White Cane Update, Winter 2008

The White Cane Update newsletter includes information about the latest happenings at the Iowa Department for the Blind.

Identifying the gap between need and intervention for alcohol use disorders in Europe.

AIMS: A literature review of existing research on the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and availability of alcohol interventions in Europe was conducted. The review also explored what is known about the gap between need and provision of alcohol interventions in Europe. METHODS: The review search strategy included: (i) descriptive studies of alcohol intervention systems in Europe; (ii) studies of alcohol service provision in Europe; and (iii) studies of prevalence of AUD and alcohol needs assessment in Europe. RESULTS: Europe has a relatively high level of alcohol consumption and the resulting disabilities are the highest in the world. Most research on implementation of alcohol interventions in Europe has been restricted to screening and brief interventions. Alcohol needs assessment methodology has been developed but has not been applied in comparative studies across countries in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: This review points to key gaps in knowledge related to alcohol interventions in Europe. There is a lack of comparative data on variations in alcohol treatment systems across European countries and there is also a lack of comparative data on the prevalence of alcohol use disorders across European countries and the relative gap between need and access to treatment. The forthcoming Alcohol Measures for Public Health Research Alliance (AMPHORA) research project work package on 'Early identification and treatment' aims to address these gaps.

Sign of the Times, January 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, February 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, March 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, April 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, May 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, June 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, July 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, August 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Sign of the Times, September 2008

Newsletter produced by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa

Agency Performance Plan, Deaf Services Commission of Iowa, FY08 July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008

Annual Report, Agency Performance Plan

Agency Performance Plan Quarterly Report, April 1 – June 30, 2008

Annual Report, Agency Performance Plan Quarterly Report

Shoulder arthroplasty for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Between 1986 and 1997, 13 shoulders in adult patients who had severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis were treated with primary arthroplasty. Eleven shoulders were evaluated retrospectively by an independent observer with a mean follow-up of 9 years. Patient evaluation included pain Visual Analogue Scale, range of motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and Short-Form 36. Patients' pain decreased significantly after surgery (mean 6.7). Forward elevation improved on average by 41.1 degrees and external rotation by 39.1 degrees , without evidence of shoulder instability. Final Short-Form 36 scores and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand results (mean, 44.7) were poor, but all patients rated themselves satisfied with the procedure. Shoulder arthroplasty provided pain relief for end-stage shoulder involvement in adult juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Improvement in external rotation in this severely affected group appears to have a beneficial effect on functional outcome.

Iowa Client Assistance Program Annual Report 2008

Annual report for federal fiscal year 2008 submitted to the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education. This report is requied to be submitted each year by December 31th for the pervious fiscal year as part of the federal grant requirements for the Client Assistance Program grantee in each state. In Iowa, the Client Assistance Program is housed in the Division of Persons with Disabilities, Department of Human Rights and provides information and referral services and advocacy services as outlined under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.