Karen Johnstone
Contributor | 1996
Karen Johnstone is one of the most outstanding physical therapists National Wheelchair Athletic Association has been fortunate to have participate in wheelchair sports. Since 1964 she has always participated unselfishly within the NWAA organization with a ready and willing attitude, serving in any capacity offered her. Karen’s activities on the national and international scene drew praise and respect from all medical personnel with whom she collaborated.
Karen was always giving instruction to many physiotherapists who were intrested in learning more about classification. In 1977, she compiled and published the Protocol Manual for Physical Therapists-an invaluable resource for those interested in learning more about the NWAA classification system.
Karen’s experience within the NWAA in terms of serving as team support is unsurpassed. She served as the Team Physical Therapist for the following international competitions: 1968 at the Paralympic Games in Tel Aviv, Israel; 1969 at the Pan American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina; 1971 at the Pan American Games in Kingston, Jamaica; 1972 at the Paralympic competition in Heidelberg, Germany; 1973 at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru; 1975 at the Pan American Games in Mexico City and 1976 at the Paralympics in Toronto, Canada.
Karen also served as a Physical Therapist for the National Wheelchair Athletic Association from 1967 – 1977. She was also a lecturer on Classification and Evalutation of wheelchair athletes in the Greater Boston area and Coordinated the Adaptive Motor Activities for the Handicapped program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In 1974, Karen was awarded the John Hussey Memorial Award given by the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Committee for promoting wheelchair athletes and in 1976 she received the Knights Award presented by the Pilot Club of greater Birmingham, Michigan for the promotion of wheelchair athletes in civil functions. Karen’s contributions on behalf of wheelchair sports clearly makes her deserving of becoming an honored addition to the Hall of Fame.
