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Is It time to give up on therapeutic cloning? A Q&A with Ian Wilmut

USA - The creator of Dolly the sheep has ended his focus on somatic cell nuclear transfer, or cloning, in favor of another approach to create stem cells. Ian Wilmut, famed for creating Dolly the cloned sheep, announced recently that he is abandoning the technique to concentrate on a popular new approach: making induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Such cells would get around the ethical and legal issues surrounding embryonic stem cell work, of which cloning, or somatic cell nuclear transfer, has been an integral part. Read More!

Long, painful wait for needed care for thousands in the Ohio Medicaid system

<p>Lee's wheelchair is being salvaged with duct tape and spare parts. State officials rejected his request without seeing the old wheelchair or Lee. The request has twice been turned away because of a bad code, Lee's dad said.</p>OHIO - For the 16,000 disabled Ohioans stuck in a Medicaid backlog, an overhaul for the broken system can't come soon enough. The wheelchair where 16-year-old Randall Lee Adkins II spends most of his time has seen better days. It's held together with duct tape and spare parts. The motor was removed after an electrical short disabled the hand control. The padded head support is useless, falling far below his shoulders. Born with cerebral palsy, Lee can't walk or talk. The government agency that is supposed to help disabled people has repeatedly refused to fix or replace his wheelchair. Read More!

New wheelchair design could increase access to wilderness 

(news photo)OREGON - Bill Stites shows how easy it is to change out the regular tire on the EZ Hiker for a balloon tire, making the chair beach accessible. Bill Stites, owner of Stites Design in SE Portland, recently completed work on the second prototype of the EZ Hiker, a chair which is set up to make the outdoors accessible for those who are wheelchair bound. The EZ Hiker will “allow people with disabilities to go anywhere an able-bodied person can go, and it can be used in search and rescue and other functions,” Stites said. Read More!

Women feel chronic pain more than men because their brains are different

U.K. - Women feel pain more than men because their brains are not "wired" in the same way, scientists believe. New research suggests that the basic architecture of the brain, and the way it operates, is different in the two sexes. Previously the different sensitivity to pain between the sexes had been explained by hormones and social pressures. However, a series of studies have suggested that there "is not just one kind of human brain, but two", a male version and a female version. Read More!

Ryanair: Man forced to carry his wheelchair-bound wife onto plane after flight crew refuses to help

U.K. - Everybody knows that flight crew members these days won't help you lift a bag into the overhead compartment, even if you are a 90-year-old woman. Still, one wonders whether there wasn't something Ryanair could have figured out to do in the following case. A British man recently was forced to carry his disabled wife on board a Ryanair flight departing Luton, England for France after the airline's flight crew refused to help, citing company safety and health regulations, according to the UK's Daily Mail newspaper. Read More!
 
 

sports

Wheelchair Games Latest National Event Held In Omaha

OMAHA - For the first time in its 28-year history, the nation's biggest wheelchair event will be held in Omaha. "It's been a blessing to me," says Mike Moore. "I can't wait ‘til it starts, which will be the 25th. I'm just ready to rock and roll now with my team." A 13-year competitor in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the former power lifter competed in the 1992 Para-Olympics in Barcelona. Now, Moore is the head coach for Team Nebraska. "I'm very proud of this team. I really think we're going to win a lot of medals." This year, Nebraska has 22 veterans competing in all 17 categories. Read More!

Juniors and wheelchair billiards championships

PENNSYLVANIA - The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) and the United States Pool Players Association (USPPA) today announced plans for the USPPA to host the 2008 WPA World 9-Ball Championship for Wheelchair Players in Reno, Nevada, November 30-December 3, 2008. These events will take place at the Sands Regency Hotel in conjunction with the USPPA Pro Am and Reno Open, scheduled December 4-13, 2008.  Read More!

