13th May 2022 ❘

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day

Today is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day (SCIAD), a national day of awareness promoted by spinal injury charities The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), Back up, Spinal Research and Aspire. The aim of the day is to educate, campaign and raise awareness for spinal cord injuries through personal stories, advice and ambitions for the future from those living with spinal cord injuries, their families and the wider community. Those living with spinal cord injuries face both mental and physical challenges on a daily basis, which gives rise to this year’s theme which is Everyday Mountains.

As a result of a spinal cord injury, you can lose your independence in a split second and every day things you previously never gave a second thought about suddenly become huge mountains to climb. Reaching the top of the fridge when you are in a wheelchair, being able to travel on public transport without anxiety, and even being able to observe personal hygiene when your shower and bathroom are not adapted to allow you to use them post-injury, all become issues. That is why a sense of community is vital in rebuilding confidence post-accident.

This Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day we are encouraging you to share stories about your personal mountains on social media using the hashtag #EverydayMountains and #SCID22 and tagging The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) into your post. Let us know what your everyday mountains are, as well as your small wins so we can celebrate them together.

Our specialist spinal injury solicitor Spencer Knaggs said:

“Spinal cord injury awareness day is crucial in raising awareness for the everyday mountains that those who are spinal cord injured face. Barriers to accessibility, lack of access to care and general stigma around being disabled can all make these daily mountains seem an ever-bigger climb. Sharing our stories and campaigning will increase our understanding of spinal cord injury survivors and the challenges they face.”

Spencer Knaggs is our specialist spinal cord injury solicitor, medical negligence and serious injury partner and head of department, he can be reached on 01228 552222 and hello@burnetts.co.uk To find out more about Spencer click here.