Anyone writing the checks for household bills knows how painful it can feel, but for people living with arthritis, the act of writing can be physically painful as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five U.S. adults (46.4 million) has doctor-diagnosed arthritis. In Wyoming, arthritis affects 109,000 residents, including seniors, adults and even young adults and children.

“The best remedy for arthritis is to stay active, exercise, and keep moving,” according to occupational therapist Carla Wilhite, professor at the University of North Dakota–Casper College Master of Occupational Therapy Program. However, there are many simple devices and daily living aids that can ease some of the pain of arthritis, as well as conserve energy and protect joints during activity, says Wilhite.

On October 1, 2009, the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources Program at the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Institute for Disabilities and Casper’s University of North Dakota Student Occupational Therapy Association collaborated in opening an assistive technology and device demonstration center, with a technology demonstration changing every six weeks.

Funding, program support and devices are provided by Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources. The assistive technology and device demonstration center will be open each week from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Occupational therapy students will be available to demonstrate the devices, assist people who try the devices and give information about where the devices can be obtained. The program does not sell devices or represent sellers or vendors.

Since 2005, Wyoming Assistive Technology Resource’s aim has been to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology that helps increase the capability and independence of people who live with conditions of disability.

The University of North Dakota at Casper College Occupational Therapy Program has been in existence for 16 years and represents a unique partnership between Casper College and the University of North Dakota to provide graduate education in occupational therapy.

--30—

Contact:
Denis MacLeod, communications coordinator
Center for Rural Health
UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences
(701) 777-3300
dmacleod@medicine.nodak.edu