Registration for SCI Summit 2006 Open, But Filling Fast

Registration is open for the SCI Summit 2006, scheduled for October 29th – November 1, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, MD. Program details and online registration is available at www.spinalcord.org . "Early bird" registration discounts are available through September 27.

Last year's first-ever SCI Summit brought together leaders and stakeholders in the SCI field from 38 states to define common priorities and develop agendas for addressing them. Leaders in rehabilitation, research, health care, business, and disability advocacy worked hand in hand with those with spinal cord injuries and their families to chart a course for the future.

"This year's SCI Summit will focus on achieving tangible progress in each of those areas, and enhancing collaborative partnerships among the primary stakeholders in the community," according to Janeen Earwood, SCI Summit Planning Committee and Executive Committee Chair of NSCIA's board of directors.

Another new and exciting component of this year's SCI Summit will be a Roundtable Discussion by top level invited key players representing the broad SCI/D community. The panel discussion with be hosted by New Mobility magazine, the event's primary media sponsor, and moderated by the magazine's editor Tom Gilmer.

Concurrent with the Summit will be the second annual SCI Hall of Fame™ Induction Ceremony to recognize leaders and organizations for their significant achievements in promoting positive awareness of and dedication to the needs, contributions and achievements of individuals following injury. This high profile event will be held on the evening of October 30 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

NSCIA has also coordinated with partner National Rehabilitation Hospital to offer a discount on registration for those planning to attend NRH's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Spinal Cord Injury: Promoting Health and Preventing Complications Through Exercise State of the Science Conference in conjunction with the SCI Summit on November 2 – 3, 2006 at the same hotel.

"NRH is a great partner and vital resource for people with SCI, and the Society for Neuroscience represents a component of the basic science community, which is one example of the many components of the broader SCI Community'," said Marcie Roth, NSCIA Chief Executive Officer. "And getting representation from all the key players our community is key."

Last year's first-ever SCI Hall of Fame gala event honored 10 individuals who have made significant contributions to quality of life and advancements toward a better future for all individuals with spinal cord injury. 

These 10 inaugural inductees, and their categories, were: Christopher Reeve, Benefactor; Teddy Pendergrass (PA), Entertainment; Marilyn Hamilton (CA), Entrepreneur; Senator Tom Harkin (IA), Legislative; Barry Corbet, Disability Awareness/Activism; John Hockenberry (NY), Media; Randy Snow (TX), Sports; Rory Cooper (PA), Assistive Technology; Duane French (WA), Corporate/Government Executive, and Wise Young (NJ), Research.

For details and updated information, visit www.spinalcord.org regularly, or join NSCIA online at www.spinalcord.org (individual membership is free) and receive timely email notifications about SCI Summit 2006, the SCI Hall of Fame and much more.