Hurricane Helene Relief for Wheelchair Users Is on the Way

Here’s How You Can Apply—and How You Can Show Solidarity

United Spinal Association has provided direct relief to survivors of natural and human-caused disasters going back to the historic hurricane season of 2017. Thanks to the generosity of the Neilsen Foundation, we distributed life-changing mini-grants to hurricane, wildfire, and flood survivors to wheelchair users across the country.

All-terrain wheelchairs coming to Connecticut state parks

All-terrain wheelchairs are coming to five Connecticut state parks in October. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) piloted the program and started with purchasing 10 all-terrain wheelchairs. One model has a track system and the other is a wheel-based chair. Both give people the ability to venture off onto the trails who may not have been able to before!

Congratulations to Diana Pernigotti, our latest Philip B. Arnold Award recipient!

On Saturday, June 29, 2024, the Spinal Cord Injury Association of CT honored Diana Pernigotti as the latest recipient of the esteemed Philip B. Arnold Award. 

Diana Pernigotti has served the spinal cord injury community for over 15 years. Through her work and volunteer services, she has connected people with resources, education, and opportunities with the main goal of assisting in improving the quality of life for persons with a spinal cord injury.

Lawmakers pass bill that will lower wheelchair repair times

Disability Rights and Justice Rally 4.18.2024

Join us, on April 18, 2024! Tell a friend, bring a friend, we will start gathering at 12 pm on Capitol Southside Lawn, Parking At 300 Capitol Ave. “Away with the GUARDRAILS” denying us...

• Mental Health Peer-Run Respites
• Husky C Without Forced Poverty
• Timely Wheelchair Repairs At Home
• Accessible Medical Exam Equipment

Wheelchair users protest long repair wait times in Hartford

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Dozens of wheelchair users took over a section of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on Thursday to protest lengthy wheelchair repair wait times.

The Center for Disability Rights organized the protest to push for legislation and bring attention to the ongoing repair issue.

Disabled Sailing Online Seminar: Wheels On The Docks

When Tues Jan 30 from 7:00pmEST-8:00pmEST

Presented by US Sailing and Challenged Sailors San Diego. Wheels On The Docks - renowned adaptive sailing experts Betsy Alison and Jane Dunn will share best practices for getting sailors who are wheelchair-users on the docks and comfortably in boats. If you're a yacht club manager or summer program advisor, or someone seeking to expand access for sailing members with disabilities, do not miss this important online seminar!

Connecticut Wheelchair Repair Task Force pushes for change

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) - Approximately 5,000 people in Connecticut rely on wheelchairs, otherwise known as Complex Rehabilitation Technology or CRT, for mobility and independent living. Wheelchair users told News 8 that repairing their chairs is a nightmare, as it normally takes weeks. After a bill failed to pass during the last legislative session to improve wheelchair repair times, a state task force was established, comprising 24 people to study the issue and find solutions.

Participate in a Study Using a Physical Activity App

Mass General Brigham is offering a health and wellbeing study using a physical activity social networking mobile app designed for people with spinal cord injury, called SCI-Lynx.  Click below for more information and to see if you may qualify to participate:

Registration Opens for Gaylord Adaptive Skiing Program

Daisy Award given to Karen Doukas, RN of Gaylord Hospital

With Karen’s 17 years of SCI experience, she is looked to as a role model and a mentor. Her dedication to nursing and helping those around her goes beyond the doors of Gaylord and into those in the community around her.

Seated Strong Exercise Classes

Seated Strong is a virtual upper extremity exercise class held on Zoom every Tuesday at 6:00 pm, taught by Quinnipiac Physical Therapy Students and overseen by faculty.  All exercises can be done from a chair or wheelchair.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS - Please take and share this important Survey!

These CT residents have muscular dystrophy, quadriplegia or other injuries....

.... What they don’t always have is wheelchairs that work.

WEBINAR: Sexuality and Sexual Function in SCI

WEBINAR: Men Living with Paralysis and Dating

Join us on 6/20/2022 @ 3pm for "Men Living with Paralysis and Dating," an open and honest panel discussion with four men living with paralysis sharing their experiences and perspectives on dating. Topics will include insecurities about using dating apps, finding confidence in oneself, being open and truthful with a partner, sex and intimacy, and learning to get out and meet new people. In addition, the panelists will offer real-life experiences and challenges associated with dating with paralysis.

Participate in Disability Travel Research, Chance to Win Prizes

Participants needed for the international SCI Exercise Counselling Survey

This is an invitation to take part in an online survey about exercise counselling for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The survey identifies counsellors’ barriers, needs and preferences related to providing and improving SCI exercise counselling. The findings will be used to develop evidence-based training modules on best practices for SCI-specific exercise counselling.

