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Disabled Veterans National Foundation and the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh are partnering up to raise money so HERL can continue the groundbreaking research and training they do for veterans with disabilities. DVNF will help them to purchase a new CNC lathe, which is used for many aspects of their work. See more at: https://donate.dvnf.org/dvnf/main.php/micro_sites/showpage?id=40&page_number=1
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IMPROVING THE LIVES OF DISABLED VETERANS
DVNF/Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Initiative
INTRODUCTION
Disabled Veterans National Foundation is teaming up with Dr. Rory Cooper of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) to offer disabled veterans a chance to improve their own lives as well as the lives of others.
Dr. Cooper’s team needs a new CNC lathe—a vital piece of basic engineering equipment.
DVNF, with donor assistance, will fund the $50,000 necessary to purchase the lathe for Dr. Cooper.
Dr. RORY COOPER
It was while serving in the United States Army that Rory Cooper injured his spinal cord. During his recovery he was given a heavy, clumsy wheelchair that limited his mobility – and the motivation for his life’s work was born.
Dr. Cooper has distinguished himself as a global leader in the area of rehabilitative science and technology. He has built his career around making life better for veterans and others with disabilities through technological advancement, education and advocacy.
Dr. Rory Cooper (Continued)
Dr. Cooper now serves as Distinguished Professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology.
He is founder and director of the Human Engineering and Research Laboratories (HERL), a joint effort between the University of Pittsburgh and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
Was recently selected as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) for West Pennsylvania.
Programs
ELeVATE
Experiential Learning for Veterans in Assistive Technology Engineering (ELeVATE)
The ELeVATE program reintegrates veterans to college based on a three-phased approach.
ELeVATE
Phase I: Participants complete a ten-week paid research experience, complete a team project, learn 21st century skills in workshops, and prepare to begin classes at a college of choice.
Phase II: Participants continue to refine their academic interests and apply for a formal program at the University of Pittsburgh or an institution of their choice.
Phase III: Participants enroll in a university and prepare to graduate from the ELeVATE program. However, the support system does not end here! ELeVATE students stay connected to their cohort through study groups and other support groups. Program participants are encouraged to remain connected to the program by serving as mentors to new ELeVATE participants.
ELeVATE
"My experience in the ELeVATE program was a life-altering experience that afforded me the chance to get back on my feet after my medical separation from the United States Marine Corps after 15 years of honorable service.”
- Matt H., ELeVATE student, 2012
Advanced Inclusive Manufacturing (AIM)
Advanced Inclusive Manufacturing (AIM)
AIM extends advanced manufacturing certificate training and employment opportunities to veterans with disabilities with a focus on individuals with neurological, orthopedic and cognitive impairments.
Working with a broad range of industry, academic and advocacy experts, the program will design, develop and deliver training curricula tailored for veterans with disabilities in the advanced manufacturing field.
AIM puts forth three major goals:
Advanced Inclusive Manufacturing (AIM)
1. To provide veterans with disabilities training and employment opportunities in the advanced manufacturing field, helping to address the industry’s increasing need for skilled technicians.
2. To effectively utilize the unique skills and talents of disabled veterans.
3. To help academic, training and industry facilities become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Why does this matter?
Veterans have unique problem-solving skills and other abilities acquired through their military training that could be beneficial in the advanced manufacturing arena.
However, the lack of accessible training facilities has prevented disabled veterans from progressing in this industry.
HERL expects to contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in the areas of educational curricula, engineering education, engineering public policy and inclusiveness through the findings and results of AIM.
Why does this matter?
Dr. Rory Cooper is not only changing lives of veterans with disabilities through his research, he is directly impacting the lives of veterans through his ELeVATE and AIM programs.
DVNF spoke with Clarence, a veteran with TBI who is currently going through the program. His story is remarkable!
How important is HERL?
The Human Engineering Research Laboratory is making a global difference for people with disabilities.
An estimated 60,000 wheelchair users currently benefit from HERL-developed devices.
More than 4 million Americans are impacted by its work developing standards, contributing to clinical practice guidelines, producing product comparisons, training engineers and clinicians, and developing educational materials.
How YOU will impact veterans
In addition to the AIM and ELeVATE programs that train disabled veterans in advanced manufacturing…
Your contribution to the proposed grant will predominantly be used to advance HERL and its inspiring work on behalf of veterans with disabilities.
Some current projects of note include:
HERL Projects
For veterans with traumatic brain injuries, the “Cueing Kitchen” is a fully-equipped kitchen fitted with sensing and cueing technologies designed to help people with cognitive impairment perform everyday kitchen tasks.
Dr. Cooper demonstratingThe “Cueing Kitchen”
HERL Project (Continued)
In collaboration with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, HERL is helping to disseminate the latest assistive technology, medical and research information in a symposium series entitled “State of the Science.”
So why are we telling you all this?
As mentioned at the beginning of the presentation, Dr. Cooper’s lab needs a new lathe. This is their old one:
This lathe is a piece of WWII surplusequipment!!!
It is extremely difficult for Dr. Cooper’s team to make the devices they need for the inventions that change lives using this engineering relic.
And even worse, it is hard for them to teach these veterans how to use a lathe, which is vitally important.
Ok, so how much?
Budget – At a Glance Haas TL1 16” Lathe $36,200 Adapter Plate $800 Second Set of Tools (Chuck Keys, Dial Indicators,
etc.) $1,500 Installation of 3 phase 220 Volt Line
$4,000 Rigging Company – Machine Placement
$2,500 Shipping $2,000 Accessibility Modifications
$2,000_____________________________________________________
Total Cost: $49,000
Your Support
Your support will allow Dr. Cooper and his team to continue to the groundbreaking, inspirational work they do for veterans all over the country.
Your donation to this project will go directly to HERL to purchase the equipment they need!
How Do I Donate?
Click this link and give your most generous gift to this worthy initiative!
All gifts are tax deductible!
What if I have questions?
If you still aren’t convinced, or you would like some more information, please feel free to send us an email at [email protected].
Please help DVNF and HERL as we strive to make the world a better place for veterans with disabilities!!!
