Reeve Foundation Paralysis Community: Unanswered Threads

Rotator Cuff Surgery

kluebke89 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:38:27 GMT

My husband is a para who needs rotator cuff surgery in his dominant arm. Right now he is in a lot of pain. We were told by the doctor that my husband is not to use/move his shoulder for 3 months following the surgery; which basically means he will be bed-ridden. We are having trouble with our insurance approving the after care. The insurance won't even consider his case until he actually has the surgery. Meanwhile, the doctor was supposed to schedule the surgery 2 weeks ago and we still have not heard back from the doctor. We believe it's because they are "running into walls" also. Meanwhile we are frustrated and just want to move forward.

Does anyone know of resources we can utilize? We live in Ohio.

Abilities Expo 2009-2010

ratherbflyin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:26:49 GMT

I was fortunate enough to attend the Abilities Expo this weekend in Atlanta. It was wonderful and so packed with information and ideas! Best of all, the Expos are free of charge for anyone wanting to attend. There were families in attendance and individuals also.

There are four Abilities Expos planned in 2010 in Los Angeles, New York Metro in NJ, Chicagoland in Schaumburg, and Houston. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation had a exhibitor's booth in Atlanta.

There were workshops, performance events, and professional continuing education programs with free CEs.

It was an opportunity to meet other people with and without disabilities, to network, and even try new equipment or technology.

Go to: ' www.abilitiesexpo.com' to check it out! It's worth your time.

August 4, 2007

Yetco — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:42:12 GMT

I am 19 years old but two years ago I felt like I was on top of the world. My whole life was going perfect. I was just coming off an amazing Junior year and my best year ever in high school. I didn't miss one day of school and I was so pumped and ready for my senior year of basketball. I was training so hard and was so ready for the season to start so I can prove so many people wrong. I also felt like I can do anything and get anything I wanted and everything was just going in the right direction for me until my near fatal day August 4, 2007. On August 4, 2007 I was in a car accident... the night before I was working at the Great American cookie store until 10 PM and when I got home it was around 11 and I'm never tired when I get home from work so, I was watching TV and then I got on the computer till 2:04 a.m. and that's when I went to sleep. I had to wake up at seven in the morning to take my cousin to work, so I only got five hours of sleep and I was extremely tired, but, I never say no. So, I got up and took her and usually I drive her there and then I drive back but this morning I was too tired so I told her to drive their and I will drive back. When I got in the driver’s seat sitting in the parking lot I asked myself, “should I go into the mall and get something to drink to wake me up or not " and I kept thinking and thinking what I should do but I was so tired I just said forget it. When I was driving back everything was going okay and I actually felt wide awake and by this time it was 7:30 in the morning. I made a right turn on Mac Hatcher road and since it was so early in the morning there were literally no cars on the road and Mac Hatcher road is just a straight line down with no turns at all. When I drive, I always drive on the left side of the road and not the right side unless I am going to turn so as I was driving down Mac Hatcher road I didn't want to hear or feel anything, so I put all the windows up so the wind wouldn't hit my face and cut the music off so I wouldn't hear the music and that was the mistake I made. So while I was driving, I thought I saw my friend's car so I texted him to see if it was him and when he wrote me back he said it wasn't him so I put my phone back down and then out of nowhere, I just fell asleep. My car drifted all the way to the right side of the road and hit a big rock that was implanted in the ground and my car flipped three times in the air and I landed in a deep ditch and the next time I woke up, I was in the hospital... The level of my spinal cord injury is C4 C5 and I am classified as a quadriplegic. Since then, I have changed a lot, in a bad way and a good way. The bad way is that I am not able to walk anymore and can't function like I used to and for the good way, I feel I have become a better person, I still have the same mind and personality like I had before the accident, I still laugh and watch TV and do everything like I did before. I just want to say thank you to everybody who has been supporting me and praying for me since.

This is my motto for everybody... keep doing what you do and don't let no one bring you down...