Wheelchair tennis star, David Wagner, wants gold this time

OREGON - Hillsboro's David Wagner will travel to Beijing in September intent on improving on his silver medal Paralympic performance. To the casual observer, the framed photograph shows an athlete waving to the crowd, a half-smile on his face, content with the silver medal hanging from his neck. Those in David Wagner's inner circle know better. The world's top-ranked quadriplegic wheelchair tennis player felt anything but pleased at that moment ... "He's burning up inside..." Read More!

Wheelchair bowler finds passion

OREGON - Those among us who always have felt that bowling was a depressingly difficult sport, akin to using all the strength in one arm to throw a suitcase down a slick, 60-foot alley, need to meet Grant Buehler, who bowls from a chair. More precisely, a wheelchair. Buehler, 30, was born with spina bifida, a birth defect affecting the spinal cord, which relegated him to the wheelchair at an early age. The 1997 Central High School graduate is the only wheelchair bowler registered as such in Oregon... Read More!
 

  Thank You!

The final vote on the ADA amendments act: See who voted "nay"

WASHINGTON - Your calls, letters, emails, and faxes were heard by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives loud and clear. At approximately 6:15pm yesterday evening, the final vote for H.R. 3195, the ADA Amendments Act (formerly known as the ADA Restoration Act), was a resounding 402 to 17 (for perspective, the final vote in favor of the original ADA in the House was 378). YEAS: 234 Democrats, 199 Republicans, 0 Independents The 17 nays were...
Paul Broun (R-19th GA)
John Campbell (R-44th CA)
John Doolittle (R-4th CA)
John Duncan (R-2nd TN)
Jeff Flake (R-6th AZ)
Scott Garrett (R-5th NJ)
Louie Gohmert (R-1st TX)
Jeb Hensarling (R-5th TX)
Jack Kingston (R-1st GA)
John Linder (R-7th GA)
Kenny Marchant (R-24th TX)
Ron Paul (R-14th TX)
Ted Poe (R-2nd TX)
Tom Price (R-6th GA)
Thomas Tancredo (R-6th CO)
Dave Weldon (R-15th FL)
Lynn Westmoreland (R-3rd GA)horizontal rule

 

This is your chance to make a difference: Stop low bid procurement on your wheelchair

WASHINGTON - A number of initiatives to lessen the impact of competitive bidding on home medical equipment have hit some major snags. There is, however, still a bright light at the end of the tunnel. HR 2231, the bill to exempt Complex Rehab from National Competitive Bidding, is very much alive and well. With your help and participation at CELA ’08 – the Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy conference - we can and will garner enough support on Capitol Hill to pass this legislation. Contact your legislators!
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NEWS FLASH! New increased VA grants for specially adapted housing

WASHINGTON – A change in the law that allows certain seriously injured veterans and service members to receive multiple grants for constructing or modifying homes has resulted in many new grants, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today. Before the change, eligible veterans and service members could receive special adaptive housing grants of $10,000 or $50,000 from VA only once. Now they may use the benefit up to three times, so long as the total grants stay within specified limits outlined in the law. Read More!

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American Association for Homecare disputes validity of internet power wheelchair prices as basis for reimbursement of services in Medicare

VIRGINIA - Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare, commented, "This study and the inappropriate comparison of Medicare and Internet pricing will be used by some members of Congress to justify further cuts to power wheelchair Medicare reimbursement rates and defend the new competitive bidding program. We urge Congress to evaluate Medicare reimbursement for power wheelchairs in the correct context." Read More!
 

research
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More Research News!

Click Here, or on Research link above!


First stem cell trials might start in O.C.

Two degenerative nerve diseases are the first targets for California Stem Cell Inc.'s therapies. They are ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, which kills adults, and SMA, a fatal disease affecting newborns


Read More About the Stem Cell Debate!

For state-by-state, national and local legislative news, Click Here!


