AMPUTATION ONLINE MAGAZINE
Ian Gregson
Description
Collection
Title:
AMPUTATION ONLINE MAGAZINE
Creator:
Ian Gregson
Date:
11/27/1998
Text:
-----------------------------------------------
AMPUTATION ONLINE MAGAZINE
<URL Redacted>
VOLUME THREE ISSUE NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER 1998
-----------------------------------------------
This text version is sponsored by:
The OandP Online WEB Site
<URL Redacted>
Seattle Limb Systems
<URL Redacted>
Advanced Prosthetics of San Diego
http://members.aol.com/AdvProsth/
Farabloc - Phantom Pain Relief
http://farabloc.com
-----------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
POV from the Editor and Publisher
Interview with Cliff Chadderton
Results from the World Swimming Championship in Christchurch, NZ
Finding Amp Info Online - Part I
TOP TEN PRODUCTS of 1998
Calendar of Events
-----------------------------------------------
POV
Whilst I might not be exactly famous and certainly not at all rich, the
lifestyle of this online publisher took an interesting turn a few weeks
back.
From time to time I answer job ads in the Vancouver Sun newspaper, it's
more of a recreational pursuit than a serious attempt at finding a real
job. Turns out someone actually took my resume seriously and gave me a job!
I'm now officially in the employ of AXION Internet, a Vancouver based
service provider. My role as Macintosh Technical Support has me out of the
house four days a week, some days starting at 8am and some days ending at
10pm.
I've been on the Internet for a number of years now, I thought I'd seen
most of it, I was wrong. The advantages of a T1 connection at work and the
Rogers Wave at home will see that I do get to at least see more of the
amputee stuff. I'm actually getting paid a regular wage for surfing the net!
A few weeks back we also had a plethora of limbless females gracing our tv
screens. Both Rosie 'O Donnell and Oprah Winfrey featured the young women.
I captured some of the Rosie O Donnell show, it can be seen at
http://amputee-online.com/aimee.html
This special edition of Amputation Online magazine featured our now annual
Top Ten Awards. The response to which has been excellent, however there are
probably still a few people out there wondering what the hell is an online
magazine, let alone having received an award from one. Twelve months ago I
had a hard time convincing industry professionals of the validity of this
publication, a year later it seems much easier. Look out for Amputation
Online logo at the various award winners web pages.
The first issue of 1999 will feature the first part of a prosthetic foot
review. I've been busy trying out various feet over the last few months, I
think you'll be interested in the results.
Until then, have a happy Christmas and may the new year bring good fortune.
Ian Gregson
Editor and Publisher
---------------------------------------
PEOPLE AND PERSONALITIES
INTERVIEW WITH CLIFF CHADDERTON
CEO WAR AMPS OF CANADA
Within Canada the name Cliff Chadderton is synonymous with War Amputations
of Canada. War Amps is one of oldest amputee support groups in world,
originally started in 1918. Their famous key-tag program is one of the most
successful fund-raising tools in Canadian history.
Mr. Chadderton has been involved with War Amps since 1965. He is now their
CEO, is a certified lawyer in the province of Ontario and is Chairman of
the National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada.
He has been an outspoken advocate of veteran rights for many years,
recently voicing concerns over the controversial CBC documentary The
Honour and the Valour.
Amputation Online magazine caught up with Cliff in a recent interview
(which was no easy task - even at 70, he's a hard man to get a hold of).
You have been an amputee for a long time - what do you consider the
greatest advances in prosthetic technology over the last 50 or so years?
Myoelectric arm, concentric knee joints, spring loaded feet.
Do you see the prosthetic industry any more amputee-centred than 50 years ago?
Yes, very much
In looking at prosthetic ads from 30-40 years ago, they often proclaim
they are next greatest thing for amputees. Are amputees today any wiser
than fifty years ago? If so how? If not why not? Who is responsible either
way?
The amputees with whom we deal are well informed on prostheses. This
includes war amputees; the vast number of civilian (caused by other than
war) amputees in our seniors program and, of course, younger amputees and
their families, including graduates, from our CHAMP Program
The War Amps have been together for many years, what has helped them stay
together where other amputee related organisations have often failed?
The opportunity to assist non-war related amputees plus many, many funding
contracts developed over the years
What do you consider the greatest overall accomplishment of War Amps in the
last fifty years? (If there is more than one please mention those
accomplishments too).
Our Child Amputee Program
What do you see as the most significant issue for Canadian amputees in the
next decade?
Prosthetics and Prosthetic funding
As provincial healthcare systems and third-party insurance seems to provide
less and less support for amputees prosthetic needs, how does this effect
a. War Amps and b. amputees individually?
