STILLWATER, OK. 一 Oklahoma ABLE Tech is proud to announce that it has been awarded $75,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) 2019 High Impact Innovative Assistive Technology (HIIAT) grants program. Four HIIAT grants totaling $300,000 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,000 grants totaling over $26 million have been awarded. Funding for these new cycles of grants was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0002-02-01).
The Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center has a number of grant programs under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The HIIAT Quality of Life grants program funds one-year grants of up to
$75,000 to state and territory AT programs funded through the State Assistive Technology Act for innovative, one-time programs or services that through assistive technology devices or services, increase access to services, increase the independence or inclusion of people living with paralysis, their family members and caregivers.
“The impact of assistive technology on the lives of individuals and families living with paralysis and cross-disabilities is substantial as new technologies are developed almost daily,” said Mark Bogosian, Director, Quality of Life Grants Program at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “Through our HIIAT grants program, the Reeve Foundation pledges to continue its role in ensuring that this ever-growing, ever-changing field benefits those we serve.”
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is one of only four Assistive Technology Act Programs to receive a HIIAT Quality of Life grant this year. The #Oklahoma4Ramps project will become a new offering of ABLE Tech’s Device Reutilization Program. The program receives, on average, 60 new applications per week with over 1,000 calls and email inquiries a month. With the Quality of Life Grant, the Device Reutilization Program will be able to purchase 35 portable/temporary ramps, 12 threshold ramps, and 12 accessible pathways to temporarily provide to Oklahomans living with paralysis across the state.
“Oklahoma ABLE Tech is both honored and excited to have received a HIIAT Quality of Life grant this year. We are thankful for the Reeve Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. ABLE Tech cannot wait to implement this grant that will connect Oklahomans with disabilities to assistive technology through the new #Oklahoma4Ramps project,” said Oklahoma ABLE Tech Assistant Director Allyson Robinson.
About the Reeve Foundation:
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is the support side of the Reeve Foundation's twin missions to provide "Today's Care" and to strive for "Tomorrow's Cure" and offers a free, comprehensive, national source of informational support for individuals living with paralysis and their caregivers. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB 's Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309.
About Oklahoma ABLE Tech:
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is committed to improving access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities of all ages. The program connects Oklahoman’s to AT through comprehensive statewide programs. Oklahoma ABLE Tech is the statewide Assistive Technology Act Program located at Oklahoma State University in the Department of Wellness. ABLE Tech is funded through the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and maintains coordination and collaboration efforts with partners throughout the State of Oklahoma. For more information, please visit the website at www.okabletech.org or call 405-744-9748.
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Contact
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
(405)744-9748
abletech@okstate.edu
Rita Gentles
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
(973)379-2690 ext. 7123
media@ChristopherReeve.org