Autonomic Dysreflexia (or hyperreflexia) is a dangerous condition that can occur with bed sore patients or patients with spinal cord injuries above the middle of the chest (usually above T-5). Autonomic dysreflexia occurs when an irritation or pain (frequently caused by bed sores) below the level of the spinal cord injury sends a signal that fails to reach the brain. Continue Reading »

Five weeks after collapsing on a soccer field with an injury that paralyzed her lower body, Mackenzie Saunders returned to school this week.

Her fellow sixth-graders at Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School in Ahwatukee saw Mackenzie, 11, get a special key to use the elevator, do wheelies in a child-sized wheelchair and show a confident smile to tell the world everything is okay. Continue Reading »

Over the last couple of weeks, the Reeve Foundation has focused on supporting relief efforts that are directed at the people of Haiti with existing and newly acquired disabilities. Continue Reading »

Disabled competitive athletes will take the stage and compete in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, wheelchair curling, ice sledge hockey, and a biathlon (a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting). Continue Reading »

Man In Motion Rick Hansen has been named as the community torchbearer when the Olympic Torch Relay completes its Richmond leg on Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

“Rick is both an international hero and a tireless community volunteer,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We’re proud to have him represent Richmond by carrying the torch and lighting the cauldron during our community celebration. It will not only celebrate the imminent opening of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, it will be a fitting tribute to the 25th anniversary of Rick’s incredible Man In Motion World Tour.” Continue Reading »

The Grand Canyon speaks for itself. I have not been, but you better believe I’m going as soon as I get this whole, “Can we go see Mickey Mouse’s Club House” thing out of my son’s system.

The Foundation sent a team last fall (pictured here) and everyone one of them loved it. Some in chairs, some not. The group that we are working with — The Walking Connection — has adventures for all levels of abilities. Continue Reading »

The first clinical trials of the Tongue Drive system, as it is called, tested the ability of individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries to navigate the wheelchair using only tongue movements. Continue Reading »

Necedah firm off to the races with wheelchair idea

Necedah – A Wisconsin camper manufacturer, inspired by an employee who uses a wheelchair to get around, has developed a motorized wheelchair that soon could be giving people with spinal cord injuries the mobility to participate in off-road activities such as hunting and fishing.

Powered by a small motorcycle engine, the chair is capable of speeds up to 25 mph and is geared to handle hills. Continue Reading »

Keith Shirk is animated when he talks.

His face is expressive. He gestures frequently with his hands. He’s come light-years since the June 2001 accident that that paralyzed him from the chest down.

“At first, in the hospital,” he says, “all I could do was lift my left shoulder.” Now, nine years after he dove into the Ocean City, Md., surf and hit his head on a sandbar, he’s checked off many of the goals he set for himself. Continue Reading »

In some cases, device might hurt accident victims

Applying a brace to the neck of a trauma patient, standard procedure for many decades, can worsen the injury and lead to severe paralysis or death, according to a new study by Houston researchers.

Baylor College of Medicine doctors used cadavers to confirm that so-called cervical collars can be counterproductive, a finding that could upturn the way emergency medical personnel and doctors act to stabilize and protect the upper spine in potentially fatal neck injuries, such as those that commonly occur in bad automobile accidents. Continue Reading »