The Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara (RISB), the only
freestanding rehabilitation hospital between the Bay Area and Los
Angeles, is having its annual Hot on Life workshop on Saturday,
November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the UCSB Recreation Center.
The event, which was first held in 1991, is meant to promote active
lifestyles for people with disabilities and their families. “The
goal is to give people first-hand experience by having them get
into a kayak or hold a fencing foil in their hand,” said RISB
Recreation Therapist Rene Van Hoorn. “Hot on Life helps break down
barriers about what people think they can and cannot do following
injury or illness.”
This year’s event includes activities such as wheelchair tennis,
social dance, wheelchair fencing, sushi-making, cycling, kayaking,
fitness, scuba diving, and more. (No prior experience is necessary,
but a physician’s release is required for participation in scuba
diving.) There will be demonstrations by the Chair Us On dance
troupe and the UCSB Rolling Gauchos Wheelchair Basketball team.
Also, Megan Timothy, a former Hollywood actress who suffered a
brain aneurysm, will give a presentation on her 12,000-mile bicycle
ride around America.
Who should come? People with disabilities (e.g. stroke, spinal
cord injury, brain injury, amputations, chronic pain, and other
physically limiting conditions); family, friends, and/or
caregivers; and industry professionals. Participants younger than
18 must be accompanied by a parent. Cost is $50 for disabled
persons and their families, and $70 for industry professionals. For
more information or to register, call Rene Van Hoorn at 687-7444
x2552. A PDF of registration materials can be downloaded at
www.risb.org. The Rehabilitation
Institute at Santa Barbara is located at 2415 De la Vina Street.
Call 687-7444 x2173 or visit recreation.ucsb.edu/reccen/reccen.php.