Sheltering Arms Institute

MyLife Assistive Technology Educational Series: Obi Self-Feeder
2025-06-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | VA
When: Wednesday, June 4 | 1-2 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute Conference Room 1019 2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr Richmond VA, 23233 or Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Topic: Obi Self-Feeder
Summary: This education series explores how assistive technology empowers individuals to control their surroundings, enhancing independence and quality of life. This series will cover devices, troubleshooting, introduction to user training and funding options to ensure effective use of the highlighted device.
This session will introduce participants to the innovative assistive technology device, the Obi, designed to promote independence in mealtime activities. Participants will learn about the device’s features, benefits and funding options. The session will include a hands-on opportunity to trial the Obi, allowing participants to experience its functionality firsthand.
Register with the form below:

Bon Air Aquatic Center Reopening Celebration
2025-06-17 16:00 - 18:00 | VA
When: Tuesday, June 17th from 4-6 p.m.
Where: 206 Twinridge Ln. Richmond, VA 23235

You’re Invited!
Please join us to celebrate the reopening of our newly renovated Bon Air Aquatic Center!

RSVP by Tuesday, June 10th
Registration for this event is now closed!

MyLife Assistive Technology Educational Series: Tobii Eye Gaze
2025-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | VA
When: Wednesday, July 2 | 1-2 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute Conference Room 1019 2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr Richmond VA, 23233 or Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Topic: Tobii Eye Gaze
Summary: This education series explores how assistive technology empowers individuals to control their surroundings, enhancing independence and quality of life. This series will cover devices, troubleshooting, introduction to user training and funding options to ensure effective use of the highlighted device.
This session will explore the Tobii Eye Gaze, a power tool that enables individuals with limited mobility to communicate, learn, and interact with their environment using only their eyes. Participants will gain an understanding of how eye-tracking technology works, its application to daily living, best practices for setup and utilization as well as funding options. The session will include a hands-on opportunity to trial the Tobii, allowing participants to experience its functionality firsthand.
Register with the form below:

MyLife Assistive Technology Educational Series: QuadJoy
2025-08-13 13:00 - 14:00 | VA
When: Wednesday, August 13 | 1-2 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute Conference Room 1019 2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr Richmond VA, 23233 or Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Topic: QuadJoy
Summary: This education series explores how assistive technology empowers individuals to control their surroundings, enhancing independence and quality of life. This series will cover devices, troubleshooting, introduction to user training and funding options to ensure effective use of the highlighted device.
This session will introduce participants to the QuadJoy, a mouth-operated joystick designed for individuals with limited mobility to control computers and other devices with precision and ease. Attendants will learn about the device’s features, setup, application in independent living and funding options. The session will include a hands-on opportunity to trial the QuadJoy, allowing participants to experience its functionality firsthand.
Register with the form below:

Reunion Celebration Event: Stroke and Brain Injury Recovery
2025-09-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
Thank you to our event sponsors!

Accessibility Sponsor: Reynolds Development
Community Sponsors: Hanger, Industrial Maintenance & Service Corp., JLL, MicroTransponder
Positivity Sponsors: Hub International Mid-Atlantic, Inc.
Kindness Sponsors: Positive Vibe Foundation, Nimbus Massage

When: Saturday, September 6th from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute Main Campus (2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr., Richmond, VA 23233)
We are excited to to host our second annual Reunion Celebration Event honoring our 2024 & 2025 stroke and brain injury program graduates on Saturday, September 6th from 1-4 p.m. at Sheltering Arms Institute! This event will bring together former patients, caregivers, care team members, and community partners to celebrate accomplishments and provide an opportunity for patients to connect with other stroke and brain injury survivors and reunite with members of their care team.
Attendees will be able to:
• Measure progress with an assessment
• Visit with community partners to explore activities and resources that are available
• Enjoy snacks and refreshments
Friends, family & caregivers are welcome!
This event will be held rain or shine. We hope you can join us!
Please register using the form below:

