Resources
Trusted organizations, practical tools, and real guidance for living more independently.
Over the past 19 years as a quadriplegic, I’ve learned that the right information can change everything
If you’re disabled, or supporting someone who is, and you’re searching for practical tools that actually work, you’re in the right place. Every resource here has made a real difference in my independence, well-being, and quality of life. I’m sharing my experiences and lessons learned so no one has to suffer the way I did.
My goal is to make it easier for others to find the support, technology, and knowledge that I wish I’d had when I first became disabled. I’ll continue adding new recommendations regularly, so check back often for updates.
Jump to a section
Assistive Tech (AT) & Augmentative
and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools
Sesame Enable: the head tracking software that reignited my will to live
Webcam-based head-tracking software that lets people who cannot use their hands or voices control phones, tablets, and computers with subtle head movements. The company closed in 2019, but the software remains free thanks to the generosity of its founder, Oded Ben Dov.
Personal experience: I discovered Sesame Enable at a disability expo during one of the lowest points in my life, when I had almost no independent access to my phone or computer, and my mental health was in a very dark place. Being able to control my devices with slight head movements gave me back privacy, independence, autonomy, and hope. Sesame Enable has been a true lifesaver for me and remains precious to me every single day.
Head-tracking computer
& phone control
Augmental’s MouthPad: A Bluetooth mouthpiece controlled with the tongue like a trackpad
A small Bluetooth mouthpiece, similar to a retainer, that sits on the roof of the mouth and works like a trackpad. The device converts subtle head and tongue gestures into cursor control and clicks. It lets people control phones, tablets, and computers with their tongues instead of their hands.
Personal experience: Trying the MouthPad opened possibilities that were never available to me before. I took a photo and recorded a video on my own for the first time, which filled me with joy and satisfaction. It took time and patience to learn, but the Augmental team supported me at every step and made me feel like a VIP. It has restored independence, privacy, and freedom that I thought were gone.
Tongue-controlled computer
& phone access
Voiceitt: The app that understands my speech
A speech recognition app for people with nonstandard speech that learns each person’s unique voice patterns. It helps users communicate more clearly and independently in conversations, meetings, and online.
Personal experience: Communicating clearly has always been a struggle for me, but Voiceitt learns and adapts to my speech, helping me express my thoughts more clearly and accurately. I use it alongside my other communication tools to write, share ideas, and take part in conversations more easily. It has given me real independence, confidence, and joy in using my own voice.
Speech-to-text for
nonstandard speech
Wandercraft Atalante X exoskeleton
A self-balancing, robotic, hands-free exoskeleton that enables people with severe gait impairments, such as those with spinal cord injury or stroke, to stand and walk upright without crutches or other support devices.
Personal experience: The first time I walked in the Atalante X was the best time I had in a very long time. I felt muscles working that had been dormant for nearly two decades, including my ankles and the pressure of my feet on the ground. My breathing opened up, I broke into a sweat for the first time in many years, and I felt a deep sense of awareness and connection to my body that I thought was gone forever. Walking with natural, confident steps made me feel like a person, someone who deserves to be alive, and filled me with joy, peace, hope, and renewed purpose.
Read about my first Atalante X walk
Walking support with
a robotic exoskeleton
EvolutionVN
An exercise platform with a combination of resistance bands and parallel bars designed to offer exercise for people of all abilities.
Personal experience: Adaptive fitness isn’t just about physical health, it’s about reclaiming agency and excitement for life. The EvolutionVN made it possible for me to start living fully again, no matter my limitations. After each session, I’m left not just physically stronger but more hopeful and fulfilled. Exercise, once impossible to imagine, is now something I genuinely look forward to.
An exercise platform for
people of all abilities
Recommended organizations
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Founded by actor Christopher Reeve in 1996, the foundation supports people with paralysis through innovative research, advocacy, and education.
Personal experience: This was the first disability-related organization I learned about. They have helped me a lot over the past 7 years I’ve known and interacted with them, providing many resources and guides that educate, explain, and inform me about programs, benefits, and living with paralysis. Their dedicated information specialists have consistently supported me since I first learned about CDRF at their booth at the New York Metro Abilities Expo on Sunday, May 7, 2017.
