The National
Spinal Cord
Injury Association

Disability in the News Archive

NRH to Open New Occupational Therapy Center March 11

Washington, DC -- March 2, 1998 -- On Wednesday, March 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) will officially open Independence Square?, an innovative and unique occupational therapy center created within 7,000 square feet of existing space on the First Floor of the Hospital.  Donors, Senators and Cogressmen, District and Federal Government officials, NRH Board Members, representatives of the Washington diplomatic corps, and physicians are among those invited to the Grand Opening.

Independence Square? is a therapeutic environment incorporating realistic home and community settigs where patients can relearn mobility, cognitive and daily living skills.  These skills, taught by occupational therapists, are critical to treatment of patients at NRH, who come to this comprehensive medical rehabilitation hospital after experiencing disabling injuries and illnesses such a stroke, head and spinal cord injuries, arthritis, amputation, post-polio syndrome, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, back and neck pain, and other neurological and orthopedic conditions.

The community settings in Independence Square? reflect real life in the nation's capital and suburbs, and include an art deco diner, grocery store and pharmacy, bank and automatic teller machine, gas station and golf putting green.  The simulated home environment includes a front porch, foyer, kitchen, dining area, bedroom and bathroom.  All of this is connected by streetscapes, crosswalks, ramps and steps with a variety of surfaces and barriers that individuals will encounter upon return to home and community.

Independence Square? will help to ensure a smoother transition from hospital to home by providing NRH staff the opportunity to better evaluate a patient's progress, to identify skill areas requiring further work, and to plan for adaptations that may be needed at home.

This $500,000 occupational therapy center, designed by Gunes Design, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona, was funded completely through charitable contributions.

Opened in 1986, the National Rehabilitation Hospital is a private, not-for-profit facility that has been named four times to the Best Hospital list compiled annually by U.S. News & World Roport.  NRH is part of the NRH Medical Rehabilitation Network providing inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, transitional and home care services in Northwest Washington and suburban Maryland.

NOTE: Media are invited to cover the Grand Opening.  In addition, Independence Square? will be open for media tours, by appointment only, on March 10 and 11.  to register for the Grand Opening and/or to arrange for a tour and interviews with Hospital clinicians and patients who will be using the new center, contact:

Victor Nakas
Phone (202) 877-1773
Work (703) 532-6123
Pager (301) 953-0550 #22550

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