Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance report from National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu
Georgia Tech Arthritis and Mobility Impairment Research Studies
Georgia Tech provides product-testing services to manufacturers who submit their products for consideration in the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use Commendation program. The program seeks participants with arthritis paid to share their experiences with common household products and try out new products that have been designed to improve the lives of people with arthritis. Access the Accessibility Evaluation Facility Web site at http://aef.gtri.gatech.edu, which contains a brief survey to indicate interest in participating in the evaluations and to describe the impact arthritis has on day-to-day activities. This data will be used to match participants to product evaluations. Call Tonya Whaley, Research Scientist, with questions at 404-894-1038.
Georgia Tech performs accessibility evaluations of electronic and information technologies such as multi-function copiers, postage machines, software, and Web sites. The program seeks participants with mobility impairments paid to help identify limitations in the design of these products that make the products difficult to use or prevent independent use. Participants may include people with limited reach and strength in their arms, limited fine motor control, or who use a scooter or power or manual wheelchairs. Evaluations will be held at the facility on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta, GA. Please call Tonya Whaley, Research Scientist, at 404-894-1038 if interested in participating.
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (K.E.E.N.) Volunteer Program
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (K.E.E.N.) is a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides free, one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities in a non-competitive environment which encourages the fulfillment of individual goals. K.E.E.N. seeks to develop each athlete's self-esteem and confidence, and to increase each athlete's ability to participate in a broader range of recreational activities and environments. Each athlete has his or her own volunteer coach for our activities, which currently include soccer, tennis, track and field, basketball, swimming, aerobics, bowling, and various adaptive activities. The young people who participate in K.E.E.N. have disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and various developmental delays.
In January 2005, K.E.E.N. will launch a new program on Sunday afternoons for young people with disabilities in Chicago. Activities initially will take place at the New City YMCA at 1515 N. Halsted in Chicago.
If you are interested in learning more about K.E.E.N. and volunteer opportunities in Chicago, please send e-mail to KEEN@sonnenschein.com or go to http://www.keenusa.org.
Abilities Expo
Abilities Expo, the leading show dedicated to educating and improving the lives of people with disabilities, senior citizens, and caregivers, is a great place for people with disabilities to discover new products and services. Products are conveniently displayed for you to see, test, and compare. The expo also hosts a series of free workshops and seminars.
The last show in 2004 will be held November 12-14 in northern California. View additional information at http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/.
Junior Orange Bowl
The Junior Orange Bowl Sports Ability Games, a developmental meet for athletes with physical disabilities, looks for disabled athletes who wish to test their skills in sailing, swimming, goal ball, and track and field competition in Miami, FL, December 2-4. Many former competitors have proceeded to the Paralympics to break world records.
Disabled Sports USA announces the Hartford Ski Spectacular, December 5-12, in Breckenridge, CO. Learn to ski, snowboard, race, Nordic ski, and more. For more information and registration forms, go to http://www.dsusa.org, call 301-217-9840, or e-mail events@dsusa.org.
Ski for Light
Ski for Light is a cross-country skiing program benefiting blind, visually impaired, and mobility-impaired individuals and their guides. More than 325 active adults from across the U.S. and around the world will celebrate the 30th annual Ski for Light International Week event in Granby, CO, January 30 - February 6, 2005. Participants will stay at the Inn at Silver Creek and ski each day at Snow Mountain Ranch, the "YMCA of the Rockies."
Ski for Light is always seeking new skiers and guides. Visually impaired individuals may contact Lynda Boose at 906-250-7836 or lynda@sfl.org. Mobility impaired individuals may contact Jeff Pagels at 920-494-5572 or jeff@sfl.org. The application deadline for skiers is November 1. To be a guide, no experience with visually or mobility impaired people is necessary. For those who are confident on skis, SFL holds an intensive one-day training session with seasoned skiers and guides. Contact Brenda Seeger at 507-274-5502 or brenda@sfl.org. Information and application forms are available at the Ski For Light Web site at http://www.sfl.org.
Sibling Connections: A Gathering for Adult Siblings of Persons with Disabilities
The first Sibling Connections Conference in Chicago will bring together siblings from across Illinois to share thoughts, concerns, and hopes through information sharing and exchange, strengthening networking connections and providing invaluable support. It will be held October 29-30 at the Center for Enriched Living, 280 Saunders Road, Riverwoods, IL.
