Links for Health Care Providers

Evidence Based Practice

• NCDDR:  National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (funded by NIDRR). Includes link to listing of the Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems. 
• NIDRR:  National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Current NIDRR research and publications. Also has links to other disability and rehabilitation resources. 
• NRIC: National Rehabilitation Information Center.  Instant Disability Information Center. Literature database on disability and rehabilitation. Contains abstract and citation information. 
• SCIRE: Designed with therapists in mind to help provide high quality articles related to SCI, aide in literature searches and critical review of current and past research to help promote evidence based practice.
• SCI EDGE:  This task force provides recommendations for use of outcome measures with people with SCI. These recommendations relate to clinical practice, research, and entry level physical therapist education, and their development was supported by the Academy of Neurologic PT.
• RehabMeasures Database: This online database provides information about over 400 measures used in rehabilitation, including information about how to administer the measures and summaries of psychometric data related to the measures. Educational resources about measurement and outcome measure use are also available. 

SCI Educational Materials

• SCI Fact Sheets - These Fact Sheets from the SCI SIG were developed as a concise resource primarily for SCI clinicians and cover a variety of topics. 
• SCI SIG Newsletters -  These newsletters cover a variety of topics for the clinician treating individuals with SCI.
• ASIA - This link to the American Spinal Injury Association provides information regarding the organization and its annual meetings, publications, membership information, research and other SCI links. 
• Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine - The Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine released an updated evidence-based guideline on the acute management of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) following spinal cord injury. Click here for all of their publications, which can be downloaded for free!
• E Learning - An electronic education learning program created for low income/resource countries to be used as teaching tool specific to SCI related issues.  An interactive site with videos and a great teaching tool. 
• NESCIT - The New England SCI ToolKit (NESCIT) is a collaborative effort between facilities providing SCI rehabilitation in New England, helping ensure that patients throughout New England and beyond receive the same coordinated standard of care wherever they receive rehabilitation. It will also help facilities that may not treat patients with SCI often enough to develop SCI expertise.
• 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.
• The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation offers resources on frequently asked questions, current research studies, and peer mentoring for individuals with SCI and their families.

SCI Organizations

• Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP). This site is dedicated to improving the quality of medical care delivered to persons with SCI 
• American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). Information regarding organization, annual meetings, publications, membership information, research and other SCI links.  
• National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS). Professional association supporting individuals who provide complex seating and positioning.
• Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Includes an SCI resource center, calendar of events, sports and recreation, and resources for professionals. PVA practice guidelines are also available for download.   
• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). An interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies. 
• United Spinal Association. The United Spinal Association is an organization that aims to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury and dysfunction through education via the Spinal Cord Resource Center, peer support, civil rights advocacy, a network of support groups, consulting services devoted to making built environments accessible to people with disabilities, assistance with pursuit of employment, and a network of regional chapters. 
• The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT). The World Confederation for Physical Therapy is the sole international organization representing physical therapists worldwide. It is dedicated to promoting the profession and improving global health. 
• The World Health Organization (WHO).  The WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

Return to Work/Community Integration/Sports and Health

• International Paralympic Committee.  This site contains information about the upcoming Paralympics. 
• Job Accommodation Network.  An international toll-free consulting service that provides information about employment of people with disabilities. Not a job placement service.
• National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS). Professional association supporting individuals who provide complex seating and positioning.
• National Sports Center for the Disabled.  Information regarding summer and winter sports and recreation for children and adults with disabilities. 
• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). An interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies.