Profile: Sheryl Rosa, Partnership Program Director

Sheryl Rosa is the Director of the Partnership Program at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy. In addition to that, she is also a certified trainer and a teaching instructor. Not only is she great at what she does, she puts her heart and soul into her work...the program wouldn't be the same without her.

Thanks Sheryl!

Upcoming Event - 5k Road Race To Benefit Travis Roy Foundation

BILL'S PIZZERIA 5K ROAD RACE
Next Event: October 28, 2007
Newton Centre, MA

Time: October 28, 2007 9:00 am

Place: Mason Rice School, Tyler Terrace

Distance: 5k Race

Entry Fee: $18.00 pre; $22.00 post

Course Description: Great course that runs along Crystal Lake to Walnut Street. Follows a slight downgrade on Walnut to Homer Street which offers a solid climb to Newton Centre. Race begins and ends on Tyler Terrace.

Age Group Awards: Top 3 male and females, top 3 (male/female) 15 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

Amenities: Pizza for all finishers; Professional timing; USATF sanctioned course.

T-Shirts: Great race shirts available for first 500 registrants

Sponsors: Bill’s Pizzeria; New Balance

Directions: From Mass Pike East: Take Exit 17. Take first right off the exit onto Centre Street. Follow Centre Street through 4 sets of lights. Tyler Terrace is on the right side. Make a right on Tyler to Mason Rice School. Parking available in the Mason Rice School Lot.

To Register Online: http://www.coolrunning.com/major/07/bills5k/

To Register By Mail: Mail completed application to: Fattman Productions, C/O Bill's 5K, 11 Central Terrace, Newton, MA 02466

Questions: 617-916-2002; email: mailto:kfattman@hotmail.com

Disabled Dancing

Alana Wallace is the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Illinois and the 2008 titleholder for Ms. Wheelchair America. In this except from a LoveToKnow Seniors interview, Wallace shares her passion for dance. To read the rest of the interview, visit the following website: Love to Know Seniors

When many people think of someone using a wheelchair, the last thing they expect is to see someone dancing in one. When did you start dancing?

Actually, I've always been in the arts, theatre and music specifically, but just like everyone else, I didn’t think I could be taken seriously in dance. So, for me, dance was a hard sell. I saw a professional integrated dance company about 12 years ago, and was amazed. This particular company had people in and out of wheelchairs, and actually incorporated the chair in the dance. It was the first time I realized that dance might be possible for me. My first attempt didn’t work – it was very center-based, using a lot of abdominal and back muscles, and because of spinal issues, I’m not flexible enough to do those movements. But that was just one technique. Another dancer told me that I should just move in the ways I could move, so that’s how I dance now.

Once you discovered you could dance, what kind of impact did that have on you?

I didn't start dancing until I was 45, so at that age, after living the majority of my life never thinking it was possible, something really clicked for me. It just took me somewhere else - with my knowledge, my spirit, confidence, body image, everything. It helped me finally accept my body. Growing up, I always covered my legs to hide the atrophy. But, when I started dancing, I had to put on tight-fitting unitards and I had to become more comfortable with my image. So many things came out of this for me.

How did your dance company, Dance Detour, get started?

I knocked on a lot of doors, asking people to dance with me! Fortunately, there are many people that understand what dance truly is and who can be involved, without limitations to the range of ability or how old you must be. For me, getting a message out through dance is sometimes more powerful than an hour-long speech. That lift out of the chair for me is the best demonstration of freedom and ability, especially to people who might think otherwise.

What does it mean to you to dance?

It's a freedom that I've never experienced. It's an acceptance of my own body. I've shown myself that I have capabilities that I didn't know were possible. If a small iota of this gets across to others about people with disabilities, especially through integrated dance, where every body is different and yet moving together…again, it’s an important message. It's a formula for what the real world should be.

How do you stay fit and active?