Intensive rehabilitation for SCI could lead to restored hand function, and even the ability to walk Researchers found arm and hand movements increased 30 percent with intense rehab


Columbia University doctors have bypassed a break in a rat's spinal cord
motor nerve from above break formed branches into spinal cord below injury allowing  movement


Conquering chronic pain: Scientists find key

During a nine-day treatment in rats the effect of L-838,417 was completely retained
 

Allen Institute for Brain Science Unveils World's First Genome-Wide Spinal Cord Atlas

Landmark Atlas Holds Vast Potential to Accelerate Life-Changing Spinal Cord Research


Umbilical cord blood cell transplants may help ALS patients

Moderate-strength dose of HUCB cells was most effective in increasing lifespan and reducing disease progression

Researchers Report Neublastin virtually restores

long-Term sensory motor function in preclinical studies


Polyethylene Glycol therapy found to reduce traumatic brain injury-related behavioral symptoms

when administered within four hours of the injury, according to new study

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect the Spinal Cord, Heart, Brain and Eyes Long-chain (seafood) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids continue to prove their value in heart, brain and eye health, according to recent research


Toxin from corn fungus fights neuroblastoma,

a tumor of the nervous system in children

 

Serving The State of
New York
columns
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Duncan

Kathleen Duncan

"Be a little more aware of the person in the chair..."

Being tetraplegic isn't a lifestyle choice

But, every cloud has a silver lining

Federal Disability $

Processing delays to receive benefits are now reaching 515 days...some die first

Hell On Wheels: 24 Hours Without Legs In Moscow
Yasha Levine says "In the USSR, there are no invalids."

Charles Krauthammer

The campaign: The President and his wheelchair

Laylan Connolly

Paddle toward hope: :Raising awareness about spinal cord injury at the beach
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Life on Wheels
Whatever your condition, this book is about getting the most from your life!

Positioning in a Wheelchair
This is a must read for better health and comfort!

 
accessibility issues'
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Wheelchair eases access to the beach

WASHINGTON - This summer is the first time in more than eight years that Joe Edelstein could go onto Byram Beach. He has cerebral palsy, which affects body movement and muscle coordination, and must use a wheelchair.But this year, the town's Department of Parks and Recreation have purchased three specialty beach wheelchairs, with wide inflatable tires, that can easily travel on sand. Read More!

Playgrounds That Welcome Wheelchairs

NEW YORK - The first time Lisa Vaccino took her children to Hannah’s Dream, a playground in New Haven designed for disabled children, she immediately noticed a difference in her son, Johnny, 5, who has cerebral palsy. At Miracle Field in Hartsdale, N.Y., “When we got back into the car that day I didn’t even have to ask him. He said, ‘That was fun!’ ” said Mrs. Vaccino, who also has a daughter, Emma, 2, who is not disabled. “That was a lot coming from him. That was huge.” After that visit, in October, Mrs. Vaccino formed a nonprofit group and started a fund-raising drive for an accessible playground in Milford. Read More!

Watch this training video on wheelchair use of sidewalks!

D.C. - A series of videos on sidewalk accessibility previously available on DVD can now be viewed through our site. Accessible Sidewalks is a four-part video developed to illustrate issues and considerations in the design of sidewalks. The series covers access for pedestrians with mobility impairments, including those who use wheelchairs, and pedestrians who are blind or have low vision. The videos are open captioned and incorporate running descriptive audio. See More!

The accessible changes in this special house!

GEORGIA - Valery George's first home was created just for her. The 42-year-old single mom was paralyzed in a school bus accident five years ago and uses a wheelchair. The Knight Group worked with her to create a handicapped-accessible home at Garden Walk, a new community in McDonough. She chatted about the three-bedroom, two-bath home that she and 14-year-old daughter Faithe moved into...Read More!

Handi-Access Awards for accessible businesses - Great Idea!

GEORGIA - Able disaAbled, a local organization advocating for disabled rights, wants to recognize business owners who ensure their stores are wheelchair accessible. “They did simple things like making sure the aisles are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and putting shelf items within reach...” Read More!

Easter Seals and the CENTURY 21® System's Easy Access Housing

NATIONAL - Accessible homes aren’t much different from the average homes lining a typical, American neighborhood street. In fact, many accessible homeowners find that certain defining features have a positive impact on their home’s overall value and resale price.  Read More! or Go on a virtual tour of an accessible home!

 


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