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A huge THANK YOU to the volunteers, donors, and participants for making the 2nd Annual Ability Quest a great success on
June 13, 2010!
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A Day at the Lake is back for its 16th year!
July 16, 2010
Crow's Creek Landing
Smithville Lake
Do you enjoy spending time at the lake?
Do you like helping others?
What if I told you that you could accomplish both at the same time?
WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER!
Contact:
Corey Wright at
(816) 751-7750 |
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Mark your calendars for these additional upcoming events!
August 21, 2010
Lake Lotawana Poker Run
August 28, 2010
Bacon-Fest
Call Tara Mulford at (816) 751-7901 for more event details |
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Building Brighter Futures for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
3011 Baltimore Avenue Kansas City, MO 64108
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supported by
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It's What You Do With a Disability That Really Counts
 On May 5, 2010 Assurant Employee Benefits, a charitable partner of The Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, continued a tradition by honoring paraplegic skier, Chris Waddell, for his outstanding accomplishments. Mr. Waddell is the most decorated Para-Olympic skier and the first and only paraplegic to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro on a hand-cycle. Waddell hopes his incredible climb will provide a counterpoint to people's preconceived notions about the disabled. Waddell was presented with a sunrise painting created by disabled artist and Arts on the Hill exhibitor, Debbie Wagner. After receiving the honor, he paid a visit to The Rehabilitation Institute to share his inspirational message to our patients, clients and employees.
Chris Waddell's confidence and courage resonated throughout the room as he spoke about his accident that left him paralyzed and how it changed his life. His determination has allowed him to overcome what so many people would think are barriers for him. He no longer sees himself with a disability. He can do anything that the average person can do on a given day, in fact Chris has accomplished more than many people will in a life time.
 His words reminded everyone that having a disability does not define you. It is what you do with that disability that really counts. He goes out and shows the world everyday that people with disabilities can accomplish extraordinary things. "I hope my climb will make us see some of the 21 plus million disabled people in the world in a whole new way," says Waddell.
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From Dirt Biking to Hand-Cycling
Brian Mitchell -- Team USA |
After a dirt biking accident in 1998, Brian Mitchell was left with a spinal cord injury that changed his life. Brian did his rehabilitation here at The Institute where our staff helped him adjust to life without the use of his legs.
Most people might assume that life after an accident like that would hinder a person from athletic achievement. However, it did not stop Brian Mitchell. What started out as a fun, leisurely way to get some exercise with his wife, Gina Mitchell, hand-cycling became a hobby that he realized he was getting good at. In 2004, he did his first race, the Rocky Mountain Omniun, in Denver, CO. Although he did not place in that race, he met some great people along the way. Brian continued to train over the years and began to win races. Since starting to train, he has been invited four times to the Olympic Training Center. In March 2010 he received the biggest honor yet, Brian and three others were selected to represent Team USA at a race outside of Dubai. Brian placed 10th in the Time Trial, 8th in the Road Race and 3rd in the Hill Climb while he was there.
Brian's determination has allowed him to accomplish things that most people can only dream about. Disabilities do not have hinder people; they can give people the courage to accomplish great things in life. Brian's success helps us to understand that. His story is encouragement to others that have experienced similar injuries. |
Candidate of the Month
Niles Swenson
 Meet June's Candidate of the Month, Niles Swenson. Niles is looking for an administrative or clerical position in the midtown Kansas City area. His skills are not limited to just administrative work; he also has experience in accounting, customer service and retail. Niles worked as a Tax Examiner for the Internal Revenue Service for almost 17 years and as an Assistant Manager at Woolworth's. In addition to his diverse background, he has a keen ability to multitask and resolve conflicts. These skills make Niles the ideal candidate for a variety of positions. If you are interested in learning more about Niles Swenson, please e-mail or call Evan Parris at evan.parris@rehabkc.org or (816) 751-7880.
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