News

Easterseals News

Web Site: http://www.easterseals.com/waterburyct
- Meriden 158 State St., Meriden, CT 06450
Tel: (203) 237-1448 Fax: (203) 237-9187

Leading the way to full equity, inclusion, & access thru life-changing disability & community services - Committed so that all are valued, respected, & accepted & to be participants in their communities.

View all News Articles for Easterseals

The Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) has announc ...

January 9, 2006

The Quality of Life grants program was conceived by Dana Reeve, Chairman of the Christopher Reeve Foundation and co-founder of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center. Reeve started the program with the goal of helping people living with disabilities in the �here and now.' Grants are awarded to programs or projects that improve the well being of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice annually in thirteen categories, including: accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, health promotion, independent living, practical services, sports and recreation, and therapeutic riding. Since 1999, CRF has awarded 933 Quality of Life grants totaling $8 million.

"I continue to be impressed and excited by the diverse, pioneering programs that CRF supports through the Quality of Life program," said Kathy Lewis, CEO of the Christopher Reeve Foundation.

The money will be used toward the replacement of the assessment vehicle used by the Easter Seals Mobility Center to evaluate an individual's driving ability and the need for adaptive equipment to obtain their driver's license and qualify for assistance in specially equipping a vehicle to their needs. The Easter Seals Mobility Center serves hundreds of clients each year from CT, RI and MA with diagnoses ranging from stroke and spinal cord injury to paralysis causing diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and Multiple Sclerosis.

"As the premier program of its kind in the state, hundreds of individuals with disabilities or recovering from injuries depend on the Easter Seals Mobility Center in Meriden to gain or regain their driving independence each year," said John R. Quinn, President and CEO of Easter Seals Connecticut. "We are extremely grateful to the Christopher Reeve Foundation for their generosity to enable this important program to continue."

The program is coordinated by Tricia Coppola-Passariello. She is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist and a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. "The Mobility Center is proud to offer a service that includes thorough clinical and on the road assessment. Taking our clients out on the road is a critical component to our program and we are thankful for this opportunity that allows us to have a safe and reliable vehicle for our clients."

For more information about the Quality of Life Program or the grant application process, please contact the Quality of Life department at (973) 467-8270, ext. 211 or visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org for a complete list of the Quality of Life grant recipients.

The Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resource center, and advocacy efforts.

The mission of Easter Seals Connecticut is to create solutions that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities or special needs, their families and communities. Visit www.ct.easterseals.com or call 203-237-7835 to learn more about the Easter Seals Mobility Center.

Member News is provided as a service of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce and is also featured in the monthly "Chamber News" newsletter mailed to members.