by Tiff -

SPINALpedia Back to School Video Challenge!

spinalpedia-back-to-school-video-contest

Want to earn some back to school cash? SPINALpedia.com, a social mentoring network and video archive, wants to assist those with spinal cord injuries going back to school and we need your help.

If you have the ability to create a video (your cell phone is just fine) and have advice to give on the topic of going to school with a spinal cord injury, we’d love to hear from you!

Anything you would like to share ranging from how you take notes in class and what accommodations you request and/or receive to how you make it to and from school and what’s it like living on a college campus and/or dorm room, to even what software programs and technology you use, you can share any and all school-related advice.

Winners will be announced next Friday and the deadline is Sept. 16th! First place wins $100, Second place wins $50 & Third place wins $25.

To submit your video: Please upload it to YouTube and send us the link of your fabulous video either to spinalpedia@gmail.com or via our Facebook page.

All videos will be judged on the following criteria. In no particular order:

– How engaging is the person in the video/ability to connect with the audience?

– Is the video easy to view (lighting)?

– If explaining a task, is it given in clear step-by-step instructions?

– Is the video easy to follow?

– How clear is the audio?

– Is the picture clear and steady?

– How creative is the video?

Good Luck! And remember, everything we do is to help those with new injuries. Join our mission – SPINALpedia.com

by Tiff -

Spinal Cord Injured & Grilling: How to Stay Safe

Everybody loves tasty grilled food, but for many people with spinal cord injuries, they get too worried about burning themselves and just don’t even bother. Barbecue and paralysis may not be two peas in a pod, but they can coexist safely, and that is the purpose of our end-of-the-summer post.

You don’t have to live in fear of your grill any longer. Our videos will prove you can use your grill without burning yourself. All you need are a few handy tricks, like the right grill to purchase.

In honor of Labor Day, we present you with three of our best barbecue videos. Read this post

by Tiff -

Paralyzed by Falling Tree, 22 Year Old Sam Schroth Becomes Ms. Wheelchair America 2015

Newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2015 Sam Schroth, 22 years old from Appleton, Wisconsin, is new to the wheelchair game. She was injured less than two years ago in a freak accident just before she was about to move onto her secondary studies.

But the thing about Sam – she’s one of those determined individuals who despite being a paraplegic couldn’t sit still for long. Not only did she win Ms. Wheelchair America as a newbie paraplegic, she’s switching gears with her studies and is moving onto an even more prestigious degree.

A farm girl at heart with the courage and the drive you would expect, check out our newest SCI Superstar – Sam Schroth. Read this entry

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