“This initiative is our vote of confidence in his team as well as our way of thanking him for all the groundbreaking work he does to improve the lives of disabled veterans,” said DVNF CEO, Joseph VanFonda (SgtMaj Ret).
Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 24, 2014
In partnership with the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) is determined to help their team raise $50,000 for a piece of equipment they desperately need, called a CNC lathe. The lab’s current lathe is from World War II making it extremely difficult for the team to make the devices they need for the inventions that change lives. An estimated 60,000 wheelchair users currently benefit from HERL-developed devices.
Directed by Dr. Rory Cooper, an Army veteran and engineer, HERL offers programs specifically catered to teach transitioning disabled veterans the basics of machinery to prepare them for a high-demand career, which is a major reason that DVNF wants to help them purchase this equipment.
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.”
“Dr. Rory Cooper is an inspiration to me, committing his life to helping others with disabilities after he became paralyzed,” said DVNF CEO, Joseph VanFonda (SgtMaj Ret).
More information on the project and how you can help and is posted on the DVNF website along with additional work of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories.
About Disabled Veterans National Foundation: The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to change the lives of men and women who came home wounded or sick after defending our safety and our freedom. A nonprofit 501c3, DVNF was founded in the fall of 2007 by six women veterans to expand their scope of work within the veteran's community.