Spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the United States have shown an increasing trend over the last 30 years. Research estimates that there are about 18,000 new cases of SCIs annually.
Lack of public education about SCI leads to misconceptions, can prevent good support systems from being implemented, and even stall important medical research.
Senator Marco Rubio recognized this need for public awareness and for improved treatments, and introduced a U.S. Senate resolution back in 2014 designating September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.
The campaign seeks to educate the public about the impact of SCI, illuminate challenges, advocate for research, and highlight achievements. The end goal is to motivate stakeholders to develop more inclusive communities and systems for individuals with SCI.
SCI Awareness Month 2025 encompasses a collection of programs including the National Visibility Campaign which seeks to share compelling personal narratives and educational content. Stories shared through video profiles, podcasts, and written narratives shed light on the diverse experiences of individuals living with SCI and shoot holes in stereotypes.
Advocates push hard in September, for funding for research that can change and save lives affected by SCI, emphasizing the effect of past investments and making the case for continued support.
SCI Awareness Month also showcases innovation: progress in research, rehabilitation techniques, and assistive technologies- especially this year.
The 2025 theme for SCI Awareness Month is Empowering Independence Through Innovation and Inclusion.
Awareness of Innovation
Innovation makes life with SCI a little less challenging. Technological breakthroughs from exoskeletons and brain-computer interfaces to smart home systems and adaptive recreation equipment offer people with paralysis more independence than ever before.
Virtual research symposiums during September bring together scientists, clinicians, engineers, and individuals with SCI to discuss emerging therapies and innovations. Innovation exhibitions showcase assistive technologies and adaptive equipment.
Initiatives also invite individuals with SCI to contribute to research through surveys, data collection, and participation in clinical trials. Nothing about us, without us!
The 2025 awareness campaign demonstrates how virtual reality and gamification of rehabilitation exercises improve rehabilitation post SCI too.
Get Involved
You can help spread spinal cord injury awareness this September by engaging with the public on a level that’s comfortable to you.
- Share SCI information on social media; check out social media campaigns using the hashtag #SCIAwareness2025.
- Share your personal SCI narrative; email info@spinalpedia.com to participate.
- Participate in awareness events; Visit the NASCIC website for a comprehensive list of events.
- Engage your community by organizing local events (like a wheelchair roll where local business owners and city council can participate and experience barriers to assess and address accessibility in your community).
- Join or volunteer with SCI advocacy organizations- check out the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, the United Spinal Association, and Wings for Life. Connect with others in their policy forums.
- Contact policymakers: Find your representatives here and let them know how systemic barriers affect the SCI community.
- If you’re in a position to do so, donate to SCI research and service organizations, support scholarship funds or sponsor awareness events.
Prevention is first, when we discuss awareness. Many SCIs occur while the individual is under the influence of alcohol or behaving recklessly. Advocates also highlight all the systemic barriers and challenges faced by individuals with SCI in society, and push for legislation that keeps social safety nets for people with disabilities in place.
But we don’t forget to highlight the achievements and advances those within the disability community and our advocates make to afford us opportunities to live more quality lives.
Phone: