ndAMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA NEWSLETTER
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Monthly Meetings: |
First Tuesday of every month, 7:30-9:00 pm, Telestar Court Building, Gemini room, 2990 Telestar Court, Falls Church, Virginia 22042 |
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Contacts: |
Daphne
Burroughs, 703-369-2615 |
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Web Page: |
www.inova.org/rehabilitation/amputee_support.htm |
Support Group Meeting
The Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia (ASGNVA) held it's regularly scheduled meeting on December 7, 2004, at 7:00, at the Telestar Building in Falls Church, Virginia. Once again, very few people attended the meeting even though we were having a social potluck "Happy Holidays" event. What if YOU threw a party and no one came?
I have begged and pleaded for some assistance with the Amputee Support Group of
Northern Virginia. There are 150 members (amputees) in the group and 40
associate (professional) members. One member, Joce Graham, has come forth
and volunteered to help me in whatever way that she can. Other than that,
I have had no calls or emails from anyone volunteering to do anything for the
group. Let me remind you of what a support group is all about.
WHY AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUPS ARE NEEDED
The Roles Support Groups Play
Traditionally, amputee support groups fill three needs: support and encouragement, education, and social needs. These roles are not mutually exclusive, but are intertwined and overlapping.
Support and Encouragement are provided through a variety of
means. Merely meeting and observing other apparently happy and
well-adjusted amputees, many of whom may be more severely disabled, can be a
source of encouragement. Getting to know them and learning that they lead
functional and fulfilling lives enhances this feeling. The thought is
inescapable; if they can do it, maybe I can too. The one-to-one contact
that takes place at meetings - and, as needed, in between - can also be
supportive and encouraging. As new amputees adapt to their situation, go
through the grieving process, and adjust to their new selves, they can begin to
help others. This is very satisfying and also therapeutic.
Education starts with a new amputee's first visit from an
experienced group member. They will meet someone who seems well adjusted
and knowledgeable and will get answers to their questions. They will
receive booklets and other literature they can read later and refer to as
needed. Their education continues as they attend group meetings and
listen to the other members share what they have learned - how they do things,
their successes and failures, and where they have found strength and
resources. This is augmented by experts in many subjects who come to
meetings to speak about their work. New amputees soon learn that
knowledge is power and the more they know, the more empowered and liberated
they feel.
The social advantages of support groups are inseparable from the
rest. Simply coming out into the world where there are other people and
developing new friends is healthy. Seeing other people having fun at
purely social events and realizing that all is not business and seriousness
helps them to learn how to have fun again.
Now, if ASGNVA holds a meeting and no one comes (no "veteran" amputees, no "professionals"), almost none of this can occur. I can drive up from Remington (63 miles one way in case YOU think it's too far to come), and sit in the room and wait for any new amputees with Betty and Helmut and Joce and Jason and the few others that attend on a sporadic basis. And I can send the amputees a "New Amputee Information Packet" so that they have literature to refer to. BUT I CANNOT GIVE THEM ALL OF THE CUMULATIVE EXPERIENCES OF 150 AMPUTEES.
So, if none of you are interested in attending the
support group, I am going to quit busting my chops to keep the group
together. In the future, if you don't get a newsletter, it means that no
one attended the group meeting besides the "regulars". I can
pass the "newsletter information" on to them at the meeting while
we're sharing information and waiting for any new amputees that might come and
need our assistance. That way, at least, I won't have to spend 4-5 hours
on the meeting (it's an hour+ drive each way) and then spend 20-30 hours trying
to write a newsletter and pass information along to you that I think might be
useful and helpful to you because apparently you don't care to get the
information - at least not enough to attend meetings or communicate with other
amputees.
I have even begged and pleaded with Dr. Shin, Department of Rehabilitation at
Inova Fairfax Hospital, to come to a meeting and talk to us about the role a
physiatrist plays in the rehabilitation process but apparently he doesn't
bother to read the newsletter because even he hasn't bothered to answer
me. So I feel that I am putting a lot of time and energy into something
that no one cares about except me. And I CARE.
I CARE THAT:
- New Amputees have someone experienced to talk
with when they attend a meeting;
- New Amputees have lots of information (New
Amputee Information Packet) and any other information I might have that
might be useful to the new amputee;
- All of our members are getting something
out of being a member of ASGNVA.
