Welcome to Life Keeps Rolling – your go-to blog for insights, resources, and real-life experiences about living with a spinal cord injury. Whether you’re newly injured or have been rolling for years, this blog provides practical tips, adaptive living strategies, and inspiring stories to help you navigate everyday challenges with confidence.
From mobility hacks and disability humor to mental health and advocacy, Life Keeps Rolling is here to prove that life doesn’t stop for anyone. Stay connected, stay empowered, and keep on rolling!
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Quadriplegic Product Review: ibot PMD
The author, a quadriplegic, shares his experiences with adaptive technology, specifically the ibot Personal Mobility Device (PMD). He highlights its innovative features, like climbing stairs and multiple modes for diverse terrains. Despite some drawbacks, he praises its impact on his independence and appreciates the customer support from Mobius Mobility in enhancing his quality of life.
Read postAlive-versary Year 9
The author reflects on their transformative journey since their “Alive Day” nine years ago, emphasizing resilience and the value of daily miracles. They express gratitude for love, friendship, and modern medicine, as they prepare to welcome twin boys after a successful IVF process. The piece highlights perseverance, hope, and embracing life’s challenges.
Read postMy 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.
Read postQuadriplegic Product Review: Meta AI Glasses
The author, a quadriplegic, shares insights on adaptive technology through a review series, starting with Meta’s smart glasses. He appreciates their hands-free features, audio, and video capabilities, which enhance his independence. Despite concerns about privacy and battery life, the glasses have integrated well into his routine, proving beneficial overall.
Read post2025 Review: Thanks For Visiting
The author transitioned their blog, Life Keeps Rolling, to a new platform, Limp Wrist Art, to better showcase their artwork and graphic design. With 6,000 views in 2025, engagement through authentic interactions exceeded expectations. Advocacy posts gained significant interest, reflecting the importance of disability discussions, while professional opportunities emerged from the rebranding.
Read postAll I Want For Christmas
The author reflects on the significance of Christmas and the impact of their long-distance relationship with his wife. By merging family traditions, creating shared ornaments, and prioritizing time together during holidays, they built a strong bond. After a decade of Christmases together, gratitude for their enduring love remains central to their holiday spirit.
Read postGiving 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.
Read postBalancing 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.
Read postVeterans 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.
Read postBarbed 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.
Read postDisability 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.
Read postA 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.
Read postAccessibility in iOS 26
Apple’s iOS 26 enhances accessibility with innovative features like Accessibility Nutrition Labels, Accessibility Reader, and improved Braille Access. New tools, such as Live Captions and Personal Voice creation, support users with disabilities, fostering independence. These updates underscore Apple’s commitment to digital equality, ensuring technology is user-friendly for all, especially those with special needs.
Read postAutonomic Dysreflexia Revisited
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) occurs when the autonomic nervous system overreacts to stimuli below a spinal cord injury, causing symptoms like headaches, sweating, and blood pressure spikes, rather than typical pain. This response serves as an alarm to prevent complications. Recognizing individual symptoms can help manage and mitigate risks effectively.
Read postThe Analogy of the Brain and Guitar
Spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and body, similar to a guitarist who cannot change notes due to his capo. The spinal cord functions as the main pathway for motor and sensory signals. Damage leads to paralysis or loss of sensation, preventing the brain’s signals from reaching their destinations.
Read postSpinal Cord Injury By the Numbers
September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, highlighting the impact of spinal cord injuries (SCI) on individuals and society. With around 302,000 cases in the U.S. and 15-20 million globally, injuries stem from various causes. Advances in care improve outcomes, underscoring the need for ongoing research and advocacy in this critical health area.
Read postThe Hedonic Treadmill
Happiness is often fleeting, with individuals returning to a baseline emotional state regardless of life events, a concept called the hedonic treadmill. Studies show that both joyous milestones and significant setbacks lead to temporary emotional spikes, underlining our resilience. Embracing gratitude and meaningful experiences can enhance lasting well-being.