"Yetco"

Hi Dr. Dan From a quad of 34 years

WadeStinson — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:35:10 GMT

Hi Dr. Dan,

My name is Wade Stinson in Troy, Alabama. I have been a quadriplegic for 34 years after a diving accident at seventeen years of age. I have just completed my autobiography recounting my life---accident, recovery, and adjustments living as a quadriplegic. I was an English teacher and identified with the tragedies too often associated with the results of reckless youth. One of the objectives of my book is to warn both young and old of the consequences of careless and misguided acts.

I would appreciate it if you would consider mentioning my book. The title is, BETWEEN GRIEF AND NOTHING by Wade Stinson and it is available at amazon.com barnesandnoble.com and my personal website http://betweengriefandnothing.com

I apologize for the bother but I believe I have accomplished a worthy attempt at portraying the emotional and physical dilemma of paralysis along with the process of adjustment and productive living as a paralysis victim.

Thank you,

Wade Stinson

724 C.R.204

Troy, Al. 36079

phone 334-897-5698

New Book on the Tragedy of Paralysis

WadeStinson — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:49:40 GMT

Hi NSCIA,

Hi, my name is Wade Stinson in Troy, Alabama. I have been a quadriplegic for 34 years after a diving accident at seventeen years of age. I have just completed my autobiography recounting my life---accident, recovery, and adjustments living as a quadriplegic. I was an English teacher and identified with the tragedies too often associated with the results of reckless youth. One of the objectives of my book is to warn both young and old of the consequences of careless and misguided acts.

I would appreciate it if you would consider my book. The title is, BETWEEN GRIEF AND NOTHING by Wade Stinson and it is available at amazon.com barnesandnoble.com and my personal website http://betweengriefandnothing.com

Thank you,

Wade Stinson

724 C.R.204

Troy, Al. 36079

phone 334-897-5698

Spinal Cord Injury Education Survey

scamalier — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:38:55 GMT

To Whom It May Concern:

I am currently a third year student in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Boston University- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and in the process of completing my practicum project. I have chosen to develop an educational manual for patients with spinal cord injury for use in an acute rehab setting. It is my hope that this manual will be a useful tool for patients in the future.

Currently I am in the process of researching information regarding the current educational practice for spinal cord injury in acute rehab settings. I feel that there is no better resource for accurate and honest feedback and suggestions for education regarding spinal cord injury than you, the consumer.

A short 12 question survey is listed below. If you would be willing to complete the survey you can send responses to the e-mail listed below, or respond to this post. Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
Susanna Camalier
scamalier@gmail.com

Spinal Cord Injury Education Survey: Consumers

1. Time post injury:

2. Level of injury: (e.g. C4, etc)

3. Complete vs. Incomplete:

4. Traumatic vs. Non-traumatic:

5. Main mode of mobility (e.g. power w/c, manual w/c, use of an assistive device, ambulatory):

6. Did you complete an acute rehabilitation stay following your injury?

Length of acute rehabilitation stay, if completed:

7. Please list all services that you received during your acute rehab stay: (e.g. PT, OT, Speech, etc.)

8. What educational materials were used during your stay in acute rehab? (e.g. ‘Yes You Can’ manual, videos, handouts, etc.)

What do you feel was helpful about the provided educational materials?

What do you feel could be improved about the provided educational materials?

9. What topics do you feel are most important to cover during an acute rehab stay, and why?

10. Were there topics that you were interested in learning about that were not covered during spinal cord injury education?

11. What type of learning format do you prefer? (e.g. pictures, charts, diagrams, lists, descriptions, etc.)

12. Do you have any other suggestions or comments?

new service for people in need

wheelchairforme — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:18:55 GMT

Hi,

you probably have heard about the scamy power wheelchair providers which charge hidden costs or serve power wheelchairs of low quality to maximize profit and take advantage of the medicare rights of people in need.

we have launched a website where people can review the power wheelchairs, the providers and where we help people to find the best matching provider for their needs.

We created a forum and a blog and we write articles to address that topic! please support us and help others by spreading the word, write about us, contribute to our website and email us feedback.

Go to www.wheelchairforme.com for more information

Lauren

Are You Part of the Solution?

