Welcome to Life Keeps Rolling!
This blog chronicles my journey navigating life with a spinal cord injury, documenting the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Thank you for joining me as I share an authentic, firsthand look into my experiences.
SPECIFIC COLLECTIONS
POST CATALOG
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.
Read postA Rarity in Equity: What the DOJ’s New Guidelines Mean to Me
The author, a graphic design graduate, emphasizes the importance of ethical design and digital accessibility, particularly through the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Recent updates under the Americans with Disabilities Act mandate accessible digital content for government entities. However, concerns remain about compliance timelines impacting crucial services for individuals with disabilities.
Read postSection 504’s 49th Anniversary & Current Legal Challenges
April 28, 2026 Today is the 49th anniversary of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For millions of Americans, Section 504 is described as an accessibility lifeline. While many people are more familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 is the crucial…
Read postWorld Art Day: Fostering Creativity
On World Art Day, I reflect on my artistic journey, from childhood creativity to becoming a professional graphic designer after my spinal injury. Celebrating art’s subjective nature, I now guide my niece and nephew in digital art, fostering their creativity and imagination. I encourage everyone to take a moment to create.
Read postOn Crying
The writer reflects on their inability to cry despite feeling a range of emotions. They explore emotional suppression, alexithymia, medication effects, trauma, and cultural conditioning as possible reasons. Drawing parallels with the concept of the “eightfold fence,” they recognize their emotional boundaries and express a desire for self-reflection and emotional release.
Read postQuadriplegic 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.
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