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Chelsie Hill and the Rollettes hosted their fifth annual Rollettes Experience on the weekend of July 22, 2021. Coloplast was the Diamond Sponsor, and Comfort Medical was a proud Silver Sponsor. The three-day event took place at the Sheraton LAX in Los Angeles, California.
[Read more…] about 2021 Rollettes Experience: Shifting perspectives through dance
For the cities like Houston, Texas, who are lucky enough to host an Abilities Expo, the disability community eagerly awaits this annual event. It’s like a family reunion!
Disability comes in many forms; some people are born with them, and some acquire them later in life, but we must all learn to thrive with them with the help of our peers and community resources. The Abilities Expo is a significant resource in the country that brings all disabilities together.
For nearly 40 years, Abilities Expo has been the most important show dedicated to educating and improving the lives of Americans with disabilities, senior citizens, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and professional therapists. The pandemic never stopped Abilities Expo from keeping the sense of community and family from getting together! When in-person shows were no longer an option, the Abilities Expo expanded its reach by going virtual.
Here at Comfort Medical, we have the utmost respect and appreciation for the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurses who take such great care of our clients. So, this week (April 14 – 20, 2019), we’re joining The WOC Nurse Society in celebrating these nurses and the services they provide. In light of WOC Nurse Week, let’s take a look at what these healthcare workers do, the training they go through, and why they deserve our praise and recognition!
What Does a WOC Do?
As you probably know, a WOC nurse treats patients who have wounds, ostomies, and continence disorders. This could include educating patients and fellow healthcare workers on the prevention and treatment of pressure sores during hospital stays, teaching new ostomates how to care for their stomas post-surgery, and providing education on various catheterization methods. WOC nurses can also help patients choose the ostomy and catheter products best suited to their needs and should be the go-to person when it comes to any issues concerning daily care routines.
What Kind of Education Is Needed to Become a WOC Nurse?
Although each state has slightly different requirements, in most cases, a WOC nursing program applicant must already be an active registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree. Once accepted, students attend courses specific to wound, ostomy, and continence care and typically, must complete several hours of clinical practice as well. The final step is to pass the WOCN Certification Board exam. However, the work is far from over even after earning their stripes. Every five years, WOC nurses are required to re-certify, which entails either passing another exam or proof that they have remained involved in the field through various activities such as continuing education credits, research, or teaching. Rest assured, your WOC nurse has gone through rigorous training in order to provide you with the best care possible!
What Can You Do to Celebrate WOC Nurse Week?
If you’re reading this as a WOC nurse, we thank you for your service! Take some time this week to acknowledge the importance of your work and the impact you have on your patients. You can also enter the WOCN Society photo contest by posting pics of yourself on social media and including #WOCNurseWeek2019. Check out the WOCN Society website for more information.
If you’re reading this as an ostomate or catheter user, reach out to your WOC nurses and let them know how much they are appreciated. Downloadable and printable thank you cards and certificates of appreciation are available on the WOCN Society website. You can also use social media to give your favorite nurse a shoutout using #WOCNurseWeek2019.
Did your amazing WOC nurse recently suggest a different product than what you’re currently using? Reach out to Comfort Medical, and we’ll help get those items delivered directly to your door! A product specialist is waiting to assist you at 1-844-700-7036. Talk to you soon!
Having started his career at an early age, actor and comedian Nic Novicki (you may have seen him in Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, or Drop Dead Diva to name a few) noticed he was often the only one on set with a disability. This glaringly obvious underrepresentation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry sparked the idea for the Disability Film Challenge which held its first competition in 2014.
100 years ago, businessman Edgar Allen saw a need to change societal views on disability. When he discovered parents were often encouraged to hand their disabled children over to state institutions to live out their lives hidden from the public eye, he founded the National Society for Crippled Children, now known as Easterseals. In 2017, Easterseals partnered with Novicki to help promote the Disability Film Challenge.
