Aging
with Spinal Cord Injury
Education & Training
Training Program Overview
The RRTC on Aging with SCI had several goals for education, training, dissemination, and utilization of the information generated by our research findings and clinical experience. Our goals included: 1) training current and future health, allied health and rehabilitation professionals about aging with SCI; 2) training and developing rehabilitation research professionals in the area of aging with SCI; 3) encouraging the use of research-based knowledge and treatment regimens by health and rehabilitation professionals; 4) training graduate students and medical students in advanced knowledge and techniques from studies about aging with SCI; and 5) educating consumers and family members about issues related to aging with SCI that in turn enables them to become active partners in their own health care.
To be effective in these goals, the RRTC information must be widely disseminated. Training and dissemination occured by RRTC faculty presenting at advanced and continuing education courses, local, national and international conferences and workshops. We consistently presented at the annual meetings of the following organizations: American Paraplegia Society (APS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), International Medical Society of Paraplegia (IMSOP), Gerontological Society on Aging (GSA), and American Society on Aging (ASA).
Training opportunities included:
- A regular presentation to first year medical students that includes an interview of persons with spinal cord injury
- Curriculum development for medical students and primary care residents
- Center-sponsored conferences for professionals
- Center-sponsored conferences for consumers
- Presentations at national and international conferences
- Publication of articles and chapters in scientific journals
- Publication of consumer-oriented articles
Consumer Dissemination
A unique
feature of this RRTC was the strong emphasis on providing useful and current
information to persons with a spinal cord injury and their families. Consumers
are the ultimate beneficiaries of this Center's efforts. A variety
of techniques were used to disseminate useful information, including articles
in consumer-oriented magazines, presentations at consumer meetings, our
website, distribution of current research updates and fact sheets, and
a resource manual.
Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center on Aging with a Disability
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
7601 E. Imperial Hwy, Building 800-W
Downey, California 90242; (voice) 562-401-7402; (fax) 562-401-7011
webmaster: chuck.sanders@agingwithdisability.org
last updated 11/14/2006
