SCI Resources

Activity-Based Rehabilitation

Journey Forward provides an intense, exercise-based program. Their clients engage in a range of activities, including load-bearing, full-body neural stimulation, and gait training. Located in Canton, MA.
Project Walk promotes an improved quality of life through exercise for people affected by paralysis and other physical disabilities. Located in Stratham, NH

Adaptive Sports Equipment Resources

Asphalt Bicycles and Wheelchairs

Top End Handcycles are used worldwide for recreation and competition. The Top End range of Handcycles includes products for beginners to highly competitive athletes.

Basketball

PER4MAX Basketball Wheelchair is an elite performance sports wheelchair built by the best for the best! Ball with the best of them in a sturdy custom fit tapered lightweight basketball chair.
Top End Basketball Wheelchairs has been a leader in manufacturing basketball wheelchairs for decades. Top End basketball wheelchairs are well represented in the Paralympics and in the wheelchair basketball world championships.

Ice

Mobility Sports Sleds is a tremendous resource if you want to learn about sled hockey, find equipment, or get information on upcoming events around North America.

Off-road Bicycles and Wheelchairs

BowHead has engineered its adventure e-bikes, firmly believing everyone belongs outside. All models are customizable to fit each rider's mobility wants and needs.
Equal Adventure - Boma 7.5 is an off-road, full-suspension, upright, all-power bike/wheelchair made in the UK to meet your inclusive off-road needs. Drive systems include a joystick (think power wheelchair) and a handlebar twist grip throttle.
KBGOODZ Terra is a four-wheel, independently suspended, electric off-road quad cycle. The TERRA has a lot of adjustability and various options for different performance levels.
Outrider 4WD Coyote All-Terrain Wheelchair is an American-made four-wheel-drive wheelchair with extreme capabilities for adaptive adventurers.
Reactive Adaptations custom off-road handcycles was started from the growing need for access to the outdoors. They are designed and built by the very people who benefit from the sport and the access it provides.
Sport-On - On and Off-Road Bicycles has multiple styles of on and off-road handcycles. Sport-On can serve all your cycling needs.
Trackchair is a wheelchair with tank-like tracks, featuring a range of accessories for all your outdoor sporting needs.

Racing Wheelchairs

Top End Racing wheelchairs have created more world champions and more world records than any other racing wheelchair brand. Whether you are looking for a racing wheelchair for the track or the road, Top End has the chair for you. Top End has the right racing wheelchairs for beginners and world champions alike.

Rugby

RGK Predator is a gnarly beast, perfectly adapted to the high-impact, pure-aggression gameplay that wheelchair rugby demands.

Snow

KBGOODZ Mono Skis has been producing world-class sit-skis since 1999. Many of KBG's designs have won numerous Paralympic and World titles, with athletes from all over the globe. KBG is committed to advancing adaptive equipment, looking far into the future.

Tennis

PER4MAX Tennis Wheelchair is an elite performance sports wheelchair built by the best for the best! Offered in different configurations depending on the sport, the Thunder Tennis has propelled elite athletes for decades!
Top End Tennis Wheelchairs are specialized mobility devices designed to enable individuals with mobility impairments to participate in the sport of wheelchair tennis.

Water

Liquid Access Adaptive Water Skis has been providing adaptive water ski products since 1997.

Adaptive Tools and Assistive Technology Resources

Adaptive tools:

Quad Tools reachers and grabbers are designed to help people with paralysis live more independently. They can be used by any disabled person with or without wrist action who needs assistance reaching or gripping objects.

Assistive Technology:

Easterseals guarantees you will learn something useful from their AT services. Whether it is getting a loan for an essential piece of adaptive equipment, learning how to improve independence at home, helping non-speaking students communicate, or simply knowing your options.
Makers Making Change, a Neil Squire program, in partnership with our community of volunteers and a library of over 200 open-source designs that can be made by anyone, enables people with disabilities to obtain affordable assistive devices and live life to the fullest.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller is designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility. It is a unified hub for devices that helps make gaming more accessible.
The Travis Roy Center at Spaulding's mission is to accelerate functional independence and quality of life for people with severe SCI. The Center is implementing the most promising technologies that translate into clinical and home applications. They are working with corporate partners to deliver a positive near-term impact on people with SCI, their loved ones, and caregivers.
Warfighter Engaged (adaptive gaming accessories) is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to advancing accessible gaming and technology through education, advocacy, and community engagement. They empower veterans, individuals with disabilities, and the broader gaming community by promoting inclusive play and championing adaptive technology.

