Spinal Cord Injury SIG
About Us
The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Special Interest Group (SIG) is a focused component of the Neurology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The SCI SIG provides education and resources for physical therapy clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, and patients/clients. Membership in the SCI SIG is open to any member of the Neurology Section of the APTA. The SCI SIG's regular activities include:
Professional Conferences--We organize and present programming and focused sessions at the APTA's annual Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). CSM provides an opportunity for members to discuss state-of-the-art advances in treatments, technology, and best practices for physical therapy clinicians.
Patient Advocacy--We participate in advocacy at local and national levels through education and grassroots efforts.
Website--Our website keeps members informed of legislative and advocacy issues, new research and treatment ideas, and technology information.
Mission
The mission of the SCI SIG is to optimize rehabilitation and maximize participation of persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) as active members of their communities. The SIG members share knowledge and expertise; assemble and publicize resources; and discuss, interpret, and disseminate evidence about SCI/D rehabilitation.
Vision
The SCI SIG will serve as a preferred conduit for information, resources, and professional networking related to the rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injury and/or disorders. The SIG will also build domestic and international relationships to advance knowledge translation in the practice of SCI rehabilitation.
Officers
Chair
Jennifer D. Hastings, PT, PhD, NCS
E-mail: jhastings@ups.edu
VICE CHAIR
Therese E Johnston, PT
E-Mail: skatertree@aol.com
SECRETARY
Mark Goodman Bowden, PT
E-Mail: mbowden@phhp.ufl.edu
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Stephanie E Kaplan, PT, DPT
E-Mail: stephanie_kaplan@hotmail.com
Marie A. Vazquez, PT, PhD
E-mail: mvazqu@lsuhsc.edu
Patrick Kitzman, PT, PhD, MSPT
E-mail: phkitz1@uky.edu
News
Resources for Physical Activity for Persons with Disability
The National Center of Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) provides a tremendous resource for individuals looking to plan or implement physical activity programs for persons with disabilities. On their website, you will find links such as video showing chair-based activity, guides to community parks that are wheelchair accessible, and a virtual tour of an accessible fitness center.
Inclusive Fitness Coalition
The Inclusive Fitness Coalition (IFC) is an advocacy group working to promote physical activity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Their work is based upon objectives outlined by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Contact Us
Jennifer D. Hastings, PT, PhD, NCS
E-mail: jhastings@ups.edu