Resources
Links
- American Paraplegia Society
This site is dedicated to improving the quality of medical care delivered to persons with SCI - NIDRR
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Current NIDRR research and publications. Also has links to other disability and rehabilitation resources. - NCDDR
National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research. Funded by NIDRR. Includes link to listing of the Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems. - Job Accommodation Network
An international toll-free consulting service that provides information about employment of people with disabilities. Not a job placement service. - International Paralympic Committee
This site contains information about the upcoming Paralympics. - ASIA
American Spinal Injury Association. Information regarding organization, annual meetings, publications, membership information, research and other SCI links. - National Sports Center for the Disabled
Information regarding summer and winter sports and recreation for children and adults with disabilities. - Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine
The Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine released an updated evidence-based guideline on the acute managment of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) following spinal cord injury. For a copy of the guidlines, go to www.scicpg.org. - NSCIA
National Spinal Cord Injury Association. Includes chat room, news room, resource center, message board, communication desk and upcoming events. - NWBA
National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Information regarding wheelchair basketball. - New Mobility
Includes broad range of topics including equipment and links to other sites. - PVA
Paralyzed Veterans of America. Includes SCI resource center, calendar of events, sports and recreation, resources for professional. Can also order PVA practice guidelines from this link. - Quad Rugby Association
Information regarding quad rugby. - RESNA
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. An interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies. - Think First Organization
Organization mission is to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries through education of individuals, community leaders and the creators of public policy. - Sexuality and Spinal Cord Injury
A bibliography completed by the Model Spinal Cord Injury Center at Froedfert Memorial Lutheran Hospital. - Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center
This is an easy to read site about basic anatomy and medical issues for the person with SCI. - Team Rehab
Has links to National Registry of Rehab Technology Specialists and to organizations, facilities, resources, sports, etc. - NRIC
National Rehabilitation Information Center. Instant Disability Information Center. Literature database on disability and rehabilitation. Contains abstract and citation information. - 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. - Physiotherapy Exercises for People with Spinal Cord Injury
This website will allow you to search for exercises appropriate for people with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions. Exercise can be selected and compiled into a booklet for your clients. - 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.
Topics of the Month
Topic of the Month January 2007: SCI and Wellness
A greater number of persons who incur a spinal cord injury are surviving long-term. This leads to many sequelae associated with chronic SCI. These may include secondary orthopaedic conditions (e.g., rotator cuff injury and carpal tunnel syndrome), bony changes (e.g., osteopenia and osteoporosis), postural changes (e.g., scoliosis), muscular changes (e.g., atrophy and tissue fibrosis), integumentary changes, and cardiovascular/pulmonary changes (e.g., reduced metabolism, global deconditioning, decreased exercise tolerance). Evidence suggests that several of these sequelae are simply a consequence of the immobility produced by the patients' spinal cord injuries. If this is the case, restoration of activity or mobility may help to mitigate some of these secondary issues. [READ MORE]
Topic of the Month: Exercise and Spinal Cord Injury
Physical Fitness has been well documented for the able- bodied population for many years. Physical fitness has also shown to be important for persons with SCI. However, there are many factors that limit the ability for a person with SCI to exercise. Disruptions of the autonomic nervous system, motor dysfunction and secondary complications can all limit the exercise tolerance of persons with SCI. Research by such authors as Figoni, Hooker, Gass, Camp, Glaser, Nash, Davis, Shepherd, etc have shown the many benefits of physical fitness for persons with SCI. [READ MORE]
Topic of the Month: Respiratory Management For Persons Following A Spinal Cord Injury
As of May 2001, the National Spinal Cord Injury Database estimates approximately 11,000 individuals sustain a SCI per year. Of those individuals, 51.6% are diagnosed with a tetraplegia and 46.3% are diagnosed with a paraplegia. One of the leading causes of death in people with SCI is respiratory disease (20.4%). The SCI SIG had an open forum discussion on respiratory management post SCI. [READ MORE]