Phone Apps:

Wheel to Wheel is a user community dedicated to helping others with mobility challenges find and rate accessible places across the country and beyond.

Centers for Independent Living

Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are community-based non-profit organizations run by people with disabilities. At ILCs, you can work with peers and advocates to live more independently. Here is a list of Massachusetts Independent Living Centers:

AdLib Center for Independent Living: Pittsburg, MA/Berkshires
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) : Boston, MA
Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD): Cape Cod, MA
Center for Living and Working (CLW): Worcester, MA
Disability Resource Center (DCR): Northshore and Cape Ann, MA
Independence Associates, a center for independent living: Brockton, MA
Massachusetts CIL
MetroWest Center for Independent Living (MWCIL): Framingham, MA
Northeast Independent Living Program (NILP): Lawrence, MA
Southeast Center for Independent Living (SCIL): Fall River, MA
Stavros Center for Independent Living: Amherst, MA

Durable Medical Equipment Resources

REquipment is where you can find free, gently used, durable home medical equipment and assistive technology. Each year, hundreds of Massachusetts residents donate the home medical equipment and assistive technology they no longer use to REquipment. The devices are refurbished and reassigned to older adults and individuals with disabilities, including children and veterans.
Hospital Equipment Loan Program (H.E.L.P) is like a lending library and recycling center for home medical/health equipment. Do you need home medical equipment in your household and are willing to promptly return it when no longer needed? There are no fees. Donations are voluntary.
Top 6 Portable Wheelchair Ramps for Accessible Travel (Article) “Portable wheelchair ramps can reduce the stress of visiting friends or exploring new places that may not be fully wheelchair accessible.”

Family and Caregiver Resources

AARP - Caregiver Burnout (Article) - Tips to Prevent and Manage Stress. Recognize the causes and symptoms so you can get the help you need.
Caring for a Caregiver (Article) - Four Tips to Help Caregivers Care for Themselves.
CaringBridge is a no-cost, 501(c)(3) nonprofit health platform that surrounds family caregivers with support while they care for a loved one on a health journey.
Craig Hospital Non-Emergent Nurses Advice Hot Line is nationally recognized as having one of the best health care programs for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and brain injury (TBI). As a result, the hospital receives daily health-related phone calls from people living with the injury, both in Colorado and around the country.
Encompass Health - Tips for Caregivers: Here you will find tips and resources for caregivers curated by Encompass Health
Lotsa Helping Hands makes it easy to organize help for people in need. Use the care calendar to assign meal deliveries and coordinate rides to appointments. Stay up to date with weekly announcements and offer emotional support by sending Well Wishes
Mayo Clinic (Article) - Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is administered by MassHealth and Medicare to provide a wide range of medical, social, recreational, and wellness services to eligible participants.
SCIboston Peer Mentor Program matches individuals with peer mentors based primarily on gender, injury level, age, interests, and family life, amongst other considerations.
SCIboston Family and Significant Other Support Groups provides a supportive environment to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who are navigating the impact of SCI. The Family Group is held weekly on Thursdays at 5pm EST, and Significant Other is held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7pm EST. Both groups are hosted virtually on Zoom.
Veterans Caregiver Respite is a period of rest or a break from caregiving. Whether it’s for a few hours or a few days, respite can help caregivers take time for themselves. The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) encourages every caregiver to incorporate respite into their lives.

Fundraising

Help Hope Live supports community-based fundraising for people with unmet medical expenses and related costs due to catastrophic injuries and illnesses. These efforts play a critical role in helping clients access the care and equipment they need to heal, live, and thrive, such as modified vehicles, DME, and caregiving expenses.

Grant Resources and Scholarships

Challenge Athletes Foundation's flagship grant program aims to remove barriers to adaptive athletes' pursuit of sport and fitness. Individuals worldwide with permanent physical disabilities are eligible to apply for the CAF Annual grant. This application opens every Fall and grants are awarded the following Spring. Grant Request Options: Sport Expense Grant, Equipment - CAF Equipment Grant, or Equipment - Other Equipment Grant. Yeah
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grants program offers a tiered grants strategy, awarding grants to support a wide array of programs and activities.
Kelly Brush Foundation Active Fund provides grants for individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury to purchase adaptive sports equipment.
SCIboston Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program assists individuals with paraplegia or quad/tetraplegia due to a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) who demonstrate a financial need. These grants can help assist with obtaining either Durable Medical Equipment or Vehicle Modifications
SCIboston’s Steven F. Riley Memorial Education Scholarship assists individuals with paraplegia or quad/tetraplegia due to a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) who demonstrate a desire to create a better future through education.
Walking with Anthony’s donation-funded grant program was created to provide urgent rehabilitation grants and access to essential recovery resources for those recently affected by spinal cord injuries. This emergency initiative helps bridge the impossible gap between what insurance covers—and what recovery truly requires. Without immediate support, those injured may never walk—or live independently—again.