And what about you
professional members? It would be useful and helpful for you to come to a
meeting and share your knowledge and expertise with us? How about it
Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, Hospice of Northern Virginia, Area Access,
Inova Fairfax Hospital Rehabilitation Department, Independence Empowerment
Center, Inova Alexandria/Landmark Rehabilitation Center, Inova Alexandria
Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Inova Fair Oaks/Chantilly Rehabilitation Center,
Inova Regional Trauma Center, Georgetown University Hospital, Virginia Hospital
Center, Nascott Rehabilitation Center, District Orthopedic Appliances, Orthotic
Prosthetic Center, Us Orthotics and Prosthetics, Hospice Support of Fauquier
County, Endependence Center of No. VA, Fairfax Area Disability Services Board,
Landmine Survivors Network, Mount Vernon Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, MHC
Orthotics Prosthetics, LLC, Fauquier Medical Associates, Washington Amputee
Association, Ability With Mobility-Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of MD, and
ABC in Orthotics and Prosthetics?
If you are truly interested in getting the newsletters and being a member of the Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia, I also need you to update your personal information. I will be including an ASGNVA Update form for you to fill out and return in a future newsletter. Many of the emails that I send out are returned. I have sent letters to this effect with no response. If you do not return the Update form to me, either by USPS mail or email, dropping you from the membership will have to be considered. ASGNVA cannot afford to keep amputees on the role, paying to send them newsletters via USPS mail, when the amputees themselves are not interested in the support group.
News and Announcements
Exercise Videos for
Amputees – One of our members has
taken the initiative to present to the group an exercise video that she uses
and to go to the vendor of the video and obtain a discount rate for ASGNVA
members to obtain the exercise videos.
Here’s an excerpt of the email that she sent me:
Basically, I found a source of aerobic exercise that is very enjoyable and I've been trying to let people who can't stand up to exercise know about it. These are the Chair Dancing videos, <www.chairdancing.com>. They have fun, uplifting dance routines and feature enjoyable soundtracks (I say videos, but they're also available on DVD now, too). After I left NRH, I realized that I didn't have a reliable method of aerobic activity and that it was too easy to gain weight (which wasn't helping with all the surgeries (I‘ve had a total of 22 surgeries related to the leg since 2001). In 2003, I found the Chair Dancing aerobic tapes over the Internet. This year, I wrote a letter to the editor of inMotion magazine and asked Ms. Nancy Carroll to do a review of the series in the magazine to share the Chair Dancing information with fellow amputees -- (1) that a great source of aerobic exercise exists, (2) that it's inexpensive, and (3) that it can be done conveniently at home with a VCR or DVD. So, I was wondering if you thought the group might like to have a little blurb in the newsletter and/or see a demo of the series. I've spoken with Ms. Stolove, the creator, and explained the plight of the disabled. She has kindly offered to give our group a discount from the usual $19.95/tape to $10.95/tape -- as long as she doesn't have to ship the tapes out individually; i.e., she is willing to send one large box out. I am happy to coordinate this for the group. There is no profit involved. I don't receive anything for doing this; I just felt that there must be other people like me who were frustrated by bad weather, other peoples' schedules, or just not knowing that there was a good aerobic option out there. Plus, the joy of the tapes is that they are actually fun to do and you don't mind doing them more than once.
At the December meeting, we watched some of the
videos while we ate our dinner together and Patti talked about the different
tapes that we viewed. The tapes
looked like fun (for exercise videos) and were definitely not
boring. Here’s a description of
each tape that’s available:
Chair Dancing® The Original Program is a fun
and convenient way to get aerobic exercise and improve muscle tone and
flexibility. You'll do the cha-cha, the can-can, a tap dance, and much
more while seated comfortably on a chair. Originally scored music and
up-beat choreography make Chair Dancing® the fitness program you'll look
forward to doing regularly. Three exercise levels show you how to adapt
the program to your current fitness ability. You'll continue to be
challenged as your endurance improves. When you exercise the Chair Dancing®
way, you'll enjoy aerobic fitness like never before! Running time: 45 min.
More... Sit Down
& Tone Up, Strength Training from the Comfort of Your Chair. Strength
training stimulates bone growth, improves posture, decreases body fat and improves
balance and mobility. Like our
original Sit Down & Tone Up routine, More Sit Down & Tone Up will give
you a full body workout in just 20 minutes. Now you can sit comfortably on your
chair, enjoy delightful music, and strengthen, tone and shape the muscles of
your arms, shoulders and back. With this program you’ll also firm your legs and
flatten your stomach in just 5 minutes! All fitness levels will experience
noticeable results from this convenient, motivating and balanced new exercise
routine. Running time: 32
min.
Chair Dancing® Around the World
featuring a Country Western Chair Dance, a Brazilian Samba, a Polka, a
Caribbean Calypso, a Viennese Waltz, an Argentinean Tango, and much more is a fun and convenient way to get
aerobic exercise, tone muscles, improve flexibility and burn calories. Three
exercise levels show you how to adapt the program to your current fitness
ability. You'll continue to be challenged as your endurance improves. When you
exercise the Chair Dancing® way, you'll enjoy aerobic fitness like never
before! Running time: 52 min.
Chair Dancing® SIT DOWN
& TONE UP! Strength
training stimulates bone growth, improves posture, decreases body fat, and
improves balance and mobility. With this program, you'll strengthen, tone and
shape your arm, shoulder and back muscles, all while comfortably seated on your
chair. Leg and abdominal exercises, followed by gentle stretching, complete
this 20-minute workout to delightful music. All fitness levels will experience
noticeable results from this convenient, motivating, and balanced exercise routine.
Chair Dancing®
through the Decades, Moves and Music For the Best of Times. Continue
your aerobic fitness fun with 10 new routines to originally scored music. While
seated, enjoy The Charleston, Big Band Swing, Rock and Roll, The Twist, The
Hand Jive, Motown, Disco, Hip Hop and a New Age cool down. Running time: 48 min.
Chair Yoga™, Stretching and
Relaxation from the Comfort of Your Chair. Like Chair Dancing®’s other acclaimed videos, Chair
Yoga is done while comfortably seated. All fitness levels can
benefit from our adaptation of this wonderful ancient practice. By
using stretching and strengthening exercises, techniques for breathing,
relaxation and self massage, this program will keep you youthful in every stage
of life. Yoga promotes radiant health as it stretches & tones
your muscles, spine and entire skeletal system. The exercises will
leave you feeling calm and refreshed, with increased clarity, focus and
concentration. Running time: 45
min.
If you would like
to order a video, contact Patti Skinner, patti_skinner@yahoo.com, or Beth
Harris (contact info on Page 1).
The ADA & IT Information Center for the
Mid-Atlantic Region is one of ten regional centers established to
provide training, information, and technical assistance on the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessible information technology in education to
businesses, consumers, schools, and state and local governments. The ADA &
IT Information Center also works with its affiliates in Delaware, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West
Virginia, and the District of Columbia to provide free or low-cost training
programs to help employers, service providers and businesses understand and
comply with the law. A training or presentation can be tailored to the
interests of the audience, and can be a simple overview or an in-depth review
of a particular area of the law. The following training is available:
Workforce Discovery: Diversity and Disability in the Workplace
Date: 4/20/2005 - 4/21/2005, Gaithersburg, MD. This
"Train-the-Trainer" workshop will include modules on understanding
disability, hidden disabilities, effective communication, legal implications,
reasonable accommodations, and best training practices.
Click here for a copy of the flyer in PDF format
Click here for a copy of the flyer in TEXT format
Click here to download
a copy of the registration form in Word format.
Best Practices in ADA Training
Date: 3/9/2005, Gaithersburg, MD. This is a great opportunity
for training professionals to improve training skills, learn about new
resources, and network with colleagues.
Click here for a
copy of the flyer in PDF format.
Click here for a
copy of the flyer in TEXT format.
Click
here to download a copy of the registration form in Word format.
For more
information, contact the ADA & IT Information Center for the Mid-Atlantic
Region: 1-800-949-4232 V/TTY (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV) or 301-217-0124
V/TTY, E-mail: kporter@transcen.org
Introduction to Accessible Information Technology in
Education
This course, developed by the National Center on
Accessible Information Technology in Education (AccessIT), consists of nine
lessons with many interactive features. The lessons begin by addressing basic
issues, such as the difference between information technology and assistive
technology. Several lessons discuss
typical accessibility problems and solutions, as well as
relevant laws for web design, distance learning, software, self-contained,
closed products, telecommunications, and multimedia. The final lesson
provides an overview of approaches and strategies for influencing
information technology accessibility policy in education, and examines sample
policies. Interactive features include streaming video, hypothetical case
studies, and review questions that allow students to review and evaluate their
understanding of lesson concepts.
