POLIO SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF WNY NEWSLETTER SEPT. 1997 The producers of the medical documentary film, Unique Problems That Face The Polio Survivor have kindly made a tape of the program available for our viewing. The tape was shown at our June meeting and it was agreed that this is the best tape in our library. The documentary features polio researchers, Dr. Richard Bruno and Nancy Frick, Ph.D. and discusses polio survivors and the special medical considerations when they have anesthesia for surgery and have post-operative care. For those who were unable to attend the June meeting, we can lend the tape for viewing at home. Contact Don O'Connor at 773-7254. Our next meeting is October 15, 1997, at 7:15 pm at St.Stephen's-Bethlehem United Church of Christ on Wehrle, near Union The featured speaker will be Diane Giliforte, the Corporate and Group Sales Manager at the Studio Arena Theater. This will be a delightful change of pace that will permit us to learn about the live shows that are can be enjoyed at Studio Arena and the accessibility of facilities that we can expect. Remember- we meet on the third Wednesday of each month except July and August-- always at the same hour and location. Treasurer Henry Maciejewski reminds us that summer is over and it is time to pay dues for the upcoming year. You can bring $10 to the next meeting or mail dues to Henry at 540 Doat Street, Buffalo, NY 14211. This issue of the newsletter was made possible through the kind physical and financial assistance of the Center for Assistive Technology at the University of Buffalo for which we acknowledge our sincere gratitude. We can repay their kindness by your participation in an important project at the Center. Your participation in study of major importance to people with polio is eagerly sought. The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging (RERC-aging) at the University at Buffalo is conducting a study to determine the need for helpful products and home modifications among older adults to promote independence and safety in their home. Helpful products might include items such as a reacher, and stairglide, grab bars in the bathroom, a wheelchair, a microwave oven, remote devices it access lighting, a cordless speaker phone, and any other devices that make performing tasks easier. This research is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Reseach (NIDRR), and is under the direction of Dr. William C. Mann. This study is in its sixth year, and to date over 500 older adults have been interviewed in their home. It is important that this major research initiative in the fields if aging disability, and rehabilitation includes the needs of people who have Polio. If you are 60 years of age or older, you are invited and encouraged to participate in this project. A nurse or a therapist from the Center for Assistive Technology would like to meet with you in your home for approximately 2 hours. You will be asked questions about your health and how you manage everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, walking, and meal preparation . This study is especially interesting in finding out what kinds of equipment or helpful devices might make performing these activities easier and safer for you. If you are interested in participating in this study of Importance to people with Polio, or would like more information about this study, please contact Dianne Hurren or Barbara Charvat at (716)829-3141 Center for Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging University at Buffalo 515 Kimball Tower Thanks, Don O'C C. Donald O'Connor aa364@freenet.Buffalo.edu