WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is pleased that a second exoskeleton has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for clinical and personal use. According to an announcement today from Parker Hannifin, its Indego robotic exoskeleton has received FDA clearance and will be commercially launched in the U.S. in the coming months. The exoskeleton, which functions as an external skeleton, allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to stand and walk.
“We thank Parker Hannifin for making the Indego exoskeleton available to the men and women who suffered mobility impairments while serving their country,” said Paralyzed Veterans’ Acting Executive Director Sherman Gillums, Jr. “One of the greatest days of my life as a veteran advocate was seeing a paralyzed veteran at Walter Reed walk in the Indego exoskeleton. I hope to see many more soon.”
Paralyzed Veterans also sees the addition of another exoskeleton available on the market as a potential gateway to wider employment opportunities for veterans with disabilities. Its Operation PAVE program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment) specializes in helping veterans with disabilities find employment, and breaking down barriers and stereotypes when it comes to veterans and all individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
“These devices join power-assisted wheelchairs and robotic limbs as examples of how technology enables freedom of movement and independence—and part of that independence includes being able to go to work and contribute again as a member of society, which is critical to veterans with disabilities who refuse to be defined by their injuries,” added Gillums.
Paralyzed Veterans of America currently participates as a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special Disabilities, which evaluates prosthetics policy and other Department of Veterans Affairs programs for veterans with severely disabling conditions. The organization also conducts daily medical monitoring and annual site visits, to include assessments of how VA medical centers issue life changing devices, such as customized power chairs, to catastrophically disabled veterans.
“While Paralyzed Veterans continues to support research to find a cure for paralysis, these assistive devices will continue to maximize the rehabilitation process and benefit individuals who desire to mainstream back in society. Each year, clinicians gather at Paralyzed Veterans annual health Summit to exam various devices such as exoskeletons and many others to ensure these devices are appropriate to individual patient needs,” added Lana McKenzie, associate executive director of medical services and health policy at Paralyzed Veterans.
To learn more about Paralyzed Veterans annual health Summit, research foundation and other programs, please visit pva.org.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.
As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)
