by Tiff -

A great SCI-worthy donation

And this is a big one, folks. September is – woo hoo! – Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.

What does this whole “awareness month” message mean? Lots of things…talking about what is a spinal cord injury, sharing spinal cord injury prevention tips and bringing up important issues facing people with spinal cord injuries.

This is actually where my heart lies. No one can cure us, but we can be in control of our lives by improving day-to-day issues, like having people who understand and all the information you need so you can live an amazing, healthy and independent life. HUGE stuff. That is why I am a major fan of BACKBONES. They’re a great non-profit dedicated to improving all of this really important stuff.

And this month, they’re trying to raise $10,000 for their organization, all of which will go directly to fund their mission (you can read it in full here).

They are there to give free support people with SCI and their familes – they do one-on-one pair ups, fun events all around the country. Having a good time and positivity is what they’re all about (proof!).

What’s not to love about an organization that holds city-wide scavenger hunts IN wheelchairs (everybody has to try it too, even if they can walk) as a way to teach SCI education?

Click here to give & help BACKBONES reach their goal!

by Tiff -

Locomotor a waste of time?

Maybe I’ve been paralyzed too long, but there are a bunch of new therapy programs out there that I question.

Let me preemptively say that locomotor training has a lot of great benefits (it’s good for weight-bearing, making your muscles move, organ-hanging party time).  It’s a pretty intense therapy where they strap you into a harness (that’s attached to a bar above your head) and hang you above a treadmill. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Podcast #86: Peter Soby, a quadriplegic producer in Hollywood

In episode #86 of podcast No Free Rides, we’re joined by Peter Soby, a quadriplegic writer, director and film producer from L.A.

With a face that’s easy on the eyes and a creative force that can’t be ignored, Peter has paved his own niche in Holllywood.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

by Tiff -

Crafty fixes make melodious sounds

Saying goodbye to my love of music was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done after my injury. Maybe in my wildest dreams, jerry-rigging a clarinet (to work for my quad hands) would have worked, but not all instruments are impossible to adapt.

Watch Robb Madison, a paraplegic drummer use 3 sticks to mimic the bass  drum, and watch a famous quadriplegic blues singer from the UK show how he can still play the steel guitar (via his  lap). Gag they’re so smart! Read this entry

by Tiff -

My dream kitchen has landed

I’ve seen some gorgeous accessible kitchens in my day. Beautiful, custom kitchens to lust after with cut-outs under the counter tops for plenty of knee space, huge slabs of granite cut-out to fit the countertops perfectly, stainless steel appliances with bottom loading freezers and pull-out shelves to reach things easier.

But going from point A, a completely inaccessible kitchen to point B, a fully accessible kitchen where everything is thought of from top to bottom, usually takes a qualified ADA building expert or some kind of universal accessible consultant. And if you don’t hire one of these people, the likelihood of forgetting an accessible feature is almost guaranteed.
This is why I am completely in love with the Skyline Lab Kitchen, a wheelchair accessible kitchen made by Italian kitchen manufacturer, Snaidero. Read the rest of this post…
by Tiff -

Podcast #84 – Joe Stone and reclaiming the mountain

In episode #84 of No Free Rides, Tiffiny interviews Joe Stone, a C7 quad injured while speed flying in Montana (where you parachute down a mountain on foot). Tiffiny and Joe discuss the importance of staying true to your passions despite a life-changing injury, as well as his documentary, Wings to Wheels.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download