing hand function.
A day to share smiles and some waves
People with limited mobility will enjoy a day of surfing at the Jersey Shore June 28 when The Life Rolls On Foundation holds its annual “They Will Surf Again” [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch.
“This is an amazing event to participate in or just watch,” event coordinator Joe Levy said. “This event is about community and lending a hand.
“It’s about sharing smiles and sharing some waves while swallowing some nice salty Jersey Shore water.”
According to the foundation’s website, TWSA is an event created for people with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers are developing devices that can help restore bodily movement
Grasping a cup of coffee and raising it to the mouth is a daily ritual most people take for granted. Yet, for those who have suffered a stroke or injury to the spinal cord, the task can be impossible to perform—until now.
Researchers and clinicians at Case Western Reserve University and partnering medical centers are developing devices that can restore movements such as grasping, standing, and even bladder control in some patients. The devices retrieve information from sensors implanted in muscles a patient can still move and indicate what type of movement the patient would like to perform.
The computer then sends out electrical signals to paralyzed muscles, instructing them to contract at the right moment.
Teacher starts foundation for spinal cord injuries
Three years after suffering a life-changing neck injury, Bret Neylon, a Brownsburg teacher and coach, is starting his own foundation to help others with spinal cord injuries.
He has applied for non-profit status for his charity, The Bret Neylon Paralysis Foundation, to help others who don’t have the support he had.
Neylon suffered his injury June 17, 2006, during a bicycle race in Wilmington, Ohio.
Canadians unite to help people living with spinal cord injury
More than $1.2 million raised at Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion last Sunday with more funds to come
VANCOUVER, June 16 /CNW/ – Thousands of Canadians demonstrated how they can make a difference in the lives of others by coming together this past weekend in communities across the country in support of Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, presented by Scotiabank. Fundraising is ongoing to June 30, but preliminary results indicate that the 7th annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion has raised more than $1.2 million.
WheelchairNet
WheelchairNet: A Wheelchair Virtual Community for consumers, families, clinicians, insurers, researchers, suppliers, and People who Care about Wheelchairs.
disABILITY Information and Resources
Jim Lubin’s disABILITY Information and Resources Pages. One of the largest collections of resources for all types of disabilities. The pages provided here are meant to serve as a resource to provide useful information and guidance for all people dealing with disabilities. This site is an encyclopedia of links that provide information concerning disability products, research, organizations, events, and politics. Also includes links to chat rooms, databases, and resources not on the Web.
RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety
RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety, University of Pittsburgh. Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Wheelchair Transportation Safety
