Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center News Archives

11/29/2006 - The Woodrow Wilson Center for Employment will host its December, 2006 quarterly graduation on Friday, December 8, 2006, in the Harold E. Watson Recreation Center Auditorium. Forty-four graduates across many of the WWRC training programs will be celebrating their accomplishments during the ceremony. Each of these career pathways emphasizes externally validated skills attainment through industry certification requirements and community-based internships with employers as business mentors. Every one of these students has overcome the challenges of at least one disability along the way, with the help of staff of WWRC. The special entertainment will be provided by the Waynesboro Signature Singers. The group’s performance at the Center’s December graduation has become a long-standing tradition now in its twenty-sixth year.

These graduates have successfully completed courses of study including: Auto Mechanics, Building Trades, Business and Information Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Food Service, Materials Management, Health Occupations and External Training Options. Each of these career pathways emphasizes externally validated skills attainment through industry certification requirements and community-based internships with employers as business mentors. Every one of these students has overcome the challenges of at least one disability along the way, with the help of staff of WWRC.

The graduation ceremony will be presided over by Ms. Maggie Clower, Principal of WWRC Vocational Training, Kathy Trossi, Vocational Services Division Director, and Dr. Richard Luck, WWRC Director.

11/9/2006 - The Accessible Trail Project received a Community Health Foundation grant from the Augusta Health Corporation. The $10,700 grant was awarded to the WWRC Accessible Trail Project to be used for purchase of trail building materials and outdoor exercise stations which will be installed at the trail site this spring. In addition, private donations from community organizations and individuals supportive of the project has surpassed the $2,000 mark. With continued generous support from those who know the enjoyment and health benefits that come from outdoor activity and recreation, WWRC hopes to have the first phase of the Accessible Trail open to the public in the summer/fall of 2007. If you or your organization wish to make a donation of time, funds or materials to this project, please download the Accessible Trail Project brochure.

10/30/2006 - As part of the continuing initiative "Think Before You Sink," Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) and The Bath and Idea Center at Noland Company of Verona conducted a free half-day workshop focusing on remodeling and building for individuals with special mobility considerations. Our community continues to see an increasing need for modifications to existing dwellings, as well as, new structures for our aging and disabled population.

More than 30 area contractors, builders, remodelers and others in the building industry attended the workshop held in the Occupational Therapy Department at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center on October 26, 2006. Attendees learned more about accessibility considerations throughout a home, with emphasis on the bathroom and kitchen. Information was also provided on available funding options to assist with the cost of remodeling/building for our neighbors with disabilities and those who have aging related needs.

For a list of the contractors who attended and received this training, please contact the Occupational Therapy Department at (540) 332-7117.

10/27/2006 - Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) hosted its first ERGYS®2 training and inservice for the four facilities slated to participate in Specialized Therapeutic Modality Equipment CNI Grant. WWRC received grant funding from, the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) to provide the state-of-the-art ERGYS®2 Computerized Functional Electrical Stimulation Ergometer to four additional locations across the Commonwealth. The locations are: Carilion Rehabilitation - Roanoke, VA; Medical College of Virginia - Richmond, VA; Neurological Physical Therapy - Alexandria, VA; Sentara Hilltop - Virginia Beach, VA. Attendees to the one-day inservice were:

• Carilion Rehabilitation - Roanoke, VA
  Susan Jones
  Carrie Bristow
   
• Medical College of Virginia - Richmond, VA
  Melanie Parker
  Alice Peay
  Beth Sasso
   
• Neurological Physical Therapy - Alexandria, VA
  Megan Brown
  Alison Lichy
   
• Sentara Hilltop - Virginia Beach, VA
  Debbie Kaye
  Diane Osborne

The inservice was co-facilitated by Kate Baxter, Spinal Cord Injury Senior Physical Therapist, Joe Fangman, Assistive Technology Senior Physical Therapist, and James Schorey, President of Technilogical Associates, Inc., (TAI) the manufacturers of the ERGYS®2.

09/25/2006 - The Ms. Wheelchair Virginia (MWVA) organization celebrated her ribbon cutting today at their new office at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) in Fishersville. Approximately 30 people were in attendance, including WWRC administration and staff, local dignitaries, the MWVA Board of Directors, AVON representatives, sponsors, the Augusta County Chamber of Commerce, volunteers, and family and friends.

