Page 28 - Desert Oracle January 2020

CALL FOR PROPOSALS and POSTERS
40 National Veterans Wheelchair Games Education
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Shake Rattle and Roll - Adaptive Sports Explosion

Deadline for Submission: March 6th, 2020
Email all submissions to: Ramona.Wright@VA.gov

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) now invites proposals to
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present and/or submit a “Virtual” educational poster at the “40 National Veterans Wheelchair Games” to be

held July 3 - 9, 2020 in Portland, OR at the Oregon Convention Center. http://wheelchairgames.org

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) provides opportunities for health and healing through
adaptive sports in a new community each year. The program serves Veterans with spinal cord injuries, multiple
sclerosis, amputations, stroke and other neurological injuries that require a wheelchair for sports and that are
eligible for VA health care. Over 600 Veterans attend to learn to live active and healthy lifestyles by receiving
education about and competing in 20 medal competitions and exhibition events reflecting opportunities
available at home for year-long participation. By participating in the NVWG, Veterans improve their
independence, achieve a healthier lifestyle, and enjoy a higher quality of life. The NVWG is co-presented by
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America’s (PVA).

The focus of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games Education Sessions will be on the practical application
of innovation, modernization and technology related to adaptive sports or wellness into clinical practice. The
target audience for the Games includes recreational therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists,
kinesiotherapists, physicians, nurses, Veterans, PVA Sports Directors and other adaptive sports rehabilitation
providers – both VA and community providers are eligible to attend.

Proposals are now being accepted that will address a variety of methods for standardizing policies, procedures,
and processes for adaptive sports. Proposals will be evaluated for learner outcomes, speaker expertise and
attendee value. The topic areas listed below are intended as suggestions, however, the committee will consider
poster abstracts related to all aspects of adaptive sports:

Topics Requested:
-focus on unique needs of women Veterans (specific -obtaining sports certification (for those that require)
to fitting of adaptive equipment, psychologic needs) -classification
-adaptive disc golf -adaptive fitness (training for slalom)
-utilization of adaptive sports as therapeutic tools -archery
-risk management for adaptive sports -other adaptive sports / health promotion activities
-measuring adaptive sports outcomes -community partnerships
-assessment -assistive technology
-program planning -management of services and advocacy

Poster Guidelines: All posters should include:

• Virtual presentation only, no in-person attendance authorized
• Posters will be displayed with your pre-recorded 5-10 min poster summary

1. Title: project title
2. Authors: your name, names of collaborators, and department
3. Purpose, Objectives or Introduction