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So, if there is a product to fill most needs, then where do you find one specifically designed for someone with a spinal cord or brain injury? One extremely good company to try is ABLEDATA. Abledata is one of the largest disability resource centers in the world. They have a database of assistive technology that provides information on and descriptions of more than 29,000 products for people with disabilities. They provide links to sites with general information on a disability or injury, and links to sites with assistive technology information. You can also search for products that would relate to a certain disability or injury. To visit their website go to www.abledata.com.

Listed below are some of the newer and more useful products. The products and general descriptions were taken form the Craig Hospital website and the Abledata website.

Bladder Stimulation Systems
A product used in collaboration with Craig hospital and Neurocontrol of Cleveland, called the VoCare Bladder System. It is a product that allows those with complete spinal cord injuries to regain control of their bowels and bladder. Electrodes are attached to the nerves running from the spinal cord to the bladder, and are activated by an external device the size of a transistor radio when the person wants to empty their bladder or bowel. This can help decrease bladder infections, eliminate the need for a catheter, diminish autonomic dysreflexia, and help eliminate the need for bladder medications

Free Hand Systems
A a neuroprosthetic device aimed at restoring some or most grasping abilities in some with spinal cord injuries. The device has a stimulator implanted in the person's chest and eight electrodes implanted in the person's forearm and hand that connect to the stimulator. A joystick attached to the shoulder of the patient is used to control, this is done by shrugging. Two types of grasps are capable with this system, one to hold a pencil or fork (lateral), and one to hold a glass (palmar).

E-Motion? from Frank Mobility Systems
E-Motion is a power assist unit for wheelchairs designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities. This unit can be retrofitted to most manual wheelchairs simply by replacing the existing rear push wheels with the e-motion wheels and installing a universal bracket on the wheelchair frame. The unit offers three different levels of power that can be selected at the touch of a button. Stage 1 offers a 30 percent power assist and is suitable for indoor use; Stage 2 provides a 50 percent power assist and is suitable for outdoor use on even terrain; Stage 3 offers 100 percent power assist for uphill driving or use on uneven terrain. Sensitivity can be adjusted by turning a small hand wheel and each wheel can be adjusted independently of the other. Holding on to the push rims activates the Servo brakes and aids in controlling speed on downhill inclines. A slightly firmer grip on the push rims stops the chair completely. When the e-motion is turned off the wheelchair can be propelled manually.

Click here to link to the ABLEDATA record for the E-Motion ? power assist unit for wheelchairs.

People Feeder from Maddak Inc.
The People Feeder, model H74581-0001, is a plastic glass with lid and spout designed for use by individuals with swallowing disabilities. It allows caregivers to dispense thick soups or pureed food at any rate. This feeding glass features a feeding nozzle that holds one tablespoon of food and a food reservoir that has a plunger that forces the food through a side port into the feeding nozzle. The soft silicon rubber nozzle can be squeezed to control the flow of food into the person's mouth. The glass disassembles for cleaning and is dishwasher safe.

Click here to link to the ABLEDATA record for the People Feeder.

Reach Panels from Landscape Structures Inc.
Reach Panels are wheelchair accessible activity boards designed for use on playgrounds by children ages two to twelve years that use wheelchairs. Available in three different models, these Permalene panels are friendly to the touch, height adjustable when installed at ground level, and equipped with special clamps for ease in installation. These panels may also be installed on wheelchair accessible decks (an optional curb is required). Model 135729 features a periscope and the panel moves side-to-side and forward 30 degrees. Model 135730 is a Match 3 Panel, which enables children to play and make up a variety of games, such as matching three in a row, as they manipulate cylindrical blocks in the panel. Model 135731 features built-in musical chimes for musical play.

Click here to link to the ABLEDATA record for the Reach Panels wheelchair accessible activity boards.

Citadel? Fundamental Wall-mounted Overhead Pulley from Smith and Nephew Rehabilitation (Rolyan)
The Citadel Fundamental Wall-mounted Overhead Pulley is an overhead pulley exerciser designed for use by individuals with upper extremity disabilities and/or who use wheelchairs. Used for light upper extremity exercise and muscle toning, the wall-mounted unit uses two nylon bearing swivels and includes rope and two easy-grip handles.

Click here to link to the ABLEDATA record for the Citadel Fundamental Wall-mounted Overhead Pulley.