Simply stated––FES devices enable your muscles to perform work even though you may have lost all or some voluntary control of the muscles.

[...]]]>   Functional electrical stimulation (FES)! You’ve heard of it, but you may not be sure of the benefits of this state of the art therapy.

Simply stated––FES devices enable your muscles to perform work even though you may have lost all or some voluntary control of the muscles.

Independence Expo offers a great opportunity to speak with the experts from Restorative Therapies and check out their RT300 arm and leg cycle. If you are a person with diminished muscle control then participating in the Neurotechnology and FES Cycling Workshop and visiting Restorative Therapies booth #200 is a must.

Independence Expo is your chance to get the scoop and find out how participating in physical activity and maintaining good health are important goals for everyone.

“Disability and aging often call for unique solutions to meet these challenges and that’s where Restorative Therapies comes in. We build FES technology into all of our devices. FES technology utilizes electrical currents to create real contractions in muscles that are weak or paralyzed,” Scott Simcox, BE, Chief Technology Officer at Restorative Therapies explains.

Restorative Therapies has more experience developing FES-powered systems than any other company in the world. United Spinal is proud to have them take part in our Expo, and to educate attendees on the benefits of using FES devices such as the RT300 cycle.

“This device is special because the inclusion of FES evokes physical activity and exercise not otherwise possible for many individuals such as those with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke or brain injury. You can now stimulate your trunk muscles while you are either leg or arm cycling. Working the core muscles is very important for posture, reach and cough. And we now offer up to 10 channels of stimulation so your therapy sessions are even more efficient,” Simcox says.

The major benefits of Restorative Therapies FES systems include reversing atrophy, relaxing spasms, improving range of motion, and improving circulation.

Studies reveal that FES cycling has been shown to increase muscle mass, improve cardiovascular health, help prevent skin breakdown, and reduce osteoporosis and other secondary complications of immobility.

Simcox and Restorative Therapies are happy to attend United Spinal’s Expo to share their knowledge and experience.

“Our company is made up of clinicians, engineers and advocates. As an engineer, I enjoy teaching people about our technology and explaining the benefits that our products can provide. And we always enjoy catching up with our RT300 cycle riders in the area,”

Simcox adds. “Advanced technologies can make a significant difference in daily living for people with disabilities and aging. And many of these devices are available now such as the RT300 cycle. ”

So if you’re interested in learning more about FES technology and some of the amazing benefits it could offer you, United Spinal’s Independence Expo––taking place on October 1st and 2nd at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida––is the place for you.                 ]]> http://www.independenceexpo.org/showcasing-technology-that-empowers/feed/ 0 http://www.independenceexpo.org/four-legged-furry-partners/ http://www.independenceexpo.org/four-legged-furry-partners/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:38:05 +0000 admin http://www.independenceexpo.org/?p=1260 It’s not all about technology or medicine. Independence can be had in many ways, including partnering with a wet nosed canine.

This is a great opportunity for Independence Expo attendees to find out about the liberating benefits that come from partnering with a service dog. Two premiere service dog organizations will be on hand to answer [...]]]> It’s not all about technology or medicine. Independence can be had in many ways, including partnering with a wet nosed canine.

This is a great opportunity for Independence Expo attendees to find out about the liberating benefits that come from partnering with a service dog. Two premiere service dog organizations will be on hand to answer your questions and give you the facts on service dogs.

My Angels With Paws and New Horizons Service Dogs will both be exhibiting at this year’s 2010 Orlando Independence Expo. Stop by and find out what a real partner in independence is all about.

Visit My Angel With Paws at the [...]]]>  

My Angel With Paws provides expertly trained service dogs for children and adults with a primary focus on persons with physical disabilities. Our angels assist with physical tasks, provide emotional/social support and provide increased independence for persons with mobility challenges.

Visit My Angel With Paws at the 2010 Orlando Independence Expo
Booth# 315

Website: myangelwithpaws.org     ]]> http://www.independenceexpo.org/my-angel-with-paws/feed/ 0 http://www.independenceexpo.org/new-horizons-service-dogs/ http://www.independenceexpo.org/new-horizons-service-dogs/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:56:05 +0000 admin http://www.independenceexpo.org/?p=1252 New Horizons Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that breeds, raises, trains, and places service dogs with individuals who have physical disabilities. Our goal is to foster relationships between service dogs and Florida residents with disabilities for a lifetime of unconditional love, mobility, and independence. Currently it costs over $20,000 to raise and train [...]]]>  

New Horizons Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that breeds, raises, trains, and places service dogs with individuals who have physical disabilities. Our goal is to foster relationships between service dogs and Florida residents with disabilities for a lifetime of unconditional love, mobility, and independence. Currently it costs over $20,000 to raise and train a service dog to the point it can be placed with a client. Through private fundraising efforts New Horizons is able to place service dogs at no cost to the recipient and provide lifetime follow up for the individual and dog.

