People with disabilities such as spinal cord injury can spend a lot of time waiting for society to include us, provide equity, and prioritize our quality of life. Too often, we are marginalized and fall between the cracks. Our allies in disability advocacy and innovative medical science are putting in the work, though. 2024 saw huge improvements in airline travel for people with disabilities, watched a quadriplegic control a computer with his mind, and even saw incredible promise with a stem cell trial.
Air Travel Has Improved for Wheelchair Users in 2024.
The Department of Transportation enacted new rights for travelers with disabilities in 2024. New protections require airlines to meet rigorous new standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities. They set new standards for assistance, requiring more hands-on training for employees, and outline specific protections for passengers in the event a wheelchair is damaged or delayed by an airline. These protections come better late than never; airlines have long been notorious for damaging mobility equipment.
Legislation Was Passed Requiring Accessibility in Medical Facilities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revised its Section 504 Final Rule to clarify and strengthen civil rights protections for people with disabilities. It addresses discrimination in healthcare facilities, adds enforceable standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment, and ensures accessible web content and mobile apps. These changes matter; Many people with mobility disabilities report discrimination in medical facilities regarding their access to examination tables for diagnostic and routine care.
Stem Cell Clinical Trials Have Seen Major Progress
Mayo Clinic’s recent stem cell clinical trial saw groundbreaking results in 2024. The Phase 1 included 10 people with spinal cord injuries. Participants were injected at the injury site with stem cells taken from their own fat cells. Seven out of 10 patients saw an increase in sensation or strength in some muscles, and seven of the participants moved up at least one level on the ASIA scale.
Brain Computer Interfacing (Neuralink) Trials Were Successful in 2024 Too
One day researchers hope the device will restore sensory and motor function, but the first step has been monumental. The trial participant, a quadriplegic, demonstrated the device’s capacity to allow the user to control the cursor completely by thought with little error. You can follow the Neuralink trials here. Canada plans to experiment with the science in 2025.
Americans with disabilities and our allies should not have to fight for equity when it comes to accessing airplanes and urologists. But we did, and in 2024 we saw some wins! For people with spinal cord injuries, the year’s successful clinical trials were maybe even bigger news. Medical science takes time, but the recent promise shown is exciting!
As individuals with spinal cord injuries, we do not have to feel left behind this holiday season.
Happy New Year!
As always, if you need legal representation following a catastrophic spinal cord injury, we are here for you. Call today.
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