Our financial planning has made it possible for us to take up
the slack in regard to funding.
The War Amps have been extremely successful in their various programs such
as Play Safe and CHAMPS. Is there any area that you would liked to have
seen War Amps go into, but for one reason or another they were unable to do
so?
No
The US has the Amputee Coalition of America(ACA), the British have their
Limbless Association where do you see Canada's War Amps in relation to
these organisations for amputees?
I was an original advisor and member of the U.S. Amputee
Coalition of America. There were many problems. We developed our own
programs, including those for civilian amputees, and these were in place
many years before the Amputee Coalition of America was in existence.
The British Limbless Association is a war veterans group. We work
closely with the latter. We saw no advantage in continuing our association
with the U.S. Amputee Coalition. Instead, we attend and are long time
members of all of the U.S. and international organisations which represent
prosthetics; thus we are able to ensure that the standard in the prosthetic
industry in Canada
is excellent.
I am vice-president of the Canadian National Society for Prosthetics And
Orthotics. Through this arrangement we provide for courses and
Dissemination of information.
Does Canada need a more ACA type organisation?
I feel that amputees in Canada are well represented by our group.
This is borne out by the fact that more than 90% of our work is for non-war
veteran amputees.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for War Amps as an organisation
in the new millennium?
It is written into our Constitution that there will be a transition so that
the Board of Directors will be drawn from graduates from our CHAMP Program,
most of whom have done very well in their business and professional lives.
Any so-called challenge will be ably met by this group.
---------------------------
SPORTS
RESULTS FROM THE IPC WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
TOP HIGHLIGHT: Canada tops medal standings - Canada's Phillipe Gagnon
collects 5 gold medals in S10 class, taking numerous world records in the
process
Class System: Swimming is based on a functional class system. Amputees
compete against other disability groups with similar physical functions and
capabilities. Some strokes favour leg amputees, some strokes favour arm
amputees. The distinction between below knee and above knee is sometimes
taken in to consideration.
S10 - single below knee amputee/single arm below elbow
S9 - single above knee amputee/ single arm amputee
S8 - double arm below elbow amputee/double below knee
S7 - double above knee/double above elbow amputee
At the end of competition 87 world records were broken at the IPC World
Swimming Championships.
QE II Pool in Christchurch has a shallower depth than most Olympic pools
which can create disturbance for the swimmers. Therefore the breaking of 87
world records, has been a huge achievement.
Clive Power, coach of the New Zealand team, believes that this success is
due to the growth of the sport.
All the swimmers are pushing harder. Most train in four year cycles. Our
swimmers are in their second year of training which will peak at the Sydney
Olympics, Clive says.
The New Zealand team has a 90% success rate in achieving their personal
best times. This has exceeded our expectations. We don't measure our
success in medals but in personal bests. Anymore medals will be a bonus,
he says.
Selected Results
Event 3 Male Senior 150 IM
Class: Sm1
World LC: * 5:52.46 David Lega-Swe 10/1998
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1334 Lega, David Swe 5:56.72 -
Event 10 Female Senior 150 IM
Class: Sm2,Sm3 & Sm4
World LC: * 2:56.98 Kay Espenhayn-Ger 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1355 Mceleny, Maggi Gbr 3:01.59 -
2 1190 Bruder, Aimee Usa 3:22.32 -
3 1016 Willson, Melissa O Aus 3:26.23 -
Event 13 Male Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm6
World LC: * 2:58.80 Duane Kale-Nzl 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1128 Slattery, Tadhs O Rsa 3:02.11 -
2 1136 Kindred, Sascha Gbr 3:07.43 -
3 1052 Purdy, Adam O Can 3:11.74
-
Event 16 Female Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm7
World LC: * 3:15.16 Kristin Hakonordottir-Isl 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1156 Okupniak, Gosia O Pol 3:24.24 -
2 1060 Walker, Elizabeth O Can 3:29.16 -
3 1032 Fraser, Amanda O Aus 3:36.39 -
Event 19 Male Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm9
World LC: * 2:29.66 Andrew Haley - Can 10/1998
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1132 Crisp, James O Gbr 2:28.32* -
2 1059 Haley, Andrew 0 Can 2:29.78 -
3 1087 Xiong, Xiao-Ming 0 Chn 2:32.79 -
Event 21 Male Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm10
World LC: * 2:17.21 Philippe Gagnon - Can 10/1998
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1053 Gagnon, Philippe Can 2:16.53* -
2 1104 Engelsman, Jurjen O Ned 2:25.94 -
3 1100 Hoogh De, Joost Ned 2:26.31 -
Event 22 Female Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm10
World LC: * 2:38.38 Sarah Bailey-Gbr 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1058 Sloan, Jessica 0 Can 2:38.47 -
2 1037 Dashwood, Gemma O Aus 2:43.14 -
3 1354 Bailey, Sarah Gbr 2:43.22 -
Final Medal Count
Canada, with 25 gold medals, leads the table at the end of the championships.
