Learning to cope with a spinal cord injury may be the biggest challenge ever faced by an SCI patient and his or her family. It is good to know that you are not alone in such a difficult situation. SCI support groups provide the opportunity to make friends with people undergoing similar challenges and also offer the opportunity to learn more about SCI and how to deal with it.

Different SCI groups have different focuses. For example, some groups focus on helping people recently injured cope with their altered lifestyle, while other groups focus on providing recreational activities for people with SCI. If you have the opportunity, investigate several SCI groups before deciding which you want to join. Some people may find that they benefit from belonging to more than one group.

 At this time Vermont does not have any support groups specifically for SCI.   We have listed some other organizations that offer support for people with any type of disability. If you cannot find an SCI group in your area, you may want to consider establishing one. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association can provide helpful information on starting your own group: http://www.spinalcord.org/index.php

Rural and Agricultural VocRehab

Rural & Agricultural VocRehab (RAVR) provides health evaluation, counseling and assistance in employment and/or job maintenance for people with disabilities.

Website:

http://www.uvm.edu/~farmfam/

Contacts:

Rutland Office 800-281-6977
St. Albans Office 800-639-2130

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is committed to furthering the equality and independence of individuals with disabilities by providing access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.

Website:  

http://www.vermontadaptive.org/

Contact:

802-786-4991

Vermont Parent Information Center

The Vermont Parent Information Center (VPIC) is a statewide network of support and information for families who have a child with special needs or disabilities, and the professionals who work with them.

Website:

http://www.vtpic.com

Contact:800-639-7170

Vermont Center for Independent Living

The Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) works to promote the dignity, independence, and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities. VCIL is committed to cross-disability services, the promotion of active citizenship, and working with others to create services that support self-determination and full participation in community life. Founded in 1979, VCIL is a statewide, nonprofit organization directed and staffed by individuals with disabilities.

Website:

http://www.vcil.org