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Headlines shout: “Paralyzed People Walk Again!”
But what’s the whole story?
By Thea Flaum

I get angry every time I read a newspaper headline or see a TV news feature that shouts about an “end to paralysis” and a “miraculous recovery!"

Sep 25, 2018
New Chicago Hospital Invests $600 Million into Bringing Discoveries to Patients Sooner

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the new home of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is now open. The state-of the-art facility is a rehabilitation ho

Apr 12, 2017
BLOG – Breaking the Bad News

Nobody likes to deliver bad news, including doctors. When the diagnosis is paralysis, there has been a long history of keeping patients in the dark.

Feb 14, 2017
A Story of Triumph After Setback

Angela, who was recently interviewed for our website, rediscovered a sense of herself she feared was lost after her injury.

May 6, 2016
Giving Thanks – In Memoriam

A brilliant Thanksgiving essay by Jeff Shannon, a veteran writer on disability issues, and a regular contributor to FacingDisability.com

Nov 23, 2015
Parents on Call – a reprint in honor of Father’s Day

A thoughtful, provocative and honest reflection on his father by Jeff Shannon, a veteran writer and frequent contributor to FacingDisability.com

Jun 15, 2015
Architect Michael Graves

After a spinal cord injury in 2003, prominent architect Michael Graves used his experience in a wheelchair to design new hospital furniture.

Mar 25, 2015
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury

An important new factsheet offers a basic understanding of the functions of the spinal cord and how they might change after injury.

Mar 10, 2015
What Recovery Means to a Former Olympic Swimmer

Gold medalist Amy Van Dyken-Rouen talks about her road to recovery after a spinal cord injury.

Sep 29, 2014
Paralyzed Man Uses Brainwaves to Move Hand

Ian Burkhart, 23, recently became the first person with quadriplegia to move his wrist and hand using the power of his brain.

Jul 9, 2014
What Gets Under Your Skin?

As you know, navigating the world in a wheelchair means you will inevitably encounter a lot of well-meaning, but annoying behaviors.

Jun 11, 2014
Giving Thanks on the 2-for-1 Plan

For anyone with a serious disability, it’s only natural to treat Thanksgiving more as day of reflection than celebration.

Nov 27, 2013
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