Gold Silver Bronze
Canada 25 10 3
Great Britain 18 22 15
France 13 6 10
Australia 12 16 18
Spain 10 7 17
Netherlands 10 2 10
Denmark 7 11 5
United States 7 11 8
Germany 7 9 10
Mexico 6 2 2
Greece 6 0 1
Sweden 5 6 3
China 5 2 2
Iceland 4 2 0
Poland 2 14 4
Norway 2 1 3
Israel 2 0 2
New Zealand 2 0 0
Ukraine 1 5 2
Hungary 1 4 2
South Africa 1 4 2
Ireland 1 3 0
Brazil 1 1 6
Czech Republic 1 1 3
Portugal 1 1 3
Switzerland 1 1 0
Japan 1 0 3
Slovak Republic 1 0 2
Argentina 0 1 2
Slovenia 0 1 2
Chile 0 1 0
Croatia 0 1 0
Italy 0 1 0
Estonia 0 1 0
Belgium 0 0 1
For More details on the IPC Swimming Championships
http://www.eventnz.co.nz/swim98/
For More Info on Team Canada at the IPC Worlds
http://www.swimming.ca/swadworld.html
For More Info on the British Swim Team http://www.giko.demon.co.uk/squad.htm
For more info on the Canadian Paralympic Committee
http://www.paralympic.com/
------------------------------------------
FINDING AMPUTEE INFORMATION ON THE NET
This is the first part of an ongoing series of articles designed to
facilitate the use of and creation of more amputee related information on
the internet. Next issue will feature an article on how to create your own
web page.
As the World Wide WEB continues to grow, finding specific amputee related
information is becoming more and more difficult. The problem was brought up
back in June, during Al Pike's Internet presentation at the ACA Conference
in Chicago. Someone asked, when I perform a web search on all I get is
amputee picture sites.
Sadly, I had just popped out to peak at another presentation, otherwise I
could have answered the question, (which was not answered sufficiently at
the time).
Ultimately, we are all responsible for how much amputee related information
is available online. However, when picture sites - devotee sites, sometimes
under the guise of amputee support (such as dragonworks.com) appear
throughout your web search, one can only get confused, especially if you
are new to the net.
Here are some tips on how to sort the wheat from the chaff.
Amputee sites can be categorised in to three main areas, some of which can
be a combination of two or three categories.
1. Amputee Support - includes personal sites, self-created, often badly
designed but worth while content through personal experiences. Since 1995,
when the first amputee sites started appearing these sites have been the
most useful to the average amputee. Full of interesting anecdotes about
daily amputee life, the content has become more and more specific over
time, example specific levels of amputation, types of prosthetic components
used etc.. The people who create these sites are often in the know as to
where to get the best info and who to talk to. They love to get e-mail from
people who are new to the net and those seeking a guiding light. The
original Amputee WEB Site now forms part of amputee-online.com of which
this magazine forms another part.
2. Commercial Sites - professionally designed, oriented to the prosthetist
and/or the amputee depending on the company, however content is usually not
from the users perspective. This category includes, prosthetic
manufacturers, facilities and service providers. Commercial sites started
appearing in early 1996. Some manufacturers have spent considerable time,
effort and money to create an online presence, some are still waiting for
the coin to drop! The presence of such pages has dramatically changed the
flow of information from the manufacturer to the consumer. A consumer with
access to the net has distinct advantages to a prosthetist or service
provider who does not. As a result many amputees now tell the prosthetist
what they want. Keep on mind commercial sites are simply that - the
opinions of the companies that create the site.
3. Sexual Oriented - created by those who have a specific sexual interest
in amputees and/or created by amputees to cater to those who have sexual
interest in amputees. Questionably, created under the guise of a support
group, these sites can be very misleading for people new to the web. In one
form or another (originally FTP sites) these pages have been around the
longest on the net. The content varies from mild sexual overtones to
explicit sex and to how to find an amputee. Some of the content maybe
disturbing to many amputees as the content often treats the amputee on a
purely sexual basis. Needless to say there is some antipathy between those
who create these kind of sites and those who create sites in category one.
Depending ones point of view these sites can be regarded as helpful or
disgusting.
FINDING NEW INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Traditionally, performed through search engines, however once a source is
established one can then link to other amputee sources throughout the net
without using the search engines.
WHICH SEARCH ENGINES ARE BEST?
