Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center News

 9/15/2008 – Fishersville, VA – The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center will be the site of a Wounded Warrior Summit, Painting a Moving Train, on November 6 and 7. The summit, which targets behavioral health care and rehabilitation professionals, brain injury service providers, and other health care professionals, will deliver clinical training on combat stress injuries, working effectively in the military culture, diagnoses, and injury assessment. CAPT Catherine Wilson (USN Ret), Executive Director of the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, will discuss this Virginia’s wounded warrior initiative and funding that may be available to communities in early 2009. Veterans and family members who have experienced the effects of combat stress and traumatic brain injury will be present to share their experiences.

The summit is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in partnership with the Departments of Rehabilitative Services and Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services. Participants may attend the summit on site at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, Virginia, or may participate via video conferencing at remote sites in Bristol, Martinsville, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Chantilly, and Richmond.

For more information, visit www.virginiaforveterans.com.

Background: Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, which opened in 1947, was originally Woodrow Wilson General Army Hospital built circa. 1942-43. It was surplused by the War Assets Administration in 1946. Thousands of returning U.S. soldiers from Afica, Sicily, Italy and the European theatre of conflict passed through its doors. WWRC has always been close to its roots by serving U.S. service personnel transitioning back home from the Korean Conflict through Vietnam and Desert Storm.

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.

Download press release from the Department of Veteran Services.

 7/31/2008 – Fishersville, VA – The Center officially launched its YouTube Channel on June 26, 2008, with one video, the news story from WHSV Channel 3 in Harrisonburg that announced the opening of the Center’s new Supporting Therapeutic Access to Recreation (STAR) Trail. WHSV’s News Director, E. D. Reams approved the Center’s distribution of WHSV's news story on YouTube. On the following day, June 27, 2008, the Center uploaded an additional 28 videos. Within the first month, the Center’s channel has received just under 1800 hits. Several Center videos are near 1300 views. On July 22nd, WHSV followed up with a news story about the Center's YouTube Channel The reaction from Field Rehabilitation Services has been overwhelmingly supportive of this aggressive marketing strategy. Future plans for the channel (located at http://www.youtube.com/user/WWRCvirginiagov) include expanding the library of videos with virtual tours, student/staff interviews and activities, graduations, etc. Watch the WHSV YouTube clip:

6/4/2008 – Fishersville, VA – The 3rd Annual Student Health Fair, "Racing to Good Health" was held June 4, 2008 in the main lobby of the Anderson Training Building at WWRC. Aprroximately 100 clients and staff attended the 1 1/2 hour event and enjoyed the interactions in the 15 informative exhibits. Included was Dental, BMI readings, Proper Handwashing, Sleeping Habits, and Relaxation Techniques (Nursing Dept.), Hearing Loss (Communication Dept.), OTC Medications (Pharmacy Dept.), Commonhealth, Diabetes (Lab Dept.), STD/Pregnancy Information (Public Health Dept.), and Breast/Testicular Exams, Sun Safety, Smoking Cessation, and Nutrition (AMC Dept.). This year also had a driver with his racecar from Eastside Speedway during the lunch hour the day of the fair. Every year the Health Fair grows. The Woodrow Wilson Center for Employment Nurses Aide class helped again this year by using their skills of taking blood pressures and pulses. The theme "Racing to Good Health" was choosen this year to go along with the Center's theme of "Roadmap to Success". This was the 3rd year for the Health Fair. Stephanie Walker R.N. will be the Chairperson for next year's Health Fair. She also was on the committee the 1st year of the Health Fair. Student comments included "it was fun, educational. I liked the sun machine, I have good skin. I really liked talking to the woman from the Health Dept. She was very open and I could talk to her about anything" and "it was howdy/doody!! Had good information. I really liked the hand washing with all the glitter. Others would touch you with it (glitter) and you could see how germs are spread".

5/6/2008 – Fishersville, VA – We hope to have a Grand Opening of the STAR Trail early this summer at which time the Trail will be open to the public. The name-- STAR Trail—was selected to represent our purpose in creating this trail—Supporting Therapeutic Access to Recreation. Successful application to the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Recreational Trail grant program yielded an award of ~$50,000 this fall which has enabled the project to purchase and install a pedestrian bridge to carry the trail across the lake and complete installation of the final segment of the crushed stone trail.