Housing Resources

Boston Disabilities Commission Housing Resources offers resources to help residents with disabilities find housing in Boston.
Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) provides no-interest loans to make your home more accessible. HMLP can help you become more independent. If you or a household member has a disability (or is over 60 years old), the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) is here to help.
Massachusetts Housing Navigator connects people with a place to call home. They develop technology that promotes housing equity and provide unique data that brings transparency to the affordable housing market.
Metrolist is Boston's primary resource to find income-restricted housing.
The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing & Home Modification is a directory that provides home modification and repair resources (including featured programs, funding, service providers, and consumer materials) for each state!

Insurance

Webinar Series: The Insurance Maze: How to Navigate the System after Life-Changing Injury & Illness, brought to you by Model Systems and the Rehabilitation Outcomes Center at Spaulding.

Mental Health Resources

Behavioral Health & Psychology is Spaulding Outpatient Center’s mental health resource webpage.
Mental Health Resources is United Spinal’s Help Desk mental health resource webpage.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Massachusetts Affiliate is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Resources

Bayada (Private pay) offers a wide range of home care services for every age and stage of life, tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and goals.
Care.Com is a website service connecting families with quality, local caregivers
City of Boston PCAs - Parking Permit (PDF APPLICATION) is a program for PCA Consumers who are Disabled Residents of Boston.
Handshake streamlines your recruiting with advanced tools to improve candidate quality and reduce time to hire. Experience the future of hiring.
The Kessler Foundation PCA Training Course is a course designed to help train personal care assistants who work with clients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The course’s goal is to increase knowledge about SCI, improve communication, and enhance the quality of care.
Mass PCA Directory connects Personal Care Attendants and people who need care at home.
MassHealth PCA Program eligibility resources provided by the American Council on Aging.
MA PCA Handbook (PDF) can be used by MassHealth members and their caregivers to learn about the MassHealth PCA Program.
PCA Workforce Council (PCA Council) serves MassHealth PCA consumers and PCAs through its mission to ensure access to a quality workforce.
PNPS Nursing & Home Care works closely with clients to implement a customized, adaptable care plan that includes in-home nursing, personal care, homemaking, and companionship services.
Rewarding Works provides an accessible, easy-to-use online directory and job board to help individuals and families find and hire caregivers.
Tempus Unlimited, Inc., as a Fiscal Intermediary (FI), is under contract with the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) – Office of Medicaid (MassHealth PCA FI Program) to perform employer-required tasks and related administrative tasks for individuals (“consumers”) in our Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program.

Peer Mentor Resources

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF) has a peer mentor who knows what you are going through. Whether you are newly paralyzed, have been living with paralysis for years, or are a family member or caregiver.
SCIboston matches individuals with peer mentors based primarily on gender, injury level, age, interests, and family life, amongst other considerations. SCIboston’s mentors also lead many of our virtual support groups and image attend them to provide support to others.
United Spinal Association understands how vital peer support is for many wheelchair users living successfully in their communities. The USA offers a robust peer support program that includes one-on-one peer mentoring, virtual and in-person support group meetings.

Returning to Work/School Resources

MassAbility empowers people with disabilities to live life on their own terms. Our programs and services expand possibilities in careers and training, home and community life, and legal rights and benefits – including disability determination for federal programs.
Work Without Limits is a network of employers, educational institutions, employment service providers, state and federal agencies, individuals with disabilities, and their family members.
SCIboston Saturday Ed Series - Return to School a webinar where members of our SCI community who’ve returned to school or went back to further their education and explore new career options after a spinal cord injury. The panelists, with varying levels of SCI, share their personal experiences and the process, adjustments, and adaptations that enabled them to successfully return to school.
SCIboston Saturday Ed Series - Return to Work, a webinar where individuals with various levels of SCI will share how they have successfully entered or returned to a career and the adjustments and adaptations that have made it possible.