All search engines have become a great source of advertising in the last
few years, which may create profit for their owners, but it sure slows down
the search engine. However, Alta Vista Digital does provide a text based
search engine at
http://www.altavista.digital.com/cgi-bin/query?pg=q&text=yes which is
probably the fastest search engine on the net. It has no advertising at
all, no pictures or graphics.
Other search engines can be found at
http://www.excite.com/
http://www.webcrawler.com/
http://www.infoseek.com/
http://www.lycos.com/
http://www.hotbot.com/
http://www.altavista.digital.com/
One has to keep in mind that finding the exact information is becoming more
and more difficult, one has to use specific terms or at least a have a
clear idea on exactly what one is looking for.
For example and a web search under the term amputee on any of the above
search engines might net you 30,000 (realistically) hits. However, many
of these will be duplicated listings, yet you still have to search through
each site to get to the nuggets of real information.
An alternative is to find a larger amputee site such as
http://www.amputee-online.com or Flex Foot's http://www.flex-foot.com and
seek out your information directly on that site or link to information from
that site.
ONCE YOU HAVE FOUND AN AMPUTEE SITE
Finding an amputee site is only the first step, depending the specific
information you are searching for. If it is general information that you
seek, your search may end at this point.
However, for those seeking specific information one now has to search
within the website of choice. The larger sites often have a web map or
directory or some form of searching that specific site - use it first! If
not try emailing the email contact on the page. If there is no e-mail link
on the first or second page - give up and take your search elsewhere -
these people don't want to talk to you.
Any amputee site worth its salt will have a list of other amputee related
sites, use this list to connect to other sites for other perspectives and
other ideas.
Keep in mind the private or individual sites usually express the views of
its creator and the commercial sites express the views of the company. It
makes sense to visit as many sites as possible to get an overall view of
the different perspectives and experiences out there.
The bottom line is you have to check each and every amputee oriented web
site out in order to make your judgement call on it. The information will
not arrive in your computer all be itself, you have to track it down.
Next issue: Creating your own amputee web page.
TOP TEN AMPUTEE RELATED PRODUCTS AND SERVICE OF 1998
Best Amputee Support WEB Site
Michael Dix http://www.amputee-domain.com
Mike Dix culminates his wealth of knowledge from his years of experience as
a double below knee amputee on his easy to navigate web site.
Best Foot - Genesis II
There are numerous choices when it comes to prosthetic feet. The Genesis II
created by the Mica Corporation from Longview, WA has created a significant
alternative to the traditional fixed ankle. Whilst multiaxial units in the
past have been clunky and prone to mechanical failures, the Genesis II is
lightweight and durable.
Check out http://www.micacorp.com
Best Shock Absorber - Seattle Limb Systems AirStance
Whilst it has been on the market for some time, this convenient unit has
been left underrated by prosthetists around the world. Self-adustable by
users the Airstance unit is lightweight and durable and comes with its own
pump. Users can adjust the airstance to suit their own comfort level.
Check out http://www.m-ind.com
Best Supplemental Product - Hoffman's Amputee CD-ROM
Put together by Ottawa based surgeon Dr Jean Paul Desjardins and
prosthetists Craig and Sam Smith, this unique CD-ROM takes a look at all
aspects of prosthetic limbs and amputation. From the latest technology to
surgical techniques. A must for all amputees, family members and medical
professionals.
Check out http//:amputee-online.com/amputee_mall/cd_roms/cdromorderform.html
Best Non-Profit Association/Support Group - British Limbless Association
Formed shortly after the close of the Great War, the original BLESMA became
a registered charity in 1983. Since that time the re-named British Limbless
Association has developed in to one of the most advanced amputee support
systems in the world today.
Check out their web page http://www.charitynet.org/~limbassoc/
and subscribe to their magazine Step Ahead.
Best Techo-Advance - Ossur's ICE-X cast system
Shown for the first time to amputees at the ACA Conference in Chicago,
Ossur's ICE-X casting system for below knee amputations, blew away the
crowds. The ICE-X created a carbon fibre socket within 40 minutes! The
folks at the ACA Conference were significantly impressed.
Check out the Ossur WEB Site for more information http://www.ossur.com
Best Commercial WEB Page - Flex Foot
One of the world's leaders in prosthetic componentry, Flex-Foot's web site
continues to set the standard for other manufacturers to follow. Excellent
coverage of sport events and other athletic feats such as Tom Whittaker's
ascent of Mt Everest.
