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.
Why Do People with Disabilities Still Not Have Equal Access to Medical Care?
No one will argue that people with disabilities should have equal access to medical care. After an appointment with a doctor left with me incorrect results due to the lack of access to proper testing, I’m wondering how many others experience the same situation. Why – 30 years after the
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia? (Video)
Blood pressure. Temperature regulation. Heart rate. Did you know all these functions are affected with a higher level spinal cord injury? And have you ever heard of boosting? Watch the video to learn what you need to know about autonomic dysfunction and dysreflexia in spinal cord injuries. Please share this
Bladder and Bowel Care After Spinal Cord Injury (Video)
I know you want to ask… How does someone with a spinal cord injury go to the bathroom? Peeing and pooping is a part of life, but talking about it isn’t. Whether you have a spinal cord injury, have family or friend who just sustained a SCI, or if you’re
What You Need to Know About Insuring a Modified Vehicle
Congratulations! You’re ready to start driving with modifications and/or hand controls. What do you need to know about insuring a modified vehicle? I’ve been driving a modified van with hand controls since 1992. Over the past few years, my insurance premiums have steadily gone up every six months. I requested
The Importance of Cardio Workouts with a Spinal Cord Injury
Getting a good cardio workout with a spinal cord injury can be difficult, but it’s very important. After years of living with a spinal cord injury, I can attest to the benefits of working out. Not only do I feel better (I love endorphins!), but I truly believe I am
How a Quadriplegic Gets Dressed (Video)
After a spinal cord injury, quads and paras need to re-learn how to live life. Getting dressed is one thing to figure out. I’d said “never” too many times too count. That included saying, “I will never get dressed by myself.” Well, never say never. It took many years, but
My Favorite Things I Read, Listened to, Watched, and Did in 2020
The year 2020 will be one for the history books – literally and figuratively. Although I can easily complain about 2020, I’m choosing to find the good that happened in the past twelve months. Yes, 2020 was hard. I had to learn to grieve the loss of loved ones without
What Can I Do When I’m Confined?
Whether a person is confined due to COVID restrictions or trying to heal a pressure sore while in bed, I often read, “What can I do all day long?” I’m experiencing 2020 with the rest of you. In addition, I’ve survived three skin flap surgeries which required months in bed
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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