5/6/2008 – Fishersville, VA – Becky and Buell Messer donated 89 plants valued at ~$1200 to the WWRC STAR Trail for landscaping along the trail and on the island. Mary Smith and Vicki Lampert, members of the Trail Landscaping Team, visited Messer’s Landscaping to inquire about collaboration with WWRC in our trail landscaping efforts to learn that Mr. Messer was closing out his retail nursery and was in the process of clearing his inventory. He generously offered to donate plants that remained after his clearance sale to the Trail project. So we have a great start to our landscaping efforts at no cost. We will be incorporating the watering, feeding and nurturing of these plants into our clients’ therapy programs. They will be located outside of the Lab trailer until we are ready to install them.

4/12/2008 – Fishersville, VA – Rose Williams, a Charlottesville native, is a published poet/essayist and motivational speaker, and can be found frequently presenting poetry workshops and speeches to various special needs programs. Born with cerebral palsy, Rose lives life to the fullest, and Co-Chair’s the VSA Arts committee. Recently, the Virginia Board of People with Disabilities honored Rose as the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Jackie Crews Award for her advocacy for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. Rose’s platform for advocacy is “Art opportunities and accessibility & safety in public places”. Her Motto of Inspiration is “Find your passion and make it happen”. With her deep faith, positive spirit and continuous smile, Rose is dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities on a local and state level.

This year’s Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program was hosted at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, April 12th, in Fishersville, VA. It was a full weekend of activity and competition followed up by an enchanting evening of excitement as 9 contestants from across the Commonwealth came to vie for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. Emily McGrail of Radford was 1st runner up, India Sims of Waynesboro was 2nd runner up, and Niki Swann from Northern VA won the Scholarship award, and in addition to being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Rose Williams was voted Ms. Congeniality by her fellow contestants. To have Ms. Wheelchair Virginia at your next engagement, become a contestant, to be a sponsor, or more information please visit www.mswheelchairva.com.

Rose will be competing in the National Ms. Wheelchair America Program July 21-27, 2008 in Rockville, Maryland.

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Ms. Wheelchair Virginia is an AmeriCorps organization and is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on the accomplishments of Virginians with disabilities. Our mission is to educate, advocate and raise awareness of the abilities and needs of the disability community; but more importantly, to inspire and motivate Virginians as role models of courage and hope. To learn more about the program, and check out the all the upcoming highlights and photos from this year’s event, please visit our website at www.mswheelchairva.com

10/31/2007 – Fishersville, VA – The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is pleased to announce that it has reached its 60th year of serving people with disabilities. The Center will mark the occasion with a public ceremony on Thursday, November 8, 2007. Festivities will begin at 10:30 AM and conclude at 2:00 PM and include presentations by the WWRC Director, Rick Sizemore; DRS Commissioner, James A. Rothrock; State Rehabilitation Council Chairperson, Danny DeBoer; Aide to State Senator Emmett Hanger, Holly Herman; State Delegate R. Stephen Landes; Keynote Address will be delivered by Ms. Juliette Rizzo, Ms. Wheelchair America 2005. A lunch sponsored by the Center’s Alumni and Student Government Associations will be served after the ceremony. A performance from the Wilson Memorial High School Band will be featured.

Brief History of WWRC: In the aftermath of WWII, Virginians’ R.N. Anderson, W.K. Barnett, Roy M. Hoover, M.D. and Corbett Reedy developed a new concept in rehabilitation.

The new concept involved a coordinated and comprehensive approach to rehabilitation by including numerous medical, behavioral and occupational professionals in the process. When the Woodrow Wilson General Hospital was declared surplus by the War Assets Administration, the property was transferred to the Commonwealth of Virginia and a home for this newest concept in rehabilitation was established.

In November 1947, the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC), then known as the Woodrow Wilson Technical School, opened its doors to a client body of one person. Effective June 30, 1958, WWRC’s scope and mission was broadened and it became the first facility in the United States dedicated to the comprehensive physical and vocational rehabilitation needs of people with disabilities. Since 1947, WWRC has served over 70,000 individuals with disabilities.

The physical appearance of WWRC has adapted to reflect the changing scope of the rehabilitation process over the years. The facility was essentially re-built in the late 1970’s. The campus now includes: dormitories, independent living skills training cottages, a medical rehabilitation wing, vocational evaluation and training classrooms, a chapel, and extensive recreational facilities. Renovations to the Center’s buildings and facilities are on-going. Carter-Ashley Dormitory was renovated and reopened in 2003. Additionally, renovations for the Medical building are planned in late 2007.

