by Tiff -

Wheelchair Maneuvering in a Crowd

rock concert

Wheelchairs may be incredibly handy devices, but in one area they completely fail is getting through crowds. Wheelchairs are low to the ground and square, meaning they’re terribly difficult to get through crowds full of tall upright beings.

The main reason being is well, people rarely look down and notice us. It’s a terrible state of affairs, and you don’t have to be in a wheelchair long to experience this. Just spend 5 minutes in an area thick with humans and you’ll see just how invisible we are (to some).

Unfortunately…this means anywhere that’s crowded – concerts, festivals, work events, school events – we have a tough go at it. But there’s good news. We can learn how to get through a crowd without being frazzled.

To become a connoisseur of crowds on wheels, check out our three videos. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Claes Hulting

Considered by many as the Christopher Reeve of Sweden, Claes Hulting since his injury has dedicated his life to promoting enhanced rehabilitation and research of spinal cord injuries. And what he’s created, Spinalis, a cutting edge rehab facility in Sweden, is admired around the globe.

Being the founder of an amazing foundation is just one thing Claes is known for too. He’s also a physician (he worked as an anesthesiologist before his injury) and is in the history books for being the first person with a spinal cord injury to have a child via in-vitro fertilization (a son who’s now turning 18!).

To learn more about a man who can be credited for helping thousands of people with spinal cord injuries live healthier and fuller lives, this is the story of Claes hulting. Read this entry

by Tiff -

How to Get Dressed When You Can’t Stand

There are a lot of things you can’t do when you can no longer stand or walk. Skipping is definitely one of these things. Getting dressed on your own however is one thing you can do, and it can be done well. It just takes a little bit of practice and a handful of panache.

In spinal cord injury terms, anyone with a spinal cord injury from the C6 level and below should be able to do it. We’re not saying it’s easy. In fact, getting dressed is one of the hardest things to relearn post-injury. Knowing the tricks that are out there are huge in learning how to do this as well.

To help you with your getting-dressed journey, here are three videos sharing some awesome tips. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Jenny Addis

Don’t be fooled by Jenny Addis’ sweet smile and gentle demeanor, or even the fact she’s a Midwestern lady from Wisconsin. A quadriplegic for nearly 20 years, Jenny is one of the loudest trailblazers in Wisconsin’s disability community.

The founder of “This Is How We Roll” fashion show, a fundraiser for spinal cord injury research, as well as an outdoors lover who won the 2011 National Park Service Award for her work on creating accessible trails in Wisconsin, Jenny’s wheels barely rest and that’s exactly how she likes it. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Wild Hobbies of High-Level Quadriplegics

Many like to think that quadriplegics who’re paralyzed from the neck down can only paint with their mouths or watch movies for fun, you know…basic things, but boy are they mistaken.

Technology, from electricity to combustible engines, have opened up a whole new world to people with this high-injuries, and it just keeps getting better. We’re talking sidecars on motorcycles, stunt kites and lots more. Nope – these guys don’t take life sitting down.

Get ready to be amazed by three videos we’ve specially chosen, showcasing rare and amazing hobbies of high-level quadriplegics. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Marcus Culvert

Marcus Culvert may not be a name you’ve you heard of before, but he’s hoping one day it will be. A natural at drag racing, Marcus has his eyes on becoming the world’s fastest paraplegic drag racer, and he needs your help to do it.

A military man in his early years, as well as an accomplished bass player and the founder and executive director of a human trafficking and domestic violence awareness foundation, Marcus’ injury has only slightly changed his life’s course.

To watch a man who can’t walk but can go 240 miles an hour on a speedway (and do it with a big smile on his face; huge), this is the story of paralyzed speed demon – Marcus Culvert. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Ultimate Accessible Apartment Living

Leaving the hospital after a spinal cord injury is one of the most stressful things anyone can endure. Everything is completely different and you must relate to the world in a whole new way. This is especially true with your home.

For many of us, our favorite room or activity in our home is no longer possible, and it can feel pretty lousy on top of everything else we’re already dealing with.

For this post we’re specifically talking about accessible modifications in apartments – they’re some of the most popular forms of housing for many people with SCI, and there are many things you can do to an apartment despite being a renter. There are some great accessible apartments that come by default too.

Check out three of these apartments below, and some great DIY’s (bike handle grips used to hold a toothbrush!) to help take your place to the next level. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Stunner on Wheels: Alexandra Santibanez, Paralyzed Miami Fashion Model

They say getting injured at a younger age makes it easier transition-wise, and Alexandra Santibanez certainly proves this is the case. A fashion model hailing from Miami, Florida and a motivational speaker and advocate for disability awareness, her injury at the age of five has barely slowed her down.

But what we especially love about Alexandra is her sense of style. Not only is she a model, but she went on to receive her bachelor’s in a field perfectly suited for the fashion industry, making sure she’s armed and ready for the future.

Brilliantly smart and the most fashionable woman on four wheels in South Florida, this is the outstanding story of Alexandra Santibanez. Read this entry

by Tiff -

En Garde: The Awesome World of Wheelchair Fencing

Arguably one of the most elegant adapted sports ever created, wheelchair fencing remains untouched in the coolness and disability departments. It’s one of the oldest adapted sports out there, yet it still remains one of the most popular, and it’s hard to argue why.

There are paralleled inexpensive adaptations for this sport; some of the cheapest you’ll find out there among any other adapted sport. All you need is a weapon, protective gear and really good brakes, and you’re set. Read on for three videos showing the best of what wheelchair fencing has to offer.

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Marc de Hond

The “Ryan Seacrest” of Amsterdam, Marc de Hond is a well known TV personality and presenter who started out his media career as a DJ, but he wasn’t always paralyzed. A tumor on his spinal cord had different plans, and it changed his entire life when he was 25 years old.

But what’s glorious is how Marc threw himself back into life after rehab, especially since his rehabilitation stay was longer than most due to his incomplete injury, and he soon realized his wheelchair was a better form of transportation vs. desperately trying to walk, and it was in this moment he reclaimed his life.

Read on to see what Marc has been up to since his injury. Read this entry