Project Type
modular
Project Lead Center
University of Pittsburgh Model Center on Spinal Cord Injury
Project Start Date
10/01/2006
Project End Date
09/30/2011
Participating Centers
Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System
Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System
Northeast Ohio Regional Spinal Cord Injury System
National Capital Spinal Cord Injury Model System
Regional SCI Center of the Delaware Valley
Target Population(s)

Individuals with spinal cord injury who are at least one year post injury
Project Website
http://www.upmc-sci.org/

Assistive technology for mobility (ATM) is an integral part of the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This technology can literally take an individual who is completely dependent on others and make him/her independent. Despite the importance of this technology, insurance coverage for this equipment is under attack due to recent fraud. The impact of changes in coverage are likely profound, but can only be measured if they are tracked. The objective of this study is to investigate the ATM used by individuals with SCI and the issue of disparity in ATM prescribed. In addition, this project aims to investigate the mobility characteristics of wheelchair users and how these characteristics related to the wheelchair provided, wheelchair breakdown, measures of participation, quality of life and wheelchair skill.