Quadriplegic Information & Resource Directory

"Because no one should cope with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) alone"  

Sponsored by a special grant from

02/12/08 - NOTE : Gray Schooley, Founder of Paralinks - The Quadriplegic Connection and Silas S. Slade, Founder of WheelChair Nation have agreed to incorporate their web-sites to better serve the Spinal Cord Injury community. Stay tuned for further developments. The process is underway.

Gloves for Life
Unique custom Gloves for Quadriplegics.
www.glovesforlife.com

These gloves make a difference.
I know, I use them. Gary, Paralinks editor

See my NOTE about wearing gloves. 

Africa in a wheelchair?

Why Ethiopia?

We re always amazed when viewing Gordon's web site and the daring adventures that he as a quad takes himself on. By Gordon Rattray

Spinal Cord Cam: 
Buz a.k.a. Mongo Filongly

Callahan On-Line!!!

There's absolutely nothing funny about a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. Unless, of course, that person is John Callahan. For nearly a decade, this irreverent cartoonist has been shocking America with his own special brand of wicked humor. In the world of Callahan, nothing is sacred, nothing is taboo and nothing is funnier!

The Tyranny of Materiality

Constance Laymon Interprets the Primacy of the Visual and Contemplates Reintegrating the Past.

Scott T. Duffy: Artist

Craig Sheely: Photographer

Dis?Ability
on the Internet
By Heather Proud

Do U know of a site that 
should be listed here? 

Let us know

Wheelweb.com

Quadriplegic Jailed

Wheelchair junkie
n. pl wheelchair junkies (1923) I slang a. a wheelchair user b. a person who derives inordinate pleasure from the mobility of a wheelchair  
c. a wheelchair junk dealer.  

Pie* Medical Corp
Roy Abel Chairman and Founder, a quadriplegic. Solutions to chronic bowel problems.

LEVELS OF INSANITY

by John Callahan coming soon to a bookstore near you
on sale 8/31/04

Synopsis: Ready . . . aim . . . draw! Whether it’s popular culture, celebrity worship, current events, or media madness—Callahan shoots from the seated hip . . . and no one is spared his special brand of politically incorrect lampoons. Armed with his trusty pen and a twisted sense of humor, he skewers everything and everyone, from Michael Jackson to Michael Moore, NBC to the New York Times, private obsessions to national security.

And let’s face it, if you don’t buy this book, you’ve let the terrorists win.

News From The Edge
Michaels Book is now available; information available on his web site

www.BroadenedHorizons.com 
Mark Felling a Quadriplegic; the result of a experimental homebuilt airplane crash on 07.02.03.- innovative adaptive technology products...  Primarily for quads designed by a quad engineer - powered wrist-hand orthesis utilizing EMG signaling technology for C-5 quads - completely hands-free wheelchair mounted speakerphone adaption for mobile phones - two new projects soon to be announced... a private kit airplane designed to be flown independently from a wheelchair... a trike/three-wheeled motorcycle/personal transportation vehicle which can be driven independently from a wheelchair... 

check out Mark's other website complete with a Blog at: www.markfelling.com Lots of info.

From Any geek worthy of the moniker has dreamed of connecting his or her brain directly to a computer for blissful freedom from keyboard and mouse. For quadriplegics, that ability would give life a whole new dimension.

If people with physical handicaps could control a computer by just thinking, they could also operate light switches, television, even a robotic arm -- something the 160,000 people in the United States who can't move their arms and legs would surely welcome. The full Story here

Apparelyzed This site is run by Simon Roulstone, a C5/6 Quadriplegic who was paralyzed in 1992 following a car crash in Leicestershire, UK. And has turned to humor to promote disability awareness. 

Buy your  next 'T' shirt here. 

Harold Trenier -aka Slick A C6-7 Quad for22 years. Without going into a long story it would be easier for you to just visit my site and read my story, see  what I've done. Once there just click on SLICKS PLACE on the left side of the screen, and the journey will start. -Music, acting , comedy, cooking -- Slick does it all....

Dean Joyce I'm a 23 year old from NY that was paralyzed in an auto crash in October '95. The main reason why I started this site is to help increase the awareness of paralysis and also help those who have become victims of paralysis, like myself... I have continued to keep a positive outlook on life and have returned to society as I was before my tragic accident. Returning to college, I not only want to pursue a career in Computer Science and find a well paying job, but I also want to make people realize that they can overcome any problems they encounter as long as they believe in themselves.  

