Research: International Paralympic Committee (IPC) 2005 Research Initiative
2005 has been declared by the UN as the International Year of Sport and Physical Education. In celebration of the year, the IPC is publishing a special ICSSPE Perspectives series entitled "the Multidisciplinary Series of Physical Education and Sport Science" (http://www.icsspe.org) and calls for academic and scientific institutions to submit articles on topics related to sport for people with disabilities and the Paralympic movement, with a focus on practical research implications. Articles are due April 15, 2005, and should be sent to International Paralympic Committee, Attn: Mr. Andy Parkinson, Medical & Scientific Director, Adenauerellee, 212-214, 53113 Bonn, Germany. Submissions should follow a standard format of abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and discussion, and should also include practical implications. The article's length should not exceed 6,000 words. Any inquiries can be directed to Ms. Tamara Devine, ICSSPE Scientific Affairs and Publications Manager, 49-30-36418850, e-mail: tdevine@icsspe.org.
Action for Healthy Kids Report Released
A report, "The Learning Connection: The Value of Improving Nutrition and Physical Activity in Our Schools," released by the national non-profit Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), summarizes a growing body of evidence demonstrating that poor nutrition, inactivity, and weight problems can have a negative effect on student achievement. Additionally, the report indicates that schools may be losing significant funding each year due to the problems associated with poor nutrition and physical inactivity, the root causes of obesity among American youth. The report calls on schools to work with partners to take immediate action to address the issue, and points to current best practices in schools, school districts, and states.
This report commemorates the second anniversary of the historic Healthy Schools Summit held in Washington, DC, which launched AFHK, a public-private partnership of more than 40 national organizations and government agencies representing education, health, fitness, and nutrition. AFHK addresses the epidemic of overweight, undernourished, and sedentary youth by focusing on changes at school.
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 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.
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, is looking 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.
Hartford Ski Spectacular
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.
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/convention/conventionmain.htm 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
The 33rd National Conference on Physical Activity for Exceptional Individuals will be held November 11-13 at the Oakland Marriott Hotel in California. Click on http://www.cahperd.org or http://sc-ape.org/NCPAEI.htm or e-mail Elaine.mchugh@sonoma.edu with questions.
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 of the 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.
34th annual Midwest Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation and Adapted Physical Activity
It will be held in Springfield, Illinois at the Crown Plaza Hotel on April 22-24, 2005. For further information, call 573-882-4038, or e-mail: muconfl@missouri.edu
Project Director Position Opening at the Association of University Centers on Disability http://www.aucd.org
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.
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, 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 3rd to 8th grade. Applications must be received by the Foundation on or before November 30.
Obesity and the Built Environment
NIH and CDC request applications in areas related to the built environment and obesity: understanding the role of the built environment in causing/exacerbating obesity and related co-morbidities, and developing, implementing, and evaluating prevention/intervention strategies influencing the built environment. The RFA requires interdisciplinary partnerships. Letters of intent are due by November 17, and applications are due December 17. Go to http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-04-003.html for more information.
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, and choose where to live and participate in community life.
