Any one of us whom has sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) can likely look back and remember the incredible struggle of the early days. Picking up the pieces of life after paralysis feels impossible; you don’t even know what resources you need, much less how to access them.
The staff at SPINALpedia have been in that position too. Now they are committed to helping newly injured individuals get all the help they need as soon as possible after SCI.
SPINALpedia’s website hosts hundreds of articles and videos on life after spinal cord injury. And depending on the challenges you face, the nonprofit offers knowledgeable guidance through individual counseling: Its free, ongoing, virtual and remote.
SPINALpedia’s Mentors Offer Life Changing Resources
- Help understanding and applying for benefits like Medicare, Medicaid and SSDI
- Help transitioning from rehab to independent living and accessing resources
- Help seeking employment and understanding how to keep benefits while working
- Help navigating the legal health system
Meet the Team
SPINALpedia’s Founder Josh Basile of Maryland, C5-6 quadriplegic following a 2004 ocean accident, resumed his goal of pursuing a higher education within months of his injury; After receiving his bachelor’s, he went on to study law, graduating in 2013 magna cum laude. Josh now practices law as a trial attorney who fights for the catastrophically injured in medical malpractice and personal injury cases.
Josh is also founder of Slingshot Golf, and he runs AdapTee Golf with program director Andrew Mitchell. They hope to bring competitive golf to the SCI community at metropolitan facilities all over the country, providing equipment and facilitator training.
Tiffiny Carlson of Minnesota, C6 quadriplegic since a 1993 diving accident, is a prolific commentator on all things SCI in a number of prominent magazines, blogs and websites. She’s podcast host of “Life After Paralysis” and Communications Manager at SPINALpedia. Tiffiny interviews individuals with SCI and writes the nonprofit’s blogs.
Jonathan Sigworth of Connecticut, is a C7 quadriplegic since a 2006 bicycle accident in India, Founder and CEO of More Than Walking, a partner of SPINALpedia. The nonprofit seeks to improve global access to the knowledge and community that makes life with paralysis possible. Jon manages SPINALpedia’s team, and if you sign up for mentoring you’ll probably meet him.
Individuals with SCI seeking mentoring may also speak to Rose Dougherty of Virginia, T6 paraplegic, executive assistant at SPINALpedia and one of the extremely knowledgeable peer mentors, or Heather Miller of Nebraska, certified benefits counselor.
How SPINALpedia Helps
Newly injured individuals and their families are understandably overwhelmed, but that’s when mistakes are made. SPINALpedia knows SCI. Mentors know what forms to file and calls to make. They understand settlements and trusts, savings accounts and benefits. They know about getting accommodations at work and modifications for accessibility.
Regardless of what state you’re in, they can help you understand State and community programs. Accessing resources takes time, but SPINALpedia gives newly injured individuals a hand and encourages a head start.
SPINALpedia is nationwide. Mentors are widely available and have coached hundreds of families around acute SCI.
If your injury isn’t new, and you are just struggling to find work, keep your housing, or facing other challenges related to life with SCI, mentors are eager to help regardless of where you’re at on your journey. Maybe you just want to golf again. SPINALpedia will get you on the green!
Check out the website and sign up for mentoring today!
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