Bro-Ken-LinkS

WE ARE CERTAIN THAT THERE ARE A PLENTY OF BROKEN LINKS HERE. WHEN YOU HAPPEN UPON ONE PLEEZE LET US KNOW!

Planet Quad I'm a 34 year old Quadriplegic, paralyzed in May of 1988 when I was 23 years old in a motorcycle accident. My level of injury is in the C 3-4 range, which lets me breath on my own, but I can't use my arms or legs at all. I'm typing with a mouthstick, one peck at a time.

Red Rider Studios  My name is Todd Maness. I am a handicapped artist. I use my mouth to create art. Creating art this way is more challenging, but much more rewarding.  I work mostly with nature art, country scenes, and animals of all kinds. The mediums I use include pens, watercolor, and acrylics...etc. 

Eddy's Web Page "Hello, my name is Eddie Castle, I currently reside in Las Cruces NM, and I am 21 years old. back in 1994, I was in a car accident which left me paralyzed from the chest down...I started school at New Mexico State University this fall..."

Eric Delisle Quadriplegic and Graduate Student School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Mark Hanaway  "The only people that are truly disabled are the ones with no imagination." This site shares a little about life, quadriplegia and insight to a wacky world. So have fun with it! "If you think you Can or you think you Can't Either way you're right!" 

The Quadriplegic Connection
Quadriplegic Web Sites
Sponsored by a special grant from

1-800WHEELCHAIR.COM HAS PROVIDED A SPECIAL GRANT TO PARALINKS TO DEFRAY OPERATING  COSTS FOR THIS NOT-FOR-PROFIT GRASS ROOTS COMMUNITY WEB SITE.

A PRESS RELEASE WILL ANNOUNCE THIS GRANT WITHIN THE NEXT 2 WEEKS.

The Quadriplegic Connection
Quadriplegic Web Sites

"Independence through Technology"  C4Q, the site dedicated to providing computers for people who are physically disabled and need a helping hand.

Computers4Quads is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities remain productive and connected to the world around them. At Computers4Quads, we believe that technology is the key to help happen.

Brad Zdanivsky; A Quadriplegic Rock Climber As a late teen, a car accident left rock climber Brad a quadriplegic. For most people, this would put an end to their climbing aspirations. Not Brad. Instead he set his sights on climbing the mammoth Stawamus Chief, on Canada's West Coast. Beginning in 1997 Brad set about designing and testing a device for pulling himself up this sheer rock face. Each subsequent year has seen improvements in the gear and increasingly impressive climbing successes – including Brad's ascent of the 1000-foot Grand Wall of the Chief in 2003. Undaunted by the extraordinary challenges of this endeavor, Brad made a successful attempt on the summit of the Chief in July of 2005, climbing 650 m (over 1,900 ft.) in a single day (14 hours). Brad has inspired disabled athletes the world over with this accomplishment. The Vertical Challenge Project and Team The goal of Vertical Challenge is more than simply getting Brad to the top of a mountain. It is equally a vehicle for the promotion of quadriplegic participation in adventure sports through research, education and public awareness. Brad and his team have already succeeded in showing what can be achieved by a determined athlete who pushes himself to attain a goal – in spite of physical limitations. In documenting the first effort ever by a quadriplegic to return to climbing, Vertical Challenge hopes to present an example of what perseverance, teamwork and technical innovation can accomplish. Brad's ultimate success will be in setting a precedent that will make climbing technically and psychologically more accessible to quadriplegics. VerticalChallenge.org website is an integral part of the project's public education and awareness role. On this site you'll find information about Brad, his climbs, the Vertical Challenge team and the specialist equipment the project has required. You'll also receive the most current information concerning Brad's upcoming climbs, and other news related to quad climbing and disabled sports in general. Photo © Chris Joseph / www.chrisjoseph.info One thing you can be sure about with Brad is that each success only causes him to fix his goals higher, and he's already talking about the amazing prospect of scaling El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. So keep dropping by, and stay tuned for great adventure ahead! Total information ON Brad Zdanivsky at:  QUADRIPLEGIC CLIMBER