This year, the challenge takes place from April 5–7, and anyone and everyone is welcome to participate. Here’s how it all rolls out:
Starting today:
By April 3, 2019:
On April 3, 2019:
April 5, 2019:
April 7, 2019:
A panel of judges comprised of established writers, producers, actors, and other entertainment industry insiders will scrutinize entries during the ensuing weeks before announcing winners in each of four categories: best film, best director, best actor, and best awareness campaign. Prize packages include things like camera equipment, editing software, mentor meetings, grants, and screening opportunities at various film festivals.
Doesn’t this sound like an amazing time and a great opportunity for advocacy? We think so! And so do a number of disabled actors who have participated in the challenge in the past like Tatiana Lee, Patrick Ivison, Tamara Mena, and Tobias Forrest. Don’t let those big names scare you away, though! This is an opportunity for beginners and experts alike. Newbies can get their feet wet while experienced filmmakers can continue refining their skills. And if you don’t have access to fancy cameras, boom mics, or expensive editing software, don’t worry about it — a camera phone will do the job just fine!
So what are you waiting for? Head over to DisabilityFilmChallenge.com to check out themes and winners from previous years, and then go ahead and click on the “Register” button. Don’t forget to mention you heard about the challenge on Wheel:Life.
3-2-1 Action!
December is here, and while we love to use holiday parties as an excuse to overindulge, we also like to take time to reflect on the year and set goals for the future. If being more active is on your list for 2019, there’s no reason to wait until January to put that plan into motion! Check out these adaptive events happening in December across the country, and yes, dancing your way into 2019 counts as exercise!
1) The Hartford Ski SpectacularDecember 3 – 9, 2018 • Breckenridge, CO
‘Tis the season for winter sports, and what better setting than the Rockies! Disabled Sports USA is partnering with Beaver Run Resort to bring you a week full of skiing, curling, sled hockey, and more. Don’t forget your bell bottoms — you’ll need them to finish out the week in style at the ‘70s-themed party with your new friends!
December 12 – 16, 2018 • La Jolla, CA
If you’d rather hang out at the beach than bundle up in the mountains, head out to La Jolla, California, for the World Adaptive Surfing Championship. Athletes must be selected by their national federation to qualify for this event, so get ready to see some highly skilled surfers from all over the planet vying for a spot on the podium!
December 12, 19, and 26, 2018 • Phoenix and Laveen Village, AZYes, golf can be enjoyed all year round in Arizona! No prior experience is needed, and all necessary equipment for you to learn adaptive golfing techniques is provided. The best part? It only costs $10 (or $5 if you’re an Ability360 member)!
December 15, 2018 • Lincoln, NH
Join New England Disabled Sports on the ice this December with a select group of Boston Bruins alumni! Skate time will be followed by cocktails, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds go toward NEDS’s year-round adaptive sports programming which includes skiing, rock climbing, archery, and more.
December 31, 2018 • Baltimore, MD
If you’re going to spend money on a New Year’s Eve party, why not dance the night away while helping Caring Communities fund various support services and activities for the disability community throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. This year’s theme is Midnight in Hollywood, so start thinking about your costume now!
Of course, we realize you may not be able to make any of these events, but don’t forget to check your area for other opportunities to get active this December!
We have to face the facts…another summer is nearing its end. Before we know it, the kids will be back in school and those long summer daylight hours will begin to dwindle down. Now is your last chance to take advantage of some amazing summer programming! With camps, clinics, and gatherings happening all over the country, you still have time to make plans this August. Here are some of the adaptive activities we have our eye on to keep us entertained until fall hits.
Alabama
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Idaho
Kansas
Maryland
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
We can’t possibly cover every single event happening all over the country, so if our calendar doesn’t feature anything in your state, check with local organizations to see what’s left on their schedule this summer. Whatever you do, don’t sit at home and miss out on sunshine, sport, and socializing with new and old friends this season!
We offer free and discreet home delivery of top brand name ostomy and catheter supplies.
We get your prescription from your doctor, bill your insurance directly and handle all paperwork.
We provide you with personalized support and education when you need it.