Saturday, December 4, 2021
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Understanding Essential Voice Tremor (EVT)
and the Benefits of Speech Therapy
presented by Sylvia Fisher,
Speech-Language Pathology Director, Hartford Healthcare Rehabilitation Network
~and~
The Readi-Steadi® Orthotic Glove System for Hand Tremor
presented by its Inventor Krista Madere,
Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist

Being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important life skills. Essential tremor can result in involuntary movements that impact the larynx, vocal folds and throat causing the voice to tremble. This presentation will review the symptoms of vocal tremor and how speech therapy can help you regain control of your voice.

Sylvia Fisher is the Speech-Language Pathology Program Director for the Hartford Healthcare Rehabilitation Network. She received her master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University and has worked with adults across all levels of rehabilitative care for more than 20 years.

Sylvia has vast experience working with individuals affected by neurological conditions resulting in communication and swallowing disorders. Her passion for innovative and best practice has led to standardized programs for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease such as SPEAKOUT!, respiratory muscle training, surface electromyography and biofeedback systems, as well as other exercise-based rehabilitative programs to treat speech, voice and swallowing disorders.

Sylvia serves on the Connecticut Speech and Hearing Association Medical Speech Pathology Committee and is a member of the American Hearing and Speech Association.

~then~

Krista Madere, LOTC, CHT will discuss her patented Ready-Steadi® Orthotic Glove System, the only assistive device for hand tremor currently covered by most insurance companies (including Medicare and the VA). Krista states “At the completion of this presentation, attendees will…understand the basic anatomy of overactive muscles commonly observed in patients with tremor disorders. Finally, they will understand the rationale of how fine motor and hand control is effectively restored as a result of this device.

Krista has worked in various in-patient and out-patient settings over the past 20 years managing the treatment of adults diagnosed with various orthopedic and neurological disorders. As a certified hand therapist, she has advanced knowledge and experience primarily of the elbow, wrist, and hand.

In response to a need – and after watching her patients and grandfather suffer – Krista invented and patented the Readi-Steadi® Orthotic Glove System in 2015. Each unique system is custom fabricated for the individual and is based on proven neurological principles. She is honored to collaborate care with movement disorder specialists and therapists throughout the country and remains dedicated to each individual fitted so they achieve maximum functional benefit.

Inquiries are invited!
Registration is required no later than noon on Wednesday, December 1st!

To register or request information, email Helen Moser or submit the form below.

The CT essential tremor support group is sponsored by

Saturday, December 5, 2020
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Advancing DBS Therapy to Treat Essential Tremor
presented by Movement Disorder Neurologist Dr. Drew Falconer
~and~
Steadi-Two, Steadiwear’s second-generation tremor stabilization device
presented by Steadiwear Founders Mark Elias and Emile Maamary

At this virtual meeting, Dr. Falconer will discuss the latest advancements to Abbott DBS and the innovations in the way the therapy is delivered and how it is controlled.

Dr. Drew Falconer is Board Certified in Neurology and is a fellowship-trained Movement Disorders Specialist at Georgetown University. Currently he serves as Co-Medical Director at the Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center in Virginia. Dr. Falconer specializes in advanced care of patients with essential tremor, Parkinson’s Disease, and other movement disorders. He became interested in neurology and movement disorders after seeing the impact that quality, compassionate care combined with cutting-edge pharmacology and technology could have on a patient’s condition. His goal is to work with his patients to restore the quality of life they deserve.

~then~

Mark Elias and Emile Maamary will explain Steadiwear’s flagship product Steadi-One, an FDA registered Class I medical device that stabilizes the wrist joint for individuals with essential tremor. The battery-free Steadi-One technology was inspired by leading-edge earthquake dampers used in buildings.

…and present the Steadi-Two, a miniaturized version currently under development with very promising results! It is still battery-free and will be based on magnetic tuned damping technology, a novel class of stabilization systems. The system will weigh under 1 pound. A live demonstration of the Steadi-Two device will be conducted with a vibration simulator. PS: Mark and Emile will also announce plans for their Steadi-Two clinical trial, as well as an exciting opportunity for individuals who participate in its beta release!

The Steadiwear Team: Mark Elias – CEO and Co-Founder – has a background in structural engineering and entrepreneurship, while Emile Maamary – CFO and Co-Founder – has a background in marketing and management. After being introduced as neighbors in 2014, the founders discovered that both their families suffer from tremors. A sense of compassion has united them and fueled their resolve to change the game for tremor sufferers by developing groundbreaking tremor stabilization technology. Both Mark and Emile have been working on Steadiwear full time since January 2016.

Inquiries are invited!
Registration is required no later than noon on Wednesday, December 2nd!

To register or request information, email Helen Moser or submit the form below.

The CT essential tremor support group is sponsored by

You won’t want to miss our April 4th meeting….it’s a unique format and an awesome opportunity to literally see and try several different assistive devices!

Samples (and in some cases, reps) will be available from:

1. LiftWare
2. Tremelo
3. Steadi-One Glove
4. Cala Trio
5. Steady Type
6. plus a rep from Encora Inc, the group of MIT graduates who will be recruiting people in our area to participate in their study for the development of a new wrist device! (Although based in the Boston area, they are willing to schedule tests in Connecticut.)

…and we’re still working on trying (and hoping) to get participation from the Readi-Steadi glove.

After a brief presentation on all of the above devices, we’ll have each device (and a rep/facilitator) set up at different tables with plenty of time for each of you to have the opportunity to really try and determine which of these amazing developments might be appropriate and life changing for you!

Details of the meeting:

• Date and time: Saturday, April 4th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Location: Main Floor Conference Room at Hartford HealthCare Health Center – Cheshire (this is not a hospital, but the beautiful new facility that houses the Cheshire offices of Hartford HealthCare’s Ayer Neuroscience Institute Movement Disorders Center as well as other outpatient programs)
• Address: 280 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410
• Parking: large outdoor lot on premises
• Click here for a map and driving directions

  Registration is requested – Inquiries are invited!

  To register or request information, email Helen Moser or submit the form below.

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  The CT essential tremor support group is sponsored by