Unite 2 Fight — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:20:29 GMT

At Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, we know that advocacy and fundraising are overlapping partners in the quest to achieve curative therapies. We've recently published Advocacy and Fundraising Toolkits with step-by-step guidelines and ideas for helping anyone join the effort, no matter your time, abilities, or skillset. It is a fact that progress will accelerate in direct proportion to the involvement and demands of our community.

There are several fall fundraisers on the calendar where you have the opportunity to contribute. All of these events support SCI research and advocacy. Check them out to see what science is being funded, and then take action to become part of the solution.

Research for Cure Charity Dinner September 26, 2009 Davis, CA

NWISCIG Walk/Roll October 10, 2009 Valparaiso, IN

SCIS Chicago Marathon October 11, 2009 Chicago, IL

New York City Marathon November 1, 2009 Matthew Reeve leads Team Reeve

Public Option - What is it?

professirx — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:27:37 GMT

OK, here we go again. Another situation only a few know about but effects us all. Folks even as of today the normal working person don't know what Stem Cells are, and many SCI people never heard of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act, so can we really expect a person still dealing with a new SCI to know about something they never was used to before SCI.

Before my injury I was into physical things, parties, music, girls and working. I rarely watched TV, read a newspaper or voted. SCI drafted me into a lifestyle where now I need medicare, medicine, politicians for my needs and so on.

Now we dealing with Health Care reform, so who knows if the Public Option, helps or hurts.

Please help us understand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CporK80yLo

Feeling better

professirx — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:55:02 GMT

I'm just getting my strength back. For 2 weeks I was very sick, sweating all day, I thought it was a UTI so I tried treating that naturally, I got very worse and since my Foley was due to be changed I was making an appointment Friday to change it, but they couldn't see me for a week. The sweating was getting so bad I rushed to emergency to get it changed. Soon a doctor pulled it out the nausea stopped. I guess since the bladder was constantly contracting it made me weak and in pain. The tube must of been obstructed. I still went out to work the next day but sometimes that's life. I'm finally going through backed up emails feeling better, I have a healthcare protest to film today, should have some info later tonight.It will probably be in a show.

About IB TV and the Founder

professirx — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:06:37 GMT

Who we are.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cN5vqBU_cs

Good day Friends, my name is Richard Gaskin ''Professir X''. Throughout the years of research and experiences with finding television networks dedicated to Spinal Cord Injury, I have found none. Perhaps you share my same experience and may find my vision worth sharing. Since April, 11 2005, documenting my journeys with SCI experiences, I had produced a show that has been on New Jersey Public Access. The show has been running since then and perhaps involves some of your attendance or creativity. Going back to my experiences with moving SCI media from one region to a major network, the industry only cares about numbers. The Internet has helped individuals putting shows online onto the network stations we view at home. If a video gets over 1 million hits, television looks upon that as increasing their financial income. Many of the shows are also financed by wealthy individuals using their wealth to push their product on television..

The shows I produce are from a variety of other organizations and individuals experiences. I'm only seeking to generate the number of hits required to possibly turn from online to network television. Networks like Discovery, History Channel and so on involved a scheduling of many different shows. That's my vision for us, that goal can be accomplished through uniting forces. Advocates fought hard for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act, their was no social challenging when it came to working together for 1 cause. You are part of this cause. I only seek to bring our missions to a place beyond Internet but Television. Not just a show but the whole network dedicated to our work involved. Currently the show is on PEG stations in NJ, OR, MA, WI and CO.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Richard Gaskin

Working 2 Walk Chicago Just 3 Weeks Away

Unite 2 Fight — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:33:52 GMT

Working 2 Walk (W2W) is a unique opportunity for the SCI community. The conference brings together research scientists, practitioners, and community members for a lively exchange of information and ideas that will accelerate progress toward curative therapies.

This year's Working 2 Walk will be held at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois, August 27-29. Speakers scheduled for the 2-day symposium include Drs. Stephen Davies, Peter Gorman, Steven R. Hinderer, Philip Horner, Douglas Kerr, Naomi Kleitman, John McDonald, Edward Nieshoff, and Wise Young. Leaders in the SCI advocacy community will present updates on our achievements and lead brainstorming sessions to develop strategies going forward.

