« Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers - (IVIE) | Main | Google Reaching Out for Accessibility (EASI Podcast) »
April 27, 2007
Christopher And Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center Launches Paralysis Community Social Network
Virtual Community to Connect Patients, Caregivers and Families Living With Paralysis
The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), a program of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, today announced the creation of The Paralysis Community - a first-of-its-kind, international online health and wellness community for people living with all forms of paralysis and their caregivers. The Community, located at www.paralysis.org, will allow registered members to take part in moderated discussion groups and post personal blogs, enabling them to support one another through their individual journeys and experiences.
The PRC, the country's leading resource on spinal cord injury, paralysis and other mobility related disabilities, is partnering with ClinicaHealth, the leading provider of online health and wellness social networks, to create The Paralysis Community. The ad-free social networking site will help fulfill the PRC's mission of providing vital information services to those living with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury, MS, stroke, ALS, transverse myelitis, traumatic brain injury or other diseases or conditions. The Paralysis Community will also act as an emotional outlet - providing a support structure for families and caregivers to share ideas and answers to commonly asked questions.Paralysis Community
"We at the PRC realize that peer to peer communication is an invaluable resource for emotional support, feedback and knowledge for people living with paralysis and their caregivers. The Paralysis Community social network will foster peer relations across the country as well as across the world in a secure environment in order to provide all of the site members unlimited opportunities to safely interact and share solutions to common problems faced on a daily basis," said Joseph Canose, Vice President of Quality of Life, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. "The addition of a moderated and health-focused online social network is one more example of why the PRC is the foremost authority on paralysis."
For those interested in joining the Community, membership is free but requires registration, including a valid email address that will never be shared without expressed permission. Registration will help to maintain a safe and secure network for all its members.
"It's been a pleasure working with the PRC to help turn this creative vision into a functional reality for the millions of Americans living with paralysis as well as their caregivers. We hope that those who participate in this new community will benefit from connecting with others whom they may not otherwise have met," said Brian Loew, Founder and CEO, ClinicaHealth. "Nothing makes us happier than knowing we are providing a service that helps people help one another."
The Paralysis Community will include various features to encourage communication and network-building between members, including personal profiles (that can include photos), moderated discussion groups and a community help desk. The discussions groups will include Healthy Living, Assistive Technology and Equipment, Teen Corner, Funding Your Care (grants, fundraising, resources), New Paralysis/Rehabilitation, Family, Parenting, and Caregivers.
Contact Us
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078
Tel: 800-225-0292
Fax: 973-912-9433
ChristopherReeve.org
Posted by Nancy at April 27, 2007 12:11 PM