As a leader in the field of medical and vocation rehabilitation, WWRC is proud of its record and proud that its successes have served as a template for the establishment of eight other comprehensive rehabilitation centers in the United States. WWRC is a charter member of the National Consortium of State Operated Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centers. The Consortium is supported by the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration. In addition, WWRC is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and is a licensed Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF)

In the past three years, WWRC has undergone a vibrant renewal initiative including a rigorous strategic planning process. As a result, WWRC has again positioned itself to serve a diverse client population in a holistic approach. Today, as throughout its history, WWRC is dedicated to returning clients to an autonomous life. Successful clients work at full-time jobs in their home communities, support themselves, and require little or no financial support from public funds.

Full History: http://wwrc.virginia.gov/library.htm#history

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.

10/31/2007 – Fishersville, VA – The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) has added another therapeutic option for people with spinal cord and other neurological disorders. The new device is the RT 300S.

Persons with spinal cord injury and other neurological disabilities often face the difficult but important challenge of maintaining cardiovascular fitness despite limited mobility and muscle function. One technology device that assists with this is an electrical stimulation leg ergometer, such as the RT-300S. The device is FDA approved and provides the following benefits: improves range of motion, relaxes spasms, minimizes atrophy, and improves blood circulation.

This bike was designed in collaboration with Dr. John McDonald who is a leading researcher in the area of activity-based therapy which is centered on the concept that repetitive neural activity stimulates cell growth in the central nervous system function. The bike is manufactured and distributed by Restorative Therapies Incorporated.

After a successful clinical trial that began several weeks ago, the opportunity arose to acquire the bike through remaining grant money from the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) for a project the WWRC Physical Therapy (PT) Department was already involved with entitled “Providing Improved Availability of a Healthy Exercise Option for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury.” The primary objectives for this CNI grant to WWRC were to identify and establish five locations including WWRC around the Commonwealth of Virginia where individuals with spinal cord injury can have access to CFES with the ERGYS 2 rehabilitation system. The four regions of interest for this project are Northern Virginia, Tidewater, New River Valley, and the Greater Richmond Area. All four additional locations now have their cycle programs operating.

The addition of the RT-300S bike, to the already existing two ERGYS 2 bikes located in the PT Department, will enable WWRC PT staff to effectively evaluate and educate clients with both technology options available for FES lower extremity cycling. This new addition furthers the Center’s capabilities in providing premier and leading edge rehabilitation programs to persons with lower extremity paralysis.

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.

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.

10/2/2007 – Fishersville, VA – The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is pleased to announce the receipt of 28 Surplus Personal Computers from Blue Ridge Community College. The PCs will be used in the Center’s Microcomputer Support Specialist (D.O.T. 039.264-010) training curriculum.

The donation was a collaborative effort between James Richerson, Associate Professor at BRCC and Mike Curry, WWRC Instructor Microcomputer Support Specialist Students will acquire skills and knowledge necessary for an entry-level employment as a computer support specialist. Two certification paths are available for this career goal: A+ and MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician). Computer Support Specialists provide technical assistance and training to computer system users. They investigate and resolve computer software and hardware problems of users. They answer students' inquiries in person and via telephone about the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, word processing, programming languages, electronic mail and operating systems.

“James is one of my training program advisors. He arranged donations of countless computers over the six years that I have been here,” said Curry. “This is the largest lot of computers that I have received to date, totaling 28 computers complete with keyboards, mice, and 15” flat-panel monitors. The computers have some very nice features.”

Additional assistance with the donation was provided by BRCC’s Tom Ward for facilitating the physical transfer, and Robert Baldygo, Vice President of Finance and Administration. “Our students and area employers demand that the computers that we use be the latest and the greatest, almost on the extreme leading edge of available technology. Our need to replace them on an extremely short cycle, occasionally leaves us with supplies of surplus computers that have many years of useful life remaining. In this regard, I am delighted to be able to have worked with the folks at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, who have made such wonderfully effective use of these computers over the years,” said Baldygo who approved the transaction.

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.

9/28/2007 – September 28, 2007, The WWRC Student Government Association (SGA) has completed it's Fall election and officer installation. The SGA is the governing body for WWRC student activities and events. They also act as an advisory group to Center management on policies and procedures related to campus life.

