Each year the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals living with paralysis. The foundation has announced that the ACCESSNORTH Center for Independent Living of NE MN on behalf of the Minnesota Regions Assistive Technology Collaborative as one of the 145 recipients, received $13,900.00. MRATC will use the grant to help those living with paralysis become active members in everyday life. MRATC will provide recreational assistive technology for people with disabilities in Minnesota to trial and lend in an effort to educate consumers,families and professionals on the vast recreational opportunities available with the utilization of assistive technology.
Through a partnership with the MN Regional Assistive Technology Networks, members of the MN Regions Assistive Technology Collaborative (MRATC), we anticipate this program will be able to serve the whole state of MN. Increased awareness of untapped recreational opportunities for people with disabilities is the goal of this program. ACCESSNORTH CILNM and MRATC express their appreciation to the Christopher & Dana Reeves Foundation on behalf of Minnesotans with disabilities for their support for the Recreational Assistive Technology Demonstration and Lending Program. They continue to make dreams a reality. “Conceived by the late Dana Reeve, the Quality of Life grants have helped nonprofits throughout the world improve the lives of people living with paralysis,” said Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation. “The program also provides assistance for family members and caregivers, offering services such as counseling, support groups and educational conferences.”
The grants are awarded in three categories; Actively Achieving, Bridging Barriers and Caring and Coping. Each category is designed to promote active and fulfilling lives for those living with spinal cord injuries and other paralysis-causing conditions. Individuals are encouraged to participate in sports, train for a job, operate specially-adapted computer technology,modify homes for wheelchair accessibility, access public transportation, participate in the arts, proactively maintain their health, and much more. [Source: Reeve Foundation]
