New England Tech To Host Workshop for Teens With Spinal Cord Injuries. Registrations Being Accepted.

NEWS RELEASE                                                            Contact: Linda Dionne

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         401-739-5000 ext. 3424

June 24, 2024                                                                 ldionne@neit.edu   

New England Institute of Technology Hosts Empower Spinal Cord Injury, Inc. Teen Workshop

East Greenwich, RI - New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) is proud to collaborate with Empower Spinal Cord Injury, Inc. (SCI) as SCI launches its groundbreaking Teen Program, after a decade of successful residential rehabilitation initiatives for adults. The program will be held on August 11-17, 2024, at New England Tech’s East Greenwich campus. This program is pioneering the way for teenagers living with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) to receive dedicated support and establishes more than 20 distinctive clinical placements exclusively for NEIT College of Health Sciences students. 

This innovative program, spearheaded by Empower SCI co-founder and NEIT occupational therapy faculty member Elizabeth Lima Remillard, MS, OTR/L and directed by Dr. Gabrielle Ficchi, PhD, LPC, CRC, promises to impart strength, nurture independence, and foster a robust community where teens can thrive and confront their goals. Featuring activities ranging from adaptive sports to social outings, alongside access to clinical experts, rehabilitation counseling, and continuous care, Empower SCI is setting a new standard in nurturing self-efficacy and autonomy among young adults, and NEIT’s occupational therapy students will be an integral part in providing assistance to these strong-willed teens.

Dr. Darlene Noret, Assistant Provost for Health Sciences at New England Tech, stated, “The Occupational Therapy Program at NEIT is excited to take the lead this summer to host the Empower Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Camp for Teens. This interdisciplinary collaboration will provide a great experience for both the camp participants and NEIT students to share with each other the learning opportunity for accessibility though interactive camps. Engagement is best when curiosity is driven by the risk to become self-motivated to learn outside of the classroom.”

With an estimated 2,200 young individuals under 20 years old confronting SCI each year, this Teen Program is not only timely but necessary. Recognizing that growth and needs evolve right through adolescence, the program offers continuity in rehabilitation, facilitating transitions into adulthood with tailored educational and training modules.

"After 10 years of providing programming for adults, we are thrilled to be joining forces with New England Institute of Technology to bring a much-needed program for teenagers living with spinal cord injury," states Carrie Callahan, President and Co-Founder of Empower SCI. "By providing teens with strong social support and role models at this critical time, we will help to shape their trajectory towards more fulfilled living."

For program details, registration, and resources, please visit www.empowersci.org/teen. Program applications may be found at empowersci.org/applications. Please contact Elizabeth Lima Remillard, MS, OTR/L at eremillard@neit.edu or 401-739-5000 for additional information.

About Empower Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Inc
 

Founded in 2012, Empower SCI has been instrumental in transforming the lives of adults with spinal cord injuries through intensive rehabilitation experiences offered in residential formats. With the launching of its Teen Program, Empower SCI continues its legacy of fostering empowerment, overcoming barriers, and cultivating a vibrant, supportive community.

About New England Institute of Technology

Under the leadership of President Richard I. Gouse, New England Institute of Technology is a private, not-for-profit technical university and is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. Founded in 1940, the university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs focusing on a proven combination of technical expertise coupled with experiential learning. Visit www.neit.edu and follow news of the university on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Instagram and LinkedIn.