Thomas "Tee" Blake-President of the SGA
Thomas is 44 years old, and hails from Chesapeake, VA. He is a student Ambassador here at WWRC, and is in Web Application Development. He came to WWRC because he received a broken neck some time ago, and just last year had a brain tumor removed. Some of Thomas' hobbies are enjoying nature in all her glory, and riding horses.

Christopher Owens-Vice-President of the SGA
Chris is 35 years old and comes from Virginia Beach, VA. He came to Woodrow as his choice for more education. Chris is in the business program and plans to open his own business. His hobbies are working on computers and building them from scratch, and playing pool.

Cynthia Gulick-Secretary of the SGA
Cynthia is the "mom" of the group being 51 years old. She comes from Front Royal, VA and is in the business program. Cynthia previously worked as a secretary, a legal assistant, and many facets of the busines world before coming to Woodrow. She came to Woodrow due to a near fatal auto accident when a guard rail impailed her. She has worked at Woodrow as computer lab assistant, and student counter in the dining hall. Cynthia is currently working her SIP in the marketing department at WWRC. This is Cynthia's second term as secretary for the SGA. Her hobbies include surfing the internet, reading, crafting, writing poetry books, and watching old movies.

Amanda Dean-Treasurer of the SGA
Amanda is 28 years old, and comes from Hopewell, VA. She is a single mother with two children. She was sent to WWRC by the View Program. She is currently working as a computer lab assistant in the Marsher Lab. Amanda has done such a terrific job as treasurer for the SGA and is currently on her third term. Her hobbies are crafting, listening to music, shopping, and driving her car around.

Corey Tisdale-Sargeant at Arms of the SGA
Corey is 20 years old, and comes from Hopewell, VA. Corey came to Woodrow as a PERT back in 2004. His hobby is playing video games.

               

9/27/2007 – On September 27, 2007, Staunton, VA Red Lobster celebrated the upcoming National Disability Employment Awareness Month by inviting a representative of each training area to luncheon on the day prior to graduation. One student each from Auto Mechanics, Building Trades, Business & Information Technology, Drafting, Food Service, Health Occupations, and Materials Management attended the luncheon.

The students were greeted and later joined by Dave Mays, the manager of the Red Lobster. Mr. Mays included the van driver and WWRC staff accompanying the students in the free meal. He encouraged students to order anything from the menu. He asked each student their home location and vocational interest and offered interviewing tips.

Dave Mays is known to be a strong employer of persons with disabilities. He is frequently a member of the WWRC Employer Panel and a supporter of the Shenandoah Valley Disability Employment Awareness Committee. A good time was had by all involved.

9/19/2007 – On September 19, 2007, the Employment Resource Center branch of the WWRC Media Center held its fall Employer Panel. Three employers joined the Panel – Dave Mays, Manager, Staunton Red Lobster; Dawn Zimmerman, Manager, Phillips Staffing; and Marjorie Jensen of our own WWRC HR department. Also taking part on the Panel was Steven Traubert of the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy.

The employers emphasized the importance of correctly completing applications, being prepared for interviews, including appropriate dress, and being able to explain your skills. This Panel also focused on the need for honesty in both the application process and the interview and stated that this should carry over into all aspects of the job. Mr. Traubert gave a brief overview of VOPA and the ADA and explained that neither supported an unqualified candidate in obtaining a position.

After a brief break for refreshments, provided by the WWRC Food Service Training area and the ERC, a question and answer session was held. Participants continued the theme of honesty by asking about reporting felony convictions and the need to disclose non–visible disabilities. They also questioned the meaning of “appropriate” dress and the difference between applications and resumes. There were more specific questions for each employer regarding the differing hiring practices between private, public and staffing agencies.

Over 65 clients and students participated in the event, which included staff and clients from Fishersville FRS, Western State Hospital, DBVI and staff and students from Augusta County Schools as well as those from WWRC. Staff from both DBVI and WSH have asked to be included in future Panel planning and to continue to send students. WWRC and the FRS have been collaborating in the planning with the school caseload counselor contacting the teachers and the local field ERC suggesting employers to contact for the panel.

9/10/2007 – Brian W. Ablitz is a Neuropsychology Fellow at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, Virginia. He earned his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology-Chicago and completed a Neuropsychology internship at Westside Neurorehabilitation Services in Lewiston, Maine.