GimpGear by Broadened Horizons; Mark Felling.  New, innovative designs by Quadriplegic Engineer, Mark Felling, for wheelchair users with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis, and other disabilities. The "Comfort Carrier" Travel, Recreation, & Evacuation Transfer Sling makes air travel, cruises, hotels, boating, camping, hunting, or even horseback riding not only possible but assisted transfers easier and more comfortable.  The Mobile Power Kit allows electronics to be plugged into your wheelchair batteries such as a laptop, adaptive communication devices, iPod, portable DVD player, lights, fan, etc. while making the wheelchair go 25% farther per charge, tripling battery life, and providing methods of emergency recharging.  The iTalk Voice Controlled Cell Phone System allows people with limited use of their hands or arms to use a cell phone to place and answer calls with complete independence anywhere, anytime!

NEW Chaz Southard On August 10, 2002 I woke up at dawn to catch some chest-high, low tide, long-boarding waves, and I was looking forward to seeing The Allman Brothers Band play later that afternoon. After three hours in the water I was beat. I fueled up with a large breakfast, and went back to the shore to read and to waste a few hours before the concert. It was high tide and after chatting with the lifeguards a little, I walked out into the water and dove into a waist high wave to cool. When I entered that wave, I entered a world that I never would envisioned existed.

Immediately after my hands had entered the swell, a strong undertow kicked my legs from underneath me and my head bumped into a rouge sand bar. A million feelings ran through my body like bolt of lightning and suddenly everything was quiet, like turning the television off on a dark, cold and lonely night. I instantaneously had no feeling or movement below my neck and all I could think was just to hold my breath. After a few body-rolls in the relentless waves I was met by a few hands that lifted me to shore. The lifeguards, who I had just spoken with a few minutes before, then harnessed to me to a stretcher and kept me conscious and breathing. Minutes later, I was med-vacced to Boston Medical Center in critical condition. Chazs' Web Site

Farms and gardens for the handicapped Marshall Loskot We believe the only way to achieve true independence is through parity in the work place. Our mission is two fold: First to provide a means to achieve independents for the physically impaired through improved instrumentality or equipment design, Second is to work towards changes is our government practices which will allow for individuals to reach a higher level of independence.  We design our devices to easily increase the productivity any individual. Herb Blossom Express

My Second Life -Foster Andersen There is nothing permanent in our universe but change: life is a constant transmutation between positive and negative polarities such as success-failure, ugliness-beauty, pain-pleasure, and mobility-immobility. 

If we continue to challenge ourselves throughout our lives, consciously expanding our personal world, all changes can inspire our creativity and transformation. We grow - intellectually, psychologically, spiritually, physically. Joyful events seem to contain an inherent energizing stimulus that inspires personal evolvement and social interaction. But sad, tragic experiences have a tendency to constrict our world-view: we take refuge within ourselves and can temporarily succumb to grief, disillusionment, depression, or cynicism. If we despair and block the opportunity for creative growth in adverse circumstances, our spirit shrivels and dies. -Foster Andersen

News From The Edge
Michaels Book is now available; information available on his web site

Michael Kanouff  "...By avoiding embracing my paralysis, I remained broken in two, my lower body was floating under the water of paralysis, my upper body was doing its best to hold myself up in the walking world. My arms can’t pull me up and out. Refusing to go under, I hold onto the shoreline of the walking as they lead a "normal" life. I’m tired of treading water. These last months have been the dark night of my soul. It is time to accept my new life in its entirety, let go of my attachments to the walking world and surrender to the deep dark waters of the inevitable. Sinking below the surface I'm in a new world! It's brighter than I feared. I don't want to be here, but here I am. Walking is still my goal! But now I’ll explore this dark surreal world under the water of every day life. My first report, I’m not alone under the water. There are other people down here..." From Chapter 6 of Michael's 'Dark Water of the Soul' Get the book here.

Matthew Ginop a C5/6 Quadriplegic, the result of a diving accident in 1999, has developed a resource site for those with a spinal cord injury or other disabling injury or disease of the spine.  Provides health information and resources related to spinal cord injuries and contains related links with site descriptions. SCI Info Pages -Great Spinal Cord Injury Site! Be sure to check the SCI News Blog often!

  www.sci-info-pages.com

Turbotrailgone.com Rod McQuade "You are about to enter the first reality website that I know of. I will be going though allot of my emotions and personal experiences. I invite you to leave any questions or comments that you have on my guest book... I received a spinal cord injury C 5/7 on 8.8.01 while out playing around after work... I'm really a newbie... but my success has been outstanding & they say that has allot to do with attitude... The damage I've done to myself was my own damn fault and damn lucky no one else got hurt. I've often thought that I'm better off with no one to blame but me because it seems easier that way to except my injury." Ed note: Another great web site geared for the newly paralyzed.

