Paralysis Resource Center State Pilot Program – Year One: 

        Pennsylvania Paralysis Resource Center

Program Overview

The Pennsylvania Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), created and maintained by the University of Pittsburgh, aims to increase 

access to or delivery of services and supports for individuals with paralysis; examine the impact of programs on quality of life, 

satisfaction, and community integration; and build capacity and collaborations among partner organizations within the state. 

The PRC allows for a broad range of services offered through its subawardees in order to meet its goals. However, 

subawardees must develop projects that increase the number and variety of services available to individuals with paralysis, 

and ensure that the delivery of their services impacts key social determinants of health. 

In Year One of this project, the Pennsylvania PRC awarded grants to six subawardees: Fighting Back Scholarship Program, Inc.; 

Inglis Foundation; IM ABLE Foundation; Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports; Center for Independent Living; and the 

HOPE Network. Subawardee projects include the purchase of adaptive sports equipment, the provision of an adaptive sports 

and recreation program, funding of scholarships for one-to-one fitness training, and use of a mobile digital engagement 

technology application to provide community support services.

Administrative Structure 

The PRC convenes staff across the University of Pittsburgh 

and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital to staff this project, 

including five key personnel: 

· Project Director, who holds overall responsibility for the 

project, including oversight of overall project design, 

the knowledge translation activities, data collection and 

analysis, and production of resources, materials, and 

other deliverables.

· Three Co-Investigators, who assist in the overall 

operation of the project, including developing a

network with community-based organizations, data 

analysis, and dissemination of information about the

PRC’s work.

· Research Assistant, who coordinates Center activities, 

data collection, and assists with data analysis.

The Pennsylvania PRC also convened a diverse 12-member 

advisory board, comprised of individuals with paralysis, 

individuals representing various support networks and 

organizations, researchers, and clinicians. The Advisory 

Board will help troubleshoot issues and connect 

organizations with resources or partnerships to help 

overcome barriers. Additionally, each key personnel, 

advisory board member, and representatives from 

supporting organizations help recruit at least five potential 

applicants each year. 

Technical Assistance Offered

· Following initial funding, subawardees attended calls 

with the Project Director (or a designee) to review 

program startup and ongoing activities, mitigate

barriers to data collection, report progress, and review 

invoices for appropriateness. Awardees also 

participated in a group call to discuss innovative ideas 

and troubleshoot common barriers to programming.

· Beyond the one year of funding, subawardees will 

receive ongoing technical assistance to help promote 

sustainability of their programs.

Outcomes

In Year One, the Pennsylvania PRC received 30 applications 

and awarded grants to six organizations. In the first 

quarter, most subawardees reported attendance in their 

offered activities that either met or exceeded their goals. 

Additional outcome data is forthcoming.