President of MWVA, Dr. Pam Cobler (Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, 2004-2005), presided over the ceremony. "We dedicated the organization and the building to the mission of education, awareness, accessibility, an improved quality of life, and employment for Virginians with disabilities and all people. On behalf of the MWVA organization, we would like to thank WWRC and everyone for their generosity, kindness, and support, and we would like to invite you to participate as volunteers and sponsors for the upcoming pageant to be held Saturday, April 14, 2007 in the WWRC auditorium. We look forward to serving and working with you more."

Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Inc., a not-for-profit 501 c(3) organization, was founded in 1974 and re-established in 2001. The organization's mission is to educate and advocate for individuals with physical disabilities in order to influence attitudinal, architectural, and social change for all Virginians. To carry out this mission, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Inc educates leaders and local communities by promoting awareness, advocacy and change in public policy including accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities.

07/19/2006 - The Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) Advisory Board awarded two Option-B Community-Based Rehabilitation grants to Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. The two grants will enable the Center to develop cutting-edge programs for Virginians with spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.

The first grant in the amount of $448,266 is awarded over 3 years for the development of specialized substance abuse treatment program for persons with severe neurotrauma at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center.

The project has several objectives aimed at increasing the availability and accessibility of a full continuum of substance abuse services including primary treatment for persons with severe neurotrauma. The project will employ the three R model of Referral, Residential Treatment, and Re-Entry into the community. The overarching goal is to develop and implement a residential substance abuse primary treatment program including medical detoxification for persons with severe neurotrauma at WWRC. The results from a previously funded CNI needs analysis clearly indicated that individuals with severe neurotrauma require the supports of a comprehensive rehabilitation center to participate in primary treatment for substance abuse disorders. This program will also include the development of a network of private and public community resources that will contribute to a seamless continuum of services needed in the recovery process.

The Physical Therapy Department of the Center also received $124,844.75 over one year to provide specialized therapeutic modality equipment (electrical stimulation lower extremity cycle ergometry) to four additional locations across the Commonwealth.

In November 2004, after her husband's death, the now late Dana Reeve generously donated Christopher Reeve's personal ERGYS®2 Computerized Functional Electrical Stimulation Ergometer to the Physical Therapy Department at WWRC. His wishes were for it to be placed where as many people as possible could benefit from its use, rather than giving it to a single individual. In the past 18 months since receiving the ERGYS®2, WWRC has provided this cutting edge therapy to 21 persons with spinal cord injury representing 236 exercise sessions.

Up until now, this apparatus and program have been available at only two facilities, making the longer term benefits of maintenance exercise programs extremely limited across the Commonwealth. The CNI grant, which will provide the ERGYS®2 to four additional localities in Virginia, creates increased opportunities for persons with spinal cord injuries to more easily access much-needed long-term services in or near their local communities.

The primary objectives for this CNI grant to WWRC will be to identify and establish the five locations including WWRC around the Commonwealth of Virginia, get equipment to these sites, and educate staff at these facilities. The four regions of interest for this project are Northern Virginia, Tidewater, New River Valley, and the Greater Richmond Area. Once the facilities are established, measures of success for each would be to evaluate at least five candidates using the ERGYS®2 Rehabilitation System, and progress two or more individuals to the independent maintenance phase of the program. The anticipated benefit of this project is that a greater number of individuals will have the opportunity to benefit from the use of computerized electrical muscle stimulation and receive the benefits that come with the use of this therapeutic modality.

05/05/2006 - On May 5, 2006, the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Rehabilitation Counseling celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Friends, faculty and alumni were in attendance representing the entire time period of the history of the program. The School of Allied Health Professions and the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling recognize outstanding contributions of alumni by awarding the Star Alumni Award. The 50th Anniversary Star Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Richard S. Luck for outstanding and life long contributions to the Department of Rehabilitation, Counseling, and to the profession of Rehabilitation. Dr. Luck is Associate Professor Emeritus in the Department and Director of Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center.

10/18/2006 - More than 40 people turned out for the Center's celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The group was treated to a panel discussion on: Returning to Work After Injury or Disability "Helping Your Employees Get Back on the Job."

From large employer to small, we all struggle with helping employees get back on the job following an injury or extended disability.

Panel:

• Brenda Kirby,
  Human Resources,
  McKee Foods
• Paula Holmes and Jerry Kite,
  Goodwill Industries
• Greta Nelson,
  Physical Therapist,
  Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center
• Cindy Roberts,
  Vocational Employment Counselor,
  Department of Rehabilitative Services
• Rick Sizemore (Panel Moderator),
  Deputy Director,
  Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center

08/16/2006 - On Monday August 7, 2006 the first three Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rehabilitation graduate students, Maggie Butler, Amanda Cobb, and Meg Hardt, arrived for their WWRC immersion experience. The immersion experience is a chance for the graduate students to live a week in the life of a WWRC consumer. The graduate students go through the orientation process, live in the dormitories on campus, are enrolled in the Life Skills Assessment Program, and have access to all campus facilities including the Recreation Center, Library, and Dinning Hall.