Check out the Flex Foot WEB Site http://www.flexfoot.com
Best Prosthetic Arm Component - Texas Assistive Devices
What started as a hobby is now a full time job for Glenn Betts and Ron
Farquarson. Their impressive display of gadgetry at the ACA Conference in
Chicago, which showed just about every attachment possible for an arm
prosthesis
http://www.txad.com/
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AMPUTATION ONLINE MAGAZINE
<URL Redacted>
VOLUME THREE ISSUE NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER 1998
-----------------------------------------------
This text version is sponsored by:
The OandP Online WEB Site
<URL Redacted>
Seattle Limb Systems
<URL Redacted>
Advanced Prosthetics of San Diego
http://members.aol.com/AdvProsth/
Farabloc - Phantom Pain Relief
http://farabloc.com
-----------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
POV from the Editor and Publisher
Interview with Cliff Chadderton
Results from the World Swimming Championship in Christchurch, NZ
Finding Amp Info Online - Part I
TOP TEN PRODUCTS of 1998
Calendar of Events
-----------------------------------------------
POV
Whilst I might not be exactly famous and certainly not at all rich, the
lifestyle of this online publisher took an interesting turn a few weeks
back.
From time to time I answer job ads in the Vancouver Sun newspaper, it's
more of a recreational pursuit than a serious attempt at finding a real
job. Turns out someone actually took my resume seriously and gave me a job!
I'm now officially in the employ of AXION Internet, a Vancouver based
service provider. My role as Macintosh Technical Support has me out of the
house four days a week, some days starting at 8am and some days ending at
10pm.
I've been on the Internet for a number of years now, I thought I'd seen
most of it, I was wrong. The advantages of a T1 connection at work and the
Rogers Wave at home will see that I do get to at least see more of the
amputee stuff. I'm actually getting paid a regular wage for surfing the net!
A few weeks back we also had a plethora of limbless females gracing our tv
screens. Both Rosie 'O Donnell and Oprah Winfrey featured the young women.
I captured some of the Rosie O Donnell show, it can be seen at
http://amputee-online.com/aimee.html
This special edition of Amputation Online magazine featured our now annual
Top Ten Awards. The response to which has been excellent, however there are
probably still a few people out there wondering what the hell is an online
magazine, let alone having received an award from one. Twelve months ago I
had a hard time convincing industry professionals of the validity of this
publication, a year later it seems much easier. Look out for Amputation
Online logo at the various award winners web pages.
The first issue of 1999 will feature the first part of a prosthetic foot
review. I've been busy trying out various feet over the last few months, I
think you'll be interested in the results.
Until then, have a happy Christmas and may the new year bring good fortune.
Ian Gregson
Editor and Publisher
---------------------------------------
PEOPLE AND PERSONALITIES
INTERVIEW WITH CLIFF CHADDERTON
CEO WAR AMPS OF CANADA
Within Canada the name Cliff Chadderton is synonymous with War Amputations
of Canada. War Amps is one of oldest amputee support groups in world,
originally started in 1918. Their famous key-tag program is one of the most
successful fund-raising tools in Canadian history.
Mr. Chadderton has been involved with War Amps since 1965. He is now their
CEO, is a certified lawyer in the province of Ontario and is Chairman of
the National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada.
He has been an outspoken advocate of veteran rights for many years,
recently voicing concerns over the controversial CBC documentary The
Honour and the Valour.
Amputation Online magazine caught up with Cliff in a recent interview
(which was no easy task - even at 70, he's a hard man to get a hold of).
You have been an amputee for a long time - what do you consider the
greatest advances in prosthetic technology over the last 50 or so years?
Myoelectric arm, concentric knee joints, spring loaded feet.
Do you see the prosthetic industry any more amputee-centred than 50 years ago?
Yes, very much
In looking at prosthetic ads from 30-40 years ago, they often proclaim
they are next greatest thing for amputees. Are amputees today any wiser
than fifty years ago? If so how? If not why not? Who is responsible either
way?
The amputees with whom we deal are well informed on prostheses. This
includes war amputees; the vast number of civilian (caused by other than
war) amputees in our seniors program and, of course, younger amputees and
their families, including graduates, from our CHAMP Program
The War Amps have been together for many years, what has helped them stay
together where other amputee related organisations have often failed?
The opportunity to assist non-war related amputees plus many, many funding
contracts developed over the years
What do you consider the greatest overall accomplishment of War Amps in the
last fifty years? (If there is more than one please mention those
accomplishments too).
Our Child Amputee Program
What do you see as the most significant issue for Canadian amputees in the
next decade?
Prosthetics and Prosthetic funding
As provincial healthcare systems and third-party insurance seems to provide
less and less support for amputees prosthetic needs, how does this effect
a. War Amps and b. amputees individually?
Our financial planning has made it possible for us to take up
the slack in regard to funding.
The War Amps have been extremely successful in their various programs such
as Play Safe and CHAMPS. Is there any area that you would liked to have
seen War Amps go into, but for one reason or another they were unable to do
so?
