Paraquad and Washington University are collaborating together on a research project through the National Institute on Disability Research and Rehabilitation entitled, “Assistive Technology in the Community”. The project has opened its own facility in University City referred to as the Enabling Mobility Center (EMC). The EMC will have assistive technology resources and demonstrations open to the public.
Through this project, we have met with over 100 local participants to discuss their use of assistive technology in the community and need to meet with 140 more. If you are interested in participating in the project or learning more about it, contact Carla Walker, community research project manager. You are sure to learn something about assistive technology services as well as the research involved. All participants are paid for their time and reimbursed for transportation costs. To qualify for the project, you must answer yes to the following questions:
Are you between the ages of 18 and 80?
Do you use a mobility device (i.e. wheelchair, scooter, cane, crutches, or walker)?
Are you currently living in the community (i.e. apartment, house, mobile home)?
Has it been at least one year since your injury or diagnosis?
Are you willing to complete a survey at your home and come into our facility?
A nonprofit, nonpartisan association dedicated to shaping and enriching the experience of aging for our members and for all Americans. The website offers resources that address many care giving topics.
Independent Living Research Utilization at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
This program offers a national listing of Independent Living Centers. Many resources are available; including an audiotape series and publications entitled Independent Living with Attendant Care which address issues that are helpful to those affected by disabilities and the caregiver.
RRTC in Community Integration for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
Baylor College of Medicine and The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR)
1333 Moursund, B-107
Houston, TX 77030-3405
Phone: 713-797-5944
Fax: 713-797-5982
Offers many useful publications, including Busting Loose to Independence, which covers everything that you need to know about finding, hiring, maintaining - and if necessary firing - your personal care attendant.