Well, just a few days ago, I hand-cycled for the first time! I had the great opportunity to meet Tammy Duckworthm an Army pilot and double-amputee who was injured in Iraq. We talked about the reality of people who use chairs not getting enough cardio exercise, and how hand-cycling is a great option. It might just be my new thing! And of course, dance rehearsal helps keeps me fit. I do crunches sometimes, and the resistance bands are very good. I also watch what I eat. I don't eat a lot of red meat, and everything else is in moderation. Mostly, it's just making a point to stay active, finding a new challenge to take on every day, and being willing to try a new thing. You're never too old to stop learning and trying. It keeps you feeling good.

But also remember - you don't have to go to an organized class if you want to dance! Why not check out your local hot-spots on a Saturday night? Or get down on the dance floor the next time you're at a wedding? Dancing is fun, exhilarating, and relaxing! Give it a try...

Upcoming Appearance - North Attleboro YMCA, Friday, October 17, 2007

Join me at the Hockomock YMCA North Andover Branch on Friday, October 19, for a Disability Awareness Night for families and children through the Family First program.

At the Hockomock Area YMCA, Families are FIRST.

As the world grows more complex, outside demands on time increase. Family First gives families the chance to pass along the values they hold most important. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, we give families the time and the place to gather together as a Family through Family First, a program aimed at strengthening Family ties.

The YMCA is committed to integration of people with disabilities through the Integration Initiative, a community-wide task group consisting of special education professionals and parents of children with special needs. They are now ready to provide special task training to management staff and "front line" professionals in an effort to begin offering classes in designated program areas for the winter session. These areas will include: aquatics, gymnastics, pre-enrichment and sports.

The mission of the group is to provide an opportunity for ALL children to participate in the YMCA's community programs. This initiative will be facilitated by YMCA personnel and will offer an integrative setting for children with special needs to learn from "typically developing" peer models; and will focus on teaching tolerance, acceptance, mentoring and respect for all children.

Integration Initiative Mission Statement

- To provide an enjoyable and comfortable environment for the individual with special needs.

- To allow the individual with special needs to be and feel successful and competent.

- To teach individuals with and without special needs to respect one another for whom he or she is including their abilities and disabilities.

- To facilitate relationships among peer groups made up of both individuals with and without special needs.

For more info, visit www.hockomockymca.org

Upcoming Event - September 17, 2007

In celebration of National Rehabilitation Week at Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, September 16-22, 2007, come out and listen to guest speaker:

Marty Ball
Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame Member
September 17, 2007
12:15-1:00p.m.
Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital
250 Pond Street
Braintree, MA 02184


BRAINTREE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

Since Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital's founding in 1975, they have gained recognition as a world-class healthcare provider. Their resources include acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Braintree, MA, a satellite rehabilitation unit located at Metrowest Medical Center in Natick, MA and multiple community-based outpatient clinics offering a wide variety of specialty services. Patients benefit from over 30 years of clinical and medical experience, innovative services and commitment to excellence.

From admission through discharge, the same team of interdisciplinary specialists follows each patient in a program that deals with immediate needs and long-term goals. By beginning treatment as soon after injury or illness as possible, patients are treated every day to vital therapy. At Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, patients and family members can expect to find the support, caring and skill they need, from an organization of physicians and specialists.

Profile: Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2007, Sigrid Laegreid

Meet Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2007, Sigrid Laegreid!



Sigrid Laegreid sustained a permanent spinal cord injury in 1991, but that has not let it slow her down, in fact she describes herself as adventurous, generous and goal oriented. Sigrid simply states, “In life, I always strive to do my best and not complain. I try to focus on my blessings and not worry about my limitations.”

Sigrid has worked for Nordstrom’s since 1987 and received the “All Star” award in 1998 and again in 2004. She was also honored by Antioch University with a humanitarian award for her years of service at Teen Hope, as a founding Board Member and Fundraiser.

Sigrid’s community achievements include her involvement with a National Injury Prevention program called Think First. She has given presentations to students of all ages about the importance of making “good choices, so they don’t get hurt,” with an emphasis on the importance of reducing underage drinking.

As Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2007, Sigrid will focus on promoting healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities through education within the community. She titles her platform, “Wheels 2 Fitness-Access for better health through exercise.” She also hopes to increase awareness to exercise facilities throughout Washington State to provide equal access to wheelchair users.

Check out Sigrid's blog at: www.mswheelchairwashington2007.blogspot.com!

Great Time at GBC Cookout & Adaptive Sports Event!

Last night I attended a great event at Spaulding Rehab. The Greater Boston Chapter (GBC) of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association hosted its 3rd annual Cookout & Adaptive Sports Event on the pier behind the hospital. It was a blast!

There was tons of delicious food, good company, and perfect warm and hazy late-summer weather. A lot of new friendships were formed, as hospital in-patients with acute SCI were able to meet Chapter members living with chronic SCI. As for adaptive sports, there was a choice of canoeing, windsurfing, handcycling and basketball.

My friend Lisa spent an hour on the Charles River in a canoe learning some new paddling techniques and helping to encourage others in her canoe who weren't as experienced. Way to go, Lisa! (check below for her in the pictures)...



Can't wait until next year!

Upcoming Event - 2008 Paralympics, September 6-17, 2008

In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition involving World War II veterans with a spinal cord injury in Stoke Mandeville, England. Four years later, competitors from the Netherlands joined the games and an international movement was born. Olympic style games for athletes with a disability were organized for the first time in Rome in 1960, now called Paralympics. In Toronto in 1976, other disability groups were added and the idea of merging together different disability groups for international sport competitions was born. In the same year, the first Paralympic Winter Games took place in Sweden.

Today, the Paralympics are elite sport events for athletes from six different disability groups. They emphasize, however, the participants' athletic achievements rather than their disability. The movement has grown dramatically since its first days. The number of athletes participating in Summer Paralympic Games has increased from 400 athletes from 23 countries in Rome in 1960 to 3806 athletes from 136 countries in Athens in 2004.

The Paralympic Games have always been held in the same year as the Olympic Games. Since the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games and the Albertville 1992 Winter Paralympic Games they have also taken place at the same venues as the Olympics. From the 2012 bid process onwards, the host city chosen to host the Olympic Games will be obliged to also host the Paralympics.

The Chinese city of Beijing will host the next 2008 Paralympic Games, whereas the Winter Paralympics 2010 will be in Vancouver, Canada. London will host the Paralympics in 2012.

Check back for information on local athletes who will be competing in Beijing!

Upcoming Event - Adaptive Sports & Cookout, August 14, 2007

PLEASE JOIN US!!!

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital & The Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association Invite you to:

A cookout where you can try some of the adaptive sports and recreation equipment available through Spaulding's Charles Weingarten Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program located at Spaulding on the Charles River.

Tuesday, August 14th, 2007
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm, socializing & cookout
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Adaptive Sports Program available

At Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, on the patio overlooking the Charles River.


Activities available include:
>Canoeing
>Windsurfing
>Handcycling

There is no charge for this event or for parking (just tell them you're here for the GBC evening)...

Please RSVP to Monique Chambers at 617 573-2020 and indicate how many people in your party and what activities are of interest to you. For any questions, contact GBC of NSCIA at 617 573-2081 or Deb Woodbury at 617 573-2080.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Wheelchair Sports and Recreation Association, Inc.

Mission:
Building bridges from hospital dependency to personal independence through recreational and sports therapy.

Organization Profile:
WSRA's primary objective is to introduce people with spinal cord injuries or other similarly disabling conditions to a stimulating recreational environment as soon as possible after hospitalization or primary rehabilitation, and to involve them in life sports and recreation - individually, through WSRA or through other organizations.

Services:
WRSA provides counselors to work one-on-one for individuals. Counsellors and staff are available for organizations. WRSA sponsors exhibition games and events.

WSRA provides:
Annual wheelchair sports events among able-bodied and disabled teams and individuals to further mutual support and understanding. Fundraising events to support both the direct activities of WSRA and similar programs of qualified tax exempt organizations.


