Strength in Prevention, Advocacy & Community
World Spinal Cord Injury Day is observed globally on September 5, and this year’s theme Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection, shines a spotlight on one of the most critical yet preventable risks for people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
From the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS):
This year, let us focus on:
Education and awareness: Spreading knowledge about the risks of falls and how to reduce them through public campaigns, community programmes, and educational resources.
Safe environments: Advocating for safer design of homes, workplaces, and public spaces to reduce the risk of falls.
Empowerment: Providing people with SCI and their carers with the tools and training to prevent falls and manage risks effectively.
Research and innovation: Supporting advances in technology, rehabilitation, and prevention to protect spinal cord health.
At Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA), we’re proud to support this important day with a range of content, events, and initiatives that empower, educate, and advocate for our community.
🎧 Podcast: Get To Know Your Body – Falls Prevention
In this special episode of Have The Nerve, NeuroMoves physiotherapist Colbey Van Leeuwen dives into the mechanics of fall prevention, covering everything from the vestibular system to multitasking and strength training. Whether you’re living with SCI or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with practical insights. 👉 Listen to the episode
🏠 Accessible Housing Campaign
Falls often begin at home. That’s why SCIA continues to advocate for accessible housing that supports safety and independence. Our campaign highlights the urgent need for inclusive design and policy reform. 👉 Explore the campaign
🎥 Workplace Leadership: Let’s Circle Back
Through EmployAbility, we’re sharing powerful video stories from our team members, who are passionate about championing inclusion and accessibility in employment. These stories reflect the strength of leadership in creating safer, more inclusive workplaces.
🏥 On the Ground: Peer & Family Support Team Visits
The Peer and Family Support Team is the soul of our organisation. They bring empathy, strength, and connection to our members, driving real change in the lives of those we support.
We thank the team for the work they do everyday, and especially stop to celebrate them on World SCI Day.
Members of the Peer & Family Support Team will be chatting all things Spinal Cord Injury at two private SCI Day events this week:
Wednesday 3rd September – Ferguson Lodge, Lidcombe: leading conversations around SCI, share lived experiences, and connect with the their community.
Friday 5th September – Celebrating SCI Day with a BBQ at Royal Rehab, with the Spinal Unit Patients, families and staff.
Both events are for local residence only.
📚 SCI Book Reading List
Looking to deepen your understanding of spinal cord injury? We’ve curated a reading list featuring memoirs, guides, and research that explore the lived experience of SCI, including fall prevention and rehabilitation. Check out the SCIA Book Club on our Resource Hub.
🧠 Policy & Advocacy: Lived Experience Stories
As part of our advocacy work, we’re proud to share stories from AAG members who live with SCI. Their experiences highlight the importance of policy change and community support in preventing falls and promoting independence.
💙 Support the Cause
Your support helps us continue this vital work. Whether it’s funding peer support, advocacy, or fall prevention education, every donation makes a difference. 👉 Donate now
Join the Conversation
You may also like to tune into the House of Wellness Radio Show to hear Paralympian Nick Morris OAM discuss Fall Prevention on Sunday, 31 August. The show is aired on 2GB Sydney, 3AW Melbourne, 4BC Brisbane, 6PR Perth, FIVEaa Adelaide.
And finally, Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay updated throughout the week leading into Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day (Sept 5).