Return to Driving

Central Mass Safety Auto School Adaptive Driving School has been working with other-abled drivers for more than 40 years! We boast the school with the most driver rehabilitation specialists in the state.
Drive Rx Adaptive Driving Program is Massachusetts’ first occupational therapist-owned driving rehabilitation service, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to help you overcome driving challenges.
Mass.gov Driving Resources has resources available to support older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income commuters in driving affordably and safely in Massachusetts.
Mass.gov Medical Standards for Driver's Licenses provides information on the Registry of Motor Vehicles' current medical policies for passenger vehicle and motorcycle driver's licenses.
SCIboston Road to Freedom (Blog): SCIboston Peer Mentor Heather journals her experience returning to driving after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Spaulding Driving Assessment Program will evaluate your vision, spatial awareness, and physical and mental reaction time to determine your potential to drive and whether adaptive equipment could make driving safer and easier for you.

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Resources

Spaulding’s Adaptive Sports program can help you discover activities that challenge your body and competitive streak, and help improve your body awareness in a healthy, connected community. Spaulding gives you a safe, ideal opportunity to try new sports or simply get back to your favorite one.
Spaulding’s Brace Clinic is home to comprehensive adult and pediatric orthotics and prosthetics clinics ready to provide expert evaluations and fittings for the most cutting-edge, natural orthotics and prosthetics available today. Spaulding wants you to feel inspired and empowered by the new you that comes with the right device.
Spaulding’s Driving Assessment Program will evaluate your vision, spatial awareness, and physical and mental reaction time to determine your potential to drive and whether adaptive equipment could make driving safer and easier for you.
Spaulding’s Physiatry has Physiatrists on staff — physicians who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) — who diagnose and provide non-surgical treatments for diseases and injuries of the bones, muscles, and nervous system.
Spaulding’s Wheelchair and Seating Clinic can help both adults and children who need wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment, such as bath seats, car seats, walkers, standers, and strollers.

Special Needs Trusts and Legal Services

Birchgrove Law Collaborative, LLC is committed to staying current with the ever-changing landscape of the field while providing highly experienced, skilled, up-to-the-minute asset protection and Medicaid planning strategies for clients who require home care, assisted living and skilled nursing home care. (Pamela Greenfield Special Needs Trusts)
Latham Law Offices is a general practice law firm representing clients in every phase of life, from the purchase of their first home and formation of their own business, to estate planning, eldercare, and probate matters. (Joshua Latham, Special Needs Trusts)
Special Needs Trust Alliance empowers people with disabilities and their families to lead lives of dignity and purpose through expert legal planning and advocacy.

Spinal Cord Injury Resource Guides

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF) Paralysis Resource Guide (PDF) is a comprehensive guide for individuals navigating life after paralysis.
Craig Hospital SCI Handbook (PDF) is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital that exclusively specializes in neuro-rehabilitation and research for individuals with spinal cord injury and brain injury. Their handbook all encompassing book for individuals affected by SCI.
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) Factsheets provide integrated and multidisciplinary rehabilitation care for people with TBI, SCI, and burn injuries.

