There’s nothing better than spending a summer afternoon outdoors with friends, good food, and plenty of opportunities to stay active. The United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio (USANEO) Chapter invites you to join us for our annual Handcycle Picnic in the Park! Whether you’re new to handcycling, have been riding for years, or simply want to...Continue Reading

Shoulder pain is very common in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly in those who use a manual wheelchair. The shoulders are not as sturdy as the joints in the legs, and they tend to wear down more easily. While a person who walks can rest their shoulders when they become painful, a person...Continue Reading

by Skye Carbin MetroHealth is one of the first rehabilitation clinics in Ohio to begin using a new device that delivers transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to improve arm and hand function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Since March, select individuals getting outpatient occupational therapy at The MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute (MHRI) have been using...Continue Reading

As we celebrate Independence Day, the United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio (USANEO) Chapter wishes you and your loved ones a safe, fun, and memorable holiday! The Fourth of July is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy backyard barbecues, watch fireworks, and celebrate the freedoms we cherish. Whether you’re attending a community event...Continue Reading

By Amanda Simmons, PT, DPT Transferring safely and efficiently is a daily reality for many people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Whether you’re moving from your wheelchair to a bed, couch, or another surface, the right technique and setup can make transfers easier, safer, and less physically demanding—while also protecting your skin and...Continue Reading

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was over-the-moon excited.  I had been waiting a very long time to experience this journey.  I didn’t know what to expect or how my body would change, but I did know that I would need to modify some habits and techniques, especially as my pregnancy progressed.  ...Continue Reading

Pressure relief is the single most critical element in wound care and mobility management for people living with spinal cord injuries. Each transfer we make—whether from wheelchair to bed, toilet, car, or another surface—requires intention, care, and awareness. These everyday movements may seem routine, but over time they play a significant role in protecting (or...Continue Reading

At United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio (USANEO), community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we host monthly virtual meetings on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7 PM EST. These gatherings are open to all members of the spinal cord injury (SCI) community, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning more...Continue Reading

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. Last newsletter, we featured the Factsheet on adaptive sports and recreation and how to get involved in your community.  This...Continue Reading

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,...Continue Reading