Spinal Cord Resources Network

Governor Crist has released the annual report on disabilities in the state of Florida. It is presented to the Governor in fulfillment of Section 3 of Executive Order 07-148, which directs the Commission to provide a written report detailing it's recommendation for changes in Florida law and policy, its accomplishments in bringing about legislative and administrative change, and its progress in collaborative efforts with other agencies and organizations.

The United Spinal Association (USA) sent us this document to show that we need to talk to our congressmen about the ADA. Since it's inception, the courts have damaged the ADA to the point that it is all but impossible to go after an employer for ADA violations. Rather then trying to fix this problem through court cases, The USA recommends that each of us call our congressmen and senators to let them know that people go through therapy may never get their job back because the will just hire someone new. The only way to get back to work may be new legislation so employers cannot discriminate against the disabled. If this is not addressed then all the work newly disabled people will be a waste when they find out getting a job is nearly impossible if you are disabled.

Publicaffairs.unc.ca reports that a new helmet has been designed to protect against direct damage of the spine during a crash. Up to this point, helmets have been designed to protect the skull and face from impact and dragging damage. These helmets have saved many lives and made sure that those in an accident does not come out of it with brain damage.

Canada.com has a letter that asks how suffers of chronic pain will be protected if they are pulled over by the police. Routine traffic stops are usually a minor problem but if the police start to shake down those that take controlled pain killers we could have a problem. We all want to make sure our roads are safe and that no one is driving under the influence of any substance.

After the Family Cafe we had a death in the family. After spending time with our family we are now back to work and are working on new stories and a podcast.

Thanks for your understanding.

Greg George
CEO
Spinal Cord Resources Network

To all Donnice's fans out there.  Here's the lates update, 511 etc. posted 6/15

Grab our podcast from our blog site. You can either listen to it from the site or download the mp3/mp4 and install it in your iPod!.

WLTX.com reports that a woman that was involved in a traffic accident with her wheelchair is having problems with the driver's insurance company. The woman was moving in her wheelchair with her service dog in a crosswalk. It was then that a car drove and struck her, knocking the wheelchair five feet into oncoming traffic. Bistanders helped her get out of the road and back into her wheelchair, but the chair was damaged. The insurance company was sent several repair quotes but the insurance company is not willing to repair the wheelchair unless it is shipped to them for verification. If the disabled woman were to do this, she would have no way of getting out of bed or do her life activities since she cannot walk. The insurance company has said that it is refusing to pay for any repairs on the wheelchair unless their home office can look kit over.

Newsday.com reports on a woman in Atlantic City that fell into an elevator shaft when her wheelchair didn't stop at the elevator doors. Witnesses reported that the woman was rushing to catch the elevator but just missed it. The doors closed but the woman did not stop in her powered wheelchair. The chair crashed into the doors which bucked and she fell 30 feet onto the descending elevator with her wheelchair in tow. After falling on top of the elevator her wheelchair then fell on top of the woman severely injuring her. Two hotel employees that witnessed the incident rushed to help her but also fell into the elevator shaft and were injured. The fire department finally arrived and were able to pull the disabled woman and the two hotel employees from the elevator shaft. The incident is presently under investigation because the elevator doors are supposed to be strong enough to stop a wheelchair from breaching them.