Sports & Recreation Resources

Adaptive Sports New England (multi-sport) is a Massachusetts non-profit organization dedicated to increasing participation in sports among New England youth and adults who have visual or mobility impairments.
The Boston Breakers (Soccer) is a team made up of men and women, mostly from the Boston area, aged 30 to 60, but we’re open to others. Members of the team include those with spinal cord injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, as well as other conditions that limit strength and mobility. Power wheelchair soccer is a competitive sport played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court, with two teams of four players who attack, defend, and kick a soccer ball in a manner similar to regulation soccer.
Community Boating Boston (Sailing) is located on the Charles River Esplanade between the Hatch Memorial Shell and the Longfellow Bridge, Community Boating is the oldest public sailing organization in the United States.
The DCR Universal Access Program (multi-sport) has adaptive recreation programs in Massachusetts state parks. These programs offer specialized equipment, modifications, and staff support and instruction.
High Fives Foundation (multi-sport) athletes have returned to active lives with some going on to participate in the Paralympic Games and Special Olympics with the help of our rehabilitation services, adaptive sports programs, and adaptive sports center.
Kelly Brush Foundation (multi-sport) offers sport/recreational camps, activities, and advocacy as well as sports an recreation grants.
Life Rolls On Foundation (multi-sport) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with various disabilities. Believing that adaptive surfing, skating, and fishing could inspire infinite possibilities beyond any disability
New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) (multi-sport) is a nationally recognized program providing year-round adaptive sports instruction to adults and children living with a physical or cognitive disability. NEDS is a program that focuses on the student’s ability, not his or her disability.
Northeast Passage’s (multi-sport) program offers a spectrum of service, from entry-level instruction to ongoing recreation and competitive sports.
Piers Park Sailing Center (Sailing) is located on the waterfront in East Boston, Massachusetts, Piers Park Sailing Center (PPSC) is a charitable nonprofit 501(c)(3) community center dedicated to providing 100% accessible recreational, educational, and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages and abilities in Boston Harbor.
SCIboston Saturday Ed Series - Adaptive Sports (multi-sport webinar) is a great way to learn about adaptive sports, fitness, and recreation opportunities in the Greater Boston Area. You will hear from representatives from Spaulding Adaptive Sports, The Kelly Brush Foundation, Waypoint Adventures, and Oak Square YMCA. Find out what is available and how you can get involved!
Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (multi-sport) programs can help you discover activities that challenge your body and competitive streak, and help improve your body awareness in a healthy, connected community. They give you a safe, ideal opportunity to try new sports or simply get back to your favorite one. Open to all ages and led by adaptive sports professionals and Spaulding therapists, they’ll help match your desire and capabilities to the right mix of activities.
Spaulding Exercise for Persons with Disabilities (ExPD, FES Rowing) (Indoor Exercise) is located at Spaulding Hospital Cambridge. The ExPD program provides suitable exercise for health, leisure, and sport for people with disabilities. The program offers patients an innovative form of exercise, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-Rowing. Contact Glen Picard at 617-758-5511 or email ExPD@partners.org to find out more about the program, cost, and if you meet their requirements.
South Coast Wheelchair Tennis Foundation (Tennis) is a great resource if you are looking for wheelchair tennis clinics or want to volunteer and service your local community.

Supplemental Resources (podcasts, books, articles, research, studies, trials, Facebook support groups, etc.)

Facebook Support Groups:

Disability Trading Zone has been serving the disabled community since 2013 and is the largest adaptive equipment & merchandise emporium on Facebook. Trade, sell, and buy items from other members
Moms of Teens with Spinal Cord Injuries is where you can find other moms. Get the support you need, because this isn’t just your teen’s injury/journey, it’s yours too.
SCIboston’s Private Facebook Group for members of the spinal cord injury community in Massachusetts and the New England area to connect and support one another.
SCI Locker Room: Male-Only Private Group is a spinal cord injury special-interest group for discussing potentially sensitive, male-related topics.
SCI Survivors (Survivors Only) group is for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. A safe place where you are free to discuss all issues regarding your injuries, free of caregivers, family, friends, etc...
Spinal Cord Injury USA Group is about sharing your experience living with a Spinal Cord Injury.
The Spinal Cord Injury Support Group was created for those in the SCI Community seeking support, encouragement, and information. We welcome people with a SCI (traumatic or non-traumatic injuries that are non-congenital), caregivers, family members, and close friends (upon approval of the SCI individual or caregiver), medical professionals, therapists, and trainers.
United Spinal Association SCI Support Group provides United Spinal members and chapter leaders a welcoming place to share their successes, challenges, and experiences living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).
Wives and Girlfriends of SCI (WAGS) is an independent community-based organization, supported and sustained by its own membership. We are not part of a foundation, and do not report to any large corporations with other interests.
Women’s SCI Support Group is a group for women with SCI to ask any questions we might be embarrassed to ask in the other groups.

Instagram Accounts:

@curbfreewithcorylee - Cory Lee, accessible travel blogger
@ericlegrand52 - Eric LeGrand, injured during a collegiate football game, public speaker
@life_keeps_rolling - Josh Keller (SCIboston Peer Mentor and Group Leader) has funny SCI-related memes, advocacy, comics, and he also has a great blog here!
@iamweshamilton - Wes Hamilton, athlete, motivational speaker, philanthropist, author
@moveunitedsport - Move United, adaptive sports in the US
@sciboston - the best place to learn more about SCIboston and stay up to date on all our events, advocacy, mentoring, and more.
@wagsofsci - Wives and Girlfriends of SCI (WAGS) or check out https://linktr.ee/Wagsofsci

Online SCI Articles and Sites:

AccessibilityOnline Webinar Series is a resource website created by the Great Lakes ADA Center on buildings, transportation, recreation, etc.
Shepherd Center, “Understanding SPINAL CORD INJURY” shares a wealth of spinal cord injury-related educational materials for patients, families, and caregivers. Here, you’ll find printable guides, instructional videos, and links to trusted resources covering essential topics like daily care, mobility techniques, and medical concerns.

