Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System

01/17/2026

Our colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study on peer counseling in manual wheelchair skills. If you want to learn or practice wheelchair skills (and get payment), this may be a great opportunity for you! Click on the link to learn more and express your interest!

https://tinyurl.com/mwcpeercoaching

10/21/2025

Watch the latest SCI Forum video or listen to the podcast!

Exploring Ableism after Acquired Disability: A Panel Discussion

After a spinal cord injury, people must adapt to changes in their physical abilities while also navigating structural ableism—a system of policies, institutions, and societal norms that disadvantage disabled individuals. How does ableism shape their interactions and self-perception? And how does ableism intersect with sexism? This forum will feature a panel of women sharing their experiences with ableism after acquired disability, discussing its personal and professional effects, and exploring how it appears and is addressed in different settings. Please join us in this discussion of thoughts, perspectives, and questions on navigating ableism after spinal cord injury. The discussion will be moderated by Whitney Morean, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in rehabilitation psychology at UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center.

Watch the video: Exploring Ableism after Acquired Disability: A Panel Discussion https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/ableism/
(Also available on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/uwspinalcordinjury)

Listen to the podcast: Exploring Ableism after Acquired Disability: A Panel Discussion https://sci.washington.edu/podcast/24.asp
(Also available on all podcast apps in the “SCI Forum” feed)

We need your feedback!
After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://is.gd/scivideos
After listening to the podcast, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://redcap.link/sciforumpod
Thank you!

Check out all of our videos at http://sci.washington.edu/videos or
all of our podcasts at https://sci.washington.edu/podcast/index.asp

09/08/2025

Watch the latest SCI Forum video!

Non-Invasive Spinal Cord Stimulation: More Than Movement
https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/more_than_movement/

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising non-invasive therapy for enhancing functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Although research in this field is still evolving, studies have shown that tSCS, both on its own and in combination with activity-based therapy, leads to greater improvements in motor recovery compared to traditional therapies. Emerging evidence also suggests that the location of stimulation on the spinal cord can influence various functions, including those related to the upper and lower limbs, blood pressure regulation, and pelvic organ function. At the University of Washington (UW), several studies on tSCS are currently ongoing. In this presentation, Soshi Samejima, DPT, PhD, an Assistant Professor at UW, will review the latest evidence on tSCS for functional recovery: both for movement and autonomic function. The audience will also gain insights into ongoing clinical trials involving tSCS at UW and Harborview Medical Center and the future directions for this innovative therapy.

We need your feedback! After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://is.gd/scivideos Thank you!

Check out all of our videos at http://sci.washington.edu/videos

07/24/2025

Watch the latest SCI Forum video!

Beyond Competition: The Adaptive Sports Community
https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/adaptive_sports_community/

The adaptive sports world has many opportunities for individuals with SCI. Whether or not you have ever been involved with sports participation in the past, there are many opportunities to get involved, from seasoned competitors to novices. The local adaptive sports scene is continuing to expand. More than just the sport, there is the community that is built around them. Kyle Hitzleberg, CTRS, Recreational Therapist at Harborview Medical Center, will discuss adaptive sports options for individuals with SCI (and similar disabilities). He discusses different sports - such as Boccia, Wheelchair Rugby, Kayaking, Rowing, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Sled Hockey and more. Kyle uses the Pacific Northwest and Harborview Medical Center as the jumping off point with examples of local organizations and how to get involved. There are resources and ideas on how to get involved in adaptive sports wherever you may live.

We need your feedback, SCI Forum suggestions, and more! After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey https://is.gd/scivideos Thank you!

There are over 100 videos from our SCI Forums and other programs on a host of different topics. You can find all of them on our Website (http://sci.washington.edu/videos) and YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/uwspinalcordinjury).

07/09/2025

Watch the latest SCI Forum video!

Restoring Upper Limb Function after Spinal Cord Injury
https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/restore_upper_extremity/

Improving upper extremity function is a major goal for many people with SCI. One growing area of intervention and research is peripheral nerve transfers, which involve moving and reattaching part of a working nerve to a previously non-functioning muscle. Since the development of the Harborview Medical Center Peripheral Nerve Clinic, more individuals with SCI are investigating this option. Whether nerve transfer surgery is potentially on your horizon or something to understand as a person with SCI, family, friend, or associated health care provider, this is an opportunity to learn about the process of nerve transfer surgery. Christopher Crowe, MD, UW Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, will discuss what goes into nerve transfer surgery, the process of evaluation, surgery, and recovery and rehabilitation after surgery. Evan Griffis provides a lived-experience perspective on peripheral nerve transfer surgery. Learn what a nerve transfer is, how it works, and what current options exist for individuals with SCI.

We need your feedback! After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://is.gd/scivideos Thank you!

Check out all of our videos at http://sci.washington.edu/videos

06/27/2025

Listen to the latest SCI Forum podcast! All episodes available on all podcast platforms and our website! Just search and subscribe to “SCI Forum” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Perspectives from SCI Therapists: Amy, Rehabilitation Psychology
https://sci.washington.edu/podcast/23.asp

After spinal cord injury, individuals often work with many different rehabilitation therapists and providers across both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation as they recover and as function changes over time. We had the chance to talk to several different kinds of rehabilitation therapists and providers about their work including: What is involved in becoming a therapist? What are the main things that each discipline works on with their SCI patients? Why does someone choose to be a therapist and work in rehabilitation?

