News and Notes 15 May 2
This issue includes bridging aging and developmental disabilities service networks, registration for the 2012 National Transition Conference, self-management and Multiple Sclerosis studies, Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network, NARRTC awards James Krause, Suzanne Groah, Art Sherwood, Steven Haley, and Donna Nangle, TBI features on ABC affiliate WJLA, American Spinal Injury Association awards Apple Awards to members of collaborative Model Systems project led by University of Miami, registration for May 3rd webinar on ADA and Architectural Barriers Act requirements, and webinar May 8th featuring Ann Glang and Bonnie Todis.
It's May! Our Information Services team is looking forward to attending the Association of Information and Referral Services conference, particularly the Aging & Disability track which features speakers from the Aging and Disability Resource Center network.
Bridging Aging and Developmental Disabilities Service Networks: Challenges and Best Practices
The NIDRR-funded Rehab Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities (H133B080009) recently published a new report which identifies policy and service delivery issues pertaining to older adults with developmental disabilities and their families. The report recommends opportunities to enhance collaboration among the aging, disability, and long-term care networks. Key policy initiatives addressed include the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, the Lifespan Respite Care Act, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Download the report at rrtcadd.org.
NIDRR Grantees and Staff Recognized for Distinguished Service
Members of the National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (NARRTC) gathered last week to honor several long-time NIDRR grantees. James Krause, PhD, of the NIDRR-funded RRTC on Secondary Conditions in SCI at Medical University of South Carolina (H133B090005) received the Distinguished Service Award for his research in spinal cord injury, including a 35-year longitudinal study of SCI. Dr. Suzanne Groah of the NIDRR-funded RRTC on Secondary Conditions in SCI at National Rehab Hospital received a Commendation Award for her work in SCI research through NRH.
Art Sherwood, PhD, received a Distinguished Service Award for his contribution to disability and rehabilitation research including serving as NIDRR Science and Technology Advisor from 2003-2012. Steven Haley, PhD, received posthumous recognition for his years of dedicated research and training. Ms. Donna Nangle received posthumous recognition for her tireless work in support of NIDRR research.
TBI Research in the News
The ground-breaking work by Jeffrey Kreutzer, PhD and his team at the NIDRR-funded TBI Model System (H133A070036) at Virginia Commonwealth University was featured this week on ABC affiliate WJLA. The segment discusses how brain injury takes a toll on domestic relationships and highlights the innovative therapy and counseling developed at VCU to help couples through this difficult transition. The story is already generating excellent feedback from caregivers and families! The segment is available online at WJLA's website.A feature article also appeared in the New York Times in January.
Model Systems Win Apple Award for APMR Article
The American Spinal Injury Association presented its Apple Award to members of the NIDRR-funded collaborative Model Systems project led by University of Miami (H133N110003) for their article Safety, tolerance, and efficacy of extended-release niacin monotherapy for treating dyslipidemia risks in persons with chronic tetraplegia: A randomized multicenter controlled trial in the March 2011 issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Webcast: Accessible Communication Elements and Features
There is still have time to register for the May 3rd webinar on ADA and Architectural Barriers Act requirements (H133A110021) which address elements such as fire alarm systems, signs, telephones, detectable warnings, assistive listening systems, automatic teller machines, and two-way communication systems. The webinar is free. Registration closes TODAY at the adasoutheast.org website.
Webinar: Identifying Students with TBI and Promoting School Reintegration After Injury
The HRSA TBI Technical Assistance Center is sponsoring a webinar May 8th featuring expert speakers (including NIDRR grantees Ann Glang (H133G110126) and Bonnie Todis (H133G100153) of the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training) discussing what schools, districts, states, and Federal agencies can do to improve lives of children and youth with TBI. The webinar is free. Registration and program information are online.
Self Management and MS
The NIDRR-funded Multiple Sclerosis Rehab Research and Training Center (H133B080025) at the University of Washington is looking for participants for a telephone-based study to help determine if telephone-delivered treatment interventions can reduce intensity and negative consequences of MS related difficulties such as pain, fatigue, and depressed mood in persons with multiple sclerosis. Anyone, anywhere may apply. Contact study staff at (206) 221-5642, 1-888-634-6778, or msrrtc@uw.edu.
Still Time to Register for the 2012 National Transition Conference!
This OSERS-sponsored conference in Washington, DC features sessions on the latest topics in college and careers for youth with disabilities including: Strategies for college success, using new technologies at school and work, supporting successful transition to employment in the community, and supporting young people in foster care and the juvenile justice system. May 30-June 1. Registration and full program information are available at www.transition2012.org.
Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network
States, schools, educators, and families have an excellent network of resources to access through the OSEP-funded Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network (TA&D). TA&D resources include offices, projects, and centers for special education, data collection and management, advocacy, legislation, early childhood development, children with disabilities, and much more. Explore the TA&D network at www.tadnet.org! Thanks to NICHCY for the alert through their excellent blog!