The Wright's Scholar Program will provide up to 26 new graduates from VCU's nationally ranked Rehabilitation Counseling Masters Degree Program for employment in Virginia's state vocational rehabilitation agencies, having raised their awareness of the viability of these agencies as long-term career options. The Wright's Scholar program is a collaborative effort between Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and Virginia's state vocational rehabilitation agencies, specifically the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

The curriculum includes an immersion experience at WWRC to help these graduates understand all that the Center offers to their consumers. As Meg Hardt observed, "The staff here at WWRC is very positive." The immersion experience should promote a nonhierarchical relationship between the student and the consumer facilitating a positive attitude toward persons with disabilities that ultimately enhances the ability of the student, who is a counselor later, to truly empower the consumer. Maggie Butler is currently a Department of Rehabilitation Services counselor in Petersburg, Amanda Cobb is interning for the Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired in Richmond, VA, and Meg Hardt is a policy fellow with the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities also in Richmond, VA

08/14/2006 - On August 11th and 12th the WWRC Alumni Association held their 34th Reunion at the center. On Friday the registration and fellowship will began at noon in the gym. That evening we hosted a Bingo game for the students in the gym. On Saturday the day began at 9:30 AM in the gym with registration, followed by a silent auction and the Annual Business Meeting at 11:30 AM. Bingo followed at 1 PM. The afternoon was a time for fellowship. The Banquet was Saturday evening in the Dinning Hall along with a silent auction.

08/07/2006 - On August 4th through 6th, three therapists represented WWRC by presenting a three day continuing education conference on the OT and PT Management of Spinal Cord Injury at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Richmond, VA. Paige Moore, OT, Paula Martin, OT, and Kate Baxter, PT taught the comprehensive course with the assistance of several former patients. Twenty seven health care professionals including physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, kinesiotherapists, and a nurse traveled to the conference representing rehabilitation facilities from 12 different states including Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Approximately half of the participants are employed at Veteran's Administration Hospitals. The attendees spoke very positively about the conference including comments such as "this is the most informative conference I have ever attended", "I learned so much", "the presenters were very knowledgeable, eager to share, and obviously very devoted to their patients and to WWRC".

04/2006 - The 34th annual Mid-Atlantic Association Wheelchair Games were held at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center and two other Augusta County locations April 22 and 23, 2006. More than 50 athletes competed in this year's Games. The Games returned to WWRC after a seven-year run at James Madison University and the greater Harrisonburg area. Athletes competed in Basketball, Track and Field, Archery, Bowling, Swimming and Slalom. Many of our staff worked especially hard to prepare for this year's Games coming home.

The very first Wheelchair Games in Virginia were held in 1973 at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Eighty competitors participated in these first games.

"It's really thrilling to see the Games return to their birthplace," said Dr Richard S. Luck, Director of WWRC. Many of our staff have worked hard to prepare for this year's Games coming home and everyone here is excited for the opportunity to see and participate in the games."

06/16/2006 - On June 16, 2006, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, the Augusta County School Board, and the Augusta County Service Authority signed an agreement that will make possible the replacement of an antiquated water and sewer system originally installed during World War II when then Woodrow Wilson General Army Hospital was built. While the "Post" site has undergone many changes including the replacement of many of the original buildings during a modernization effort by the Commonwealth during the 60's and 70's, several of the old army hospital buildings remain and are still in use today. Additionally, Augusta County operates a high school, elementary school, Valley Vo-Tech, County Recreation Center and the School Board Offices at the site. A new middle school is under construction and will be completed soon.

The water and sewer system has remained virtually the same since it was constructed over 60 years ago and it is slated for a complete renovation. The work will begin this summer.

Ownership and responsibility for operations and maintenance of the new water and sewer system will be transferred to the Augusta County Service Authority once the new systems are installed. This agreement highlights hallmark cooperation between Augusta County and the Commonwealth to share the costs for this system's replacement.