Podcasts:

Spinal Cord Injury Zone lists 15 Podcasts that focus on spinal cord injury-related topics by people with spinal cord injuries.
The Unexpected Journey adaptive athlete and quadriplegic, Tim Brown, talks with other disabled folks to learn how they challenge preconceived beliefs, push boundaries, and get after it - ultimately leading to a life fulfilled.

Research/Studies/Trials

Spinal Cord Injury Zone is more than just research articles, also has news, articles, and entertainment
The SCI Trials Finder matches people with spinal cord injuries and clinical trials. It helps people to easily locate, understand and participate in clinical trials that fit their situation.

Videos:

NorCal SCI has over 100 educational and informative videos covering a wide range of topics, including fitness and health, nutrition and cooking, your body post-SCI, programs and resources, electrical stimulation, event reports, and much more.
PARALIFE are Craig and Claire, an interabled couple rediscovering our love for travel after a cycling accident that left Craig paralyzed from the chest down and reliant on a wheelchair.
The SCI Model System Videos feature a variety of topics on SCI, including bladder and bowel management, exercise, and pain management.

Website:

Facingdisability.com connects families who suddenly have to deal with paralysis after a spinal cord injury to people like them who have already been there.

Support Group Resources

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has comprehensive resources for joining, starting, and/or leading support groups.
Gun Violence Survivors a virtual group hosted by Rochester Spinal Association. If you, or someone you know, has been paralyzed by a gun violence, please join this group.
SCIboston Virtual Support Groups are designed to meet the needs of individuals with an SCI (spinal cord injury) and for family members impacted by SCI. Each group is led by an experienced SCIboston Peer Mentor whose role is to structure the meeting by facilitating introductions, meaningful topics, and open discussions. SCIboston support groups (with the exception of the Nutrition Group) are open to individuals and family members living in New England. If you are looking for support groups outside of the New England area, please visit www.unitedspinal.org to see their support groups offerings.
United Spinal Association - Families & Caregivers Group aims to be a virtual safe haven for parents and guardians who are caregivers of children with spinal cord injuries/disorders or other mobility disorders.
United Spinal Association LGBTQIA+ Support Group where all members of the LGBTQIA community who have disabilities — including our allies — are welcome. Come as you are!

Transportation

ADA & Accessible Ground Transportation website gives an overview of requirements set by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which applies to both public and private ground transportation providers.
Air Travel Rights for People with Disabilities has information regarding The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities when dealing with commercial airlines.
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights is a website from the U.S. Department of Transportation provides resources for airline passengers with disabilities. The site explains what the Bill of Rights provides for passengers with disabilities.
Apply for an Accessible Parking Spot in Boston if you are a Boston resident with a disabilty, you can apply to have an accessible parking spot on your street. You can fin all eligibility requirements at the link.
Lyft Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle is an Lyft ride option designed for passengers with non-folding, motorized wheelchairs. It connects riders with specialized vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts and drivers certified in wheelchair securement.
Mass.gov Disability Plates and Placards are available through Medical Affairs, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) issues special license plates and placards to people living with disabilities who meet certain medical qualifications.
MTBA The RIDE (Application) is the MBTA’s paratransit program, designed to help riders with disabilities travel more easily and flexibly. Follow the process at the link to apply for The RIDE.
MBTA Transportation Alerts (Notification Sign-Up) are notifications about delays and planned disruptions for the routes and services you use the most. T-Alerts are delivered via email or text message.
MBTA Transportation Alerts (Website) is the MBTA’s website with all current and planned travel alerts.
MBTA Trip Planner is the best way to map out your commute by train, bus, or ferry. You can select accessible routes to your destination.
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center’s goal is to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
Reporting Transportation Issues a site where complaints from consumers help highlight problem areas and emerging accessibility trends in the transportation industry. Sharing your story puts public agencies and private companies on notice and keeps them aware of issues that need their attention.
Uber Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle is an Uber ride option designed for passengers with non-folding, motorized wheelchairs. It connects riders with specialized vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts and drivers certified in wheelchair securement.
United Spinal Association’s Parking Guide (PDF) was created to educate people about the need for and proper use of accessible parking spaces.

