A Review of the Quantum Stretto Power Wheelchair
In my article How to Choose a Perfect Power Chair, I outlined my steps to look for…well, a perfect power wheelchair. In January 2021, it was time to research my options and try each chair that met my specifications. Hopefully, one wheelchair would “fit” just like Cinderella’s glass slipper. But
How Do I Celebrate the Anniversary of my Spinal Cord Injury?
How do I celebrate the anniversary of my spinal cord injury? It’s a question I hear over and over. I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to this question. The way in which someone commemorates, celebrates, or chooses to ignore their anniversary will vary. If a person’s life was in
How I Can Tweeze My Eyebrows as a Quad
Watch this video on how, as a C6-7 SCI, I figured out how I can tweeze my eyebrows as a quad. Just because I have a spinal cord injury doesn’t mean I don’t like to dress nicely, put on makeup, or look good. You might also like: My Favorite Things:
Simone Biles, a Pressure Cooker, and One Thing I’m Sure Of
A high-pressure environment can be difficult for anyone to manage. Add in an internal burden for perfection you place on yourself to millions of people expecting perfection from you. Now be placed under the microscope of international coverage. Teammates and commentators call you by your nickname, the GOAT (Greatest of
How Do You Define Independence?
How do you define independence? Does independence mean you are not reliant on anyone or any mobility device? I believe independence is something greater than that. Dependence Immediately after my injury, I became completely dependent on others in all aspects of my daily life. Dressing, bathing, bladder and bowel care, eating,
Spinal Cord Injury Survivor Job Description
I often tell people that a spinal cord injury is so much more than the inability to walk. Many people don’t “get” everything that’s involved with having a spinal cord injury. I wrote this Spinal Cord Injury Survivor Job Description while I was in a particularly feisty mood. Enjoy! For
To Moms of Children with Spinal Cord Injuries
On my birthday several years ago, my thoughts turned to my mom. I realized at 45, my mom was three years into having a 19-year-old daughter with a spinal cord injury. She had seen me through three surgeries: a spinal fusion, removal of bladder stones, and the placement of a
What is a pressure sore? (Video)
Pressure sores and spinal cord injuries are an unfortunate pairing. Watch this video to learn the who, what, where, and why of pressures sores. And you’ll hear about my own run-in with a pressure sore and my need for constant vigilance. For additional resources on pressure sores – and how
How I Lost and Found My Identity
According to Merriam-Webster, identity is defined as “who someone is; the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” Is it possible to lose your identity? I believe it is. I lost my identity after my spinal cord injury. My identity I began tumbling and dance class at age 3. By first grade,
How Does a Quad Put in Contacts?
Have you ever wondered how a quad with limited hand and finger function puts in contacts? Probably not. But now that you are thinking about it, I demonstrate how I take out and put in my contacts in this video.
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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