News and Notes 13 April 18
This issue includes publishing of the “new standard text” for universal design, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program for anyone experiencing depression and mild to moderate traumatic brain injury, The Administration for Community Living, RERC host Plenary Session at RESNA, AIMFREE aims to improve access to fitness for people with disabilities, and a webcast providing evidence-based supported employment.
We're preparing to attend next week's annual meeting of the National Association of Rehab Research and Training Centers (NARRTC). The NIDRR-funded RRTCs produce volumes of invaluable research each year across disabilities and disciplines (nearly 1,000 publications in the last 5 years alone).
Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments
The IDeA Center at the University of Buffalo, home of the NIDRR-funded Rehab Engineering Center on Universal Design in the Built Environment (H133E100021), recently published the "new standard text" for universal design. The textbook introduces designers to the principals and practices of design for everyone. Find out more about the book and how to order.
AIMFREE Aims to Improve Access to Fitness for People with Disabilities
AIMFREE, a web-based tool developed by the NIDRR-funded Rehab Engineering Research Center on Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology Benefiting Persons with Disabilities (H133E110007), is currently in use by researchers at Canada's McMaster University to evaluate the accessibility of fitness and exercise facilities in the community. The tool has been used by more than 300 McMaster students learning to design accessible facilities!
Webcast: VCU-RRTC: Providing Evidence-Based Supported Employment
The NIDRR-funded Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (H133A080027) highlights the effective practices of the Virginia Commonwealth University's VCU-RRTC and its Employment Services Division. How successful is this program? In a recent study:
- 82% of participants found employment;
- on average, participants worked over 22 hours a week;
- and participants received an average wage of $8.86 per hour.
The hour-long webcast will be presented April 28 at 11am EST. Registration is free.
Mobility RERC to Host Plenary Session at RESNA
The NIDRR-funded Mobility Rehab Engineering Research Center (H133E080003) at Georgia Tech will host a plenary session at the upcoming RESNA conference (6/28-7/3). The Sunday-morning session, "How Science Influences Public Policy in Seating and Mobility," will kick off the State of the Science Conference: Wheeled Mobility in Everyday Life, July 1-2 in Baltimore, MD.
Depression and Mild to Moderate TBI
The University of Washington is conducting a NIDRR- and NIH-funded study to evaluate the effectiveness of a telephone counseling program designed to treat depression (H133A070016). The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program involves 12 telephone sessions over 4 months and targets anyone experiencing depression and mild to moderate traumatic brain injury in the past 10 years. Anyone, anywhere can apply for this telephone-based program. Contact Kenneth Marshall toll free at 866/577-1925 or mars2087@uw.edu if you or someone you know may be interested!
The Administration for Community Living
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sibelius announced the creation of the new Administration for Community Living (ACL), bringing together the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability, and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency. The ACL will "seek to enhance and improve the broad range of supports that individuals may need to live with respect and dignity as full members of their communities." Read the Secretary's statement.
