Healthcare summit to deliver cutting-edge research and technology to help paralyzed veterans and others with disabilities

Over 500 clinicians — physicians, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists and more — will attend the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) eighth annual Healthcare Summit + Expo for a unique, hands-on look at the latest technology, research and care models in spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases.

Summit is designed for experts from across the country to share information that will improve the care of veterans with paralysis and ultimately help all people with disabilities.

Exciting technologies include:

• PneuChair, developed by Rory Cooper, Ph.D. – Pneumatic powered light-weight wheelchair is waterproof and can be recharged in minutes.

These and many other breakthroughs for individuals living with SCI/D will be explored during educational sessions and demonstrated at the Summit. Many issues also pertinent to general healthcare, such as interdisciplinary care, tele-health, adaptive sports and alternative pain management will be discussed.

WHEN:

Summit:   Tuesday, August 28 – Thursday, August 30, 2018

Expo:  Tuesday, August 28 – Wednesday, August 29

Media Window:  Tuesday August 28, 10 a.m. – Noon (Demonstrations & interviews available)

VA Secretary speech:  Thursday, August 30, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. (tentative)

WHERE:

Omni Dallas Hotel, 555 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202

WHO:     

• David Zurfluh, U.S. Air Force veteran, national president, Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Carl Blake, U.S. Army veteran, executive director, Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Paul Gutierrez, M.S., M.D., Healthcare Summit + Expo program committee chair
• Robert Wilkie, secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Lucille Beck, Ph.D., acting deputy under secretary for Health for Policy and Services, Veterans Health Administration

Demonstrations of new technology, interviews on Summit topics and other veterans’ healthcare issues are available upon request. Please contact Lani Poblete at [email protected]  or 202-733-7838. For more information or to view the full agenda, please visit summitpva.org.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans of America also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.