In this episode, we talk with Amy Starosta, PhD about her work as a rehabilitation psychologist at Harborview Medical Center and learn about the role of “rehab psychology” in rehabilitation after SCI. We discuss how rehab psychology can help with adjustment and changes from the initial injury and throughout one’s lifetime.

We need your feedback! After listening, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://redcap.link/sciforumpodeval Thank you!

Check out all of our podcasts at http://sci.washington.edu/podcast/index.asp

06/02/2025

As the weather starts to get nicer, we have the perfect (and latest) SCI Forum video!

Accessible Trails & the Outdoors
https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/trails/

This is the final presentation from the 2024 Summit around the theme, On The Road Again. Ian Mackay, who has tetraplegia and founded Ian’s Ride (https://www.iansride.com/), discusses how getting outdoors was a catalyst in his life, the power wheelchair odysseys of 335 miles and 425 miles that he has undertaken, and how all of this led to the formation of Ian’s Ride (an annual multi-modal 3-day trail ride on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State). They have added many other day rides throughout the region and Ian’s shares ideas on how you can find accessible trails and access the great outdoors.

We need your feedback! After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://is.gd/scivideos Thank you!

Check out all of our videos at http://sci.washington.edu/videos

05/01/2025

Planned federal budget cuts will eliminate SCI Model Systems Programs and Research

We recently learned of the proposed budget cuts for Health and Human Services which provides funding for Medicare and Medicaid (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), research, and programs for individuals with disability. We wanted to make you aware of these plans as they may impact you.

Included in these cuts are elimination of housing and utility support for low-income families, fewer services for older adults, individuals with disability, and children (such as Head Start, the CDC Heads Up program and the National Concussion Registry), cuts to CMS including preventive health services, chronic disease self-management education, state health insurance assistance, along with the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research that funds the TBI, SCI and Burn Model Systems and other cuts to federally funded research.

You can learn more here:
https://biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/news/biaa-requests-meeting-with-hhs-secretary-after-leaked-budget-draft-proposes-cuts-to-brain-injury-programs

And here:
https://www.ndrn.org/resource/eliminating-acl-will-endanger-lives/

If you would like to share your story about how research has impacted your life, please do that here: https://www.uwmedicine.org/about/research-improves-lives

You can also express your thoughts in a number of ways including contacting your representatives (5Calls.org, BIAA link). For UW employees, please review the information about Freedom of Expression and Community Standards on the Department Intranet to ensure your compliance with UW’s policies for political activity.

Medical research is core to UW Medicine’'s mission to improve the health of the public.

04/18/2025

Watch the latest SCI Forum video!

Conquering the Unfriendly Skies
https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/conquerskies/

This is the third of four presentations from the 2024 Summit around the theme, On The Road Again. Kenny Salvini, Here and Now Project, and Jeremy Hannaford, Seattle Slam Wheelchair Rugby, discuss air travel for wheelchair users. From the perspective of both a power and manual chair user, they cover their flying process including preflight, at the airport, at the gate, transferring/boarding, onboard, arrival, and if/when damage occurs to your equipment. This is an informative presentation for anyone who travels as a wheelchair user or it ready to start!

We need your feedback! After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://redcap.link/scivideos Thank you!

Check out all of our videos at http://sci.washington.edu/videos

04/04/2025

Watch the latest SCI Forum video!

Drive On: Empowering SCI Survivors Through Adaptive Driving
https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/driveon/

This is the second of four presentations from the 2024 Summit around the theme, On The Road Again. Jennifer Fox, PT, CDRS, discusses all aspects of driving after SCI. Topics include the comprehensive driving evaluation, when to pursue driving, low tech/high tech equipment, and funding sources. Two community drivers also talk about their process to get back on the road.

We need your feedback! After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://is.gd/scivideos Thank you!

Check out all of our videos at http://sci.washington.edu/videos

03/18/2025

From the 2024 SCI Wellness Summit: On The Road Again

GET GOING: Transportation Options, Programs, Ideas
https://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/video/getgoingtransportation/

Presented at the SCI Wellness Summit May 18, 2024

This is the first of four presentations from the 2024 Summit around the theme, On The Road Again. Jodi Connolly, MA, CTRS/R at Harborview Medical Center, discusses public transportation options, payment options and apps, travel and moving considerations, and more. While focused on the greater Seattle area, there are hints, tips, and information on looking for transportation resources in your local area.

We need your feedback! After watching the video, please complete our 2-minute survey. https://redcap.link/scivideos Thank you!

Check out all of our videos at http://sci.washington.edu/videos

07/09/2024

Experiences and Outcomes of Care Partners of People with SCI

Our colleagues at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (a rehab center in Chicago) are recruiting individuals who are acting as a care partner support person to people living with spinal cord injury to participate in a virtual focus group. The focus group is part of a research study that aims to learn about the perspectives of care partners on the experiences and outcomes of people living with spinal cord injuries. The focus group is part of a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research study that aims to learn how rehabilitation experiences and outcomes are related to rehabilitation length of stay across different countries.

Participants will be asked to (1) attend one 90-minute virtual focus group with 4-9 other people, (2) answer questions in a group format about their experiences caring for an individual living with a spinal cord injury, and (3) answer survey questions before and after the focus group.

Participants will receive a $25 debit card for their time.

The focus group will take place online. This study has been approved by Northwestern’s Institutional Review Board (STU00220806).

Interested participants should contact Lorie Cashdollar, Research Assistant at lcashdolla@sralab.org or call 312-238-8046.