The piece discusses advocacy within the disability community, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, community support, and a focused approach to activism. The author, a C4 quadriplegic and former Army veteran, shares insights on the need for credible sources, emotional balance, and networking in advocating for rights, highlighting resilience through art and personal experience.
Category Archives: Awareness
SMART Goals and Why They Work
Josh reflects on his journey of goal-setting since his spinal cord injury in 2017. Drawing from military experiences, he emphasizes the importance of SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. As a mentor, he encourages others to adapt and modify their goals, ensuring progress and avoiding complacency in their recovery journeys.
Team Pain in the Neck Updates 2026
The Little Fenway complex in Vermont hosts the TR24 Legacy WIFFLEBALL Tournament, honoring the Travis Roy Foundation’s legacy by supporting spinal cord injury survivors. The narrator, who cannot participate this year due to impending twins, is actively involved in organizing the event, which fosters community spirit and raises crucial funds for those in need.
My Complicated Relationship With Sleep
The author reflects on the challenges of sleep as a quadriplegic, noting its importance for health and well-being. Past experiences of effortless sleep have changed into struggles with discomfort and care routines. Despite occasional restful nights, the author expresses a sense of dread towards bedtime, feeling it has become unproductive and taxing.
Giving Tuesday: How Volunteering Has Shaped My Life
Giving Tuesday, established in 2012, is a global day for generosity, occurring after Thanksgiving, to encourage support for meaningful causes. This movement fosters community involvement and philanthropy. The author shares personal experiences of receiving aid after injury, emphasizing the fulfillment found in giving back and the profound impact of collective generosity on individual lives.
Balancing Hope and Realism in Spinal Cord Injury Research
The journey through spinal cord injury recovery highlights the fluctuating landscape of potential treatments, from stem cell therapy to gene therapy, brain-computer interfaces, and pharmaceutical advancements. While optimism drives hope for breakthroughs, realistic expectations are essential. Finding balance between faith in science and current life circumstances fosters resilience and preparedness for future opportunities.
Veterans Day Reflection: From Carrying the Stretcher to Being on It
Veterans Day honors all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and reflects on sacrifice and resilience. The author shares their journey from a proud Ranger and stretcher bearer to a quadriplegic, grappling with identity and the challenge of accepting help. They emphasize strength in vulnerability and a commitment to serving others.
Barbed Wire Sickness and the Psychology of Disability
Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” highlights his pioneering concept of Logotherapy, emphasizing the human pursuit of purpose even amidst suffering. The book draws parallels between “barbed wire sickness,” linked to wartime trauma, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities, illustrating how isolation affects mental health and underscoring the resilience derived from meaning.
Disability Protections in Air Travel Have Been Grounded
A hard-fought rule meant to protect wheelchair users in air travel is now in limbo. Airlines sued to block it, and the Trump administration folded. Instead of enforcing basic rights, they paused protections. This isn’t just policy reversal—it’s a betrayal of disabled travelers who deserve accountability, not excuses.
A Thursday with Josh: Living with SCI
This post provides a detailed account of a typical Thursday for a quadriplegic individual, highlighting their morning routine, preparation for a support group, and evening activities. The author emphasizes the importance of community, personal routine, and how SCIboston’s support enhances their life while promoting awareness of spinal cord injuries.