Read postThe ADA Turns 35
The 35th anniversary of the ADA highlights its role in prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access. Personal experiences reveal how accessibility shapes independence, emphasizing that disability can affect anyone. The need for inclusivity extends beyond disabled individuals, benefiting everyone, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to advance these rights.
Read postEmpathy Is Not Weakness
The discussion surrounding the possibility of a cure for spinal cord injury raises complex emotions. While physical restoration is appealing, personal growth and newfound empathy gained from suffering are invaluable. Compassion is redefined as strength, as the author advocates for supporting vulnerable individuals despite societal narratives that dismiss such care as weakness or burden.
Read postThe Power of Connection – Why Social Wellness Matters After Disability
After a life-altering disability, social wellness often suffers, leading to feelings of isolation. Friendships may change, requiring individuals to communicate new needs. Loneliness poses health risks, emphasizing the importance of connection. Support groups can help build community and confidence. Maintaining relationships is crucial for long-term health and happiness.
Read postDepression After Disability
The journey after a spinal cord injury involves more than physical recovery; it requires rebuilding self-identity and coping with emotional challenges like depression. Therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, provides essential tools for managing negative thoughts and emotions. Open discussions about mental health can foster community support and reduce stigma, emphasizing that seeking help is vital.
Read postMemorial Day 2025: A Reflection
Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers, originating after the Civil War as Decoration Day. Beyond ceremonies, it embodies personal remembrance for friends lost and reflects on their sacrifices. The red poppy symbolizes this remembrance, reminding us to honor their legacy while appreciating life. We should live fully, cherishing each moment.
Read postThe Art of Giving Back
The author reflects on the joy of using art to support charitable causes, having recently contributed to a fundraiser linked to a golf tournament. They revamped an old digital landscape and created a humorous watercolor portrait inspired by the movie “Happy Gilmore.” The experience reinforced their desire to explore different art forms while making a…
Read postSpinal Cord Injury Awareness Day 2025
May is significant for disability awareness, including Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Day, observed amidst Mobility and Mental Health Awareness Months. Spinal cord injuries, classified as complete or incomplete, cause various physical and psychological challenges. Awareness is essential to understanding these experiences and advocating for those living with SCI.
Read postWhat Global Accessibility Awareness Day Means to Me as a Disabled Graphic Designer
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), initiated in 2012, focuses on improving digital accessibility for all, especially those with disabilities. It encourages designers and developers to integrate accessible features in their work, fostering inclusion and empathy. GAAD serves as a vital reminder that accessibility should be foundational, not an afterthought in design.
Read postHelp Us Hit It Out of the Park
Team Pain in the Neck is participating in the “TR24” Legacy Wiffleball Tournament, hosted by SCIboston. The team is fundraising through custom merchandise to raise awareness and support for SCIboston’s resources and advocacy. They encourage donations, merchandise purchases, and social media sharing to achieve their goal for this community-driven event.
Read postA Personal Journey Through the Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness encompasses more than just physical health; it includes emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and occupational dimensions. After a spinal cord injury, I redefined each aspect of my wellness. By seeking support, pursuing education, and embracing community, I learned to adapt, heal, and find purpose in a transformed life.
Read postSlashing the Safety Net
The proposed Medicaid budget cuts threaten the support systems essential for millions of Americans with disabilities. These financial reductions could lead to diminished care services, forcing individuals into institutions and undermining their independence, safety, and dignity. The impact would be profound and could dismantle the progress made in community-based care.
Read postGrief Revisited
This post explores the connection between mental health, disability, and grief. It emphasizes that grief stems not just from loss but also from life changes like disability. Using established models, it addresses the non-linear process of grieving and adaptation, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and community support in navigating these experiences.
Read postNavigating Life’s Challenges: Disability and Burnout
Living with a disability involves significant adaptation, facing daily challenges that can lead to burnout. Chronic pain and the emotional strain of self-advocacy contribute to this issue, affecting not only individuals but also caregivers. Acknowledging limits, seeking help, and promoting open discussions are crucial for recovery and well-being.
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