While in Maine, he guest lectured at the University of Southern Maine on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, was co-presenter at the BIA of Maine’s Annual Conference on neurorehabilitation treatment efficacy, and co-authored articles on depression and anger management with brain injured individual for Brainstorm: Brain Injury Association of Maine Bi-Annual Magazine on Brain Injury.

Dr. Ablitz also conducted research examining neurorehabilitation associated gains following long standing TBI, studying predictors of independent living following TBI, and has presented this research during poster sessions of the Annual International Neuropsychological Society Meeting.

Currently, he is preparing a poster for presentation at the National Academy of Neuropsychology Conference examining the effect of age on neurorehabilitation as measured by the MPAI-4; preparing two posters for presentation at the Annual INS Meeting, examining qualitative elements of the Rey Complex Figure Task and examining the impact of gender on recovery from ABI; and is completing a manuscript on neurorehabilitation associated gains following long standing TBI. Aside from these projects, Dr. Ablitz’s research interests are on neurorehabilitation outcomes utilizing the MPAI-4, prediction of functional improvement following ABI, neurocognitive treatment efficacy, and the correlation of neuropsychological tests with functional outcomes. His clinical interests include treating pain conditions, PTSD and other anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and other heath or cognition related conditions.

Fellowship Overview : This clinical fellowship is a joint position in rehabilitation neuropsychology between WWRC and UVA Health System. The fellow works onsite at WWRC 3.5 days per week and at UVA 1.5 days per week. The fellowship is funded for one year, with the option of a one-year renewal.

Fellowship Description: As a postdoctoral fellow in rehabilitation neuropsychology, the fellow will provide clinical services at both WWRC and UVA under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists with expertise in clinical neuropsychology.

At WWRC, the fellow’s clinical duties will include:
Neuropsychological and psychological evaluations and consultation with WWRC staff, sponsors, and family Participation in the development of behavioral success and support plans Individual, group, and family education/therapy

At UVA, the fellow’s clinical duties will include:

• Neuropsychological and psychological evaluations of patients at UVA/Health South and UVA Neurocognitive Assessment Laboratory housed within the Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences
• Participation in the development of behavioral management plans at UVA/HS and consultation with clinicians and staff at UVA/HS
• Psychotherapeutic interventions at UVA/HS

Goals and objectives:
The goal of this clinical fellowship in rehabilitation neuropsychology is to provide postdoctoral training and supervision in the provision of neuropsychological and psychological services to patients with neurologic injuries. While the fellow is expected to have strong clinical psychology skills prior to this fellowship, this training program is designed to provide clinical experience and didactics on the assessment and understanding of brain-behavior relationships, clinical interventions with neurologically impaired patients and their families, and consultation with other clinicians and staff regarding neurobehavioral issues and behavior management. Educational objectives:

• Develop expertise in the administration and interpretation of neuropsychological tests
• Increase understanding of neuroanatomy and behavioral correlates
• Develop expertise in psychological and behavioral interventions for patients with neurologic impairment
• Gain experience in consulting with multi-disciplinary staff on brain-behavior issues of neurologically impaired patients

For More information:

9/6/2007 – On September 6, 2007, in honor of National Payroll Week, Charlene Dunnings and Marsha Moore of Blue Ridge Community College gave a special presentation to the upcoming graduates of WWRC. Forty-seven students attended.

Marsha informed the students about the W-4 form, explained its purpose and had the students fill out a practice worksheet and form. Charlene then took them through the ideas of gross and net pay, and explained deductions. The students then calculated state and federal taxes, social security and Medicare deductions on a practice job. Charlene and Marsha talked them through an example situation and then had them try another on their own, providing assistance as needed.

The BRCC payroll office provided workbooks for the students to keep and calculators for their use during the workshop. The Employment Resource Center portion of the WWRC Media Center provided follow-up assistance for students after the presentation.Student comments were uniformly positive following the presentation. Many stressed the need to continue this type of presentation for each graduating group. Charlene and Marsha stated that they enjoyed working with our students and would enjoy doing other presentations.

8/23/2007 – On August 23rd, the Media Center sponsored a special Thursday Evening Event. Amanda DiMeo, Registrar for the City of Staunton, spoke at the WWRC Media Center regarding the process of registering to vote and casting absentee ballots. Mrs. DiMeo geared her talk to students’ expressed concerns. After making the presentation, which included handing out registration and absentee ballot forms and “The Virginia Easy Voter Guide”, Mrs. DiMeo asked the students for their thoughts on the low turnout of younger voters.

