A study being conducted by the occupational therapy department in the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions will provide new information on the social and psychological consequences of injury or illness that results in loss of mobility.

The four-year program, being conducted for the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, involves interviews with adult volunteers, ages 45-65, in the Detroit area who have what is referred to as "adult onset mobility loss." Findings will be helpful to health, rehabilitation and mental health providers in developing treatments, programs and information for those coping for the first time with disabilities that restrict mobility.

"Many studies have examined the physical aspects of disabilities," explains Project Manager Georgine Linart Bello. "But fewer have focused on the meaning and experience of mobility loss -- how it affects a person's social and psychological well-being."

The project, under the direction of Professor Mark Luborsky, is in its second year.

Coordinators are seeking African Americans who use a cane, walker, brace, wheelchair or scooter to participate in the study. Volunteers receive $20 for completing confidential interviews in which they provide information about how mobility loss affects them. No medical tests are involved.

For more information or to volunteer, call (313) 993-7320 or send e-mail inquiries to glbello@hotmail.com