Visit Orlando New Horizons Service Dogs at the 2010 Orlando Independence Expo
Booth# 514

Website: www.newhorizonsservicedogs.org/     ]]> http://www.independenceexpo.org/new-horizons-service-dogs/feed/ 0 http://www.independenceexpo.org/dare-to-change-the-world-fashion-showcase/ http://www.independenceexpo.org/dare-to-change-the-world-fashion-showcase/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:15:05 +0000 admin http://www.independenceexpo.org/?p=1243 Saturday, October 2, 2010 3:30pm – 4:30pm Dress to Impress!

Come see local, Orlando ‘models’ wear the fashions of today’s top designers for people with disabilities. Ag Apparel, Liz Callahan and more! Plus… Stop by Chloe Magazine’s Booth #503 for helpful tips on make-up application and looking and feeling good!

Presented by CHLOE Magazine

Visit Chloe Magazine at Booth [...]]]> Saturday, October 2, 2010
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Dress to Impress!

Come see local, Orlando ‘models’ wear the fashions of today’s top designers for people with disabilities. Ag Apparel, Liz Callahan and more!
Plus… Stop by Chloe Magazine’s Booth #503 for helpful tips on make-up application and looking and feeling good!

Presented by CHLOE Magazine

Visit Chloe Magazine at Booth # 503
Location: Great Room West

Damon Rozier is a man of many faces. But, the one he’s known for best is his smiling face. “Sit-Down” comedian, actor, single parent of two sons, athlete, motivational speaker, author and United Spinal member, Damon subscribes to the belief that the best medicine in life is [...]]]> Saturday, October 2, 2010
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Great Room West

Damon Rozier is a man of many faces. But, the one he’s known for best is his smiling face. “Sit-Down” comedian, actor, single parent of two sons, athlete, motivational speaker, author and United Spinal member, Damon subscribes to the belief that the best medicine in life is laughter. The Brooklyn, NY resident will join the Independence Expo in an open ‘laugh-fest’ about life, love, success and triumphs. He’ll be sure to put a smile on your face.

Author of “Surviving the Game of Life”
Presenter: Damon Rozier, Comedian, Actor, Author

Visit Damon Rozier at Booth #509

This session will provide an overview of the Social Security work incentives and the Ticket to Work Program with a focus on the impact of work on benefits. It will address fears which include: (1) work will make an individual ineligible for benefits; and (2) work [...]]]> Saturday, October 2, 2010
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Location: Great Room East

This session will provide an overview of the Social Security work incentives and the Ticket to Work Program with a focus on the impact of work on benefits. It will address fears which include: (1) work will make an individual ineligible for benefits; and (2) work will cause the loss of Medicare, Medicaid and/or cash benefits for those on the disability rolls. The session will explore a variety of free resources which are available to assist you in deciding if work is an option. The goal of this session is to not only equip you with a “toolbox” of the resources available but also to provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed CHOICE about work and how it will affect YOU.

Presenter: Marlene Ulisky, Work Incentives Coordinator; Social Security Administration (SSA) – North Florida

Visit the Social Security Administration at Booth #413

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark civil rights legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. But how far have we come as a community? What lies ahead as we face the challenges of the next 20 years and beyond, particularly as it [...]]]> Saturday, October 2, 2010
11:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Great Room East

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark civil rights legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. But how far have we come as a community? What lies ahead as we face the challenges of the next 20 years and beyond, particularly as it relates to the issue of employment. This workshop will focus on the changes that have occurred since the passage of the ADA and the work that remains undone. Also, the Central Florida Disability Chamber (CFDC) will be on hand to talk about their innovative approach to meeting the perfect employer – - YOU! You’ll learn about starting your own business and the necessary strategies and steps to becoming successfully self-employed.

Presenters: James Weisman, Sr. VP/General Counsel; United Spinal Association and
Rogue Gallart, President; Central Florida Disability Chamber

Visit the Central Florida Disability Chamber at Booth #215

Based on science, this field is providing new tools for rehabilitation and assistive technology. This session introduces technologies, such as FES Cycling, and how they impact the daily lives of people who use them. Discover how cutting edge technology may increase independence and promote wellness. Attendees will [...]]]> Friday, October 1, 2010
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Location: Great Room West

Based on science, this field is providing new tools for rehabilitation and assistive technology. This session introduces technologies, such as FES Cycling, and how they impact the daily lives of people who use them. Discover how cutting edge technology may increase independence and promote wellness. Attendees will receive resources to learn more this fascinating subject matter.

Presenter: Scott Simcox, BE, Chief Technology Officer, Restorative Therapies