Look Ma No Hands A Site by Bill Miller. An expression often used by a young boy to unintentionally increase his mother's heart rate by demonstrating a newfound ability to ride a bicycle without clutching the handlebars. Here, however, it's the chosen slogan for a quadriplegic to demonstrate some of what can be accomplished sans hands. Also information on wheelchair bowling.

Eleven Seconds Travis Roy's life-long dream of becoming a professional hockey player was shattered on the ice -- eleven seconds after his first face-off as a Boston University forward in October, 1995 -- when he hit the boards and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. Travis's vision of his life and his commitment to the game of hockey have metamorphosed into a courageous struggle to create awareness and community for all spinal cord injury persons.

"The way I look at it, I've passed my first year as a quadriplegic. I've learned an entirely new way of living, and have gone through the first round of lessons...and now I'm excited to tackle year two. The competitive side of my nature is growing in me again. I feel it so clearly." TR (The Travis Roy Foundation was established in 1997 to help other victims of spinal cord injuries and to fund research into a cure. Inspired by Travis' own story.

Jeff Galli Home This web site is dedicated to Jeff's second birth in 1998. While at a Fourth of July party, Jeff dove into a swimming pool, and broke his neck. He became one of thousands of annual American victims of a sport-related Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Jeff was born into a strange new world known as quadriplegia. He was paralyzed, unable to move or feel anything below his neck. Unable even to breathe without mechanical assistance. He took his last normal breath before he hit the water. 

Editor's note: Jeff's web site is a must visit. If you are looking for detailed and specific information on electric wheelchairs and the use of computer technology for quadriplegics, here is where you will find it!

The Horizontal Paul Music Project This music project is about my dream to be recognised as a singer/songwriter and musician. It is a hope that I can inspire the able and disabled to be creative, and not to give up on their dreams because they feel their disability limits, or prevents them, in any way. My name is Paul Simpson  but was christened Horizontal Paul by a radio presenter (John Holmes) and use it to record under. We have recently set up MOBY which is a free Mobile Recording Studio for the disabled. Although we need a lot of help, we have at least demonstrated there is a demand for the service. 

Andy Lee My life these days is very fulfilling. I have developed a lot of new interests and hobbies.  Where a lot of doors closed on the day of my accident, as many, if not more have opened since then.  Life with a spinal cord injury can be immensely challenging, and yes, I still have 'bad' days.  With time and knowledge you can rise above those challenges and start living the life you never ever thought you'd see again.  I have and am here to prove it.

TRUE THOUGHTS 1
From Anita Hammond 3/6/2000 

Hello my name is  I’m an incomplete quad. I'm writing to say new things to help handicapped people are great but we can't afford to buy them! I'm a 30 year old mother of two young girls I was in an car wreak in 1992 in 1993 I lost my husband to a heart attack I also lost my insurance along with it the day of his funeral my power wheelchair broke down with no insurance I can't buy another one without the cash for it and being a mother of two and no insurance no one will help me I do get 1,800 a month but there is no money left after I pay people to help me with my kids care so I can't get therapy I can't get my braces I can't get a power chair and I hit my mouth in the wreak my teeth are broken and bad I just haft to deal with the pain my house is not handicapped equipped so I’m a prisoner in my own home my roof leeks so in a way I wish I wouldn't have made it through the wreak.

I hate to complain but all the new things people come up with to help the Handicapped is great for those who can afford them but people like me the world just forgets about we live hell on earth! And yes I’ve tried the warfare I’ve tried everything no one cares. I hate to sound so down but its the truth. I love my kids, but I feel so alone. -Anita

True Thoughts 2 
From Anita Hammond 5/8/2000 

Hello Gary its been some time since you posted my letter and i'd like to thank you for that.  i finally read it again, and i sounded really messed up-- i'm really nothing like that. I guess i'd like a chance to explain ok. 