Support, education,
paralysis resources
United Spinal Association
Since 1946, United Spinal has empowered people with spinal cord injuries and mobility impairments to live full, independent lives. They connect members to grants, benefits, and peer networks.
Personal experience: United Spinal became a lifeline when I felt overwhelmed and alone. They helped me access grants and benefits and connected me to a community of wheelchair users who truly understand life with paralysis. Through their Surveys and Studies page I discovered the Atalante X exoskeleton, which restored my confidence, independence, and hope.
Visit the United Spinal website
Explore United Spinal’s HelpDesk and resources
Grants, benefits,
peer support
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
A national center that translates rehabilitation research into practical fact sheets, infographics, and videos for people with spinal cord, brain, and burn injuries. Their resources help people understand their condition, manage challenges, and improve everyday life.
Personal experience: Discovering MSKTC felt like finding water in a desert after years of searching for answers and feeling alone. Their fact sheets and videos have given me knowledge, comfort, and confidence when I needed them most, and I love sharing them to help others. Becoming an ambassador for people with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury connected me with others who truly understand my experiences and reminded me that I am never alone.
Research-based rehab
guides & education
Northwest Augmentative Communication Society (NWACS)
A volunteer-run nonprofit whose focus is on educating and raising awareness about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Their resources, events, and stories support people who use non-speech communication, their families, and the professionals who assist them.
Personal experience: Finding NWACS opened my eyes to the diversity and creativity of the communication methods in the AAC community. Their website helped me learn, connect, and feel inspired by others who share similar experiences. I deeply appreciate their commitment to making communication accessible and to uplifting voices that are often overlooked.
AAC awareness
& education
International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)
An international nonprofit dedicated to improving communication for people with complex communication needs. The organization advances global AAC awareness through research, technology, education, and community events, working toward a world where AAC is recognized, supported, and accessible to everyone.
Personal experience: It was through this organization that I first heard about Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC). As someone with a speech and communication disability, discovering AAC has absolutely changed my life. It has opened up so many doors for me, and allowed me to communicate in ways I never thought possible.
AAC education
& advocacy
International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)
A global nonprofit that brings together people who care deeply about making the world more accessible through offering top-notch training and respected certifications like Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS). Whether you’re hoping to grow your own skills, connect with peers, or help your organization become more inclusive, IAAP gives you everything you need.
Personal experience: I discovered IAAP in February 2021 and, through this organization, studied for and successfully earned my CPACC certification. This accomplishment has allowed me to enter the accessibility world fully, and I am forever grateful to IAAP for helping me through this process.
Accessibility training
& certification
Communities & events
Abilities Expo
A nationwide series of expos showcasing adaptive sports, assistive technology, and accessible innovations — all free to attend. You can try products hands-on, learn from workshops, and connect with people who truly understand disability and independence. The sense of community is unmatched.
Personal experience: At the Expo I attended, I watched technicians replace my wheelchair tires in minutes, tried voice-free earbuds controlled by head movement, and explored a device I was already using while preparing for walking in an exoskeleton. I finally met a person who’d supported me for years and felt the full impact of connection, innovation, and community that this event provides.
Assistive tech &
adaptive mobility events
Assistive technology Facebook group
A supportive online community of assistive-technology users and professionals who share tips, tools, recommendations, and real lived experience. Members help each other discover practical solutions that support independence and access to technology.
Personal experience: Finding this group was a turning point for me. The members helped me discover tools that restored my ability to use technology independently, and their support opened doors to speaking opportunities I never imagined possible. Their generosity, knowledge, and kindness changed my life, and I’m deeply grateful for the community I found there.
Peer-driven
assistive tech solutions
Articles & publications
Want to learn more about my personal experience and other resources? My articles offer a deeper view and share my learnings throughout my accessibility career.
Help getting started
If any of these resources feel overwhelming or you’re not sure where to begin, I’m happy to help. Reach out with your questions, and I’ll do my best to guide you toward the tools or organizations that fit your needs!