Saratoga Publications: About The Author

Alfred H. "Skip" DeGraff, PhD, SEA was one of the nation’s leading authorities on how to recruit, interview, screen, hire, train, manage, and part ways with caregivers (personal assistants) -- whether they come from agencies or personal employment. Al was a C 5/6, spinal-cord injured quadriplegic who used motorized wheelchair mobility and PA assistance for over 40 years. He experienced a diving injury on Martha's Vineyard when he was 18. In 1975, he founded and was the first 10-year Director of the Department of Disability Services at Boston University. Next, he was the CEO of two independent living centers in Upstate New York. Ever heard of the Saratoga Cycle? Skip was next the original designer and manufacturer for 13 years. He also authored and published the 512-page book, "Caregivers and Personal Assistants: How to Find, Hire, and Manage The People Who Help You (Or Your Loved One!)." Al was on the Advisory Board of the National Personal Assistance Services Center. In 2006, he earned a doctorate in human rehabilitation and disability studies at the University of Northern Colorado; his dissertation research explored quality of life issues for people who are aging with spinal cord injuries. Al passed away, peacefully, at home in June, 2009. He and his former wife, Peggy, used many of the principles from this book while they participated in end-of-life home care. In fact, all of Skip's attendants, accustomed to supporting him in independent living in the community, continued to support and uphold him while he received hospice and his own personal attendant care in the last months of his life. Peggy Short, Ph.D., OT, D.Min., is now managing Saratoga Access Publications. Peggy was with Skip for 30 years -- from Boston to Saratoga Springs to Fort Collins, Colorado. She is a former academic professor, researcher and editor. She currently owns a small custom card and book business and continues with dissertation and thesis advising and editing. If you are interested in obtaining multiple copies of this book, at reduced prices, and in memory of Skip; contact Peggy at Saratoga Access Publications.
Biographical articles -- • Spinal Network, Third Edition 2002, pp. 382-3 • Paraplegia News (56) 3, March 2002, p. 36 • New Mobility, 14(119), August 2003, p. 18 • Greeley Tribune Annual Panorama, March 28, 04, pp. 22-25 Consumer articles -- • DeGraff, A. H. (2002). Divide and Conquer: Control Over The Quality of Your PAs and PA Help! Paraplegia News, 56(9), 12-15. • DeGraff, A. H. (2003). Fishing for Quality Help Providers: Where to Find Good PAs-and What Bait to Use to Reel Them In! Paraplegia News, 57(2), 16-19. • DeGraff, A. H. (2003). Staying Safe & Secure: Household Security with Your PAs! Paraplegia News, 57(8), 12-15. • DeGraff, A. H. (2003. Training and Managing Your PAs: Recruit Quality Providers, and Keeping Them Longer! Paraplegia News, 57(12), 19-23. • DeGraff, A. H. (2002). Paid Aides: An Agency's or Your Own? Today's Caregiver, Mar/Apr.
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