The students identified 3 things which they thought contributed to low participation by younger voters:

1) Younger people did not “get” the connection between voting and themselves personally.

According to one young man –“explain about the money – how do the issues and the way each politician votes affect my salary and taxes.”

2) Watch the approach and the forum chosen

From one young lady – “most politicians go on the news programs and are all dull and serious like teachers, some go on MTV and Comedy, but no one goes on black or Latino video shows that most of us watch.”

3) Dislike of negative campaigning

A young lady said – “they’re all so nasty, just talking about each other and not the real issues.”

And the group decided that “our SGA elections are this month and everyone is being nice, why can’t politicians be like that.”

Mrs. DiMeo was so impressed with the insights and interaction that she remained chatting with the students for an hour after her presentation.

6/29/2007 – Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is pleased to announce that several members of the General Assembly were on Thursday, June 28, 2007, to monitor the progress of the Center’s $1.5M Water/Sewer Renovation Project. Work began on the project earlier this year (see Background Story).

Read the News Virginian story (PDF - 24KB)

6/22/2007 - Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is privileged to have a highly trained assistance dog from Canine Companions for Independence. Cardin, a 2 1/2 year old black Labrador Retriever is trained to be a facility dog and works with clients at WWRC alongside Occupational Therapy Director, Kelly Lum.

Cardin completed six months of Advanced Training at the Northeast Regional Canine Companions for Independence center in Farmingdale, New York, where he learned forty-four different commands. After being matched with Kelly Lum at WWRC, they completed a two-week educational course familiarizing Kelly on how to work with Cardin. Having been at WWRC since November 2006, Cardin now works with several clients on both occupational and physical therapy and also has the capability to work with speech pathology clients. CCI regulations limit all Canine Companions to four 45 minute client sessions per day to protect the dogs from being overworked. When it comes to different ways of helping clients during those sessions, Kelly says that "We are only limited by our imaginations."

Facility Dogs are usually paired with rehabilitation professionals, caregivers or educators and utilize a Canine Companion to improve the mental, physical or emotional health of those in their care. These facilities include schools, rehabilitation programs and psychiatric programs. The dogs are used to break the monotony of physical therapy exercises, to provide rewards and motivation in an educational setting, and many other facility uses. Facility Dogs are able to carry out most of the commands of a Service Dog or Skilled Companion.

The work of a Facility Team is varied and is geared toward the range of settings at which a Facility Dog might work. For example, a team working at a physical therapy center might engage patients in simple exercises, such as throwing a ball for the dog to retrieve. A team working at a program for people with developmental disabilities might focus on scheduled activities such as feeding time for the dog, or grooming. Such experience can be helpful in broadening daily living skills.

Perhaps the greatest value of a Facility Dog is the unconditional love and attention the dog gives to the clients and patients who encounter it. For a person in recovery or in extended care, the mere presence of a friendly, safe, clean dog can be an uplifting experience.

6/8/2007 Through a generous grant from the Augusta Community Health Foundation, the WWRC Accessible Trail Project now has six outdoor exercise stations located at the end of the lake between the two fishing platforms. The fitness trail will eventually connect with this exercise area as the trail continues around the lake and across the large island. The equipment is manufactured by TriActive America (www.triactiveamerica.com) and is easy to use by persons with varying levels of fitness. Please drink plenty of water as you exercise outdoors during the heat of the summer.

5/24/2007 – On May 24, 2007 WWRC’s Occupational Therapy Director Kelly Lum and facility dog, Cardin, made an appearance at Massanutten Technical Center in Harrisonburg. Together the duo gave a presentation on the role service dogs can play in rehabilitative therapy. Cardin has been at WWRC since November 2006. Cardin’s handler, Kelly Lum, was trained by Canine Companions for Independence to work with him and clients on a daily basis. Cardin knows forty-four basic commands in addition to numerous other tasks and actions. He currently assists with both physical and occupational therapy clients but also has the ability to assist in speech pathology as well.

Massanutten Technical Center is a vocational school for high school students pursuing various career fields. Kelly and Cardin conducted their presentation in a Health Occupations class in order to give students a better idea of the many ways service dogs can assist in therapy. Kelly taught students of the different uses of service animals in therapy and demonstrated several tasks Cardin performs with clients.

