"Life after SCI? Come Explore the Possibilities…"

Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

It is estimated that there are 400,000 individuals in the United States who have a spinal cord injury and/or affected by spinal cord related disease. Every year, approximately 11,000 people sustain new spinal cord injuries - that's 30 new injuries every day. Most of these people are injured in auto and sports accidents, falls, and industrial mishaps. Approximately 60 percent of these individuals are 30 years old or younger, and the majority of them are men.

If you or someone you know has a spinal cord injury (SCI), you will have many concerns and questions about the injury and how it will affect your life. By nature, an SCI has a very sudden impact on an individual, physically as well as emotionally and socially. It is crucial to remember that many other people have experienced SCI's and have continued to lead happy and productive lives.

In order to resume a full and satisfying life as quickly as possible, you must become an active participant in your recovery. Many healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists, and nurses are available to help you learn about your injury and your options for rehabilitation. Your family and friends can provide essential emotional support during your recovery and rehabilitation as well. Countless resources are now available for individuals with SCI's to help them return to an active life. It is important for you to recognize and to utilize these resources.

Wherever possible, be sure to seek peer support from others who have also experienced SCI, as they are often your best resource for specific questions, concerns, and making the most of your life. Contact the Old Dominion Chapter to learn more about the exciting opportunities available in your area. Additionally, we invite you to visit the National Spinal Cord Injury Association Resource Center for more information.

New Injury

This section includes information and resources specifically for people who have sustained new or recent spinal cord injuries/dysfunction (SCI/D) and their loved ones. It is our belief that knowledge and understanding are essential tools that will empower those living with SCI/D to enjoy a healthy, quality lifestyle.

If you can't locate the information or resources you are seeking on-line, please email our office or contact us 804-726-4990 / VA Relay 711. Our professional staff provides the most current resources and information to the SCI/D community, responding to the specific and unique needs of individuals and their families as well as legal, health care, and other service professionals.

Please refer to the menus and links below for additional information pertinent to those with new and even existing injuries. We hope this information, provided by the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, on Basic SCI Information will answer your questions about this life-changing, complex injury.

The following links will take you outside of the ODC website and will each open in a new page

Basic SCI Information

Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Some Basic Questions & Answers…

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury & Functional Goals

Your Rights as a Person with a Disability

Rehabilitation

Facility Selection

Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems

CARF Accredited Programs

CHDR Publications

Health Care Benefits and Rights

Consumer Rights

Social Security Disability Programs

Medicare and Medicaid

Finding a Spinal Cord Injury Doctor

Find a Local PM&R Physician

Find a local Neurosurgeon

For Additional Information in other areas of Life with a Spinal Cord Injury, the ODC recommends the
following links...