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This website provides information about the Ontario Assistive Devices Program where you can get help paying for a mobility aid. Details include information about eligibility, coverage, approved vendors and the process.

After a spinal cord injury, you are at high risk of getting a pressure sore (bed sore). A pressure sore is a wound caused from constant pressure to the skin.

After a spinal cord injury, many people need to make their home more accessible. If you have stairs outside of your house, you might need to use ramps to help you get in. There are both temporary and permanent solutions. Portable ramp options are also available.

After a spinal cord injury, it is common to no longer feel the need to empty your bowel. You also might not be able to start your bowel movement like you used to. This resource provides information about digital stimulation to help trigger bowel movements.

When using a wheelchair, transferring from one surface to another is an important skill. At first, you might need to use a transfer board or help from an assistant. Always practice transfers with your therapist before trying them alone.

A lift is often used to transfer people with limited movement from one surface to another. This handout gives general guidelines on how to use a lift. Always use instructions from your lift’s manual for proper operation. Practice transfers with a therapist before trying it with your assistants.

Dysphagia (dis-fay-juh) is the medical term for a swallowing disorder, meaning a difficulty or inability to swallow. Dysphagia can affect people of all ages. Left untreated, this disorder can have a devastating effect on a person’s social, emotional and physical well-being.

After a spinal cord injury, the muscles that help you breathe and cough can be weak. Breath stacking improves breathing and coughing by helping remove mucous from your lungs. Getting mucous out of your lungs helps prevent lung collapse and infections like pneumonia. Having a healthy lung volume improves oxygen, helps you speak louder, and reduces breathing problems.

Preparing meals after spinal cord injury is simple enough with some planning. An important part of a healthy diet is preparing your own food. By eating at home you can control portion sizes and reduce fat, salt, and sugar intake. Using the right tools and devices can help make it safer and easier for you to prepare meals. Remember that changes in your sensation and strength may put you at risk for burns and cuts.

Fibre and fluid intake is essential to keep your bowels moving effectively after a spinal cord injury. This resource provides information about managing your diet for optimal bowel function. This handout was created by health care professionals at the Lyndhurst Centre, home of University Health Network's Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program in Toronto, ON.

This is a handout explaining what an epidural steroid injection (ESI) is and why is it performed?

Spinal cord injuries can affect your strength and your reaction speed. If you are able to walk after your injury, you can be at higher risk of falling. Certain things can be done to prevent falls. Knowing what to do when you have a fall can help you stay safe and get help quickly.

Driving again is a common goal following a spinal cord injury. Even if you are unable to walk, you might still be able to drive someday. Even some people with hand weakness can learn to drive with a modified vehicle. This is done by installing hand controls and wheelchair access. A vehicle can also be modified to provide passenger access to a wheelchair.

Nerve pain is caused by damage to the nervous system including your spinal cord. Damaged nerves send faulty messages to the brain. The brain interprets these messages as pain or discomfort. Nerve pain can happen in areas where you have no other feeling. It can start happening weeks or months after a spinal cord injury.

Postural hypotension is a quick drop in blood pressure that happens when you sit up or stand up. This can be a drop in your systolic blood pressure by 20 mmHg (top number) or your diastolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg (bottom number). It can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. The feeling is often mild and goes away after a few seconds or minutes. Sometimes, the drop in blood pressure can be more severe and even cause people to faint.

After a spinal cord injury, you are at high risk of getting a pressure sore (bed sore). A pressure sore is a wound caused from constant pressure to the skin. This can cause serious damage your skin. Shifting your weight to reduce pressure is the best way to allow blood to get to your skin.

After a spinal cord injury, daily activities like dressing can be challenging. Certain tricks can help you do more by yourself. Some clothes are easy to put on while others are more difficult. Using adapted devices or adapting your current clothing can help. Also, using the right techniques and positions can make it much easier for you to dress.

After a spinal cord injury, you may have weakness or loss of movement in your hands and fingers. This can make it hard to eat and drink without help. There are devices that can help you eat and drink with little or no assistance. If you have poor feeling, be cautious with hot foods and drinks to avoid burns.

After a spinal cord injury, climbing stairs can be difficult. Practicing a good technique can help you learn to get up stairs alone or with help. Always practice using stairs with your therapist before trying it alone.