SCI Superstar: Kevin Brooks

“I don’t quit, you don’t quit.” This is the mantra of Kevin Brooks, one of the most memorable and well-known motivational speakers in Canada. Paralyzed in 2000  when he was just 21 years old, Kevin has gone on to put a silver lining on a bad situation, making a difference in the lives of the thousands who have heard him speak.

But becoming a motivational speaker didn’t happen right away. Responsible for a car accident that not only paralyzed him from the waist down but killed his childhood friend, feeling motivated was the last thing on Kevin’s mind the first couple of years.  He finally however met Rick Hansen, another well-known paraplegic from Canada, and his entire outlook changed.

Read on for Kevin Brooks’ unforgettable story of unlikely perseverance in the face of paralysis. Read this entry

Wheelchair Sledding Craziness

Wintertime isn’t all about staying inside. Venture to the nearest snowy hill, and what do you see? A bunch of people sledding, and it’s possible for you to get out there too!

From using a common household item like a laundry basket to harnessing the brute power of sled dogs to pull you up the hill and back down again, there are ways you can still get out there and experience the thrill of sledding even if you can’t walk.

Dreaming of riding that icy hill too? Check out these three accessible sledding videos we’ve uncovered below. Read this entry

SCI Superstar: Ashley Lyn Olson

When you’re paralyzed at the age of 14, things can go two different ways – you can either use the change to change the world, or you can get angry about how you’ve changed. It’s only two different decisions really, and Ashley Lyn Olson decided to go the high road, and the world of travel has been her target.

Since 2009, she’s been blogging her travel experiences throughout the United States and beyond on her blog – WheelchairTraveling.com – which is both a website, travel company, blog, social network and one of our favorite aspects – a truly amazing video collection.

Her travel knowledge even scored her an ongoing gig with the Abilities Expo, and she’s now spreading her travel knowledge to people in person; a perfect fit for this dynamic lady.

Read on to see how Ashley Lyn is weaving a more than satisfying life by living out her passions

SCI Superstar: Matt Scott

Look close…chances are you might recognize Matt Scott. By far one of the most accomplished wheelchair basketball players in the world, he’s been winning international wheelchair basketball cup titles since 2008.

He’s also a medal-winning Paralympian, a former Nike spokesperson and a nominee for an ESPY Award. It’s no understatement to say his life has been completely transformed by wheelchair-basketball, and the best part – he’s just a kid from Detroit.

From the Paralympics to kicking butt and taking names playing wheelchair basketball in Turkey, Matt has gone international with his superstardom. Read this entry

The Latest on Male Sexuality and Spinal Cord Injury

Out of everything we lose when we become paralyzed, the effects on our sexuality can be the hardest. Ask any guy with a spinal cord injury what he misses most and chances are he’ll say his sexuality.

But the good news – there’s hope for a better tomorrow. There are constant discoveries being made and experts lining up to give advice, all aiming to give men with spinal cord injuries this part of their life back.

Still aren’t sure it’s possible? Watch our three videos to see what we mean. Read this entry

SCI Superstar: Jamie Goodwin

One of the most internet-famous wheelers we’ve featured yet, Jamie Goodwin, a 38 year old mom from Canton, Georgia, has made a name for herself with her Facebook group Wheelin’ Weightloss. Two years ago she made the decision to start losing  baby-weight, and since starting her group she’s become a veritable online sensation.

But it hasn’t been easy. Despite not making it on the 14th season of The Biggest Loser (a reality show dedicated to helping people lose weight), and being bummed about it, Jamie went on to lose the weight on her own, and the best part – she’s inspiring thousands online.

Still shedding the pounds and more active than she’s been in years, check out Jamie’s story of reclaiming who she once was. Read this entry

Wheelchair Hunting Season 2014

It’s that time of year again – hunting season – when individuals who don’t need to hunt do so anyways in the name of sport and camaraderie. And in many areas around the world, hunting helps keep wild animal numbers under control.

This is why, whether you are for or against it, you can’t deny that hunting brings people together and this is especially the case for people with disabilities.

There are so many organizations and tools that exist to help people with spinal cord injuries hunt again, it’s almost a travesty if you don’t try it at least once.

And hunting is in full swing, which means there’s no time like the present to get involved. So if you’re curious, watch the three videos we’re highlighting below – all made in the last year – showing some sweet feats accomplished by hunters with spinal cord injuries.

After you watch them, you will definitely be wanting to try a little hunting asap. Read this entry

Paraplegic flies 16,000 miles from UK to Australia

Clearly not afraid of heights, British adventurer and pilot Dave Sykes is a paraplegic you’ll never forget. Famous for his epic 16,000 mile journey in a microlight aircraft from the UK to Australia, he has taken up flying post-injury in a most fearless way.

Also an author, an active supporter of the British military and a rumored fabulous boyfriend, Dave is the latest SCI superstar we’re excited to share with our followers.

His story is all about perseverance and flight, and is sure to change the way you think about who’s in the sky overhead. Read this entry