MyLife Assistive Technology Educational Series: Guided Hands
2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00 | VA
When: Wednesday, September 10 | 1-2 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute Conference Room 1019 2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr Richmond VA, 23233 or Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Topic: Guided Hands
Summary: This education series explores how assistive technology empowers individuals to control their surroundings, enhancing independence and quality of life. This series will cover devices, troubleshooting, introduction to user training and funding options to ensure effective use of the highlighted device.
Participants will be introduced to Guided Hands, a device designed to support individuals with limited hand mobility in performing tasks such as writing, drawing and using touchscreens. The session will include a hands-on opportunity to trial Guided Hands, allowing participants to experience its functionality and adaptability firsthand.
Register with the form below:

Diabetes Self-Management (Class Series)
2025-09-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
Do you live with diabetes or know someone who does?
Sheltering Arms Institute, in partnership with The SPAN Center, are offering a 6-week evidence-based diabetes education class. Adults with diabetes, friends, family members, and caregivers are welcome to participate.
When: Each Thursday from September 18 through October 23 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Where: In person at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Main Campus (2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr. Henrico, VA 23233) Room 1040. Virtual option available upon request.
Cost: Free!
Learning Objectives:

Nutrition and healthy eating
Preventing complications
Working with your health care provider
Skin & foot care
Preventing/monitoring low blood sugar

Questions? Email community.engagement@sai.rehab or call (804) 578-6532.
Register with the form below:

Managing Fatigue: The Long Haul of the Rehab Journey
2025-09-23 14:00 - 14:45 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
When: Tuesday, September 23 from 2-2:45 p.m.
Where: In person at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Main Campus (2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr. Henrico, VA 23233) or virtually.

Fatigue can lead patients to feel limited in their recovery from a significant injury or illness. It can affect their participation in therapy, exercise, and community activities. Join us for a discussion on the reasons for fatigue, ways to track it, and strategies to manage it during the rehab journey.
Learning Objectives:

To understand the impact of fatigue on daily activity.
To understand how to measure and track your fatigue.
To identify other possible factors that impact fatigue.
Learn strategies to manage fatigue in your recovery.

Questions? Email community.engagement@sai.rehab or call (804) 578-6532.

Register with the form below:

MyLife Assistive Technology Educational Series: Switches
2025-10-06 10:00 - 11:00 | VA
When: Monday, October 6 | 10-11 a.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute Conference Room 1019 2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr Richmond VA, 23233 or Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Topic: Switches
Summary: This education series explores how assistive technology empowers individuals to control their surroundings, enhancing independence and quality of life. This series will cover devices, troubleshooting, introduction to user training and funding options to ensure effective use of the highlighted device.
This session will provide a look at switch-access technology, a vital tool for individuals with mobility limitations to access and control devices such as computers/tablets, phones, etc. The session will include a hands-on opportunity to trial various switches, allowing participants to experience their functionality and adaptability firsthand.
Register with the form below:

Aphasia Support Group
2025-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
Monthly Support Group

2nd Wednesday of Each Month 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: In person at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Main Campus (2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr. Henrico, VA 23233)

This support group is designed for people living with aphasia. We are also here to support families, friends, and professionals in understanding what aphasia is, ways to assist in the recovery, and help understand one another. We help those with aphasia find ways to communicate, locate information, find interesting things to do, and get better. This support group is led by our licensed speech language pathologists at Sheltering Arms Institute.

Register with the form below:

Questions? Contact the Community Engagement team at Community.Engagement@sai.rehab

Community Partners Expo
2025-10-22 12:00 - 14:30 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
When: Wednesday, October 22 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute’s Main Campus (2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr. Richmond, VA 23233)
What: Join us for our 7th annual 2025 Community Partners Expo and visit with 20+ other local non-profit organizations to learn about the services they provide to patients and family members during or after graduation from physical rehabilitation! No registration required.