06/16/2006 - The Woodrow Wilson Center for Employment hosted its Summer, 2006 quarterly graduation on Friday, June 30, 2006, in the Harold E. Watson Recreation Center Auditorium. Sixty-four graduates across all WWRC training programs celebrated their accomplishments during the ceremony. The guest speaker was Mr. Elvis Cheatham, 1985 graduate, Drafting Training Program, who is currently employed as a Senior Electrical Designer with a private firm in Glen Allen, Virginia.

These graduates have successfully completed courses of study including: Auto Mechanics, Building Trades, Business and Information Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Food Service, Materials Management, Health Occupations and External Training Options. Each of these career pathways emphasizes externally validated skills attainment through industry certification requirements and community-based internships with employers as business mentors. Every one of these students has overcome the challenges of at least one disability along the way, with the help of staff of WWRC.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by Ms. Maggie Clower, Principal of WWRC Vocational Training, Kathy Trossi, Vocational Services Division Director, and Dr. Richard Luck, WWRC Director. A special welcome message was delivered by James A. Rothrock, DRS Commissioner.

Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is the first state-owned and operated comprehensive rehabilitation center in the country. WWRC provides comprehensive medical, assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities to help them gain increased independence and employment. WWRC is a division of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services.

03/21/2006 - It was our distinct pleasure to have the Commonwealth's Secretary of Health and Human Resources, The Honorable Marilyn B. Tavenner, on our WWRC campus yesterday. As a recently appointed Secretary, she had her first opportunity to see the campus facilities, and most importantly, to meet our clients and staff. After spending time with clients in PT, OT and Speech, she toured Training, Vocational Evaluation, Recreation, the Dining Hall and finally concluded with a tour of SLS on Carter-Ashley Hall. The Foundation and Council of Organizations sponsored a reception to welcome the Secretary, along with her guests, Mr. Steve Harms and Ms. Gail Jaspen, both Deputy Secretaries from her office. The Student Government Association Officers and the student Ambassadors were also in attendance to welcome our visitors. The tours were conducted by Commissioner Rothrock and Dr. Luck. Secretary Tavenner remarked, "It was very important for me to be here and see this Center. I especially enjoyed meeting the students and staff because I am a hands-on type of person."

Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is the first state-owned and operated comprehensive rehabilitation center in the country. WWRC provides comprehensive medical, assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities to help them gain increased independence and employment. WWRC is a division of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services.

03/22/2006 - The Ms. Wheelchair Virginia organization held their annual pageant on March 17, 2006 in the state capitol of Richmond. The inspiring contestants represented Pembroke, Lynchburg, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Charlottesville, Crozet, Waynesboro, Orange, to Weyers Cave, Virginia. India Sims of Crozet was honored with the “Wayne H. Sale scholarship”, Valerie Lewis of Norfolk received the prestigious “People’s Choice Award”, and Billie Jean Huskey of Pembroke was voted as the distinguished “Ms. Congeniality”. The second runner-up was Billie Jean Huskey of Pembroke, first runner-up was Ginger Quillen of Waynesboro, and the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2006-2007 crown was awarded to Valerie Lewis of Norfolk.

Valerie Lewis is a Customer Service Representative for Optima Health Plans in Virginia Beach, where she assists and educates members, who are on the State of Virginia’s Medicaid Program, on using their plan benefits and how to obtain necessary medical equipment. She has received various awards and special recognitions for her ability and extra efforts in assisting these members.

Currently, Valerie is a committee member for The Mobility on Wheels Organization where she makes assessments of public facilities for recreation purposes on disability accessibilities. She continually strives to educate the community on the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and helps local businesses by touring facilities and making recommendations on proper accessibility.

Valerie is a Navy wife and served as a consultant to the Board of Director’s of Navy Housing, where she assisted in determining necessary disability accessibility issues and solutions.

She attended Morris Jr. College in Melbourne, FL, obtaining an Associates Degree in Accounting. She continued her education at Eastern School of Technology in Virginia Beach, VA, where she earned additional Associates Degrees in Veterinary Nursing and Phlebotomy, Lab Technology, and EKG Technology.

Valerie owns and operates a successful catering business, where her family and friends thoroughly enjoy her many culinary talents. Recently, Valerie had the opportunity to provide hot, home cooked meals every Wednesday from September, 2005, to January, 2006, to approximately 160 Katrina victims that had temporarily re-located to Hampton Roads. Additionally, she breeds and trains Golden Retrievers to become great pets and service dogs.

Even with Valerie’s busy schedule, she finds time to focus on making this world more "Disability Friendly."

Valerie will represent Virginia in the 34th annual Ms. Wheelchair America program in Little Rock, Arkansas July 31-August 5, 2006.