Registration fee for Working 2 Walk is just $125, and includes all general and breakout sessions as well as breakfast and lunch for the 2-day symposium. There is no charge for personal assistants, and registration fee grants are available to those who demonstrate financial need.

The event concludes with a "Day at the Races" at the Chicagoland Speedway, hosted by the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. For the latest information about Working 2 Walk, visit our event website at http://www.working2walk.org.

Hope to see you there!

WRITE TO PRESIDENT OBAMA ASKING HIM TO HELP IN FINDING A CURE

livelonglivelong — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:48:57 GMT

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.

HELLO EVERYONE,

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY TO PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA ASKING HIM TO PLEASE HELP FIND A CURE FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY AND PARALYSIS. WE NEED AS MUCH HELP AS WE CAN GET. HE CAN HELP BY CREATING LAWS, PROVIDING FUNDS, CREATING SPECIAL TEAMS OF EXPERTS TO FIND A CURE FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY AND IN MANY OTHER WAYS. IN 1961 PRESIDENT KENNEDY PLEDGED TO PUT A MAN ON THE MOON BY THE END OF THE DECADE. PRESIDENT KENNEDY MADE IT HIS GOAL AND COMMITTED OTHERS TO HIS GOAL. WITH HELP AND PRESSURE FROM THE GOVERNMENT A MAN WAS ON THE MOON IN 1969. PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS THE POWER TO GET THE BALL ROLLING TOWARDS FINDING A CURE FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY. WE HEAR FROM TIME TO TIME OF PARALYZED PEOPLE WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY LIVING AN ACTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE BUT, WE RARELY HEAR OF THE MANY OTHERS THAT LIVE IN PURE SUFFERMENT AND PAIN. I PERSONALLY KNOW OF A MAN IN HIS FORTIES THAT HAS LIVED CLOSE TO 20 YEARS OF HIS LIFE IN A NURSING HOME. HE IS A QUADRIPLEGIC WHO CAN ONLY MOVE HIS HEAD VERY SLIGHTLY. HE HAS SPENT CLOSE TO 20 YEARS ATTACHED TO A VENTILATOR AND MOSTLY ALWAYS BEDRIDDEN. HE GREATLY SUFFERS AND LIVES IN SADNESS. WE NEED TO FIND A CURE FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY. SO PLEASE WRITE TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, HIS WIFE FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN. WHEN WRITING TO THEM PLEASE BE KIND AND RESPECTFUL. TRY TO REACH THEIR HEARTS. LET THEM KNOW HOW A CURE CAN GREATLY HELP AND BENEFIT THOSE WITH PARALYSIS AND SPINAL CORD INJURY, THEIR CAREGIVERS AND LOVED ONES, AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. I TRULY HOPE EVERYONE WHO READS THIS WILL WRITE A LETTER OR LETTERS URGING FOR A CURE FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY. YOU CAN ALSO ENCOURAGE OTHERS WHO REALLY WANT A CURE FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY TO WRITE.
WRITE TO THE PRESIDENT AND SEND THE LETTERS TO:

BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE
1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20500

(you can reach the first lady and the vice president at the same address)

THANK YOU

REMEMBER TO BE NICE AND RESPECTFUL.

Chicago area adaptive sailing open house -free sailing and lunch

hazeleyes1 — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:23:42 GMT

Saturday, May 30, 2009 · 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Judd Goldman Sailing Center at Burnham Park Harbor, 1362 Lynn White Drive

(one block west of the Adler Planetarium)

Go for a sail on one of our 21 boats. Enjoy a really great lunch.

Meet new friends in a laid-back atmosphere along Chicago’s

beautiful lakefront. See the christening of 3 new Sonar

sailboats!

Most importantly, you can check out our classes and

schedules, learn more about our impressive fleet of accessible

boats, look into our leisure cruises, and find out how to get

involved in our races.

The Open House and lunch are free (aide included). For all

others, the cost for lunch is $6/person. The Burnham Park

Harbor facility features fully accessible docks, classrooms, and

restroom facilities.

Just bring yourself (and friends, if you like)!

