Resources for People with SCI

General Information about SCI

• The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) has resources for people with and their supporters, including patient-focused Fact Sheets, slideshows, videos, and research reviews. 
• Shepherd Center has printable SCI-related educational materials for patients, families, and caregivers.  
• The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (SRALab) has a list of SCI-resources.
• Spinal Cord Essentials is a patient and family education initiative from University Health Network – Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program and offers a variety of educational handouts. 
• The University of Alabama Spinal Cord Injury Model System (UAB-SCIMS) Information Network website has information about research, health and quality of life for people with spinal cord injury and their supporters. 

Community Integration/Peer Forums

• Job Accommodation Network is an international toll-free consulting service that provides employment information for people with disabilities. Not a job placement service. 
• The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) has an interactive chat room, news room, resource center, message board, communication desk and list of upcoming events. 
• New Mobility has information on equipment and links to other sites. 
• Spinal Cord Essentials is a website that provides patient education resources with handouts on mobility, bowel and bladder, medical issues, equipment, etc.
• The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has frequently asked questions for individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families, as well as links to current research studies and peer mentoring. 
• United Spinal Association aims to improve the quality of life of people with SCI/D through education, peer support, civil rights advocacy, support groups, consulting services, employment assistance, and a network of regional chapters. 
• Will2Walk Foundation provides scholarships to help people with traumatic SCI pay for products and services like education, medical supplies, sports equipment, personal growth and development, therapy, and transportation.

Health/Fitness and Sports

• Inclusive Fitness Coalition (IFC) is an advocacy group promoting physical activity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Their work is based upon objectives outlined by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
• The International Paralympic Committee site contains information about the upcoming Paralympics. 
• The National Center of Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) provides chair-based activity recommendations, guides to community parks that are wheelchair accessible, and a virtual tour of an accessible fitness center.
• The National Sports Center for the Disabled provides information about summer and winter sports and recreation for children and adults with disabilities. 
• The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) provides valuable information regarding wheelchair basketball.
• The Quad Rugby Association provides information regarding quad rugby. 
• SCI-Ex is a FREE app available for iOS devices designed to help people with SCI maintain a healthy lifestyle.  A variety of exercises are shown and described in easy to understand how-to videos.