In this latest cycle of awards, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) recently distributed a total of $342,483 in High Impact Innovative Assistive Technology Grants.
These grants, introduced to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the PRC by increasing support to organizations and projects rooted in technology, were created and launched with the support and assistance from the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). Funding was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL), according to a media release from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
“Christopher and Dana’s vision for the PRC was to increase the amount of support and resources so individuals living with paralysis could transition fully back into their lives—economically, emotionally and socially,” says Maggie Goldberg, vice president of policy and programs, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, in the release.
“As we continually shift into the advancing digital age, we felt that funding projects that focused on assistive technology and durable medical equipment would continue to fulfill our namesakes’ vision of allowing those living with paralysis to have more independence,” she adds.
“These grants are awarded in memory of Joey Wallace, PhD, who served as the Technical Expert for this program,” states Donna Valente, director of Quality of Life Grants.
“Assistive Technology can be a powerful tool to increase the independence of people with disabilities by allowing them to participate fully in the communities they are a part of, as well as enhance their social, employment, education, and finance-related quality of life,” Wallace continues.
The grant recipients include: The University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies, Newark, Del ($75,000); Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network, Baton Rouge, La ($75,000); Maryland Department of Disabilities Technology Assistance, Baltimore ($43,560); University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities, Missoula, Mont ($75,000); and Utah Assistive Technology Program, Logan, Utah ($73,925).
[Source(s): Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, PR Newswire]