CHECK IT OUT! For more information or to schedule your lessons, call 312-747-7684 or www.juddgoldmansailing.org

Abilities Expo Anahiem, CA

PRC_Jennifer — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:33:14 GMT

Hey All!

For those living in the Southern California area, the Abilities Expo will be rolling into town May 29-31. The Expo is being held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Abilities Expo is the nation’s leading event for the Disabilities Market.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center will be at the expo exhibiting so if you attend please be sure to swing by our booth. More information can be found on the website listed below.

http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/anaheim/index.html

Just a side now there are also shows coming up in:

Chicago, IL June 25-27

Atlanta, GA November 5-7

Take Care !

Florida -Legislation- Medigap

hazeleyes1 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:32:37 GMT

ACTION NEEDED TODAY AND TOMORROW ON MEDIGAP LEGISLATION IN FLORIDA!

On Friday, April 24th, the Florida House will vote on an important bill for the disability community. House Bill 675 would mandate the availability of Medigap insurance to the below-65 population of people with disabilities. This would extend access to important wrap-around insurance coverage for people covered by Medicare due to their SSDI, End Stage Renal Disease and ALS status. Right now Medigap insurance is only available to seniors on Medicare. Florida is a major bellweather state on health care issues and if this law is enacted in Florida, it will greatly assist in passage of a federal law applying to all 50 states.

A floor fight in the House is expected tomorrow on this legislation and the insurance lobby is strong in Florida. Please send an alert to your Florida affiliates today, ASAP, alerting them to this bill and asking that they generate as many calls as possible TODAY and TOMORROW to their Florida State House members IN FAVOR OF PASSAGE OF H.R. 675. This is a basic health care discrimination issue that must be corrected!

Florida residents can identify their representatives in the Florida State House by accessing this link, www.myfloridahouse.com or by calling (850) 488-1157 and they will give you a phone number for the Member's office.

A Senate vote is expected soon on this same bill, as early as tomorrow or early next week. Please also contact your Senator's offices and tell them to support the Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 1022. It is critical that this law pass during these votes in the next few days. Thank you for your prompt assistance.

FREE -Respite Workbook for Families and Care-Providers

hazeleyes1 — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:51:45 GMT

The Family Support Center is distributing comprehensive patient information tools that can be entrusted to a temporary care or respite provider. "About Our Family - A Respite Workbook for Families & Care-Providers" is a product of the Child Neurology Foundation and is distributed free of charge by the Family Support Center. Call (732)528-8080 or (800)FSC-NJ10 and a friendly staff member will mail you a free copy today!

NJ ---Special Needs Families and Financial Strategies Meeting

hazeleyes1 — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:50:08 GMT

We Invite You To An Open Forum Where We Will Discuss Financial Strategies For Families With Special Needs

MID ATLANTIC RESOURCE GROUP, LLC

presents

How you can continue to care for your child, even after your gone

Special Needs and Supplemental Needs Trusts

Maximizing government benefits

Creating a legacy that will care for your loved one

Developing a sound financial strategy without breaking the bank

Questions and Answers

DATE/TIME

Wednesday, April 28, 2009

Morning Session 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Evening Session 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

LOCATION

Family Support Center of NJ 2516 Route 35 North Manasquan, NJ 08736
RSVP is required call Cheryl Guaimano (732)528-8080
Light refreshments will be served

SPEAKERS TO INCLUDE

Financial Advisors from Mid Atlantic Resource Group, LLC-Edward W. Schuler, ChFC

Ryan J. Coutu, Pat Rinaudo, James T. Robinson

Gary B. Garland Esq. - Attorney who has been practicing law, handling complex litigation and Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Elder Law issues.

Carl Robinson, Public Affairs Coordinator, has worked with the Social Security Administration for over thirty years. (Will be attending the Morning Session)

Greg Makely, Project Director for NJWINS. (Will be attending the Evening Session)

Living in NJ? Work and keep your Medicaid!!