Students thoroughly enjoyed meeting Cardin and learning about what he can do to help clients at WWRC.

About WWRC

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. For more information about WWRC, visit www.wwrc.virginia.gov

4/29/2007 - The 35th annual Mid-Atlantic Association Wheelchair Games were held at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) and two other Augusta County locations on April 28 and 29, 2007. Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation and WWRC were sponsors of the Games. Nearly 50 athletes, coaches, and family members participated in this year’s Games. The Games were held primarily at WWRC. The swimming event was held at Augusta Medical Center and the basketball game was played at the Augusta County Recreation Center. Athletes from all along the east coast and Ohio competed in Basketball, Track and Field, Archery, Bowling, Swimming and Slalom. One athlete, Mr. Joe Christmas set a national record for discus with a throw of more than 28 meters.

The very first Wheelchair Games in Virginia were held in 1973 at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Eighty competitors participated in the first games which were organized by the staff of WWRC.

"It was really thrilling to see the Games again being held at the Center," said Richard L. Sizemore, Director of WWRC. "Many of our staff worked hard to prepare for this year’s Games and everyone here was excited for the opportunity to see and participate in the games."

4/14/2007 - Having the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia event on our campus was a tremendous success. The talent and beauty of the contestants will leave fond memories in the minds of the audience for years to come. Interestingly enough, the new Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Ms. Buddy Hayes, who happened to have a caring canine companion, is a retired recreation therapist. We look forward to getting to know Ms. Hayes, and involving her on our campus. Michael Chenail and Juliette Rizzo were emcees for the evening. Mr. Chenail is the owner of Compliance Alliance and is a widely recognized leader in the disability community. He said he was a participant in our Wheelin’ Sportsmen hunt held here in December. Ms. Rizzo is, of course, a staff person assigned to Assistant Secretary John Hager at the Department of Education in Washington D.C. There were countless positive connections with community partners, families, staff, and students. We look forward to continuing to work with this organization. Thank you to every staff person who helped over the weekend, especially those in Physical Plant Services. There are others too numerous to mention, but this event couldn’t have happened without their support. Click here for the full story from the Waynesboro News Virginian (PDF - 111KB).

2/02/2007 - Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) Commissioner, James A. Rothrock, announced today that Richard L. (Rick) Sizemore will begin his tenure as the ninth director of the Agency’s Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) effective February 10, 2007. Mr. Sizemore succeeds current Director, Dr. Richard S. Luck, who will continue with DRS as Special Assistant to the Commissioner.

Mr. Sizemore, who grew up in Carroll County, began his career as a therapist for the Center in 1986, and has held many positions over the years, including Night Administrator, Operations Manager, and Facilities Director. “Mr. Sizemore has been recognized for his role as a leadership coach in the Agency’s Skills for Leadership Program helping ‘developing leaders’ improve their skills,” noted Commissioner Rothrock in making the announcement. “Additionally, he is recognized for his efforts to develop the marketing program at WWRC, improving the WWRC infrastructure, developing the WWRC Campus Police Department, and for his efforts in the renewal process at WWRC, which included the involvement of staff in the articulation of the Center’s Mission and Shared Values. Most importantly, he is focused on continuing to partner with the Field Rehabilitation Services Division of DRS to provide services for agency clients.” The Commissioner continued. Of Mr. Sizemore’s contributions to the Center, his integral involvement in the development of the Center’s four major specialty areas is of particular note. The Center’s specialty areas are Services to Youth in Transition, Neuro-rehabilitation Services, Assistive Technology Services, and Comprehensive Evaluation and Assessment Services. Mr. Sizemore holds degrees in Radio Television Broadcasting and Music Therapy, and has completed the Advanced Leadership Studies through the Institute for Educational Leadership’s Collaborative Leader Program. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the National Consortium of State Operated Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centers.

     

12/08/2006 - This fall the WWRC Student Government Association presented Sharon Russo, Physical Therapy Director and Accessible Trail Project Co-Director, with a $3,000 check to match a grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation. These funds have been instrumental in purchasing of stone and bridge materials along with rental of trail-building equipment. The first segment of the proposed 3500 foot trail has been installed and work to secure additional grant and donation funds will be ongoing to ensure project completion in 2007. WWRC student support and enthusiasm for this project reinforces our desire to make this trail a reality!