by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Mark E. Felling

The “mad scientist” of adapted technology, Mark Felling, Engineer, Patented Inventor and Founder of adapted gear profferer Broadened Horizons, is a quadriplegic on a mission.

Ever since crashing his experimental plane a decade ago, he’s been determined to use his engineering skills to make his life, and other’s like his, easier.

Several life-changing technologies for people with disabilities have been invented by Mark, and he continues to create more each year, all to empower people with disabilities.

From a powered tenodesis hand splint he calls the “Power Grip” to some of the best adapted video game equipment ever made, this is the story of Mark Felling, the man who never stops dreaming. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Summer Road Trips in a Wheelchair

There’s something uncannily freeing about taking a road trip that appeals to the spinal cord injured individual. It takes you out of your daily routine, you’re always in a new place and it lifts the heaviness of your injury off of you for a bit. There are however some definite skills to learn before going on a road trip if you use a wheelchair.

From how to sleep comfortably in your van if you’re a serious roadtripper on a budget to where to stay to save the most money if you’d rather stay in a hotel, the videos below will share these insightful tips from individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Excited to Share IZ Adaptive’s Revamped Site & Inventory

IZ Adaptive has been an award-winning adaptive clothing line for the seated body since 2009, spearheaded by renowned Canadian fashion designer Izzy Camilleri. Izzy intimately knows the world of fashion, and know that change is always a good thing, which is why she’s revamped her website & inventory.

I couldn’t be more excited either. Prints are one of the biggest changes you’ll notice in her collection, with leopard print and floral prints now available with their adorable Capri pants and Women’s blazers. They’ve also added a “Dressing Easy” category that exclusively contains some really cool items to help you dress easier.

The items they’ve included will delight anyone interested in clothing construction. You’ll find their super smart Open Back Sweater, that has an open back with snaps, their Solid Magnet Shirt with easy magnet closures and their Tear Away Pant, which has snap closures on the outside of each leg.

IZ Adptive’s Men’s area has also been given a refresher. Not only will you find a bigger selection of everything from shirts and jackets (these are also available in new prints like camouflage) to increased athletic wear options, they now have male models modeling their clothing.

They’ve hired several new female models too, all real-life IZ users, who you will see throughout their online catalog, and each representing an unique ability. IZ is showing real-life users in real-life situations in their images and it couldn’t be more awesome.

Above all, IZ Adaptive clothes are meant to help you feel better about yourself. From their shop in downtown Toronto, they’re always thinking of the next great garment for people who use wheelchairs and they eagerly and gladly welcome any garment ideas and suggestions, which is so great.

So if you have any kind of light bulb of inspiration, even an inkling, make sure to email it to info@izadaptive.com. They are open to as many suggestions as they can get.

– Visit the site: IZ Adaptive

– Be sure to check out IZ’s new Vimeo Channel, with interviews of real-life clients: IZ Adaptive on Vimeo

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Dr. Danielle Sheypuk

Growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Danielle Sheypuk, the now self-described “Carrie Bradshaw” of women who use wheelchairs, was just like any other girl – she loved playing with her Barbie dolls and she dreamed of growing up to be a beautiful woman with a doting husband – but she was also a wheelchair-user.

At the age of 3, Danielle’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy progressed to the point where she could no longer walk, and since, she’s been a full-time wheelchair-user. Danielle is without question an expert at living life fabulously sitting down, especially when it comes to dating and sexuality.

A clinical psychologist for people with disabilities on dating and sexuality, Ms. Wheelchair New York 2012 and a model in the upcoming revamped Raw Beauty campaign by The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, read on for the truly awesome story of Dr. Danielle Sheypuk. Read this entry