While there are many different types of adaptive equipment that can help people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other forms of muscular dystrophy, one in particular is designed for people with limited upper body mobility. Developed and manufactured by Kinova, the JACO Robotic Arm is specifically designed for…
In a few days I’ll be 24, and every year my birthday is accompanied with at least some sentimentality. I hate being sappy, and anytime I reach a milestone it’s usually followed by an emotional speech by one of my parents. At my college graduation party last…
Kevan Chandler always dreamed of going to Europe, but knew that he’d have to develop a creative solution in order to make his dream a reality. Chandler has SMA type 2, and while he knew that traveling abroad in his wheelchair would present numerous obstacles, he came up with an…
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to help SMA individuals as their muscles deteriorate over time. Yet while it can be extremely difficult for a person who has SMA to do any kind of physical exercise on land, water therapy is an even better alternative. According to…
I’ve been writing this column since April, and while I haven’t shied away from addressing personal topics like adapting to my weakening body and at times feeling burdensome, dating is a subject I’ve steered away from. When I was on a panel at the Cure SMA…
Just as it’s possible for SMA individuals to go to public and private school when they’re growing up, a post-secondary education is also perfectly feasible. Yet just like any aspect of life with SMA, there are plenty of obstacles to overcome when it comes to going to college. If you…
If you or your child has SMA, you’re going to need professional caregivers at some point. There are many ways to go about this process, as some SMA individuals prefer to only work with friends and family members as their PCAs, which is a system that works for many. For…
The ABC sitcom Speechless, which premiered in 2016, has been discussed widely among various disability communities since its debut. Beyond the fact that it is about a family whose eldest son has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, the show is not afraid to tackle subjects…
One of the best resources for SMA individuals, parents and families is the vast amount of disability literature available to the public. There are many successful SMA writers whose stories provide insight into living with this condition, and also advice for overcoming the numerous challenges that come with it. Three…
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how my Echo Show from Amazon Alexa has significantly increased my independence, particularly when I’m at home. Recently, my editors here at SMA News Today contacted me about several Echo Dot devices they had to give away…
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