This month, NCHPAD features a shortened summer issue in anticipation of next month's expanded "back to school" edition. In this issue, you will find information on NCPAD's new Web site; low-carb diets, particularly for persons with disabilities; innovative rehabilitation technology products from this year's RESNA conference; a review of an inspirational book for children wheelchair users; as well as a host of other opportunities in research, events, conferences, jobs, fellowships, grants, and awards.

As Dr. Rimmer underscores in this month's Director's column, NCPAD's role is to assist people in finding a sense of belonging, whether through an exercise class, a walking club, or an adapted sports team. Feel free to contact us via e-mail (email@ncpad.org), telephone (800-900-8086), or on the Web at http://www.ncpad.org with questions or suggestions. You are NCPAD, and NCHPAD is You. Thank you!

• Enjoy NCPAD's new Web site at http://www.ncpad.org. Content areas appear in the red column to the left of the page, and generalized NCHPAD information appears on the horizontal border at the top of the page. Programs (http://www.ncpad.org/directories/15/Programs), organizations (http://www.ncpad.org/directories/16/Organizations), and suppliers (http://www.ncpad.org/directories/17/Equipment) are listed by state and city. References (http://www.ncpad.org/20/References/A/Books) include information on books, journals, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, videos, and more. Also access previous Your Writes articles (http://www.ncpad.org/content/14/Your~Writes) and videos (http://www.ncpad.org/content/61/Video) from this left-hand column. Engage in NCHPAD threaded discussions from the top horizontal banner (http://www.ncpad.org/phpBB) on subjects such as travel and vacation sites, programs for children, equipment, and adaptations. Please send your comments or questions to email@ncpad.org or call us at 800-900-8086.
  
• News to Note:
  1. Kids move with new video games: Some of the new video games on the market encourage children to move not only their thumbs but their entire bodies. With television and video games often blamed for contributing to the growing problem of obesity in children, video game makers and children's TV companies are creating shows and games that motivate children to move around or offer story lines that encourage exercise. Read the entire story at http://www.ncpad.org/681/3004/2004-08-01#1.
  2. The East Coast Greenway Alliance will be the nation's first long-distance, city-to-city, multi-modal transportation corridor for cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users, and other non-motorized users. The goal is to connect existing and planned trails that are locally owned and managed to form a continuous, safe, green route -- easily identified by the public through signage, maps, user's guides, and common services. The route will be at least 80 percent off-road, using waterfront esplanades, park paths, abandoned railroads, canal towpaths, and parkway corridors. The trail is being developed from Maine to Florida. For more information, go to http://www.ncpad.org/681/3004/2004-08-01#2.
  3. Power Soccer Takes Center Stage: The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) recently welcomed Power Soccer as a new Official Sport on its roster. Power Soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. The ball, which is 18 inches in diameter, is manipulated by plastic formed soccer guards mounted on the front of each player's wheelchair. For more information, contact the NDSA (http://www.ncpad.org/681/3004/2004-08-01#3); to participate in a team, contact Jerry Frick at thejers@aol.com; or see Jerry Frick's Power Soccer Web site (http://www.ncpad.org/681/3004/2004-08-01#4); and for power soccer rules, go to http://www.ncpad.org/681/3004/2004-08-01#5.