Print OverviewIf you've experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI), you may benefit from assistive technology or adaptive equipment as you return to your home and job. Technology available to help people with spinal cord injury includes tools such as advanced wheelchairs, smartphones, and other devices and assistive robotics. Assistive technology (AT) may help you improve your physical functioning and better adapt to the routine of daily living. From mobility to sports to communicating, AT can help improve quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota offers a wide range of assistive technology and adaptive equipment for people with spinal cord injuries, including: Communication options. Some people with spinal cord injuries have difficulty using a computer or phone or writing. AT options may help you to use computers, smart devices and other communication tools at home, school or work and during other activities. Therapists will evaluate you to determine which AT equipment may help you. If you need a speech-generating device (SGD) or other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, a speech-language pathologist will evaluate and recommend the most appropriate options and provide ongoing intervention as needed. Other assistive technology options. People who have impaired hand function or mobility impairments often have difficulty operating controls around their home. Therapists will evaluate your need for a specific subset of AT called electronic aids to daily living (EADLs). This technology provides you alternative access to control devices primarily within your home environment to allow you to live more independently. The Spinal Cord Injury Program's rehabilitation unit has assistive technology available for you to independently adjust your bed, operate television controls and use other controls. The unit also has tablet devices available with assistive technology software and device options to allow independent access and practice using a computer. Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic By Mayo Clinic Staff Assistive technology for spinal cord injury care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments May 13, 2022 Print Show references Dicianno BE, et al. The future of the provision process for mobility assistive technology: A survey of providers. Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology. 2019; doi:10.1080/17483107.2018.1448470. Accessed March 2, 2022. Spinal cord injury: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Spinal-Cord-Injury-Hope-Through-Research. Accessed March 2, 2022. AskMayoExpert. Functional electrical stimulation. Mayo Clinic; 2022. Accessed March 1, 2022. Baldassin V, et al. Computer assistive technology and associations with quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review. Quality of Life Research. 2018; doi.org/10.1007/s11136-018-1804-9. Provider profile. CARF International. http://www.carf.org/providerProfile.aspx?cid=8020. Accessed March 3, 2022. Garlanger KL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 3, 2022. Related Spinal cord injury Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Assistive technology for spinal cord injuryAboutDoctors&DepartmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20392979 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Assistive technology for spinal cord injury