Get your free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 test kits to help stop the spread of COVID

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is offering free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 test kits. Every home in the U.S. can soon order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests will be completely free - there are no shipping costs. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering.

Open House at New Horizons Village Dec 1

This virtual Open House will be accessible via Zoom on December 1, 2021 via Zoom.  To register please contact Info@NHVillage.org or (860) 673-8893.

Medicare Open Enrollment 2021 - Oct 15 - Dec 7

Time to review your Medicare coverage and decide on the best options for 2022!

CARP 2021 Rowing & Kayaking season is here!

Connecticut Adaptive Rowing Program (CARP) is now taking applications for the 2021 rowing season. This summer CARP will plan to offer the Wednesday evening rowing from 5-7pm, starting June 9th and Saturdays for Veterans/Military Service Members rowing & kayaking lessons from 930-1130AM, starting June 19th. Click below for more information and to download necessary documents.

SILC Seeks New Board Members

CONNECTICUT STATE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL (CT SILC) is a federally mandated planning council based on the philosophy of independent living. The primary purpose of the SILC is to develop a three-year state plan that determines the allocation of independent living federal funds for services and projects that are designed to remove barriers to independent living. Click below for more information and to download the SILC Board Application:

A Research Study on COVID-19 and Disabilities

Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on People with Disabilities Self-Directing Home and Community-Based Services Brandeis University is conducting a study to learn about the experiences of people receiving home- and community-based services and self-directing those services.

We mourn the passing of Travis Roy (1975 to 2020): Hockey Player, Inspiration, Friend

We are saddened to share news of passing of Travis Roy. #travisroy Travis participated in many Connecticut events and supported our members with his foundation. Dedicated to improving the lives of those with a spinal cord injury, Travis was a passionate speaker and supporter of inclusion for all people with a disability.

State of CT launches ABLE CT program for individuals living with disabilities

DDS is excited to announce that the state of Connecticut and State Treasurer Wooden is launching the Connecticut Achieving a Better Life Experience Savings Program (ABLE CT) for individuals living with disabilities.

The CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance

Connecticut Developmental Disability Network and the State Independent Living Council joined together to form, and then support, the CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance. This Alliance of parents, self-advocates and providers meets monthly to address issues affecting people with disabilities in CT. Click the link below to view the video:

United Spinal offering 5 free COVID-19 masks

United Spinal Association is pleased to offer 5 cloth masks per person while supplies last. Please complete the form and review the information below about the masks provided by the Department of Health & Human Services. Masks should arrive within 2-4 weeks.

Upcoming Election Coverage

We've gathered resources and videos from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Vote for Access and others to help provide vital information and guidelines for the upcoming 2020 elections.  Click below to visit our Upcoming Election Coverage page. 

Online Event: Mindfulness and Resilience Tips for People with SCI

Building Resilience & Mindfulness for Challenging Times - Wednesday April 8, 2020 3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

with Mary-Jo Fetterly, Adaptive Yoga Pioneer

Please join a welcoming community of peers with spinal cord injury and partners as we learn and practice mindfulness and resilience techniques to help us face our challenging, uncertain times.We will be guided by Mary-Jo Fetterly, pioneer in the field of adaptive yoga and mindfulness study.

211 of CT: Info and Resources for Communities during Covid-19

2-1-1 Connecticut's new online resource guide can help communities #LiveUnited! Staying connected to coronavirus-related information and available help can be challenging. Information is changing rapidly, families and businesses are struggling, and some traditional services are not currently operating.

Hand Hygiene for People with Spinal Cord Injuries

This advice is meant to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing basic hand hygiene guidelines for individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries. Certain supplies may be limited but you can still protect yourself and prevent infection using the cleaning products you have; soap and water is always better than nothing.

Exploring Timeliness of Cancer Diagnosis in Persons with Physical Disability

We are interested in looking at health care experiences of people who have difficulties with movement or have a mobility disability and who later in life develop cancer.