WSRA is an exempt organization under Section 501 {c}{3} of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to WSRA are tax deductible. For more info contact Kenny Mumford at www.wheelchairsportsandrecreation.com.

Health & Fitness Expo

Today I appeared as a celebrity guest at the WHDH / Partners Healthcare Health & Fitness Expo at the Hynes Convention Center. I was interviewed on-stage by Anne Allred, a 7News Reporter, who asked me about my volunteer work as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts. I spoke about my advocacy work on behalf of people with disabilities, at the State House and in Congress. I also spoke about the importance of physical fitness for people in wheelchairs. I handed out info on fitness routines and on the South Shore YMCA Partnership Program for people with disabilities.

There was a great crowd at the expo, and they all listened eagerly to my information. Another topic they were interested in was hearing about was my fiction. I'm currently writing a series of novels about strong women in wheelchairs, so I talked about the first manuscript I completed.

My neice Aideen accompanied me onstage to help with the microphone - she did a fantastic job! My good friend Lisa came to help, too.



The highlight of my day was that I got to meet Teddy Bruschi in the VIP Room after his presentation on his recovery from a stroke last year. My husband & I are huge Patriots fans, and it was an honor to personally meet their team captain who signed a football for us!

Piers Park Sailing Program

www.piersparksailing.org

Adaptive Sailing Program

The sport of sailing is unique in that it is well suited for people of all levels of physical ability to enjoy for an entire lifetime. The sailing facility in East Boston Piers Park was designed and built as the most accessible (and the only fully wheelchair-accessible) sailing facility in Boston. It has a specially designed ramp and dock that meets ADA requirements and can accommodate wheelchair users at any level of tide. The primary sailboat used at PPSC is the Sonar Class, which was chosen as a Paralympic Class boat because of its adaptability for sailors with disabilities.

Special programs have been designed for the Perkins School for the Blind, Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Outdoor Explorations, Butlee Handicap Outdoor Adventures, the Ivy Street School for people with brain injuries, and Northeast Passages, an outing club for people with disabilities.

In 2005, PPSC was granted funding from the Lead to Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities (LOYD) initiative to design and develop youth sailing programs that specifically include young people with disabilities. PPSC used this generous support to expand the number of children with disabilities served; expand the depth of contact between trained instructors and children with disabilities; include children with disabilities in the skill and leadership development benefits offered in PPSC programs; establish collaborations with disability organizations; and provide professional development for all staff.

Piers Park is a nonprofit community sailing center that uses Boston Harbor and the seas beyond to provide year-round recreational, educational, and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages and abilities!

Upcoming Appearance - Special Olympics, June 16, 2007

Join me on Saturday, June 16 from 11-6 in the Olympic Village at Harvard Stadium in support of the Massachusetts Special Olympics program.

I will be signing autographs, getting in pictures, and greeting the athletes and their families. I hope to see you there!

For more info & directions, go to: www.specialolympicsma.org

Upcoming Appearance - Health & Fitness Expo, June 24, 2007

Join me on Sunday, June 24 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston for the 7News Partners HealthCare Health & Fitness Expo. There will be FREE fun and educational activities for everyone to enjoy.

This two day event, taking place on June 23rd & 24th, includes fun activities for families, kids, and others, plus free health screenings for adults and healthy cooking tips.

I will be speaking about physical fitness activities for people with disabilities. Other exhibits of interest are:

In My Shoes
In this interactive program, kids can learn what it is like to live with a disability, and participate in games and exercises that children with disabilities use to overcome their physical challenges.

Adaptive Sports
Learn and experience some of the adaptive sports practiced at Spaulding Hospital's nationally recognized Charles Weingarten Adaptive Sport Clinic. Attendees will get the chance to use the clinic's hand cycles and get information from clinic therapists on the variety of modified sports equipment used in therapy. Visit the SRH website for more information.