Introduction
to Accessible Information Technology in Education
Tutorials on Section 508 Standards
The U.S. Access Board has sponsored the development of a series of interactive
web-based tutorials on various sections of its standards for electronic and
information technology. These standards, issued under section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act, cover various means of disseminating and processing
information, such as computers, software, web sites, and electronic office
equipment. On-line courses include:
• Designing Accessible Web Sites
• Accessible Conferences
• Buying Accessible E & IT
• Section 508 Coordinators
• Additional Accessibility & Usability Concerns
• Accessible Video and Multimedia
• Building and Buying Accessible Software
• Buying Accessible Computers
• Opening Closed Products
The courses are available through the "508 Universe"
program which was developed by the Federal Information Technology Accessibility
Initiative, an interagency partnership on the implementation of section 508.
508 Universe / Tutorials on Section 508 Standards
Access E-Learning
Access E-Learning (AEL) is a ten-module tutorial about making distance
education accessible for individuals with disabilities. AEL offers information
on the most common needs in distance education, and provides instruction in
techniques that will enhance the usability of online materials for all
students. Registration is free.
Access E-Learning
AIA/Access Board On-line ADAAG Course
The U.S. Access Board and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently
unveiled a web-based education course on the ADA Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG). The course focuses on supplements to ADAAG that cover public sector
facilities, including courthouses and prisons, and building elements designed
for children's use. The course is posted to the Access Board's web site.
The course is also available on the
AIA web site with continuing education credits available to its members and
others. The interactive course includes case studies, discussion of key issues,
and multiple-choice questions; users can download a course workbook and copies
of the guidelines. Members can take any or all of the three sections and earn
three learning credits per section under the AIA program. There is an
introduction along with three subject area study modules:
• Judicial, Legislative, and Regulatory Facilities
• Detention and Correctional Facilities; and
• Building Elements Designed for Children's Use
ADAAG
Course (Access Board)
ADAAG Course (AIA)
"At Your Service: Welcoming Customers
with Disabilities"
The Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) has
developed a free, fully accessible, on-line course to present information on
how to effectively serve customers with a variety of disabilities. The course
includes case studies and tests.
At Your Service: Welcoming
Customers with Disabilities
Disability Awareness On-Line Seminar
Virginia Commonwealth University's Rehabilitation Research & Training
Center on Workplace Supports (VCU-RRTC) partners with businesses to design and
implement a Business-to-Business Marketing Initiative. "BizNet" has
designed this on-line training for employers, managers, supervisors, HR
professionals, and co-workers.
The course includes an interactive
and open forum for examining the stereotypes and misconceptions about people
with disabilities. It encourages changing attitudes and behaviors that prevent
growth of the company or organization and developing skills that will help
staff effectively communicate and work with people with disabilities.
Disability
Awareness On-Line Seminar
ASGNVA Funds/Donations – ASGNVA has received no new donations since the
Tupperware Fundraiser ($42.90). Again, if you want ASGNVA to continue to
help new amputees, donate to the Inova Foundation Fund 352
to ensure that your donation goes directly to the Amputee Support Group.
Donate online at https://connect.inova.com/j/inovanet.srt/forms/donation/donatenow.htm.
If you don't have Internet access, you can donate by phone or obtain a donation
form by calling 703-289-2072.
Services and Products
ASGNVA Lending Library – Come to a meeting and borrow
a book or see what new handouts are available. I had a request for a
"New Horizons" which is a couple of years old so I sent (email) the
member the book. I also went out to the DOT website and downloaded and
printed the updated information about security procedures and traveling.
If you would like a copy, please contact Jason Bulger or Beth Harris,
asgnva@earthlink.net
Member Updates
Member Request
- I received an email during the
month of September from an ASGNVA member (Roby) for a source for Amp-Aid.
I received a few responses regarding various lotions (not Amp-Aid) that other
amputees use but one of our members, Mary, searched the Internet and found the
web site for the vendor of Amp-Aid and emailed it to me and I forwarded it on
to Roby. Thanks to all who responded - a support group in action!
Scheduled Events
Monthly Meeting – The next monthly meeting is January 4, 2006, weather permitting (see Winter Weather Policy). I have a very good video to show you, if you attend. I'm not going to try and schedule any speakers if we're not going to have any members present. I'll try and have something for every meeting but I'm not going to ask people to take their time to come and speak to an empty room. YOU have the choice to make your support group better.
