Improving the quality of life with educational and recreational opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Home Page

Spring / Summer Chapter Update

The United Spinal Association’s Northeast Ohio Chapter is already off to a great start this year, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum this summer! We kicked the year off with our first Connect-In the Community Meetup at Fatheads Brewery in February, followed by another meetup at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in North Olmsted. […]

Member Spotlight: Finding Strength After Tragedy – Eric’s Story

On February 9, 2020, Eric Tyson’s life changed in an instant. Just returning from a drive—his routine as a truck driver—he was caught in a moment of violence that would alter the course of his life forever. A person with whom he had a minor disagreement, under the influence of drugs, found Eric at a […]

Driving Independence: Join Us for the 2nd Annual USANEO Car Show & Cookout on June 14

In 21st-century America, driving represents far more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s a symbol of freedom, autonomy, and connection to the world. But for many individuals with functional impairments, this independence can be lost, leading to isolation, increased dependence on caregivers, and even unsafe driving attempts. At MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute, a […]

Building Community Through Connection: USANEO’s Peer Mentoring Program Empowers the SCI/D Community

The journey after a spinal cord injury or related disorder (SCI/D) is deeply personal—but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Through shared experiences, compassionate conversations, and trusted support, healing can happen not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. That’s where USANEO’s Connect-In Peer Mentoring Program comes in. Designed to foster community and connection, […]

HCBS Survey Study Opportunity from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is looking for people who receive HCBS to pilot test surveys designed to evaluate the person-centeredness of their services. Participants will undergo a brief screening and consent call (Zoom or phone, unpaid) and will complete two or more 10-minute surveys on different aspects of their HCBS (online, via Zoom with a […]

Staying Active Despite the Cold

Although cozying up in the home may be more feasible (and frankly more enjoyable) when faced with the inclement weather that winter brings, maintaining functional levels of activity is essential during the cold months. Long term inactivity contributes to increased levels of pain, loss of muscle strength/tone, worsened cardiovascular fitness, and can also play a […]

MetroHealth Announces Annual Spinal Cord Injury Forum: Save the Date!

MetroHealth is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Forum, an educational and empowering event designed specifically for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and related disorders. The 2025 SCI Forum will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST. Mark your calendars and […]

Member Spotlight: Hanane Hmada — Choosing Positivity, Every Day

Hanane Hmada lives by a simple but powerful truth: “You can’t control the unknown, but you can control your mindset.” For Hanane, living with a spinal cord injury hasn’t been about surrendering to limitations—it’s been about finding new ways to thrive, grow, and live as independently and joyfully as possible. “Just because you have a […]

MSKTC Resource: Bowel Maintenance

The Model System Knowledge and Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national center that helps facilitate the knowledge translation process to make research meaningful to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Burn Injury.  Some people with SCI may experience problems moving waste through their colon, passing a stool when they do not want […]