Ernst Van Dyk
Meet seven-time Men's Boston Marathon champion, wheelchair division, Ernst Van Dyk and hear him speak about overcoming disabilities to become a world-class athlete.

I hope to see a lot of you there!

My Ms. Wheelchair Competition Platform: The Power of Physical Fitness

My platform for Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts and Ms Wheelchair America is something I believe in very strongly: The Power of Physical Fitness. My disability is a C6 SCI, which means my mobility is limited from my mid-chest down - but this hasn't stopped me from being as active and fit as I can possibly be.

My weekly fitness routine consists of:
- Stretching & Yoga
- Strength Training with Free Weights & Nautilus
- Functional Electric Stimulation Bike

My recreational activities include:
- Adaptive Skiing
- Swimming & Snorkeling
- Charity Walks (or in my case, "Wheels")

Secondary benefits of getting involved in a fitness program:
- Socialization & forming friendships, lessening isolation
- Feeling better about personal health & appearance
- Spending free time in positive activities to help avoid depression
- Goal-setting, achievement, & sense of accomplishment










I enjoy spreading the message about the positive impact Physical Fitness has on all people's lives. Since being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I have spoken on this topic to kids & adults of all abilities.

My slogan that goes along with my platform is, "Leading By Example."
My level of functional ability does not allow me to compete in races or marathons, but I live my life to the fullest in everything I do. I'm looking forward to adding scuba diving, hand-bicycling, and more activities to my fitness lifestyle soon!

Upcoming Event - Accessible Recreation Fair, June 2, 2007

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hosting a Spring Accessible Recreation Fair!

The DCR's Universal Access Program (UAP) is offering a free, fun-filled day of information about Accessible Outdoor Recreation for individuals, families and friends of people with disabilities. Activities will include a cycling fair with an assortment of accessible cycles, recreation activity demonstrations, interpretive programs, a D.J., snacks and more! The event will be held rain or shine... so stop by to learn about DCR’s inclusive, accessible programs and sign up for many other summer accessible recreation programs offered by multiple organizations in the Boston area and beyond.


Date: June 2, 2007
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Artesani Park
City: Brighton, MA

Upcoming Event - Easter Seals "Walk with Me," June 3

I will be participating in the Easter Seals annual Walk With Me to help children and adults with disabilities expand their independence! This walk will help to raise awareness about issues that people with disabilities face.

Walk With Me is the Easter Seals 5K Walk, roll or stroll for Independence which takes place on Sunday, June 3 at 9 am in Artesani Park in Boston. Join me and thousands of people in 35 cities across the country to support vital Easter Seals services for your friends and neighbors with disabilities.

Join "Team Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts" today and walk with us in support of people with disabilities:
Kristen McCosh
John McCosh
Lisa Urban
Dolores Donoghue

Check out: www.walkwithme.org for more info.

Profile: My Personal Trainer, James Finn

Part of my physical fitness routine involves strength training two to three times a week. I have a personal trainer who helps me with weights and nautilus. His name is James Finn, and he volunteers at the South Shore YMCA Partnership Program. James works as a Personal Trainer at local gyms, and he is finishing up his studies at UMass Boston. He plans to write a book on physical fitness, once he can find the time...

Healthy Kids Day at the Y

This is my neice Aideen and I together at the Quincy YMCA

Today I spent the afternoon at the Quincy YMCA "Healthy Kids Day." I handed out information about the Partnership Program for people with disabilities and made an appearance as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts to talk about my platform for the upcoming year - the importance of physical fitness for people of all abilities. I met many local kids and their families, and I made a lot of new friends!!!

Upcoming Appearance - April 28, 2007

Join me for Healthy Kids Day at the South Shore YMCA Quincy Branch on Saturday, April 28, 2007, from 12-4 pm -- Rain or Shine! I will be giving out information on the Partnership Program, signing autographs, and getting in pictures! This will be a fun day of swimming, fitness demonstrations, nutrition information, games, food and much more. Open to YMCA members and the public at no charge.