News & Events

When Ed Roberts—paralyzed by polio as a teen—was told he was “infeasible” for rehabilitation, he refused to accept it. Instead, he changed the world. A new book, An Independent Man: Ed Roberts and the Fight for Disability Rights, explores how Roberts’ fight to live and study on his own terms helped spark the global independent living movement. From battling exclusion …

The government shutdown could have real consequences for polio survivors and others with disabilities. While Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid continue, many community-based disability programs face disruption if the shutdown drags on. Learn what’s at stake in this informative article from Disability Scoop. -posted 10-3-2025

The NIDILRR-funded project, Enhancing the Accessibility of Air Travel, seeks participants for two research studies to explore the air travel experiences of people with mobility limitations or disabilities to better understand the air travel challenges they face. The first study asks participants to participate in focus groups online or in-person for conversations about their experiences flying. The second study asks …

Get ready—our 2025 “We’re Still Here!” campaign takes place October 19–25. This year’s theme, “Protecting the Future: Lessons from Polio,” highlights both the vital function vaccines play in promoting public health and the powerful role polio survivors’ voices can play in helping others overcome vaccine hesitancy. By sharing your story, you can help not only counter misinformation but also inspire …

Post-Polio Health International (PHI) is pleased to welcome Katherine DeLong as the newest member of its Board of Directors. DeLong is a soon-to-be graduate of Pepperdine University working toward a BS in Business Administration, BA in Integrated Marketing Communications and minor in Applied Mathematics. Her journey with PHI began as a member of a student consulting group, where she developed …

Post-Polio Health International (PHI) is pleased to welcome Daniel Ryan, MD, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Ryan has been the medical director of Southeastern Michigan’s post-polio clinic for over twenty years. He has spoken at numerous events regarding polio and post-polio syndrome. He is a member of many national and local medical societies, is past president of the Michigan …

Post-Polio Health International (PHI) is pleased to welcome Jennifer Thieme Kehres of Amigo Mobility as the newest member of its Board of Directors. “Kehres’ experience in the mobility industry and background makes her an invaluable asset to our board and would greatly help shape our organization’s future. We are confident that her dedication and unique perspective will contribute to the …

Seeking older adults with mobility challenges! Are you interested in participating in an online, seated tai chi class? The TechSAge center at Georgia Tech and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are conducting a clinical trial for ‘Tele Tai Chi’ – a virtual, seated, group Tai Chi class for older adults with long-term mobility disabilities. Participation involves: 8-week program (1-hour online classes, 2x a week, on Zoom) We are using the evidence-based Seated Tai Chi …

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and Administration for Community Living (ACL) is developing its 2024-2029 Long-Range Plan and has been seeking input from key stakeholders, including people with disabilities and their families, researchers, service providers, and others through a series of virtual listening sessions. The next session is September 28th, 1 – 4 pm ET, …

PHI was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Lauro Halstead, a polio survivor and one of the foremost authorities on the late effects of polio. We will have more on Dr. Halstead’s remarkable life and career in the Fall edition of Post-Polio Health.