The North American Federation on Adapted Physical Activity Symposium
The 7th North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium, "Back to the Future: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Multidisciplinary Research," will be held October 28-30 at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario. E-mail nafapa@lakeheadu.ca with additional questions.
The International Coalition of Active Aging 2004 conference
To be held November 11-13 in Orlando, FL, this conference will feature the latest market research on the mature population, world-class speakers, and more than 100 educational workshops, new activity sessions, and special events. The conference will also offer a unique opportunity to learn from and network with other professionals from such diverse fields as fitness, recreation, retirement, assisted living, rehabilitation, medicine, and wellness' all under one roof.
To view a conference schedule, learn about speakers, and find information about hotels and conference fees, go to http://www.icaa.cc or call the ICAA toll-free at 866-335-9777. To obtain a downloadable application form, go to http://www.icaa.cc.
The National Conference on Physical Activity for Exceptional Individuals
21st Century Trails: A Universal Approach to Trail Design
The National Center on Accessibility will present a two-day training opportunity on designing trails that are inclusive of people with disabilities."21st Century Trails: A Universal Approach to Trail Design" will be held November 16-17 at Bradford Woods just south of Indianapolis.The focus of the seminar sessions will include but not be limited to:accessibility guidelines for trails, recommendations, and status of rulemaking; trail construction methods; trail surface materials; characteristics ofthe trail assessment process; and how program access affects the quality of the recreation experience.Building on the information presented in the classroom sessions, training course participants will evaluate some trails on site to determine how they can be redesigned to comply with the proposed trail standards and provide a quality recreational experience for visitors of all abilities.
Tuition is $275 (includes lunch), and the deadline to register is November 8. This is an open registration seminar with limited space.Late registrations will be accepted as space allows.To register or for further assistance, please contact NCA at 812-856-4422 (voice) or 812-856-4421 (TTY), or contact Nan Smith at 812-856-4429 (voice), 812-856-4480, nanasmit@indiana.edu or visit the NCA web site at http://www.ncaonline.org.
Health Disparities: Progress, Challenges, Opportunities'
The 19th National Conference on Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Health Disparities: Progress, Challenges, Opportunities, will be held March 1-3, 2005, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, GA.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, in partnership with the Chronic Disease Directors and the Prevention Research Centers Program, sponsors an annual conference designed to create a dynamic forum for examining public health policies and practices, increase the knowledge of science-based interventions in chronic disease prevention and control, and provide enriched opportunities for information exchange and networking among diverse professionals.
Senior Health Economist, Epidemiologist, & Health Scientist
Senior Health Economist, GS 14
The Disability and Health Team of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces an opening for Ph.D.-level Senior Health Economist. The health economist will investigate the cost, cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost utility of disability and health and the prevention of secondary conditions. The candidate would be expected to be proficient in SAS, SUDAAN, and SPSS, and familiar with large population-based data sets including the Health Interview Survey, NHANES, and/or SIPP.
Salary range for GS 14 in Atlanta: $83,709 to 108,823. The position will be posted in late summer and filled late summer-early fall 2004.
Epidemiologist & Health Scientist, GS 13
Epidemiologist: The Disability and Health Team will be seeking one epidemiologist with strong analytical skills in population-based data sets. The candidate would be expected to be proficient in SAS, SUDAAN, and SPSS, and familiar with large population-based data sets including the Health Interview Survey-Disability Supplement, 1994 Health Interview Survey Supplement on Aging, NHANES, and/or SIPP.
Health Scientist: The team is also seeking at least one Ph.D.-level scientist with a strong background in disability research. The candidate for this position would be expected to be well-versed and well-regarded as an investigator in disability science. Candidates would be expected to be knowledgeable in mobility impairment, sensory impairment, or intellectual disability. Interests in children, adults, or older people with disabilities are welcomed.
Salary range for GS 13 in Atlanta: $70,837 to 92,090. Positions will be posted in late summer and filled late summer-early fall 2004.
For more information contact: John E. Crews, DPA, Lead Scientist, Disability and Health Team, Jcrews@cdc.gov; 404-498-3013.