Winter Weather Policy – When Fairfax County Schools
announce delayed openings, are closed or have early dismissals for bad weather,
the ASGNVA meeting will be canceled for that date. Be extra careful when
it’s icy or snowy-it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Calendar of Events
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National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month |
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5-11 |
National Hand Washing Awareness Week |
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7 |
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9 |
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12 |
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14 |
Fredericsksburg Area Amputee Support Team (FAAST) – Second Tuesday
of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm, The disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress
Street, Fredericksburg, VA. Contact Greg Wright, 540-899-2655 or
800-333-4102. |
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15 |
Kernan Hospital Amputee Support Group – Third
Wednesday of the month, 6:00-8:00 pm, Room G604, Kernan Hospital, 2200 Kernan
Dr., Gwynn Oak, MD. Contact Mark Senker at 410-581-7027. |
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21 |
Washington Amputee Association (WAA) – Third Tuesday
of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm, National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving
Street, NW, Washington, DC, Ground Floor Dining Room (rear section, near the
windows and behind the partition). Contact Roy Dwyer, 301-897-2816. |
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25 |
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26 |
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27 |
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30 |
Ability With Mobility – Last Thursday
of the month, 6:00-8:00 pm, 2nd floor, Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of
Maryland, 9909 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD. Contact Sandy
Shehadeh, 240-864-6200. |
Happy
Birthday to Victor Wanner
Christmas
Day
Happy Birthday to Robert Eichner 
Happy Birthday to Pat Brizzi
Happy Birthday to Glen Mowitt|
January 2005 |
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1-31 |
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month |
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4 |
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11 |
Fredericsksburg Area Amputee Support Team (FAAST) – Second Tuesday
of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm, The disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress
Street, Fredericksburg, VA. Contact Greg Wright, 540-899-2655 or
800-333-4102. |
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12 |
Happy Birthday to Sandra Tapia |
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13 |
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18 |
Washington Amputee Association (WAA) – Third Tuesday
of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm, National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving
Street, NW, Washington, DC, Ground Floor Dining Room (rear section, near the
windows and behind the partition). Contact Roy Dwyer, 301-897-2816. |
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19 |
Kernan Hospital Amputee Support Group – Third
Wednesday of the month, 6:00-8:00 pm, Room G604, Kernan Hospital, 2200 Kernan
Dr., Gwynn Oak, MD. Contact Mark Senker at 410-581-7027. |
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22 |
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27 |
Ability With Mobility – Last Thursday
of the month, 6:00-8:00 pm, 2nd floor, Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of
Maryland, 9909 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD. Contact Sandy
Shehadeh, 240-864-6200. |
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29 |
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Living with a Disability and Staying Alive – One of the best things you can do for your health is to find an activity that gets your body moving and stick with it. You may be limited by a disability. This disability may make it harder, but it doesn’t need to stop you from staying active. In most cases, people with disabilities can improve their heart, lungs, muscles, and bones – in addition to flexibility, mobility, and coordination – by becoming physically active. Talk to your health care provider about your personal needs.
WHY DO I NEED A SUPPORT GROUP?
Some people who are about to
undergo the amputation of a limb or have had the surgery recently, really don't
know what to expect in the way of changes to their life. These changes can
include appearance, self-image, and the ability to perform certain tasks.
Who do I go
to for my prosthetic, society and financial aid questions?
Doctor, friend,
family? All would probably love to help if they could; however, the best
information can come from those who have had the same or similar experience as
you. Wouldn't it be nice to not have to learn all alone? You may not want to
take all the advice you get, but you can certainly choose what best fits your
needs. There are many amputee support groups around the country and many in your
area that are more than willing to be of assistance to you. The most important
thing to be gained from support is always encouragement. We all need
encouragement from time to time, especially when you are undergoing the many
life changes that come with losing a part of your body.
The Benefits of Being in a Support Group
Opportunity to benefit from ideas and experiences of others in the group who have similar circumstances as yourself.
Opportunity to share your own ideas and experiences with others in the group.
Opportunity to share information such as:
! A good prosthesis or prosthetist
! Good doctor
! Insurance company or other financial help getting prosthesis
! What crutches you find helpful to you
! What helps you accomplish tasks easier, better, and faster
! Sports you enjoy since becoming an amputee
! Job opportunities
Perhaps the most important thing to
remember about a support group is your input to the group can be what helps it
perpetuate and be available for others who need to have the same support you
needed.
Have a
Happy Holiday and a Healthy New Year!
7:30 JANUARY 4 MEETING TIME
VIDEO
and
DISCUSSION OF THE DIRECTION OF ASGNVA
Questions, comments, etc.,
Please contact
BETH HARRIS, 540-439-3656, BeTheHarris@earthlink.net
or
JOCE GRAHAM, 703-256-0245, JoceGraham@cox.net