How to Choose a Perfect Power Wheelchair
Every five or six years the process begins: It’s time to choose a new power wheelchair. There are few decisions in life that affect me as much as what chair I use during the 14+ hours a day I am in it. It’s overwhelming to know where to begin since technology changes so quickly. I
Feeling Safe and Secure in My Home: Home Security
I had debated for a while whether I should get a home security system. But I was a bit unnerved after a neighbor’s house was broken into. After the break-in, I decided I would rather be safe than regret my decision if something should ever happen in my home-sweet-accessible home.
How to Become an Effective Self-Advocate after SCI
I have learned to be an effective self-advocate. An educator. It is a role that’s thrust upon all of us – whether we like it or not – when you or someone you know has a disability. Go back to the very beginning. Before your injury or the onset of a disability. What did you
How my Spinal Cord Injury Affected my Best Friend
What follows is the story of how a spinal cord injury affects relationships. How was best friend, Barbara, impacted by my injury?
What Do You See When You See Me?
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is currently undertaking an Instagram campaign to combat the stigmas and misperceptions of what it means to live with a spinal cord injury and paralysis. I recently shared my story at their request. This is what I posted.
The Uncomfortable Truth about Sexuality and Disability
In January I attended a conference for work. After dinner we were chatting and getting to know each other as we made our way back to the conference room. All the classic questions were asked: Where do you live? What organization are you with? What is your role? And then
7 Myths and Misconceptions about Spinal Cord Injury
Oh, the myths and misconceptions about spinal cord injury. There’s nothing worse than hearing “You don’t have enough faith” or “Just work harder.” After decades with a spinal cord injury, I’ve heard a lot of “helpful” advice. With the advent of social media, I read comments from well-intentioned people who say some of the following
How to Intentionally Build Community
Many people with SCI have experienced loss of relationships after their injury. Friends, family, teammates, spouses. Why do these relationships end? That’s an article for another day. But loneliness on top of the losses of independence and identity can be suffocating. Relationships, healthy ones, are life-giving and rejuvenating. A hearty
How I Find, Hire and Keep a Great Care Attendant
Early on in my injury, I didn’t want a personal care attendant. It was horrifying enough to have my mom and grandma help me with personal care. But a stranger? No way! And then I had to. Between my mom working full-time and her already-existing back problems, and Grandma being, well, a
Podcast with Kyle Idleman: Why Did This Happen to Me?
When I got a phone call asking me to share my story for a podcast with Kyle Idleman, I was little stunned. But of course I said yes. So what do we do when life hands us a tragedy? Listen to the podcast by clicking on the link below. Kyle’s
Jenny Smith
After a spinal cord injury at 16, I discovered that a wheelchair could take me places I never dared to imagined.
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Videos
How I Can Tweeze My Eyebrows as a Quad
What is a pressure sore? (Video)
Quadly Cooking: Middle Eastern Chili (Video)
How Does a Quad Put in Contacts?
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