No
The US has the Amputee Coalition of America(ACA), the British have their
Limbless Association where do you see Canada's War Amps in relation to
these organisations for amputees?
I was an original advisor and member of the U.S. Amputee
Coalition of America. There were many problems. We developed our own
programs, including those for civilian amputees, and these were in place
many years before the Amputee Coalition of America was in existence.
The British Limbless Association is a war veterans group. We work
closely with the latter. We saw no advantage in continuing our association
with the U.S. Amputee Coalition. Instead, we attend and are long time
members of all of the U.S. and international organisations which represent
prosthetics; thus we are able to ensure that the standard in the prosthetic
industry in Canada
is excellent.
I am vice-president of the Canadian National Society for Prosthetics And
Orthotics. Through this arrangement we provide for courses and
Dissemination of information.
Does Canada need a more ACA type organisation?
I feel that amputees in Canada are well represented by our group.
This is borne out by the fact that more than 90% of our work is for non-war
veteran amputees.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for War Amps as an organisation
in the new millennium?
It is written into our Constitution that there will be a transition so that
the Board of Directors will be drawn from graduates from our CHAMP Program,
most of whom have done very well in their business and professional lives.
Any so-called challenge will be ably met by this group.
---------------------------
SPORTS
RESULTS FROM THE IPC WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
TOP HIGHLIGHT: Canada tops medal standings - Canada's Phillipe Gagnon
collects 5 gold medals in S10 class, taking numerous world records in the
process
Class System: Swimming is based on a functional class system. Amputees
compete against other disability groups with similar physical functions and
capabilities. Some strokes favour leg amputees, some strokes favour arm
amputees. The distinction between below knee and above knee is sometimes
taken in to consideration.
S10 - single below knee amputee/single arm below elbow
S9 - single above knee amputee/ single arm amputee
S8 - double arm below elbow amputee/double below knee
S7 - double above knee/double above elbow amputee
At the end of competition 87 world records were broken at the IPC World
Swimming Championships.
QE II Pool in Christchurch has a shallower depth than most Olympic pools
which can create disturbance for the swimmers. Therefore the breaking of 87
world records, has been a huge achievement.
Clive Power, coach of the New Zealand team, believes that this success is
due to the growth of the sport.
All the swimmers are pushing harder. Most train in four year cycles. Our
swimmers are in their second year of training which will peak at the Sydney
Olympics, Clive says.
The New Zealand team has a 90% success rate in achieving their personal
best times. This has exceeded our expectations. We don't measure our
success in medals but in personal bests. Anymore medals will be a bonus,
he says.
Selected Results
Event 3 Male Senior 150 IM
Class: Sm1
World LC: * 5:52.46 David Lega-Swe 10/1998
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1334 Lega, David Swe 5:56.72 -
Event 10 Female Senior 150 IM
Class: Sm2,Sm3 & Sm4
World LC: * 2:56.98 Kay Espenhayn-Ger 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1355 Mceleny, Maggi Gbr 3:01.59 -
2 1190 Bruder, Aimee Usa 3:22.32 -
3 1016 Willson, Melissa O Aus 3:26.23 -
Event 13 Male Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm6
World LC: * 2:58.80 Duane Kale-Nzl 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1128 Slattery, Tadhs O Rsa 3:02.11 -
2 1136 Kindred, Sascha Gbr 3:07.43 -
3 1052 Purdy, Adam O Can 3:11.74
-
Event 16 Female Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm7
World LC: * 3:15.16 Kristin Hakonordottir-Isl 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1156 Okupniak, Gosia O Pol 3:24.24 -
2 1060 Walker, Elizabeth O Can 3:29.16 -
3 1032 Fraser, Amanda O Aus 3:36.39 -
Event 19 Male Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm9
World LC: * 2:29.66 Andrew Haley - Can 10/1998
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1132 Crisp, James O Gbr 2:28.32* -
2 1059 Haley, Andrew 0 Can 2:29.78 -
3 1087 Xiong, Xiao-Ming 0 Chn 2:32.79 -
Event 21 Male Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm10
World LC: * 2:17.21 Philippe Gagnon - Can 10/1998
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1053 Gagnon, Philippe Can 2:16.53* -
2 1104 Engelsman, Jurjen O Ned 2:25.94 -
3 1100 Hoogh De, Joost Ned 2:26.31 -
Event 22 Female Senior 200 IM
Class: Sm10
World LC: * 2:38.38 Sarah Bailey-Gbr 08/1996
Pl Meet Id Name Age Team Finals Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 1058 Sloan, Jessica 0 Can 2:38.47 -
2 1037 Dashwood, Gemma O Aus 2:43.14 -
3 1354 Bailey, Sarah Gbr 2:43.22 -
Final Medal Count
Canada, with 25 gold medals, leads the table at the end of the championships.
