A unique event at the CRR

As the only centre specialized in the rehabilitation of paraplegic and tetraplegic patients in the French speaking part of Switzerland, the Clinique romande de réadaptation (CRR) follow wheelchair patients  on a non-stop basis. This is where the idea for creating ParaRomandie, the first paraplegic meeting in this part of Switzerland was dreamt up. This event is open to all, wheelchair users, their families and friends as well as the general public, and the aim is to  share, to raise awareness and inform people regarding this subject.

Great passion

As soon as the project was launched, various institutions immediately showed their enthusiasm for this unique event in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Starting with the Association suisse des paraplégiques who took on the concept straight away by becoming the major partner. Over 40 other partners (associations and specialized providers/suppliers) also answered present to the the organizing committee's invitation. From the driving school to the garage that modifies vehicles without forgetting the supporting associations or special product suppliers, a wide range of service providers will be present.

Two round tables

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In addition to the stands open between 10h and17h, in the morning, the public can watch 2 round tables presented by Christine Savioz, journalist at the Nouvelliste. The first one with treat the theme « La paraplegia yesterday and today : an exchange based on two experiences. It will bring together two patients who experienced their first rehabilitation over thirty years apart, as well as a physician and a carer who followed them in their treatments. For the second one, the following personalities will debate on « Paraplegia tomorrow : the perspectives and the stakes » : Géraldine Marchand-Balet, National Councillor, Marie-France Fournier, representative from the  AI Valais, Johann Roduit, bioethicist, Zurich University.

A rich and varied program

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The afternoon will be devoted to demonstrations, initiations and role play situations allowing visitors to get a brief idea of what life in a wheelchair is like. The public can also discover : larchery and basketball in a wheelchair, equine therapy, a wheelchair agility course, a driving simulator, a specially equipped bedroom, the EPFL laboratory and various specialized equipment used for physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions. The children are not left out as they can take part in a workshop called « Paraplegia explained to children ».