Research Study participants needed.

The School of Psychology at the Australian Catholic University is currently looking for participants to complete an online survey looking at quality of life of people who have undergone an amputation. The purpose of the survey is to become more aware of the factors that impact on the recovery and adjustment of individuals after undergoing an amputation. In order to support this important research we need as many people as possible to do the survey.

The survey will take about 1 hour to complete and is
COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL.

If you have any questions you can email the researcher here.
Your time and participation is greatly appreciated.

To participate, please click the following link:
https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=136646

Inspired - The Amputee Golfer Magazine Vol. 1

One of Australia's leading amputee golfers, Shane Luke, has combined his love for the game of golf with his experience as a graphic designer and years working in the print media to publish his own amputee golfing magazine, titled Inspired. The first edition is now published and available across Australia and New Zealand in prosthetic centre’s, some hospitals and
rehab centre’s and now online here.

Disability Care & Support Inquiry

The Australian Government have directed the Productivity Commission to hold an inquiry into Disability Care and Support.  The Government are seeking feedback from people with disabilities, their families and stakeholders about what they can do to create a disability scheme which will suit the needs of every Australian person with a disability.

The Productivity Commission will examine the submissions and the cost and benefits of a national disability scheme. 

Limbs 4 Life has compiled a list of key questions from the Productivity Commission inquiry into long-term disability care and support. This survey aims to help amputees, their families and stakeholders (service providers and other parties) engage with the inquiry.

We'd like to hear from you so that we can make our own submission, and we're happy to publish a submission on your behalf.

We want every amputee in Australia to have their say on their needs and ideas for a new scheme.

Deadline for completing the survey 5pm Thursday 15 July
To begin the survey please click on the link here.  

Welcome back AMPLIFIED

IN THIS EDITION:
• Melissa Noonan wins the National Disability Award
  for Social Inclusion
• Is wearing a prosthesis bad for you?
• A Promise Kept – Michelle Alves Todhunter
• 2009 Victorian Amputee Golf Championship
• The Amputee Coach

• Download Amplified 14 in PDF format
• View past editions - Visit the archive
• Join our mailing list

SPARE PARTS - November 2010

Spare Parts is an exhibition being held at the Brisbane Powerhouse in November 2010. It will bring together a diverse range of artists all using pre-loved prosthetic limbs as their canvas.

They are currently looking for limbs of any shape and size, to be used by the artists involved.

Do you have an old leg, arm, hand or foot? One that is sitting in the cupboard collecting dust? You'll never use it again, even for the beach?

Maybe you don't, but someone you know does?

Where possible Spare Parts would also like include a brief story about the original owner of the limb. This will be used on the blog and also during the exhibition next to the final piece.

Help us spread the word, collect the limbs, recycle and celebrate the beauty of prosthetics!

Contact Details:
Priscilla Sutton - 0412 996 009
sparepartsexhibition@gmail.com
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The Amputee Coach - Empowering YOU
to Walk Well, Be Fit & Enjoy Life!

No matter what YOUR age or amputation level
The Amputee Coach – Cathy Howells.  

She’s a physiotherapist with over 20 years experience working with amputees just like YOU.                                                                                    Written specifically for YOU by one of Australia’s leading amputee physiotherapists, this unique book looks not only at exercises for YOUR physical health, but also the essentials for YOUR mental and emotional wellbeing. The information is practical and easy to use.  It includes photographs of exercises and “Action Steps” that will teach YOU the skills and strategies to live a long and health life with an amputation – no matter what YOUR age or amputation level.

To find out more and purchase a copy of the book go to:
http://theamputeecoach.com

Amputee Golf Clinics

Limbs 4 Life the PGA Learning Centre & Sandhurst Club invite you to take part in our Amputee Golf Clinics.

Men, Ladies and Children are all welcome.

The purpose of the clinics is to provide amputees with first hand golf coaching lessons. The PGA Learning Centre with the support of Christian Hamilton (Club Professional) will create specific teaching methods for each category of amputee/s. If you are a beginner and or would just like to improve your game then this is for you! Clinics will include golfing techniques, rules of golf, strategies and different game formats.

