It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 1st VA Rehabilitation Research and Development National Meeting.

    Rehabilitation Research and Development focuses on concepts, products, and processes that promote greater functional independence and improve the quality of life for veterans who have been disabled as a consequence of trauma or disease. While this focus is the basic framework on which the Program will continue to be driven, new initiatives have been undertaken to enhance and expand the Rehab R&D infrastructure and program capabilities for the future. Six Rehabilitation Research Centers of Excellence have been established with special foci in areas of importance to veterans with disabilities and a structured Career Development program has been initiated to provide opportunities for new rehabilitation investigators at the Pre-Doctoral and Post-Doctoral levels.

    During this meeting you will enjoy a unique opportunity to hear about the growth of rehabilitation research in the VA and to share state-of-the-art information in the areas of Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Amputations; Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Disorders; Communication, Sensory and Cognitive Aids; and Aging.

    We are certain that many new friendships and professional relationships will be strengthened and encouraged throughout the meeting.

    I am sure you will enjoy these many opportunities at this inaugural meeting supporting Rehabilitation Research and Development.