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....Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...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

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...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.  Some people with SCI may experience problems moving waste through their colon, passing a stool when they do not want...Continue Reading

Are you having a hard time figuring out how to manage changes that happen as you live longerwith SCI? Trouble finding doctors that understand aging with SCI? Individuals with chronic injuries are invited to join a virtual discussion on Saturday, April 19thfrom 1-5pm eastern time with Thomas Jefferson University and MedStar Health – “Oh Lord,This...Continue Reading