Illini Prosthetics Bring Upper Limb Prosthetics to Amputees Around the world

ROHNERT PARK, CA, October 07, 2010 (Press-News.org) Amputees from around the world have lost limbs to accidents and disease but do not have access to the upper extremity prosthetic devices that could help restore functionality to their lives. In addition to funding concerns, it is difficult to transport prosthetic devices to third world countries. A group of engineering students at the University of Illinois is working to remedy this.

The mission of Illini Prosthetics is to provide affordable prosthetic arms to amputees in the developing world. Originally a group of independent students, Illini Prosthetics has evolved into a nonprofit organization that has connections with many international companies. They are working with the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) to make these devices accessible to countries across the globe. In addition to developing prosthetics arms, they are also working on other upper extremities to make functionality possible for those that have lost fingers or other limbs.

The focus of Illini Prosthetics has been on innovative attachments. This summer the team returned from Zacapa, Guatemala where they were able to test three of their novel prosthetic prototypes. This was a chance for them to see how their designs would fair in the developing world, but at the same time operate in a collaborative environment. While working with patients and local staff extensive analysis records were kept that will, no doubt be used in future redesign processes and later trips.

As a student run nonprofit organization, Illini Prosthetics is looking for valuable grants and donations to help finance its mission. They have been awarded the Clinton-Global Initiative and are seeking other high profile grants that can draw additional attention to their cause. Anyone interested in donating to Illini Prosthetics may do so with PayPal through their website.

Illini Prosthetics is run by its president, Jonathan Naber, a Materials Science major at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. The other team members include: Adam Booher, an engineering mechanics major serving as Director of Engineering; Ehsan Noursalehi, a materials science major serving as the Director of Product Development and Hari Vigneswaran, a materials science major serving as the Director of Patient Relations. Other key staff members of the team are Luke Jungles and Richard Kesler, studying mechanical engineering and bioengineering respectively.

If you are interested in learning more about Illini Prosthetics, visit their website at http://
supportipt.com. You can also read the following articles:

•Students win $30K for Socketless Prosthesis (OandP.com)
•Next-Gen Scientists Honored For Evolving Medicine and Renewables (Scientific American)
•Illini Prosthetics Team Goes to Guatemala and Receives Clinton Foundation Grant (Research
Park at the University of Illinois)
•Student Develops Low Cost Prosthetic Arm (UPI.com)
•The company is also featured in Leadershape

Illini Prosthetics is always looking for companies and individuals who are willing to donate funds as well as other nonprofit or government organizations who are willing to help them bring upper extremity prosthetic devices to those who have lost their limbs.

Illini Prosthetics is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to bringing This press release was prepared for Illini Prosthetics by Engineer-a-Business. You may reach Engineer-a-Business at contact@engineer-a-business.com.