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SCI Superstar: Chanda Hinton Leichtle
After dropping to 58lbs because of chronic pain that came out of no where 12 years after her injury, Chanda Hinton Leichtle’s life was transformed by acupuncture, massage and chiropractic care (& yoga!). Learn all about the biggest guru of alternative therapies for people with spinal cord injuries, and her foundation, The Chanda Plan Foundation. Read this entry
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Snowmobiling – thrilling and easily adapted!
Snowmobiling is one of those things post-injury sports that rules. They already have hand-controls built into them, and almost nothing beats going 60mph on powder in some of the most beautiful scenery you’ve ever been around. Check out these three awesome videos of paraplegics, including “100 mph” Trevor Moen from BC, Canada. Read this entry
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Podcast 92: Damon Boiser – Mahalo is his middle name
In podcast 92, Tiffiny is joined by Damon Boiser, a lifelong resident of Hawaii, who was injured doing what he loves – surfing – 9 years ago. They talk about Damon’s interesting (and sometimes tumultuous) journey to recovery on the Big Island (traveling there from Kauai). And they discuss his discovery and love of three adrenaline-soaring sports that have helped fill the void that surfing left – skydiving, karate and Aikido. He’s the first person to directly land in their wheelchair after a skydive in fact!
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Paralysis & tattoos – why we do it
What’s more popular than iPhones, reality TV and fast food in this country? Strangely, tattoos. Like it or revile it, everyone from old ladies to young kids to yes, people with paralysis, are getting inked (with mermaid tattoos a popular choice among paralyzed women). Heck, my mom even has more tattoos me (believe me when I say this is very very weird). Read this entry
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SCI Superstar: John Hockenberry
Current host of NPR’s, The Takeaway, John Hockenberry (paralyzed at the age of 19 while hitchhiking) has become an esteemed journalist despite going on year 36 of being paralyzed. In the ’90s, he was on the ground in war zones like Iraq & Somalia covering news for ABC and NBC, and he had a MSNBC show, Hockenberry. Learn all about this brilliant man. Read this entry
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Quadriplegic who still plays the piano
Check out these three IMPRESSIVE wheeler skills! A very talented (and French) C5-6 quad who can still play the piano (including the chords!), a paraplegic magician who performs illusions using a standing chair (he’s been on Fox!) and a paraplegic who climbs ladders for fun (he’s nuts!). Read this entry
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Paraplegic character debuts on ‘90210’
I may be too burnt out on the genre, but if you’re a fan of gushy primetime soap operas, have a soft spot in your heart for 90210 AND are interested in characters with disabilities in the media (television and movies, etc)… …then Riley (played by Riley Smith of ’24,’ ‘Motocrosser’ and ‘Freak & Geeks’ fame) is a character you need to get hip to. Read this entry
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SCI Superstar: Brooke Ellison
Brooke Ellison is am-aazing! First quad to graduate from Harvard (you’ve seen her on the “Hope. Pass It On” billboards), Christopher Reeve’s last film was on her life story and she ran for the New York State Senate in 2004. What is she up to now? Read on!
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These paralyzed gamers won’t quit
Hair binders to hold a Wiimote, the awesome “Face Gamer” from New Hampshire gets featured in Wired and an accessible Wii Fit board invented by a crafty Canadian para. Sweet! I love accessible gaming ♥ And if you don’t know who Chuck Bittner, aka the “Face Gamer” is (he was featured in Wired magazine & is THE leading accessible gaming advocate), this is your chance to get edumacated. Read this entry
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SCI Superstar: Judith Smith
Check out our SCI Superstar this week: Judith Smith! Artistic director of one of the most successful disability non-profits in the country, AXIS Dance Company (based in Oakland, CA). AXIS is a leading integrated dance company that’s been on (and kicked butt) on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance? Read this entry