Gold Silver Bronze
Canada 25 10 3
Great Britain 18 22 15
France 13 6 10
Australia 12 16 18
Spain 10 7 17
Netherlands 10 2 10
Denmark 7 11 5
United States 7 11 8
Germany 7 9 10
Mexico 6 2 2
Greece 6 0 1
Sweden 5 6 3
China 5 2 2
Iceland 4 2 0
Poland 2 14 4
Norway 2 1 3
Israel 2 0 2
New Zealand 2 0 0
Ukraine 1 5 2
Hungary 1 4 2
South Africa 1 4 2
Ireland 1 3 0
Brazil 1 1 6
Czech Republic 1 1 3
Portugal 1 1 3
Switzerland 1 1 0
Japan 1 0 3
Slovak Republic 1 0 2
Argentina 0 1 2
Slovenia 0 1 2
Chile 0 1 0
Croatia 0 1 0
Italy 0 1 0
Estonia 0 1 0
Belgium 0 0 1
For More details on the IPC Swimming Championships
http://www.eventnz.co.nz/swim98/
For More Info on Team Canada at the IPC Worlds
http://www.swimming.ca/swadworld.html
For More Info on the British Swim Team http://www.giko.demon.co.uk/squad.htm
For more info on the Canadian Paralympic Committee
http://www.paralympic.com/
------------------------------------------
FINDING AMPUTEE INFORMATION ON THE NET
This is the first part of an ongoing series of articles designed to
facilitate the use of and creation of more amputee related information on
the internet. Next issue will feature an article on how to create your own
web page.
As the World Wide WEB continues to grow, finding specific amputee related
information is becoming more and more difficult. The problem was brought up
back in June, during Al Pike's Internet presentation at the ACA Conference
in Chicago. Someone asked, when I perform a web search on all I get is
amputee picture sites.
Sadly, I had just popped out to peak at another presentation, otherwise I
could have answered the question, (which was not answered sufficiently at
the time).
Ultimately, we are all responsible for how much amputee related information
is available online. However, when picture sites - devotee sites, sometimes
under the guise of amputee support (such as dragonworks.com) appear
throughout your web search, one can only get confused, especially if you
are new to the net.
Here are some tips on how to sort the wheat from the chaff.
Amputee sites can be categorised in to three main areas, some of which can
be a combination of two or three categories.
1. Amputee Support - includes personal sites, self-created, often badly
designed but worth while content through personal experiences. Since 1995,
when the first amputee sites started appearing these sites have been the
most useful to the average amputee. Full of interesting anecdotes about
daily amputee life, the content has become more and more specific over
time, example specific levels of amputation, types of prosthetic components
used etc.. The people who create these sites are often in the know as to
where to get the best info and who to talk to. They love to get e-mail from
people who are new to the net and those seeking a guiding light. The
original Amputee WEB Site now forms part of amputee-online.com of which
this magazine forms another part.
2. Commercial Sites - professionally designed, oriented to the prosthetist
and/or the amputee depending on the company, however content is usually not
from the users perspective. This category includes, prosthetic
manufacturers, facilities and service providers. Commercial sites started
appearing in early 1996. Some manufacturers have spent considerable time,
effort and money to create an online presence, some are still waiting for
the coin to drop! The presence of such pages has dramatically changed the
flow of information from the manufacturer to the consumer. A consumer with
access to the net has distinct advantages to a prosthetist or service
provider who does not. As a result many amputees now tell the prosthetist
what they want. Keep on mind commercial sites are simply that - the
opinions of the companies that create the site.
3. Sexual Oriented - created by those who have a specific sexual interest
in amputees and/or created by amputees to cater to those who have sexual
interest in amputees. Questionably, created under the guise of a support
group, these sites can be very misleading for people new to the web. In one
form or another (originally FTP sites) these pages have been around the
longest on the net. The content varies from mild sexual overtones to
explicit sex and to how to find an amputee. Some of the content maybe
disturbing to many amputees as the content often treats the amputee on a
purely sexual basis. Needless to say there is some antipathy between those
who create these kind of sites and those who create sites in category one.
Depending ones point of view these sites can be regarded as helpful or
disgusting.
FINDING NEW INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Traditionally, performed through search engines, however once a source is
established one can then link to other amputee sources throughout the net
without using the search engines.
WHICH SEARCH ENGINES ARE BEST?
All search engines have become a great source of advertising in the last
few years, which may create profit for their owners, but it sure slows down
the search engine. However, Alta Vista Digital does provide a text based
search engine at
http://www.altavista.digital.com/cgi-bin/query?pg=q&text=yes which is
probably the fastest search engine on the net. It has no advertising at
all, no pictures or graphics.