I am a c3c4 Quad but I have all my feeling and I can move and even walk on a walker, that in its self is a blessing. I'm not in a nursing home and i'm able to be with my kids everyday. I don't need a nurse so I get time alone, guess life is pretty good to me.  I guess money is tight but I've made it this far somehow I know i'll make it all the way! If anyone reads this, and is having a day where it feels like the whole world has a life except them and that no one cares or could ever love them, believe me friend I know how you feel, just e-mail me i'll gladly give you and ear to bitch into. Thanks for your time, Anita                                      

Anita can be reached at home: starsparkle90@hotmail.com

Headbangers Six wild characters in wheelchairs playing music! You will have to see and hear them for yourself!

With continuous speech recognition, you can talk to your computer at natural speeds, without any special pauses or emphases and have it understand and transcribe your speech. In short, you can write with your voice.

Broken links? Let us know!
Paralinks tries to stay on top of out-dated links...

www.zhangxu.org Dr. Zhangxu is a 35 year old orthopedic surgeon who incurred a C4 Spinal Cord Injury during a swimming accident on medical assignment in Yemen. He wanted to commit suicide until a friend gave him, "JONI". He was so inspired that he, with his mother's assistance, translated the book into mainland Chinese. He has inspired many disabled patients at his own hospital where he was a surgeon. Recently, he has embarked on establishing the AnShan Rehabilitation Center in northeast China.

Netta Ganor On November 25th, 1994, my life has completely changed. One Friday afternoon, just "out of the blue", I became totally paralyzed from the neck down within less than one hour. I just couldn't move myself. It took a lot of time for the doctors to diagnose what I have had, but finally they came up with a long name: "Transverse Myelitis (TM)"

...There is more.... Send Paralinks Quad links.................

Follow Me Outdoors Chad Waligura, a Texas A&M grad with a BS in wildlife & fisheries science and a love for the outdoors.  A C-7 quad,  that since his injury in 1986, has found a renewed faith in the quality of life in the great outdoors. "For the observant outdoorsman, there's something to be learned and admired on every trip into the woods. It's only a matter of seeing it.   Hopefully, I can bring some of my deer hunting trials to life through Follow Me Outdoors and expose them from a more physically challenging point of view." -Chad

Remote-Ability  |  Disabilityexpo  I've been a Quadriplegic (C5-6) for the past 12+ years. I created "Remote Ability" for two reasons: I never can find products or things I'm looking for in one spot and hate going through DOZENS of magazines searching for items, or spending hours on the net hunting it down.. --Mike.

Billy Radzewsky...a 27 yr. old quadriplegic  (C-5, C-6, incomplete) from a car accident in May of 95' has put together this well documented web site with an abundance of illustrations regarding Spinal Cord Injury.

Ed Sandoz...injured a in a motorcycle racing accident On July 20, 1997 that  left him paralyzed in both legs and parts of both arms. This site is maintained by his family and friends to support him in his recovery. "Everyone's situation is different, but I think that a strong group of friends and family is the most helpful thing at this time in my life. You can't worry about the things you can't change. Having your life change so quickly is hard, but you need to move on. I try to look on the brighter side of life, what can I do now? not dwelling on what I can't. Don't get me wrong I'd take back my old life in a second...." --Ed

Sitski the Adaptive Sports Website Tom Cannalonga... Born May 7 1964 Just a "normal" all American boy. On July 26 1981...my life was changed...partying with my friends at the Jersey shore; we went to the ocean to swim before driving home...I picked up the first big wave to body surf back to shore. The wave got hold of me and slammed me down head first into the beach. With a pop, a flash of light, and an electric shock through my body, I was paralyzed...I broke my neck. I am a C6-C7 incomplete quad. The months and years to follow would be a trial I would not wish on my worst enemy. But life goes on. I found a girl friend, went back to school then got a good job. Life was not all that bad in a wheelchair. However, one thing hurt, and hurt bad. Not being able to ski really pissed me off...Then I saw a mono-skier on TV. This guy was skiing, carving turns and getting air. That was it! I had to do it. I found an adaptive ski program...and started taking lessons.

Dutcher's Digs  A C5-7 quad since May 12, 1956.  I design accessible housing.  My most recent design project is an accessible lectern/podium.  The City of St. Petersburg just purchased 2 and saved $3,500 for the pair vs a non-accessible one from a manufacturer. Wally