RecTech is a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

Ski-Bike/Snowbike: The ski-bike/snowbike is now being used successfully as an adaptive device by adaptive skiers and adaptive ski programs in the U.S., as a step between monoskis and stand skiing. Adaptive athletes who have successfully used the device have included those with amputations, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and post-polio.

Learn more at http://www.ncpad.org/694/3223/2005-09-01#8.

The Accessible Environments Study: The RecTech project seeks participants for its Accessible Environments study. Accessible Environments aims to increase access to fitness centers, parks, swimming pools, and trails for persons with disabilities. The study involves accessibility assessment, identifying access issues and barriers, and developing strategies to remove or lessen the impact of these barriers. Project staff seek individuals with links to their communities to help recruit persons with disabilities as well as fitness and recreation facilities to serve as study sites. Such individuals may work in independent living centers, fitness and recreation organizations, disability organizations, or universities.

For more information, contact Dr. Barth Riley, Project Director, Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, at 312-355-4054 or e-mail barthr@uic.edu.