Orlando Blooms
We can all be very proud of United Spinal Association’s partnership with the three associations whose members gathered in Orlando in late August for the North American Spinal Cord Injury Conference and Disability Expo. Our partnership with spinal cord injury (SCI) doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists, and social workers is strengthened by decades of collaborative efforts resulting in the dissemination of research and professional education to those in the field of spinal cord medicine. We have also begun a program for SCI physical and occupational therapists, which is now in its second year.
This year, we added a component for consumers consisting of informational and educational presentations. As in past years, there was a disabilities expo, which boasted 125 exhibitors demonstrating the latest assistive technology devices and products that make daily life easier.
We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts and thereby ensuring improved medical care and quality of life for our members. Planning for next year’s conference is underway. We will be sure to give you ample notice so you can plan to attend.
Be well. Be as active as you can be.
Clair Russell Hesselton, PhD
Chairman of the Board
Knowledge Sharing
Throughout its history our organization has sponsored spinal cord injury (SCI) research. We continue our support of two important entities we helped established: the Yale Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Research at the VA Medical Center in New Haven, CT, and the Center of Excellence for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in Bronx, NY.
For over 25 years, we have provided a setting, via an annual SCI conference, for physicians, nurses, psychologists, therapists, and social workers to come together and share their knowledge and expertise. This knowledge makes its way back to the VA and civilian hospitals and clinics we depend upon for our care.
At this year’s SCI conference, which took place at the end of August, we also held a conference for consumers and their families. This was a new concept for us and we were pleasantly surprised to have over 500 registrants. Now that we know the demand is there, we hope to make these consumer conferences available on a more regional basis. It’s obvious that our members are interested in improving their health and independence. We certainly want to rally to the cause.
Paul J. Tobin
President and CEO