Traveling

Air Travel Rights for People with Disabilities is a resource from The Pacific ADA Center on disability laws that apply to air travel.
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights is a website from the U.S. Department of Transportation that provides resources for airline passengers with disabilities. The site explains what the Bill of Rights provides for passengers with disabilities.
The Permobil Wheelchair Travel Resource Bundle is tailored specifically for wheelchair users. This extensive compilation of resources is the ultimate solution for a smooth, pleasurable travel experience. With essential travel checklists, battery certificates, and wheelchair handling signs, our Wheelchair Travel Resource package ensures an extraordinary journey!
Permobil Wheelchair Travel Tags can be attached to your chair to ensure it is handled correctly.
SCIboston Saturday Education Series - Accessible Travel is a webinar featuring wheelchair users in our community who are experienced travelers. Hear from manual and power wheelchair users who have traveled both domestically and internationally. Learn tips for planning your trip, airline travel, accessibility, and more.
United Spinal Association - Creating a Care Support Plan for Travel is a United Spinal Blog post about traveling with and without caregivers.
WheelchairTravel.org is a site where you can learn everything you need to know about traveling by air with a disability from one of the world's most traveled wheelchair users, John Morris.

United Spinal Association Resources

USA Resource Center is a website and hotline where you can submit questions on any aspect of Spinal Cord Injury/Disease, or get information and resources to help you resolve a situation, including local support.

Phone: 800-962-9629

USA Private Facebook Support Group is a private group that provides United Spinal members and chapter leaders with a welcoming place to share their successes, challenges, and experiences living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).
The Disability Products and Services Guide is a directory of providers and organizations that specialize in optimizing the health, independence, and quality of life of people with a spinal cord injury or disease.
New Mobility Magazine, a publication of the United Spinal Association, explores and celebrates life as a wheelchair user. With authentic voices and authoritative information, NM embodies the truth that living life with a mobility device can be rich, rewarding, and fulfilling.

Veterans Resources

Army Emergency Relief provides financial assistance, educational scholarships, and enduring support to Soldiers, retired Soldiers, and their families, helping them to overcome financial obstacles and encourage financial stability.
Gary Sinise Foundation serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need through home modifications and grants.
Give An Hour creates resilient individuals and communities by improving mental health and emotional well-being, one hour at a time, by providing donated mental health resources and counseling.
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is committed to helping Sailors, Marines, and their families with immediate, compassionate relief and long-term financial strength.
Project Return to Work re-engages veterans, especially injured military service members and their spouses, disabled civilians, and diverse communities by helping them find productive and fulfilling jobs.
Robert Irvine Foundation supports America’s heroes and their families through food, wellness, community, and financial assistance.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund cares for our Nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, we provide one-on-one case management, connection, and lifetime support.
The Independence Fund initiatives encompass innovative mobility and adaptive technologies, suicide prevention, Caregiver and family support, and advocacy for Veterans with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, government agencies, legislators, and allied partners at the federal and state levels.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946, has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members – veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction.

Travis Mills Foundation provides an environment for post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and their families to enjoy peace and tranquility amid some of Maine's most incredible scenery.
USA Cares provides post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families with financial assistance and post-service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability.

Wheelchair Purchase and Repair Resources

National Seating and Mobility provides 360-degree Complete Mobility Solutions, from customizing wheelchairs to installing chair lifts or repairing your equipment.
Numotion provides innovative mobility solutions that empower individuals with disabilities through personalized wheelchairs and adaptive equipment, enabling greater independence and a higher quality of life.
Permobil puts the people who use their products first. Providing power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, seating & positioning, and power assist. Advanced assistive solutions that enrich the lives of people living with disabilities.
Permobil Wheelchair Handbook is a guide intended to provide you, the consumer, with information about the wheelchair service provision process. This guide can be used when you are being evaluated for your first wheelchair, before receiving a new or replacement wheelchair, and to share with your caregivers involved in these processes.
REquipment is where you can find free, gently used, durable home medical equipment and assistive technology. Each year, hundreds of Massachusetts residents donate the home medical equipment and assistive technology they no longer use to REquipment. The devices are refurbished and reassigned to older adults and individuals with disabilities, including children and veterans.