by Tiff -

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

by Tiff -

Best of Overseas Wheelchair Tricks

It’s not every day you see someone in a wheelchair rolling down a staircase or spinning on their back wheels as they make their way down a hall, but these skills…oh they exist, and a lot of them come from overseas.

No doubt a product of their environment, people who use manual wheelchairs and live in countries with less-than accessibility have to get creative. No one likes being stuck, and boy do these folks know what to do.

Whether they’re flying over stairs or using monkey-bars in the park, chances are you’ll be in awe. Read this entry

by Tiff -

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

by Tiff -

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

by Tiff -

Rolling in the Trees: Wheelchair Accessible Treehouses

In the vast world of treehouses, only a handful are wheelchair accessible. It’s not easy putting a ramp into a tree, especially if you’re following ADA ramp-grade guidelines, but the good news – it can totally be done.

Whether it’s Treehouse Masters, the reality show that follows Pete Nelson and his treehouse crew, to something a bit more inconspicuous like a park in Illinois, just know that it’s possible. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Meet the first paralyzed woman to compete in Ironman triathlon – Trish Downing

The first female disabled athlete to compete in an Ironman triathlon, meet Trish Downing, a lifelong athlete who transformed into a top-tier adapted athlete post-injury. Now a self-described endurance athlete, Trish has not been afraid to push herself in the face of paraplegia.

Also going on to found an all female disability sports camp, become a published author AND a motivational speaker all after her accident, the last thing Trish wanted to do was sit at home and forget about her once physically active life. She has taken her life by the reins in a big way, and it shows.

For a taste of the sweet Colorado life and how she was able to achieve it, this is the story of Trish Downing. Read this entry

by Tiff -

You Are Still You

While working for my main gig nowdays at SPINALpedia.com, I came across this amazing lady is known as the Pretty Cripple. She is a beauty blogger from New York City and her style is crazy unique. I love it! I would say it’s “retro wheelchair fierce” and yes, she wins at life.

Check out her blog: Pretty Cripple

Ps. How are you doing? Have any crazy wheelchair stories to tell

– Tiffiny

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Bert Burns

While he may be the founder and CEO of one of the largest urological supply companies in the United States, Bert Burns is not your regular businessmen with a spinal cord injury. Also a Paralympian, Bert carries on a passionate sports life outside of the office.

And that’s just the start of it. Also a motivational speaker, husband and father of twins, Bert’s accident infused in him not only the survival to live, but to live fully.

To learn how he was able to do that and much more, read on for the story of Bert Burns. Read this entry