Organization Spotlight: Independence Regained

A Louisiana man named Scott Wells, who was paralyzed in a car accident 14 years ago, is setting out to raise funds for people recovering from spinal cord injuries. He will be handcycling throughout Northern Louisiana in order to raise funds to create a neurological rehab facility in Shreveport, which would be the first of its kind in Louisiana. 

He is securing the funds to create a neurological facility through his non-profit, Independence Regained. He hopes to raise $50,000.00 from this 180 mile bike ride. He's been training with physical trainer, Amanda Mahoney who will join him on the last leg of his trip.

To learn more about Independence Regained, check out the following link: http://www.independenceregained.org/

To learn more about this story, check out the following link: http://www.redriverradio.org/post/shreveport-nonprofit-aims-open-spinal-cord-injury-rehab-center

Oscar Mike Foundation

The Oscar Mike Foundation is a 100% Veteran-owned charity that was established on Veteran's Day 2011 to help injured Veterans stay active and rehabilitate from their injuries. As a result, Veterans are on the move throughout the country, for example...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=87Lk8ryNFGs

To learn more about The Oscar Mike Foundation, check out the following link:

http://www.oscarmike.org/foundation

Wheelchair Buying Tips

Check out United Spinal Association's tips for being a savvy wheelchair buyer:
http://www.usatechguide.org/blog/be-a-savvy-wheelchair-buyer/?utm_source=UNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter+United+2013+04

Double Amputee Uses Bionic Hands Controlled by an App on His Phone

Jason Koger lost his hands as a result of being electrocuted. However, he has become the first double amputee to have two bionic hands that can be controlled by an application on his phone. Check out the video below for more details on this incredible technology...

A Positive Story from the Boston Marathon

Two years ago in Afghanistan, Army Capt. Jake E. Murphy lost both of his legs in combat. On Monday, he completed the Boston Marathon in 1:40 by hand-cycling. As a result, he was safely out of the area where the devastating events occurred. It has been reported that many individuals involved in the tragic events in Boston have lost limbs. Hopefully, Capt. Murphy, a double amputee himself, will be a source of inspiration to those who lost limbs on Monday and maybe they will join Capt. Murphy in recovering and completing the Boston Marathon.

To read more about Capt. Murphy's story, check out the following link: http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2013/04/injured_captain_soldiers_on

How to Ride Amtrak While Using a Wheelchair

Event Spotlight: Trent Taylor 5K "Power Strut" on behalf of the Brain Injury Association of Florida

This Sunday, Phi Delta Theta's Florida State University chapter is putting on the Trent Taylor 5k "Power Strut" in honor of a Phi Delta Theta fraternity brother who passed away as a result of a traumatic brain injury. All proceeds of the event go to benefit the Brain Injury Association of Florida, a non-profit organization dedicated to inform, educate, support and advocate on behalf of traumatic brain injury survivors, their families and caregivers. To learn more about the event and to donate, check out the following link:

http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/trent-taylor-5k-power-strut-/49634

South Florida Gym Caters to People with Disabilities

With thousands of people with disabilities living in South Florida, a gym has opened up to focus on the needs of people with disabilities. Could this become a growing trend? Find out more...

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/fl-neuro-fit-disabled-gym-20130401,0,2405377.story

The Debate on Including Students with Disabilities in Mainstream Education Continues...

It wasn't that long ago that students with disabilities were taught separately from their able-bodied counterparts. While the trend has gradually changed towards greater inclusion for students with disabilities, the issue is still sensitive and difficult. This is especially true when speaking of those with great intellectual capacity and severe physical disabilities. In Florida, schools have had problems caring for students with severe disabilities, thus many students with high intellectual capacity and severe physical disabilities have spent time in classes well below levels that would be mentally stimulating. A recent article in the Tampa Bay Times highlights this continuing debate. Check it out:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/an-argument-for-inclusion/2112201

What do you think? If we are to push for inclusion in mainstream education for students with disabilities, what minimum measures should schools be required to follow to ensure the safety of those students?