Seating and Mobility Services at Gaylord Specialty Care

Jillian Cacopardo, MPT, ATP/SMS, is the Clinical Program Coordinator for Wheelchair Assessment Services a provider of complex medical care and rehabilitative services At Gaylord Specialty Healthcare located in Wallingford, Connecticut.  She worked as a physical therapist specializing in inpatient rehabilitation prior to focusing on seating and wheeled mobility.  She received her Bachelor of Health Science and her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University. (Photo courtesy of Kim Thompson)

16-year-old helps man in wheelchair get home before severe weather strikes

Read this inspirational story of a teenager assisting someone in a wheelchair get safely home before a storm. What would you do in that situation? Click below to go to this article, and also to read United Spinal Association’s Disability Etiquette publication for information on how to best assist someone that may be in need:

Exercise and Fitness after Spinal Cord Injury Video Wins Silver Telly Award

National Nurses Week May 6 - 12, 2019

The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Connecticut is delighted to share in the celebration of National Nurses Week. The education and care delivered by nurses and nursing assistants helps many of our Chapter members continue to live healthy lives after their spinal cord injury or disorder diagnosis.

Connecticut State Park Access for Persons with Disabilities

The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is working to ensure that all visitors have access to the many outdoor recreational opportunities available at Connecticut State Parks and Forests.

Take a Disability & Transportation Survey from Virginia Tech

Researchers at Virginia Tech are studying the experiences of people with disabilities as they travel and navigate, so we can better understand the challenges they face.

Casting for Print Shoot For a New Razor...

The designers of a new razor that will enable a caregiver to easily shave someone who is unable to do it themselves would like to use real people with limited upper body mobility to film a print campaign for their product.

Honoring our Veterans: Tim Fournier & Steve Emt

In honor of Veteran's Day, Hebron Elementary School hosted Tim Fournier and Steve Emt. They are both Veterans that served our country in military service. They spoke to students and staff about what it means to be a Veteran and the importance of honoring those who have served. The NSCIA CT Chapter sincerely thanks Tim and Steve for their service and sacrifice!
 

New Horizons Art Celebration Dec 2 featuring Blind Boys of Alabama

Roll a day in someone else’s chair - 6th Annual Walk-n-Roll

New Horizons Wellness Fair Oct 20 2018

Register : NHVillage.org or 860-673-8893

Location: New Horizons Village, 37 Bliss Memorial Road, Unionville, CT 06085

The Wellness Festival is FREE and will include: complimentary snacks, healthy eating on a budget, art therapy, adaptive sports activities, free health screenings, prizes

Check out United Spinal's New Mobility Magazine

As the official publication of United Spinal Association, New Mobility advances the organization’s mission to improve quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries and disorders by highlighting member opportunities for further education, peer support and community involvement. 

Our Resource Directory is Online!

The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Connecticut Resource Directory offers a vast amount of information, including: health care providers and facilities, councilors, adaptive technology, and more. This ongoing effort of the NSCIACT has over 200 pages of invaluable data and has taken years to compile and is updated periodically. Our online resource directory below can be downloaded in .PDF format.

Sports Academy senior organizes wheelchair rugby tournament

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - The Second Annual Wheelchair Rugby Tournament this year went off without a hitch thanks to a senior at the Sport and Medical Science Academy, Lyndsey Broxton, who organized the event.

Danbury-area spinal injury support group forming

Two local Danbury residents who suffered spinal cord injuries when they were teenagers have started a new support group. Paul Pateracki and Lynn Simoneau met by chance in the parking lot of a grocery store several years ago. After talking for 45 minutes, they came up with the idea of the support group, since neither knew of one locally.

Yale Scientist Aiming To Reverse Spinal Cord Injuries

New Haven -  A Yale neurology and neuroscience professor who hopes to regrow neurons in patients with spinal cord injuries has secured enough funding for a human clinical trial.

A SCIACT Success Story: Meet Nicole

Meet Nicole, and her inspiring story of strength and determination after facing a catastrophic spinal cord injury.

First paralyzed human treated with stem cells has now regained his upper body movement

This is the story of Kristopher Boesen, who was offered the opportunity to go through a potentially life-changing procedure involving stem cells, which have the capability to repair injured nervous tissue through replacement of damaged cells.

Annual Meeting Recap: Standing Wheelchairs!

On June 18, 2016 at our Annual Meeting & Picnic, the Standing Company presented to the chapter the benefits of owning a standing wheelchair. Standing Wheelchair Specialist Scott Liesch presented to more than 50 members on how to purchase and benefits from standing. Chapter President Bill Mancini also reviewed with the membership the 2015-2016 fiscal year and the importance of getting involved.

Pictures from the 2016 Twilight Gala

The SCIACT held it's 7th annual Twilight Gala & Auction on March 12 at the Aquaturf Club in Plainville, CT, featuring Fox 61's Tim Lammers as MC and inspirational special guest speaker pro boxer  Boyd "Rainmaker" Melson. The event provides vital funding for the SCIACT's many benificial programs, including Quality of Life Grants, Peer Assistance and Support Groups. Click here for a photo gallery of this year's event.

