Rory A. Cooper, Ph.D., director of the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development's National Center of Excellence for Wheelchair and Related Technology and VA senior career research scientist, received the Department of Veterans Affairs' prestigious Olin E. Teague Award for outstanding work with disabled veterans during a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, 2002. Dr. Cooper is also professor and chair, department of rehabilitation science and technology at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, professor, physical medicine and rehabilitation, School of Medicine and professor, mechanical engineering and bioengineering, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the School of Medicine, all at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Teague Award is granted to a VA employee, or employees working as a team, whose achievements have been of special benefit to veterans with service-connected problems. The award honors the late Olin E. Teague, U.S. Representative from Texas, an advocate of disabled veterans who served as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs for 18 years.

"Dr. Cooper's research has contributed to veterans living longer with less pain from secondary disabilities. He has streamlined wheelchairs and through his advocacy efforts has improved access to wheelchairs," said Michael E. Moreland, director, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

"This is indeed a high honor that will be bestowed on our colleague," said Clifford Brubaker, Ph.D., dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. "Dr. Cooper continues to distinguish himself, the University of Pittsburgh and the VA with his exceptional accomplishments."

Cooper is considered one of the most visible advocates and scholars in the country in the area of rehabilitation of paralyzed individuals who use wheelchairs. His impact on the lives of people with disabilities has been truly significant and is deserving of this award
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Contact: Dave Cowgill
david.cowgill@med.va.gov
412-688-6224
VA Research Communications Service
24-Sep-2002

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