Valerie is available for motivational and educational speaking presentations. Join us as we "Celebrate Life!"

Ms. Wheelchair Virginia is a non-profit organization that focuses on the accomplishments of disabled Virginians. Our mission is to educate, advocate and raise awareness of the abilities and needs of our disabled; but more importantly, to inspire and motivate Virginians as a role model of courage and hope.

12/07/2005 - On December 7, 2005, multiple adapted vehicles were brought to Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) for clients, students and staff to assess. The purpose was to provide an opportunity to individuals using wheelchairs and scooters to get into various vehicles and compare options, whether they are a driver or a passenger. Two full-sized vans, three mini-vans, and one truck were available for assessment. In addition, the manufacturer of Scoota-Trailer, Mr. Greg Tesh, was also on site to demonstrate his product. This trailer can be use to tote wheelchairs and scooters and can be utilized with most vehicles. A special thanks to Ms. Kay Buchanan from the WWRC Occupational Therapy Department, and Mr. Richard Baldwin from Mobility Transportation Systems (MITS) in Waynesboro for making this opportunity possible. Based on the positive responses, the hope is to provide this opportunity again in the future.

09/27/2005 - The Virginia Rehabilitation Association today presented its coveted Corbett Reedy award to Dr. Richard S. Luck during a luncheon ceremony in Virginia Beach.

This award was created in 1985 to honor Corbett Reedy who was a Virginia Rehabilitation Association service provider, as well as an official of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Upon his retirement to his native Virginia, he was appointed to serve on the policy making Board of the Department of Rehabilitative Services. Awarded to a resident of Virginia currently involved in the rehabilitation field, but not limited to a rehabilitation professional. This person must have creatively pursued excellence in contributions to the rehabilitation program, projects, issues, publications or a significant rehabilitation cause. Excellence in the field of service to persons with disabilities is recognized through this award.

"In my career I have been presented with many obstacles and opportunities and certainly the greatest opportunity I have had is the one given me by Commissioner Rothrock to become the Director of Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Every day I see rehabilitation take place in the halls of the Center as the result of a caring, committed and dedicated staff of rehabilitation professionals. I am gratified and honored that the rehabilitation community has acknowledged my contributions to serving people with disabilities," said Luck upon receiving the award.

Dr. Luck was appointed by Commissioner James A Rothrock as on- site Administrator of WWRC on August 1, 2003. He subsequently was selected as Director and is in the second year of his tenure in this position. Since coming to WWRC, Dr. Luck has lead the process to reorganize the programs and services of the Center and to engage the approximate 280 center employees in an individual and organization renewal process. Under his direction he has developed a Leadership Coalition comprised of senior level management that has developed a new Vision, Mission and Shared Values for the Center. The Center is being redesigned to focus on Youth in Transition, Neurotrauma Rehabilitation, Assistive Technology, and Comprehensive Assessment and Evaluation of complex disabilities.

Dr. Luck is Associate Professor Emeritus in Rehabilitation Counseling, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University and Clinical Associate Professor in Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Formerly, Dr. Luck was Associate Professor and Vice Chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, School of Allied Health Professions on the Medical College of Virginia campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Virginia Rehabilitation Association (VRA) is a chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all persons with disabilities. NRA is the oldest, largest, and strongest advocacy organization for all persons with disabilities in the USA.

Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is the first state-owned and operated comprehensive rehabilitation center in the country. WWRC provides comprehensive medical, assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities to help them gain increased independence and employment. WWRC is a division of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services.

05/2006 - WWRC, in collaboration with the Valley Associates for Independent Living and the Department of Health's Health Promotion for Persons with Disability, hosted a one-day forum on May 12, 2006. The primary objective was to create a network of community-based supports for persons with disability pursuing healthy lifestyles. Speaker presentations on nutrition and physical activity, panel discussions of model programs, vendor displays and a wheelchair tennis demonstration preceded small group discussions focused on identifying opportunities and barriers within our communities.

05/2006 - In conjunction with the Healthy Living Forum held on May 12th, a Health Fair called "Be Your Best" was held for our students on Wednesday, May 10. About 50-60 students learned a great deal about themselves. Several of the Health Occupations' students took blood pressures, while Nursing staff taught about smoking and its affects on the lungs. There were many other healthy living hands-on activities by staff from Nursing, Residential Services, and E&OST. Thanks to everyone involved, especially the organizers, Justina Curtis, Cindy Benson, Stephanie Walker, and Jane Walsh.