NuStep Inc. Research Coordinator Job Position Announcement
NuStep Inc., a growing Ann Arbor company that designs, manufactures, and sells wellness and fitness products, plans to hire a Research Coordinator to conduct original scientific research as well as coordinate external research projects by leading researchers. The chosen candidate will conduct research in the areas of stroke, cardiac, obesity, and aging, and write grants for funding, publish and present data, stay connected with the scientific community, and run an exercise lab. Qualifications must include a Master?s degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, or a related field, and preferably a Doctorate degree; 3 years? practical experience in scientific research and current or future certification from the ACSM; and excellent communication and presentation skills. If you want to join other friendly, fitness-minded people in a smoke-free, picturesque environment, e-mail your resume, a cover letter, and salary history to jbrant@nustep.com
The Account Manager serves as a liaison among a health plan partner, the fitness center network, Medicare-Eligible members, and the corporate team. Responsibilities include promotion of the SilverSneakers Fitness Program within the health plan, community awareness, day-to-day operations at the fitness centers, quality assurance at the fitness centers, training, and presentations. The position is located from a home office and the candidate can live anywhere within Cook County. Candidates should possess a combination of fitness, territory management, and managed care industry knowledge.
Resumes can be sent to Staffing at HCD via the Web at jobs@hcdimensions.com. For more information, please contact Michael Commito, HR Generalist, 480-783-9555, X1445.
Postdoctoral Fellowships in Gerontological Public Health
The School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, through the Health Research and Policy Centers, is currently accepting applications for postdoctoral fellowships in Gerontological Public Health. This training program is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and provides funding support for 2-3 years for postdoctoral trainees.
This is an integrated multidisciplinary program with academic faculty and researchers in public health, gerontology, geriatrics, epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, sociology, disability and human development, medicine, and occupational therapy. The goal of the program is to develop highly trained future faculty and researchers in health and aging. This program focuses on developing research skills through mentoring, a comprehensive curriculum, presentations and publications, and internal workshops and seminars. Fellows will be matched with a faculty mentor working in their area of interest for intensive training, collaboration, and scholarship.
Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. For more information, go to http://www.uic.edu or contact Thomas R. Prohaska, Ph.D., Gerontological Public Health Training Program Director, Center for Research on Health and Aging (MC 275), 1747 W. Roosevelt Rd., Room 558, Chicago, IL 60608, e-mail:prohaska@uic.edu, T: 312-413-9830, F: 312-413-9835.
Nickelodeon Pro-Social "Let's Just Play" Campaign Grant Awards:
Nickelodeon, which is celebrating its landmark 25th anniversary this year, supports television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines, and feature films. Launched in June 2003, the multi-platform "Let's Just Play" campaign is Nickelodeon's national, grassroots effort to get kids more physically active and to encourage more positive, healthy, and playful lifestyles for kids across America.
Nickelodeon's pro-social "Let's Just Play" campaign, which celebrates active, healthy lifestyles for kids, is announcing its first call for entries for a newly established "Let's Just Play" grants program, offering a half-million dollars in awards to schools and after-school programs to provide resources to create and expand opportunities for physical play. Elementary schools, middle schools, and after-school programs across the country are eligible to enter the grants program by participating in "Let's Just Play" events within their own local communities. Criteria for entries, step-by-step details about how to apply (postmark date of November 1), and other information are now available at http://www.everythingnick.com. An interesting grant application would be to target children with disabilities, who usually have a much higher level of physical inactivity and social isolation.
Women's Sports Foundation Accepting Applications for GoGirlGo! Grants
The GoGirlGo! Grant and Education Program is dedicated to the development and funding of girls' sports/physical activity programs that combine athletic instruction and programming with the delivery of educational information aimed at reducing risk behaviors. Administered by the Women's Sports Foundation, the GoGirlGo program provides financial assistance to sports and physical activity programs seeking to add new or expanded participation opportunities for an underserved population of girls, particularly economically disadvantaged girls and/or girls from populations with high incidences of health-risk behaviors. To be eligible for grants through the program, organizations, agencies, and schools must agree to participate in the GoGirlGo! educational curriculum. The curriculum is available free of charge from the Women's Sports Foundation. Applicants must have non-profit status and possess the demonstrated ability to deliver girls' sport/physical activity programming to girls in third to eighth grade. Applications must be received by the Foundation on or before November 30.
Grants for Americans with Disabilities New Freedom Initiative
The New Freedom Initiative, supported by President Bush, is a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people of all ages with disabilities and long-term illnesses. It represents an important step in working to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, choose where to live and participate in community life.