The clinics will be held on the last Saturday of every month. Numbers are limited RSVP: No later than the Thursday prior

Dates: February 27, March 27, April 17, May 29, June 26, July 31, August 28, September 25, October 23 and November 13.

Time: 1.15 for 1.30pm start Cost: $15.00 per/person (90 minutes)

To secure your place please call Limbs 4 Life on 1300 782 231
or email: golf@limbs4life.com

Clinics will be held at; Sandhurst Club (practice range directly in-front of the clubhouse) 680 Thompson Road Sandhurst (easy access via Eastlink)

2009 National Disability Award recipients announced!

It is with immense excitement that we announce
Melissa Noonan has been presented with the 2009 National Disability Award for Social Inclusion.

The finalists were selected from more than 240 nominations received across the five award categories. Nominations were of extremely high calibre, and brought to light many remarkable outcomes and achievements. The 2009 award finalists attended the ceremony held in the Great Hall of Parliament House Canberra last night, and one recipient for each of the five award categories was announced during the evening.

International Day of People with a Disability Patron Therese Rein, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Ageing the Hon Justine Elliot MP, and the Minister for Employment Participation Senator the Hon Mark Arbib presented recipients with their awards.

Other guests in attendance included Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Members of Parliament and representatives from the disability sector. Families and friends of the finalists, National People with Disabilities and Carers Council members.

We know that you will join us in congratulating Melissa, and celebrate the outstanding achievements she has made both personally and through her work at Limbs 4 Life, providing countless amputees in the community with her unfailing commitment of support.

"Social inclusion is imperative to the general well being of the disabled community.
I am thrilled to accept this award on behalf of everyone connected with Limbs 4 Life” Melissa Noonan

Volunteers needed for a study to improve socket comfort and function in below knee (trans-tibial) amputees

We are seeking the assistance of volunteers aged between 18 and 75 years to participate in a research study to assess whether new prosthetic socket design improves walking and comfort.

What will the study involve?

Over a period of 1 year you will be fitted with two new prosthetic sockets and legs designed to improve walking and comfort. After each fit, you will be provided with walking training followed by a 6 month usage period. Over the six months your walking pattern and socket fit will be assessed three times in the Movement Laboratory based at the Rehabilitation Sciences Research Centre. This involves recording your walking pattern as you walk along a straight path, paths with a small obstacle and steps, and other paths requiring a sudden stop or turn.

Ethics approval has been granted by Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee.

Interested?

Please Contact: Helen Connor (Austin Health):
Tel: 9490 7325, email: Helen.Connor@austin.org.au

Dr Peter Lee (University of Melbourne):
Tel 8344 4426, email: pvlee@unimelb.edu.au

St Vincent’s Hospital is conducting research into the cognitive changes that occur following limb amputation

Some patients who suffer the tragic loss of a limb continue to feel a sensation that their limb is still there (a ‘phantom limb’). This suggests that the brain is capable of adapting to the loss of a limb.

Unfortunately, however, very little is known about the exact changes that take place in the brain after this amputation takes place.

We are conducting a research project to help us better understand what changes occur in the organisation of the brain following the loss of a limb.

The study involves taking part in an interview and responding to some images on a computer screen.

If you have had a limb amputated and are interested in participating in this research project please contact Rachel (Ph: 9207 1691) for more information.

Ritchies’ Community Benefit Card Program

Ritchies’ Community Benefit Card Program donates a percentage of the money spent by you the customer to your nominated club, school or charity. Would you like us to donate money to your favourite charity, every time you shop with us?

The Ritchies’ Community Benefit program can raise funds for your favourite club, school or charity at no extra cost to you! Limbs 4 Life has been very lucky to receive donations from Ritchies to help support our Peer Support Program. It doesn’t cost anything to join, so next time you shop in one of these stores request a card. Proceeds can greatly assist new amputees in hospital and rehabilitation facilities.

Ritchies stores operate throughout Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

For more information on the program go to
www.ritchies.com.au/benefits.html