Given Limb Foundation » life issues

Caregiver Training Supported by Given Limb Grant

givenlimb — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:39:01 +0000

The Given Limb Foundation funded a grant to the Amputee Coalition of America to develop training for caregivers tending to military amputees in the Veterans Affairs system. The need for training and support of the caregivers was proven by a survey conducted as part of the grant which showed that caregivers spend over 44 hours per week in their duties and that over 75% have no additional support in their efforts. A caregiver peer visitor training program was launched in 20 of the 22 VA Amputation and Polytrauma Network Sites and Regional Amputation Centers. The training focused on skills such as how to reduce physical complaints, including how to transfer, lift, and bathe without causing injury, as well as how the caregivers can tap into the support resources available to them. The Given Limb Foundation is proud to have sponsored this program, which benefits our wounded soldiers as well as those who dedicate much of their lives to care for wounded soldiers.

Kayaking for Recovery

givenlimb — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:52:37 +0000

The Given Limb Foundation recently provided a grant to a young man who lost an arm. He had begun training with Team River Runner, an organization that helps wounded warriors regain their strength and confidence through whitewater boating and other paddling sports. Carl was planning to join the group this summer on a canoe trip through the Grand Canyon, and needed to train for the trip. GLF provided him with a TRS hammerhead device, which allows his prosthetic arm to connect easily to the oars so he can paddle the boat.

We are grateful to Team River Runner and to Dana Alexander for making us aware of this opportunity, and for all they do to help our wounded warriors!

Gas Pedal Devices

givenlimb — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:20:36 +0000

Several people have written to us offering gas pedal devices or left foot gas pedals for amputees or people who cannot use their right foot on the gas pedal. If you know of someone who could use such a device, write to us and we will try to connect you with someone who would like to donate a device.

Guitar tuning method for someone with arm/hand limitations

givenlimb — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:46:48 +0000

Given Limb was contacted by Taliesin Cochran, who has developed a guitar tuning method that would allow someone who has lost a limb or is missing fingers to be able to play the guitar effectively, and he wants to share this information with people who could benefit from it.

Taliesin’s technique, which is described below, should be useful to someone with a basic understanding of music theory music theory and/or basic familiarity with the guitar.

“Gmajor/Bminor tonic/dominant open tuning for amputees or anyone else by Taliesin Cochran. Email tdcochran2@gmail.com if you have any questions.
The tuning is either from string 6-1 (6 is the lowest pitch string on the top, conventionally E2, and 1 is the highest pitch string on the bottom conventionally E4) G2,B2,D3,F#3,A3,C#4. This gives a pattern of alternating strings either three or four half steps apart.
Playing open strings 6,5,and 4 together gives you G major, and playing open strings 4,3,and 2 together gives you D major. This gives you the tonic, dominant, as well as the less useful mediant chord (iii) in G major without having to fret any string. You can change the key by using a capo. Alternatively if you play open strings 5,4, and 3 together you get B minor, and if you play 3,2, and 1 together you get F# minor. This gives you the tonic and dominant chord in B natural minor. Again you can change the key by using a capo. This allows someone to play I-V progression in major and i-v progression in minor with only one functional hand. It also allows someone missing all but one finger on the hand used to fret to be able to play scales using open strings, or someone with two functional fingers to play any scale on the guitar without the use of a capo.

Dropping the 1st string by half a step would also allow one to play the diminished vii chord, but it you would only be able to play in major.

Be careful while tuning the low pitch strings, this tuning puts a lot of stress on the 6th string, so alternatively you could use F#2,A#2,C#3,F3,G#3,C4 for the same effect one half step down, but this causes the 1st string to hang a little lose (this only matters if you plan to use the minor chords). If you are worried about the stress on the strings you can use a lighter gauge, they tend to be able to withstand the stress a little better. If the highest pitch string is too lose replacing it with a higher gauge string might solve the problem.

Gminor/Bbminor tonic/dominant open tuning
Very similar to the one above with the intervals between strings reversed. This would allow you to play in G minor or Bb major. The tuning is G2,Bb2,D3,F3,A3,C4. Again this could be lowered a half step to reduce strain, and you could use a capo to change key.

Tuning this will be a little difficult one handed if you do not have a chromatic tuner (the iPhone has a chromatic tuner app), so you may need help getting the guitar set up. Using a conventional guitar tuner allows you to be able to tune the first example’s strings 6,5, and 4 easily, but depending on the tuner it may be difficult to tune the last three (I can do it on my analogue tuner after some practice finding out how the notes appear on it).
Please share this with anyone it might help.”

Golfer Ken Green Attempting Comeback

givenlimb — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:53:52 +0000

In June, 5-time PGA tour winner, Ken Green, lost his right leg in a car accident. The accident also claimed the life of girlfriend and brother. But last week, Green took to the links with a prosthetic leg and played 11 holes. He finished 3 over par. Green still has severe pain that is not managed well by medication, but hopefully conquering that challenge will also be part of his comeback.

Single-Handed Cooking

givenlimb — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:45:47 +0000

The July issue of Gourmet Magazine had a great article by J.J. Goode about her trials and tribulations in her endeavors to cook meals—lovingly—everything from peeling potatoes to removing hot dishes from the oven to opening a bottom of wine, the articles gives a good inside view of the challenges of cooking with one arm—To view the article, click this link:

http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2009/07/single-handed-cooking