Hollister offers free catheters to United Spinal & its affiliates

January 2016

A generous donation from Hollister to United Spinal Association and its affiliates allowed the CT Spinal Cord Injury Association to distribute two different brands of catheters to local recipients free of charge.

We've Changed our Name!

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association is becoming a chapter of the United Spinal Cord Injury Association. As a member of this local chapter, you'll continue to benefit from our beneficial state-wide programs and services and can now benefit from the many fine resources offered by United Spinal Itself! Stay tuned for more information...

United Spinal's Roll on Capitol Hill

Posted Sep 24, 2015

Successful advocacy takes a concerted effort by organizations, groups, and most importantly,  you and I. Hear what our participants have to say as they share their experiences from this year’s event

Man walks again after years of paralysis

Posted Sep 24, 2015

The ability to walk has been restored following a spinal cord injury, using one's own brain power, according to research.

Gaylord Hosts Meeting with National Spinal Cord Injury Organizations

posted May 2015

On April 21st, NSCIA CT's sponsoring facility Gaylord Hospital hosted a meeting with the our affiliates United Spinal Association and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.

180 Medical Scholarship Program open to those with SCI

180 Medical is honored to have a scholarship program to help those with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, etc.

Looking for an Accessible Vacation Spot?

Posted November 2014

Check Out Chapter 126

Oak Hill's Chapter 126 Sports & Fitness center - a recreational facility designed specifically for youth and adults with disabilities, veterans, and their family and friends has just opened its doors.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers receives proclamation from Danbury Mayor

Posted August 2014

The Mayor of Danbury CT Mark Boughton Proclaims August 6th Powerful Tools for Caregivers Day!

Free lifetime pass for National Parks for disabled U.S. citizens

Did you know that US citizens and permanent residents with disabilities are eligible for a lifetime Access Pass that provides free access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies?

Take this Adaptive Sports Survey!

Posted February 2014

This survey includes questions that pertain to your personal life, health, and experiences with adaptive sports. Open until April 30, 2014.

Seniors initially denied motorized wheelchairs receive them

February 2014

An NSCIA CT board member and a local seating and mobility company helped to obtain funding for a new and necessary wheelchairs.   

Got SCI Questions? We've Got Answers!

Introducing the NSCIA CT Chapter Blog & Forum. Current topic: experts from Gaylord Specialty Healthcare discuss the EKSO.

East Granby Company Knows An Inspirational Story When It Sees One

Posted July 2013

Advanced Wheels recognizes contest winner Zackary Capitao with prizes and a donation to the charity of his choice!

CT Chapter teams up with Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Posted August 2012

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) program is a 6 week course that empowers caregivers to address their challenges more effectively. The NSCIA CT Chapter is teaming up with PTC to offers these courses throughout the state.

The Annual Wheeling and Able Golf Classic has another successful year!

Posted November 2011

A field of golfers took off on September 13th for the 12th Annual Wheeling and Able Golf Classic at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. A special thanks to Eastern Rehabilitation Network for sponsoring another year of Golf for a GREAT Cause! Thank you to all our corporate sponsors and to the golfers who participated this year! It's because of your continued support and generosity that the chapter is able to continue our work!

Research Study: Are you living with a long-term incomplete Spinal Cord Injury?

Posted August 2011

The purpose of this study is to describe any changes in physical function that people with an incomplete SCI may have as they go through middle age.

To be eligible for this study you must:

1. Have had a traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury at least 15 years ago
2. Be 35 to 65 years old
3. Be able to read or speak English

Upper Limb Robotic Training Study in Spinal Cord Injury

Posted June 2011

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of motor recovery in patients with chronic loss of function in the upper-limb after Spinal Cord Injury, and to characterize the neurophysiological profile of patients and specific muscles that respond to robotic training by using non-invasive brain stimulation , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(TMS). We aim to investigate if arm muscle strength and function improve through innovative visual-sensory-motor upper-limb robotic training.

Quadriplegic Participants Needed For Research Study

Posted April 2011

Patients who are quadriplegic from spinal cord injury,brainstem stroke, muscular dystrophy, or motor neuron disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and have no or limited use of their hands are needed for an FDA regulated research study to evaluate a new technology which may allow an individual with quadriplegia to control a computer cursor by thought. This study is invasive and requires surgery.

Connecticut Loses a Great Advocate

Posted October 19, 2009

Tom Connors was one of the heroes of the Disability Rights Movement that began as a “grassroots movement” for civil rights and independence for people with disabilities that eventually realized sweeping legal victories over the years.