Spring 2022 Edition
Message from the Chair Dr. Kristine Kingsley
Dear ACRM I-ISIG Members,
I have the distinct privilege to begin my term as your Chair of the newly recognized International Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group. My 10+ years of I-ISIG membership, co-chair committee service, and service in governance positions have given me deep appreciation and gratitude for what I-ISIG uniquely offers to its members. I look forward to working with and for you during this 2021-2023 governance period.
Firstly, I congratulate everyone who contributed to the success of the International Networking Group thus far. However, special recognition is due to Fofi Constantinidou, Founder and Past Chair of our group. Without her vision and perseverance, our “international” family would have never attained the special interest group status and brought hundreds of researchers and clinicians together. Additionally, I would like to recognize Chris MacDonnell, Phil Morse, Amy Morse, Hubert Vuagnat, Angela Colantonio, J., Preston Harley, and Donna Langenbahn, as founding members; without your inspirated attempts, this group would not exist. I would also like to thank Christina Papademetriou, Juan Arango Lasprilla, Mansha Parven Mirza, Kathy Kniepman, and Chetan Phadke for their hard work and commitment toward the values of inclusivity and scientific dissemination to all. It is because of your tenacity, I-ISIG continues to forge and cultivate international collaborations and initiatives within the realm of rehabilitation, across all five continents.
I-ISIG is a preeminent interdisciplinary society dedicated to leadership in policy and procedures that advance science, clinical application, and educational opportunities. We often serve as ambassadors and liaisons among discipline specific groups in an effort to increase cultural sensitivity and competency across providers. Our members come from large and smaller academic medical and teaching centers, private practices, and policy agencies. Colleagues have presented at ACRM and global conferences on topics of spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, ageing & neurodegenerative disease, technology in rehabilitation, cultural competency and humility, advocacy, refugee empowerment, effects of COVID-19, training, and supervision.
The I-ISIG is growing, and we currently have several Task Forces that you may find of interest:
International COVID-19 Task Force:
The focus is to create a depository of helpful material and links, relevant to the international community. We are interested in exploring how the pandemic has affected individuals with and without rehabilitation needs, living during the times of a pandemic.
Organization & Research Task Force:
The focus is to promote international research and cooperation and to identify funding sources for future research opportunities.
Outreach & Conference Task Force:
The focus is to develop materials and website content to inform ACRM members and other rehabilitation stakeholders about the activities of the International ISIG and opportunities for involvement.
Refugee Empowerment Task Force:
The focus is to actively engage members in projects that eventually improve the quality of life for individuals who are facing the double disadvantage of being disabled and refugees/asylum seekers.
Service Delivery Task Force:
The mission of the group is to explore evidenced based, culturally appropriate, service delivery models across the world, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and policy makers.
If you are interested in developing a new task force, kindly let us know.
There are multiple benefits in joining a task force: a) it allows you to connect with specialists, committed to rehabilitation, in an attempt to share and exchange knowledge; b) it provides you with opportunities to establish international projects showcasing current trends in rehabilitation, while laying the foundation for future initiatives; c) it fosters leadership opportunities by spearheading projects or even signing up to become a task force co-chair.
Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation to our dynamic Communications Team, Dr. Eve Pettemeridou & Ms. Rozlie Townsend. It feels great to have such energy supporting our group’s work.
I am truly honored to be Chair of our I-ISIG, and I look forward to a productive tenure.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kristine T. Kingsley, PsyD, ABPP
Board Certified in Rehabilitation Psychology
Founder & Clinical Director
Institute of Cognitive & Emotional Wellness
ACRM I-ISIG Chair
