Contact:

Empower Spinal Cord Injury

Contact Name: Carrie Callahan

Phone: 3159251360

ccallahan@empowersci.org

www.empowersci.org

A Second Chance at Rehabilitation: Residential Rehabilitation with focus on peer mentoring, recreation, and social support

Through a two-week program focused on peer mentoring, traditional therapy, rehabilitation counseling, and recreation, Empower SCI offers the opportunity for individuals with spinal cord injuries to engage in a n innovative rehabilitation experience that will have a life-changing impact.

The 2 week program will:

1. Provide formal one to one physical therapy, occupational therapy and strength/conditioning to provide a participant directed, comprehensive second chance at rehabilitation to the community-dwelling individual with a spinal cord injury.
2. Emphasize the power of group-work, with classes that allow the participants to work together on common goals and to support and encourage each other.  Group activities will focus on issues that are common among individuals with spinal cord injuries, and will be led by peer mentors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, and Stony Brook University faculty.
3. Focus on exposing the participants to opportunities, education, and peer mentoring; all with the same mission to better the lives of those living with a spinal cord injury. The participants will live on campus in accessible housing from Sunday, July 16-Saturday, July 29 away from their homes and personal care attendants. Each day, the participant will be surrounded by clinical professionals, peer mentors and other participants, while sculpting their empowered outlook on life.  Through recreational activities ranging from kayaking to hand-cycling, and group activities led by their peers, each individual will lay the groundwork for a foundation of stability and empowerment that will forever impact the path of their life.

“It’s a chance to meet peers and other people with injuries, share stories and experiences. To know what’s possible and to become experienced helps you get on with your life.” -Robbie, Participant 2012