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. Assistive technology may help you improve your physical functioning and better adapt to the routine of daily living. 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. Assistive technology options may help you to use computers and other communication tools at school or work and during other activities. Therapists will evaluate you to determine which adaptive equipment may help you. If you need a speech-generating device or other augmentative communication 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 assistive technology to live more independently and improve your ability to control your environment. The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program's unit has assistive technology available for you to independently adjust your bed, operate television controls and use other controls. The unit also has mobile computers available with assistive technology software and device options to allow independent access and practice using a computer. Products & ServicesBook: 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 at Mayo Clinic Doctors & Departments March 14, 2015 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Collinger JL, et al. Functional priorities, assistive technology, and brain-computer interfaces after spinal cord injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 2013;50:145. Spinal cord injury: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sci/detail_sci.htm. Accessed Dec. 1, 2014. AskMayoExpert. What is involved in treatment with functional electrical stimulation (FES)? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. AskMayoExpert. What assistive technology is available to help patients control their environment? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Provider profile. CARF International. http://www.carf.org/providerProfile.aspx?cid=8020. Accessed Dec. 1, 2014. Riggin EA. Decision Support System. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 17, 2014. AskMayoExpert. What assistive technology is available for mobility? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Christopherson MW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 17, 2014. Related Spinal cord injury News from Mayo Clinic Science Saturday: Mayo Clinic research is a step toward hope for spinal cord injuries Nov. 30, 2019, 03:56 p.m. CDT Case report: Stem cells a step toward improving motor, sensory function after spinal cord injury Nov. 27, 2019, 02:54 p.m. CDT Products & Services 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 at Mayo Clinic 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 Marketplace Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. FREE book offer — Mayo Clinic Health LetterBRAND NEW - Back and Neck HealthMayo Clinic on Digestive HealthMayo Clinic Guide to ArthritisTime running out - 40% off Online Mayo Clinic Diet ends soon PRC-20392979 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Assistive technology for spinal cord injury