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A Path from Paralysis to Empowering Others

Joanna Adams, a physician assistant based in Portland, specializes in aiding recovery from traumatic health conditions including spinal cord injury.

Dec 4, 2023
New Rehabilitation Centers Act Honors AbilityLab’s Dr. Joanne Smith

The Dr. Joanne Smith Memorial Rehabilitation Innovation Centers Act of 2022, will recognize rehabilitation research facilities and the unique role the

Jan 3, 2023
Ready For Download —- Introducing our New Video Series
Introducing Our New Video Series

Nobody knows what you’re going through like someone who’s already been there. They know…they’ve lived it.

Sep 8, 2019
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
James, injured in 1973 at age 24, quadriplegic
MEET JAMES SHEPHERD – By Thea Flaum

You’ve probably heard of the Shepherd Center in Atlanta if you’ve been living with spinal cord injury for a while.

Nov 13, 2017
For those adapting to disabilities, sports put focus on what’s possible rather than what isn’t

Adaptive sports are more than just games. They play an essential role in the lives of many people with disabilities.

Sep 18, 2017
Paralyzed Olympian walks down the aisle at his wedding

Former Olympic high jumper Jamie Nieto walked his new wife, Shevon Stoddart, down the aisle after a spinal cord injury.

Aug 2, 2017
FacingDisability.com Unveils Redesigned Website

After 19 months in development, FacingDisability.com is proud and relieved to announce that we have just reinvented our website. It has a cleaner

May 9, 2017
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
Quiz Answer – It’s a Body Stabilizer

It's called a handhold and it helps individuals with certain types of paralysis pull and then hold themselves up to the table.

Feb 21, 2017
BLOG – Special Treatment for Women with SCI

Only 20 percent of all spinal cord injuries happen to women. As a result, most treatments are designed for men.

Feb 1, 2017
Quiz Answer – It’s an Adaptive Computer Keyboard!

The OrbiTouch Keyless Keyboard is an adapted computer keyboard and mouse that requires no finger or wrist motion to operate.

Jan 24, 2017
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