MyLife Assistive Technology Educational Series: Low Tech Options
2025-11-05 13:00 - 14:00 | VA
When: Wednesday, November 5 | 1-2 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute Conference Room 1019 2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr Richmond VA, 23233 or Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Topic: Low Tech Options
Summary: This education series explores how assistive technology empowers individuals to control their surroundings, enhancing independence and quality of life. This series will cover devices, troubleshooting, introduction to user training and funding options to ensure effective use of the highlighted device.
This session will explore low-tech assistive technology – simple yet effective tools that support individuals with daily activities. Participants will learn about a variety of options as well as touching on the benefits, implementation and funding options. The session will include a hands-on opportunity to trial various low-tech options, allowing participants to experience their functionality and adaptability firsthand.
Register with the form below:

Vivistim Therapy™ Screening Day
2025-11-13 13:00 - 16:00 | VA
When: Thursday, November 13 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Sheltering Arms Institute’s Hanover Outpatient Center (8226 Meadowbridge Rd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116)
What: Have you or a loved one experienced an ischemic stroke at least 6 months ago? Are you looking to improve movement in your hand and arm? Join Sheltering Arms Institute for a Vivistim Therapy Screening to explore how this innovative therapy may help you regain greater function and independence.
RSVP: https://go.vivistim.com/Patient_Awareness_Event.html

What is Vivistim?
Vivistim is a FDA-approved vagal nerve stimulation device that can enhance recovery among individuals who have experienced a stroke when combined with rehabilitative therapy. Implanted by a neurosurgeon in an outpatient procedure, Vivistim is placed underneath the skin in the chest—similar to a pacemaker—with coils that extend to the neck and wrap around the vagus nerve.
Who is an ideal candidate for Vivistim therapy?
Ideal candidates for Vivistim are individuals who experienced their stroke at least six months ago and have some ability to grasp and release objects with movement in at least two fingers. Because the therapy involves intense physical activity, candidates must be able to functionally use their hand to some degree.
Learn more: https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/new-technology-helps-stroke-survivors-regain-function/

The MicroTransponder® Vivistim® Paired VNS™ System is intended to be used to stimulate the vagus nerve during rehabilitation therapy in order to reduce upper extremity motor deficits and improve motor function in chronic ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe arm impairment. Do not use if the patient has had a bilateral or left cervical vagotomy. Risks may include, but are not limited to pain after surgery, hoarseness, bruising, swelling, coughing and throat irritation. Infection leading to explant is a risk associated with any device surgery. For full safety information, please see www.vivistim.com/safety. Individual results may vary.

Tips to Maximize Insurance Benefits and Get Your Best Outcome
2025-11-18 14:00 - 14:45 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
When: Tuesday, November 18 from 2-2:45 p.m.
Where: In person at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Main Campus (2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr. Henrico, VA 23233) or virtually via Microsoft Teams

Learning Objectives:

What to expect from my physical therapy insurance benefits
Tips to boost the effectiveness of your physical therapy sessions
How to stretch physical therapy insurance benefits with our community fitness programs

Questions? Email community.engagement@sai.rehab or call (804) 578-6532.

Register with the form below:

Light It Up With Gratitude
2025-11-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
Join us for our third annual Celebration of Lights Grand Illumination Ceremony as we light up the Bridge Garden and transform it into a winter wonderland of lights representing the hundreds of gifts given by our generous donors to recognize the tremendous work done every day to help people find their Power to Overcome. Hot beverages and treats will be served. No RSVP required.

Parkinson's Disease Support Group - RESCHEDULED
2025-12-09 08:00 - 17:00 | VA
Monthly Support Group

This meeting has been rescheduled from 12/9/25 to 12/16/25 at 7 p.m.

This support group is open to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Parkinsonism, PSP, or other movement-disorder diagnoses as well as those individuals’ family and caregivers.
The purpose of this group is to help participants recognize and share strengths, successes, and goals, not just the hardships. While we understand that everyone faces challenges and may be in a different stage of their recovery, we hope to offer messages of hope and recovery and bring people together to know they are not alone.

To Register:

To RSVP, please fill out the form below.

Questions? Contact Kristi Schoenfelder, PT, DPT, CBIS, at kristine.schoenfelder@sai.rehab

Wheelchair Symposium
2026-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Sheltering Arms Institute, 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive, Richmond, VA, 23233, United States
Join us at Sheltering Arms Institute (2000 Wilkes Ridge Dr. Richmond Va 23233) for a one-day, in-person symposium! This symposium is designed to empower clinicians with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to optimize wheelchair prescription, configuration, and training. Through a series of targeted lectures and interactive labs, attendees will deepen their understanding of foundational or advanced wheelchair technologies, refine their clinical decision-making, and enhance their ability to support patients in achieving functional mobility.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
