Resources

Research and Clinical Trials

Current research, clinical trials, and emerging therapies shaping the future of spinal cord and neurological injury care.

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – A trusted leader in SCI research, offering accessible updates on clinical trials, breakthroughs, and resources for individuals and families navigating recovery.

• ClinicalTrials.gov – A comprehensive, NIH-run database where individuals can explore current and completed clinical trials and better understand emerging treatment possibilities.

• National Institutes of Health – The nation’s leading medical research agency, providing reliable, science-based information on conditions, treatments, and advancements shaping the future of care.

• North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium – A collaborative network advancing SCI research to improve outcomes, rehabilitation, and long-term quality of life.

• Shepherd Center Research Institute – Research and outcomes-based studies from a leading rehabilitation center dedicated to improving recovery, independence, and long-term function after spinal cord injury.

• Shirley Ryan Ability Lab – A world-renowned rehabilitation hospital advancing research and innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and patient-centered recovery.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (Tri-State Area)

Supporting recovery, independence, and daily life through skilled care and the right tools.

• Adaptletics (NJ) – A neurologic physical therapy and performance-based training practice focused on intensive, evidence-based care for individuals with spinal cord and other neurological injuries.

• Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital (PA) – Part of Main Line Health, Bryn Mawr Rehab offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient spinal cord and neurologic rehabilitation with a strong focus on functional recovery and long-term outcomes.

• Children’s Specialized Hospital (NJ) – Comprehensive pediatric and young adult rehabilitation services, including neurologic and spinal cord injury care, with strong outpatient programs.

• Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network (PA) – Specialized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for spinal cord injury and neurological conditions, with an emphasis on long-term independence and community reintegration.

• Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation (PA / NJ) – A leading rehabilitation system offering specialized spinal cord injury and neurologic rehabilitation across inpatient and outpatient settings.

• Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (NJ) – A nationally recognized rehabilitation system providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient spinal cord injury and neurologic rehabilitation services.

• NYU Langone Rusk Rehabilitation (NY) – Comprehensive rehabilitation services for spinal cord and neurological injuries across inpatient and outpatient settings.

Adaptive Sports & Community in the Tri-State Area

Recovery doesn’t end with rehabilitation — movement, sport, and community play a vital role in resilience, identity, and long-term well-being.

• Adaptive Sports Foundation (NY) – Offers year-round adaptive sports and recreation programs, including skiing, cycling, and fitness, for individuals with physical disabilities of all ages.

• Children’s Specialized Hospital Adaptive Sports (NJ) – Provides adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for children and young adults with physical challenges, emphasizing confidence, independence, and inclusion.

• Kelly Brush Foundation (Serves NJ/NY/PA) – Supports individuals with spinal cord injury through adaptive sports grants, community programs, and injury prevention advocacy.

• Philadelphia Adaptive Sports (PA) – Offers adaptive rowing, cycling, and recreational sports programs designed to build physical strength and social connection.

• Sportable (Serves Mid-Atlantic, including PA) – Provides competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs, helping athletes of all levels find community and challenge.

Foundations and Advocacy

Organizations advancing access, awareness, policy, and support for individuals and families affected by neurological injury.

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – A leading voice in spinal cord injury advocacy, research funding, and education, supporting individuals and families from injury through long-term recovery and independence.

• Paralyzed Veterans of America – Advocates for veterans with spinal cord injury and disease through healthcare access, benefits support, research, and civil rights initiatives.

• United Spinal Association – A national organization advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and independence while connecting individuals with SCI to local chapters and peer support.

• Wings for Life – A global foundation funding cutting-edge spinal cord injury research with the mission of finding a cure for paralysis.

Mental Health, Resilience, and Peer Support

Healing is more than physical — emotional health, connection, and community matter too.

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – Offers peer mentoring, mental health resources, and a national information specialist program supporting individuals and families living with paralysis.

• Facing Disability – Provides honest, practical peer-led videos and resources that help individuals and families navigate the emotional realities of life after spinal cord injury.

• Kelly Brush Foundation – Supports resilience and quality of life after spinal cord injury through community programs, adaptive sports support, and peer connection.

• Mental Health America – Offers screening tools, education, and support resources for mental health challenges that commonly accompany life-changing injuries or illness.

• Paralyzed Veterans of America – Provides peer support, counseling resources, and advocacy for veterans living with spinal cord injury or disease.

• Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Group Network – Connects individuals with SCI to local and virtual peer support groups focused on shared experience, encouragement, and practical advice.

• United Spinal Association – Offers peer support programs, local chapters, and mental wellness resources to help individuals with SCI build community and independence.

This list is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional mental health care. If you or a loved one are in crisis, please seek immediate support.

Financial and Insurance Help

Helping individuals and families navigate healthcare systems, insurance, and financial complexity with clarity and confidence.

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – Provides expert information specialists who help individuals and families navigate insurance, benefits, appeals, and long-term care planning after spinal cord injury.

• Patient Advocate Foundation – Offers case management and guidance to help patients resolve insurance denials, access care, manage medical debt, and understand complex healthcare systems.

• United Spinal Association – Provides advocacy, education, and resources related to health insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, disability benefits, and accessibility rights for individuals with SCI.

• Paralyzed Veterans of America – Supports veterans with SCI through benefits counseling, healthcare navigation, and advocacy related to VA and non-VA insurance systems.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Official federal resource for understanding Medicare, Medicaid, coverage options, and patient rights, including disability-related services.

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program – Free, unbiased counseling to help individuals understand Medicare options, coverage, and appeals; available in every state.

• National Disability Rights Network – A nationwide network of legal advocacy organizations that protect the rights of people with disabilities, including healthcare and insurance access issues.

Newly Injured

The early days after a neurological injury can feel overwhelming. These resources are is not meant to answer everything — but meant to help you find your footing and remind you that you’re not alone.

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – One of the most comprehensive starting points after spinal cord injury, offering plain-language education, peer mentoring, information specialists, and guidance for both individuals and families.

• Craig Hospital – A leading SCI rehabilitation hospital with an excellent resource library explaining spinal cord injury, recovery, daily life, and what to expect after discharge.

• Facing Disability – Short, honest videos featuring people with SCI and their families discussing the emotional, practical, and relational realities of life after injury. Especially helpful early on.

• United Spinal Association – Offers beginner-friendly guides, peer support connections, and practical information on living with SCI, accessibility, and navigating systems

• Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center – Evidence-based SCI factsheets and videos created specifically to translate research into understandable, real-world guidance.

• Shepherd Center – Educational materials and patient resources covering spinal cord injury basics, rehabilitation, and adjustment after injury.