Miscellaneous

Many people with a head injury may feel sleepy during the day, even if the injury happened years ago. Researchers are inviting Tennesseans with a head injury who feel sleepy during the day to take part in a clinical study. This study will assess how well a study medi­cine works for people who feel sleepy during the day as a result of head injury.

“Currently, there are no treatments for patients who suffer from sleepiness during the day as a result of head injury,” according to study investigator Dr. Milton Erman, MD at Avastra Clinical Trials. “Consequently, there is a great need for new medicines to treat this life-changing problem.”

The clinical study is specifically designed for adults aged 18 to 65 who have had a head injury,
concussion, or bump on the head within the last 10 years and feel sleepy or tired during the day. It will examine different dosage strengths of the study medicine and how patients respond to them. Eligible participants may receive medical care related to the study at no cost and be reimbursed for time and travel as a result of taking part in the trial.

To qualify, you must:

• Be age 18 to 65
• Have had 1 head injury in the past 10 years
• Feel sleepy or tired 5 or more days a week on average
• Be willing to take tests and medicine for 12 weeks
• Be available to sleep overnight in a sleep lab 5 times

If you qualify:

• You may learn more about your sleep patterns
• You will receive study-related medical care and study medicine at no cost
• You may or may not benefit from study medicine
• Compensation for time and travel may also be provided

To see if you qualify: call 1-(877)-674-6316 or click: www.HeadSleepStudy.org

You are invited to participate in a doctoral research project at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee evaluating factors that are most important to individuals with impairments when they purchase and use medical devices. To participate in this study you have to be at least 18 years of age.

As a participant in this study, you can enter into an I-pod raffle, the results of which will be released in April 2010. The information obtained from this survey will enable us to provide information to medical device designers and manufacturers about features that should be included in medical devices so they are usable by persons with disabilities.

To access this survey: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/221239/medical-device-questionnaire

All survey information will be anonymous. Answering this survey will provide us with vital information that will be used to improve medical device design for people with disabilities. Your survey responses are completely anonymous.

If you have any questions related to the survey, please call Rochelle Mendonca at (414) 229-6803 or email her at r2d2-mendonca@uwm.edu. All emails and calls will be responded to within 24 hours.

The Statwide Independent Living Council of Tennessee is conducting a survey to help it evaluate independent living needs across the state and plan accordingly.  The Council is especially interested in hearing from persons who live outside the service areas of existing Independent Living Centers.

Take the Survey: www.surveygizmo.com/s/217179/silc

If you have trouble accessing this online survey, then please send an email to Mark Montgomery at mark_m@tnsilc.org or call (615) 255-0283. To learn more about the Council visit:  www.tnsilc.org.

Thanks to a recent grant, the Disability Resource Center in Knoxville can purchase the materials necessary to build ramps for disabled persons within the city limits who have difficulty entering and exiting their homes. 

If you would like to refer someone to the Ramps 'n' Rails project or volunteer to help build the ramps, please call (865) 637-3666.

About the disABILITY Resource Center (DRC)

The Knoxville disABILITY Resource Center is a not-for-profit Center for Independent Living run for and BY people with disabilities.  We are a community-based non-residential program of services designed to assist people with disabilities to gain independence and to assist the community in eliminating barriers to independence. 

Visit the DRC online

The Executive Director supports The Arc of Washington County, a not-for-profit organization providing support and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Upper East Tennessee.  The Executive Director works with a governing board and active board committees. This position focuses on community networking, public awareness, program development and administration, advocacy, chapter support, fundraising and administrative management.

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the mission, core values and strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

The Arc administers programs including advocacy and public awareness with a budget of $2.3 million and a staff of 34 full and part time employees, serving 840 clients.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:    Bachelor’s degree with 10 years minimum experience; or a Master’s degree

Experience:  Minimum five (5) years successful experience in management and leadership in disability/advocacy services

Position requirements:

• Strategic planning, organizational development, and fiscal management skills
• Strengths in program development, management and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to network and build relationships within the disability and non-profit communities
• Commitment to the core values and Mission of The Arc
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking skills
• Excellent advocacy skills in all public policy arenas
• Ability to effectively work with people with disabilities and their families; legislators and government officials; volunteers and agency professionals
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Fundraising skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer skills

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

References:  Provide 3 current reference letters

Submit resume, reference letters and cover letter with salary requirements to:      

arc.ed.search@gmail.com.

Screening will begin immediately.  The position will be open until filled.

The Arc of Washington County values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.