There is a movement taking place all across the country - a movement that will one day end childhood obesity and provide our children a healthy future through the power of play. Leading the way are concerned parents everywhere, including one very committed mom. First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama is lending her voice to this critically important issue. This past week, Mrs. Obama launched her "Let's Move" initiative, a national campaign to end childhood obesity within one generation. Making sure children have somewhere to play every day is a critical part of this program, and you understand how important healthy eating and exercise are for children. |
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March 3rd, 2010 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) introduces an Autism micro-site, a comprehensive guide to all the resources available from AOTA on Autism. For more information, please visit: http://www.aota.org/autism
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This new map includes a visual representation of IFC members across the United States. Click on a map marker to view organization details.
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February 18, 2010 This is a new round of funding and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2010. Christopher Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Grants are given to programs or projects that improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice yearly to programs that provide assistance through access, advocacy, education, recreation, and technology, among others. |
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The Newman YMCA in Seekonk Massachusetts has received a $17,000.00 grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, to aid it in its plan to open a center of excellence for people with physical impairments. The money will be combined with another grant from the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation to purchase specialty equipment to add to their Wellness Center. One of the machines that will be purchased is a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike, from Restorative Therapies, which as been shown to help individuals with Paralysis due to Paraplegia, Quadriplegia and stroke. Recent studies have also shown this therapy to help MS patients. The Newman YMCA is the only membership based facility within a 40 mile radius to offer this particular therapy. The Newman YMCA is also a member of the Inclusive Fitness Coalition (IFC) and as such is committed in its mission to facilitate the lives of all individuals regardless of physical challenges. The Newman YMCA services communities in Seekonk, Rehoboth and East Providence, the building facilities are all ground level, fully handicap accessible and the front entrance as well as the Wellness Center entrance is equipped with automatic doors. The pool is equipped with a chair lift for those wishing to benefit from aqua therapy.
For more information: Contact: Luca Del Borgo 472 Taunton Avenue
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Description:
The NYU Amputee Support Program is comprised of physicians, therapists, social workers, amputees, families and friends who meet every month to provide education and informational resources for amputees while creating an environment for social networking, peer mentoring and volunteer opportunities. Their mission is to ensure that future amputees have the information and resources necessary to deal with the multitude of issues they will encounter. The NYU Amputee Support Program offers activities such as monthly meetings at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, amputee mobility clinics and community based activities including bowling, concerts, sporting events, theatre, dinner, movies and more. Contact: Jeffrey Heckman 400 E. 34th St. |
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Description:
Lekotek uses interactive play experiences, and the learning that results, to promote the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life. National Lekotek Center nurtures the replication of the Lekotek model nationwide. The network is currently comprised of 35 affiliates that offer the traditional Lekotek model of programs, including the play session, toy lending libraries and oftentimes, Compuplay programs, and a myriad of unique programs that meet the diverse needs of the families within the context of their own suburban, urban and rural communities. Lekotek's primary services to families are one hour play sessions. During monthly play sessions, Lekotek Leaders focus on facilitating family interactions through play. Specially selected, and often adapted, toys are used to promote family connections and enjoyment. Since the toys are selected specifically for the needs of the particular child, he or she is able to be a full participant in his or her play experiences and the family can revel in the success and satisfaction gained by the child. At the end of each session, the family borrows 5-10 toys (this amount varies depending on the Lekotek program) to be used in their home. Parents have seen the toys demonstrated and they have been given creative play ideas so they can engage in fun playtime at home as a family. |
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