Hot Wheelz — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:21:02 GMT

If you live in New Jersey you can work and still keep your Medicaid. There is a program called Workability that allows you to earn up to $ 52,788 per year for eligible individuals, or no more than $70,788 per year for eligible couples. Below are some of the specific guildlines. You could also call the Division of Disability Services of NJ toll free at 1-888-285-3036, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Eligibility Guidelines

Be between the ages of 16 and 64
Work part time, full time or be self-employed and have proof of employment
Have a permanent disability determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), or the Disability Review Team at the Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (DMAHS)
Have an earned income no more than $ 52,788 per year for eligible individuals, or no more than $70,788 per year for eligible couples (both with permanent disability, both working)
Have an unearned income (pensions, child support, interest, etc.) up to $ 867.00 per month for eligible individuals, or up to $ 1,167.00 for eligible couples
Have less than $20,000 in liquid assets as an individual, or less than $30,000 as a couple

Unemployment in U.S. Increases to 8.5%, 25-Year High (yikes)

gudknightors — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:58:36 GMT

Unemployment in U.S. Increases to 8.5%, 25-Year High

April 3 (Bloomberg) — The U.S. unemployment rate jumped in March to the highest level since 1983 and service industries shrank at a faster pace, indicating the economy remains trapped in what’s likely to be the longest recession since the 1930s.

Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Donald Kohn said both the Obama administration and central bank must remain “flexible and open” to further measures because the economy and financial markets aren’t “out of the woods yet.” The labor-market rout will make it tougher for President Barack Obama to follow through on his pledge to save or create 3.5 million jobs.

The economy lost 663,000 jobs in March, bringing losses since the slump began to about 5.1 million, the worst in the postwar era, Labor Department figures showed in Washington. The 8.5 percent jobless rate was consistent with the forecasts of 79 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The Institute of Supply Management’s non-manufacturing index unexpectedly dropped.

“We could continue to see a few more months of really bad employment numbers before it starts to ease,” said Nariman Behravesh, chief economist at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Massachusetts. Behravesh projected the jobless rate will peak between 10 percent and 10.5 percent in early 2010. “We aren’t there yet, but we are getting closer to a bottom,” he said.

Treasuries, Stocks

Treasuries slumped after the jobs report was no worse than what economists had forecast, with benchmark 10-year note yields rising as 2.84 percent at 11:42 a.m. in New York, up from 2.77 percent late yesterday. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index fell 0.3 percent to 831.82.

Job cuts have been spreading from manufacturers such as Johnson Controls Inc. and Dana Holding Corp. to service providers like International Business Machines Corp. and even the U.S. Postal Service.

In addition to cutting jobs, companies also reduced hours for those still on payrolls. The average number of hours worked fell to 33.2 per week, down six minutes from February and the fewest since records began in 1964.

Revisions subtracted 86,000 workers from January payrolls while February’s drop of 651,000 was not revised.

The last time the unemployment rate was at 8.5 percent was in November 1983, when the economy was recovering from the 1981- 82 recession that pushed the rate to almost 11 percent. Then Fed Chairman Paul Volcker boosted interest rates to quell soaring inflation following the 1970s fuel crisis.

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Payroll Forecast

Payrolls were forecast to drop by 660,000, according to the median of 80 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Estimates ranged from losses of 525,000 to 750,000. Forecasts for the jobless rate ranged from 8.2 percent to 8.7 percent.

“The hope and expectation is that things will get a little less dire in the second quarter as various stimulus efforts kick in,” said Ethan Harris, co-head of U.S. economic research at Barclays Capital Inc. in New York, who used to work at the Fed.

Today’s report showed factory payrolls fell by 161,000 after declining 169,000 in the prior month. Economists forecast a drop of 160,000. The decrease included a loss of 17,500 jobs in auto manufacturing and parts industries.

The manufacturing slump that began more than a year ago may intensify should General Motors Corp. be forced into bankruptcy, economists said. As many as 1 million additional auto-industry jobs may be lost and unemployment would climb to 11 percent, said Joseph LaVorgna, chief U.S. economist at Deutsche Bank Securities in New York.

Auto Slump

The auto slump has already rippled through the industry. Johnson Controls, a maker of car interiors and batteries, said last month it will shut 10 factories and cut about 4,000 jobs. Dana, the truck-axle manufacturer that exited bankruptcy in 2008, said it will boost its payroll reduction to 5,800 this year, 800 more than previously announced.