Other search engines can be found at
http://www.excite.com/
http://www.webcrawler.com/
http://www.infoseek.com/
http://www.lycos.com/
http://www.hotbot.com/
http://www.altavista.digital.com/
One has to keep in mind that finding the exact information is becoming more
and more difficult, one has to use specific terms or at least a have a
clear idea on exactly what one is looking for.
For example and a web search under the term amputee on any of the above
search engines might net you 30,000 (realistically) hits. However, many
of these will be duplicated listings, yet you still have to search through
each site to get to the nuggets of real information.
An alternative is to find a larger amputee site such as
http://www.amputee-online.com or Flex Foot's http://www.flex-foot.com and
seek out your information directly on that site or link to information from
that site.
ONCE YOU HAVE FOUND AN AMPUTEE SITE
Finding an amputee site is only the first step, depending the specific
information you are searching for. If it is general information that you
seek, your search may end at this point.
However, for those seeking specific information one now has to search
within the website of choice. The larger sites often have a web map or
directory or some form of searching that specific site - use it first! If
not try emailing the email contact on the page. If there is no e-mail link
on the first or second page - give up and take your search elsewhere -
these people don't want to talk to you.
Any amputee site worth its salt will have a list of other amputee related
sites, use this list to connect to other sites for other perspectives and
other ideas.
Keep in mind the private or individual sites usually express the views of
its creator and the commercial sites express the views of the company. It
makes sense to visit as many sites as possible to get an overall view of
the different perspectives and experiences out there.
The bottom line is you have to check each and every amputee oriented web
site out in order to make your judgement call on it. The information will
not arrive in your computer all be itself, you have to track it down.
Next issue: Creating your own amputee web page.
TOP TEN AMPUTEE RELATED PRODUCTS AND SERVICE OF 1998
Best Amputee Support WEB Site
Michael Dix http://www.amputee-domain.com
Mike Dix culminates his wealth of knowledge from his years of experience as
a double below knee amputee on his easy to navigate web site.
Best Foot - Genesis II
There are numerous choices when it comes to prosthetic feet. The Genesis II
created by the Mica Corporation from Longview, WA has created a significant
alternative to the traditional fixed ankle. Whilst multiaxial units in the
past have been clunky and prone to mechanical failures, the Genesis II is
lightweight and durable.
Check out http://www.micacorp.com
Best Shock Absorber - Seattle Limb Systems AirStance
Whilst it has been on the market for some time, this convenient unit has
been left underrated by prosthetists around the world. Self-adustable by
users the Airstance unit is lightweight and durable and comes with its own
pump. Users can adjust the airstance to suit their own comfort level.
Check out http://www.m-ind.com
Best Supplemental Product - Hoffman's Amputee CD-ROM
Put together by Ottawa based surgeon Dr Jean Paul Desjardins and
prosthetists Craig and Sam Smith, this unique CD-ROM takes a look at all
aspects of prosthetic limbs and amputation. From the latest technology to
surgical techniques. A must for all amputees, family members and medical
professionals.
Check out http//:amputee-online.com/amputee_mall/cd_roms/cdromorderform.html
Best Non-Profit Association/Support Group - British Limbless Association
Formed shortly after the close of the Great War, the original BLESMA became
a registered charity in 1983. Since that time the re-named British Limbless
Association has developed in to one of the most advanced amputee support
systems in the world today.
Check out their web page http://www.charitynet.org/~limbassoc/
and subscribe to their magazine Step Ahead.
Best Techo-Advance - Ossur's ICE-X cast system
Shown for the first time to amputees at the ACA Conference in Chicago,
Ossur's ICE-X casting system for below knee amputations, blew away the
crowds. The ICE-X created a carbon fibre socket within 40 minutes! The
folks at the ACA Conference were significantly impressed.
Check out the Ossur WEB Site for more information http://www.ossur.com
Best Commercial WEB Page - Flex Foot
One of the world's leaders in prosthetic componentry, Flex-Foot's web site
continues to set the standard for other manufacturers to follow. Excellent
coverage of sport events and other athletic feats such as Tom Whittaker's
ascent of Mt Everest.
Check out the Flex Foot WEB Site http://www.flexfoot.com
Best Prosthetic Arm Component - Texas Assistive Devices
What started as a hobby is now a full time job for Glenn Betts and Ron
Farquarson. Their impressive display of gadgetry at the ACA Conference in
Chicago, which showed just about every attachment possible for an arm
prosthesis
http://www.txad.com/
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Citation
Ian Gregson, “AMPUTATION ONLINE MAGAZINE,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 23, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/211020.
