About RA

Created on: 12/10/07 - Email to friend - Print Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RA Connect?
What features does RA Connect offer?
How much contact can I expect to have with you if I record a personal story?
What kind of questions will I be asked?
How will I be contacted?
What will I be expected to talk about on the recording?
What is the process from first interview until I do a show (if I am selected)?
What is the Arthritis Foundation's role in RA Connect?
What will be done with the information I provide to this program?
Are there any special benefits to accessing others via the Internet?

What is RA Connect?

RA Connect is a community created by and for people living with rheumatoid arthritis as a creative means to connect with others who have been touched by the disease, share similar experiences, and foster the renewal of spirit and personal growth.

RA Connect offers a comprehensive selection of topics on coping with arthritis, such as:

Personal stories told by people with arthritis
Living with short and long-term effects
Family relationships
Strategies that have been helpful in daily living

In addition, RA Connect features a segment likely called “Tales of Triumph.” In this section, you can choose to hear and/or read first person accounts from other people with RA.

RA Connect also provides a variety of tools that help you find and connect with other people for support, information, resources and advice. They include:

Personal Web pages
Discussion Boards
Chat Rooms
Resources

They are linked with a search capability that will allow you to find precisely the people, topics, and resources that are meaningful to you.

RA Connect uses the Internet to reach people with arthritis and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What features does RA Connect offer?

RA Connect offers connectivity and accessibility. The community was designed to be easily accessible despite location or lack of resources. This includes individuals in rural or underserved communities; people undergoing treatment who may not be physically able to attend a traditional support group; and those who may feel uncomfortable sharing their experiences, concerns and fears in public settings. The service is free, convenient around the clock via the Internet.

How much contact can I expect to have with you if I record a personal story?

There will be a telephone interview to gather follow-up information. If you are selected for a recording, you will be contacted to schedule the recording. You will participate in approximately a one-hour recording that will be done from the convenience of your own phone at home or wherever you choose to be.

What kind of questions will I be asked?

You will be asked questions regarding the history of your diagnosis and treatment, and those experiences you feel are important for other people who are going through similar circumstances to hear. There is no greater learning than that which comes from other people who have had these real experiences.

How will I be contacted?

You will be contacted by phone and/or email. When necessary, you may receive confirmations of shows and other information by U.S. mail.

What will I be expected to talk about on the recording?

You can talk about your experiences living with arthritis. Though we want to hear about your medical condition, the primary focus of these pre-recorded conversations will be about the issues of living with arthritis rather than focusing on medical care.

What is the process from first interview until I do a show (if I am selected)?

You will be contacted by email and/or telephone to arrange an interview. Recording times will then be scheduled. You will be contacted when the recording has been edited and placed on the Web site. We will also encourage everyone to create a personal web page, whether you are recorded or not, where you can provide more information about yourself and your experience. There may be more recordings at a later date and we will re-contact you at that time to determine your interest then.

What is the Arthritis Foundation's role in RA Connect?

The Arthritis Foundation has facilitated the creation of RA Connect as a source of hope, support and information for those who have been touched by arthritis. The community, and its content, is created by and for people with rheumatoid arthritis and caregivers.

What will be done with the information I provide to this program?

RA Connect is a place for you to communicate with others who share your interests and experiences. You control access to your personal information, like your real name, email address, etc., and only you can decide to whom to make that information available.

During the development phase of this project the information you provide us will be kept on a secure server and won't be shared with any outside groups for any reason without your explicit permission.

Are there any special benefits to accessing others via the Internet?

RA Connect offers people the ability to e-mail others who are experiencing similar situations. You can also can listen to pre-recorded talk shows and personal stories of people with arthritis and caregivers, as well as read transcripts of the discussions.

You will be able to register with the community and become an RA Connect member free of charge. Registered members can create personal homepages to share stories with the community and get connected to others; participate in chats and discussions with other community members and caregivers via secure e-mail; explore and contribute to the Expressions Gallery, a compilation of Community members' stories, poems and art; and learn about resources recommended by other registered RA Connect members.