“We are taking the difficult actions necessary to survive,” Dana’s Chief Executive Officer John Devine said in a March 16 statement.

Service industries, which include banks, insurance companies, restaurants and retailers, cut 358,000 workers after a 366,000 decline in February. Financial firms cut payrolls by 43,000, after a 44,000 decrease the prior month. Retail payrolls decreased by 47,800 after a 50,800 drop.

The ISM’s services index, which covers almost 90 percent of the economy, fell to 40.8, the lowest level of the year, from 41.6 the prior month, according to the Tempe, Arizona-based group. Readings below 50 signal contraction.

The measure was projected to increase to 42, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of 67 economists. Estimates ranged from 38 to 45.

Fewer Orders

The ISM index of new orders fell to 38.8 from 40.7 the prior month, and its gauge of employment dropped to 32.3 from 37.3.

For many Americans, this employment slump has been an unfamiliar experience. Sarah Opple, 42, was fired in February from a sales position at Gaylord Hotels in Chicago after holding a series of jobs in the hospitality industry since she was 17 years old. “It’s more real to me now,” she said in a March 26 interview. “This recession is way more tangible than the others. It makes everyone feel they could be next.”

Since taking office Jan. 20, Obama has enacted a series of measures aimed at stemming the recession. He signed into law a $787 billion stimulus plan on Feb. 17 that included spending on infrastructure projects to boost hiring.

The Treasury Department is also moving to repair the damaged financial system and lower record foreclosures, while the Fed is flooding markets with cash to boost borrowing and spending.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Willis in Washington at bwillis@bloomberg.net

Abilities Expo New York Metro Area Show

PRC_Jennifer — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:08:10 GMT

Hey All !

For those living in the NY/NJ Metro Area, the Abilities Expo will be rolling into town April 17-19th. The Expo is being held at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, NJ. Abilities Expo is the nation’s leading event for the Disabilities Market.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center will be at the expo exhibiting so if you attend please be sure to swing by our booth.

Admission is FREE

More information can be found on the website listed below.

http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/newyork/v.html

Just a side now there are also shows coming up in:

Anahiem, CA May 25-27

Chicago, IL June 25-27

Atlanta, GA November 5-7

Take Care !

Caregiving live web chat

gerthro — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:04:34 GMT

One week from today (Tuesday), we are holding a live chat about caregiving hosted by our own Dr. Dan Gottlieb. Dr. Gottlieb is a practicing psychologist and family therapist; a nationally recognized mental health expert, talk show host, columnist, lecturer, author; and regular contributor to our community.

This is a great chance for family members to explore some of the challenges they have encountered, and get Dan's instant feedback. We are partnering with Philly.com where Dan has a regular blog. Check it out now, and use this same link next Tuesday, March 31st at noon ET.

Rob

Caregiving live chat with Dr. Dan Gottlieb

gerthro — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:03:50 GMT

Use of FES in SCI patient

dptsandoval — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:42:38 GMT

Hi Fuschia Fan,

I am so glad I found you here. You helped me alot with my daughter's SCI and TBI ( hit an run accident 2005) questions on another site. She has progressed well and now able to walk with RGO's and a walker with 1 person assist about 100 feet. Her ataxia from the head injury makes it impossible for her to be independent, so we are looking at using a Mulholland Walker with it. She is also unable to don and doff the RGO's independently. She wants to be a school teacher and so desires to be functionally ambulatory in a classroom even if it is nearly impossible for ambulation outside. She recently saw a You Tube video of a man with SCI thoracic level, total paralysis that was walking with the aid of an FES system. What do you think about this and have you actually seen patients using this functionally. I could only find sites in Cleveland ( the PARAWALK SYSTEM) and another .. I think Chicago. We are in So California so I thought maybe at Rancho Los Amigos, but I don't see anything on their website. Could you point us in the right direction.... any thoughts on MediCal with funding such a device. I believe it is FDA approved since 1994. Thank you, Patricia ( mom of Ariana now 22 and attending a 2 year college to one day become a school teacher)

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