In this issue: Real People | Focus Group | Research Study | State Survey
Real People
 John Quarles: Making Lemonade Out of Lemons
John Quarles was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 22. Now 30, he is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Click here to learn how his battle with MS has affected his research and what it could mean for the future of physical therapy.
Research Study: Participants with Mobility Impairments Needed
People with mobility impairments ages 18+ who use assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, are sought for a research study on virtual reality video games and their potential role in rehabilitation. Individuals without impairments are also welcome to participate. In this study, participants will be asked to answer survey questions and play video games. The study will take approximately 1-1.5 hours. Participants will be compensated $50 for their time and effort.
Contact: This study is conducted by John Quarles, Ph.D., from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Department of Computer Science. The study location is at UTSA. Email userstudies@cs.utsa.edu or call 210-595-9415 for details. The number of participants is limited.
Focus Group Opportunity:
The purpose of this focus group is to discuss the creation of a website for parents of children with special needs. The Interagency Task Force for Children with Special Needs, Texas Health and Human Services Commission is working to create a comprehensive website designed in partnership with and for parents of children with special needs. SUMA Social Marketing will be conducting focus group across the state to meet with parents to learn what they need and want on such a website. This website would also be for professionals serving this population to use as a resource to assist families. The vision for the site is that it will be inclusive of all special needs; have comprehensive information, toolkits and resources, such as training videos; that it will be continuously updated and monitored for quality; and that it will help parents make sense of and navigate through the complex array of systems and services from birth through young adulthood.
Who: Parents of children with special needs who are not active in an advocacy group. SUMA is looking for representation from parents who have children with a variety of special needs including medical, intellectual, mental, and undiagnosed. SUMA is also looking for parents of children in a variety of age groups.
Where: Professional focus group facility | Galloway Research Service | 4751 Hamilton Wolfe San Antonio, TX 78229
When: Monday, August 20th from 5:45-8pm.
How: Interested parents call SUMA at 512-371-7585. A few questions will be asked to ensure that parents of children of a variety of age groups and diagnoses are included.
Compensation: Parents will be compensated $75.00 for their time and will receive a $30.00 childcare stipend if needed.
State Survey:
This is an opportunity for family caregivers to share the demands and challenges they face that will be used by policy makers and legislators. Visit http://www.dads.state.tx.us/taketimetexas/survey.html.
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