The most valuable people in your SCI journey are specialists who understand spinal cord injury specifically — not just general practitioners. The hard part is finding them. This page maps the directories and organizations that connect you, by need.
SCI Physiatrist & Model System Centers
A physiatrist (physical medicine & rehabilitation doctor) who specializes in SCI is the quarterback of your long-term care. The gold standard is care connected to an SCI Model System — a network of federally designated centers of excellence.
- MSKTC (msktc.org) lists the SCI Model System centers and publishes their evidence-based resources — a great starting point for both care and reliable information.
- Major SCI rehab hospitals (Craig, Shepherd, Kessler, TIRR, Spaulding and others) have specialist physiatrists; see our rehab facilities guide.
- Ask your current rehab team for a referral to an SCI-focused physiatrist for ongoing follow-up.
Seating Clinic / ATP (Wheelchair & Cushion Fitting)
The right wheelchair and cushion are highly individual, and a poor fit causes pressure injuries and shoulder damage. You want a seating clinic staffed by an ATP (Assistive Technology Professional).
- RESNA certifies ATPs and SMS (Seating & Mobility Specialist) professionals — look for these credentials.
- Rehab hospitals and SCI centers usually have a seating clinic; ask for a referral.
- Reputable mobility dealers work alongside ATPs — but the clinical evaluation should drive the prescription, not the sale.
Urologist Familiar With Neurogenic Bladder
A regular urologist may not be versed in SCI bladders. You want one experienced in neurogenic bladder — for annual kidney surveillance and managing pressures, stones, and infections (see bladder management and stones).
- The urologists affiliated with SCI Model System centers and large rehab hospitals are usually the most experienced.
- Ask your physiatrist for a referral specifically to a neuro-urology specialist.
- Academic medical centers often have a neuro-urology clinic.
Driver-Rehab Evaluator (CDRS)
To drive again you start with a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) evaluation (see adaptive driving).
- ADED (the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists) maintains a searchable member directory of CDRS providers and mobility equipment dealers across the U.S. and Canada — the authoritative place to find one.
- Rehab hospitals often run or partner with a driver-rehab program.
Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Adaptive sports are one of the best things for body and mind (see adaptive sports).
- Move United runs a program finder covering hundreds of community adaptive-sports organizations nationwide.
- United Spinal Association and your rehab hospital can point you to local programs and clinics.
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) for veterans.
Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
CILs are local, disability-led nonprofits that are an underused goldmine — they help with accessible housing, benefits, peer support, equipment, and navigating local systems.
- Every region has one. Search for "Center for Independent Living" plus your state, or use the national CIL directory maintained through ILRU / the Administration for Community Living.
- They're free and often know local resources no one else does.
Peer Support & Information Specialists
- Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation — free information specialists and a peer & family support program.
- United Spinal Association — resource center, local chapters, and peer mentoring.
- Your rehab hospital's SCI peer-support program — often the fastest connection to someone who's been there.
- SpinalPedia — a free archive of 40,000+ peer videos (from SCI survivor Josh Basile's Determined2Heal foundation). Search real people demonstrating transfers, bladder and bowel routines, equipment, and recovery — like having thousands of mentors on call.
- The SCI.help community, as it grows.
How to Vet Any Provider
- Ask about SCI volume. "How many people with spinal cord injuries do you see?" Experience with SCI specifically matters more than general reputation.
- Look for the right credentials (CDRS, ATP/SMS, neuro-urology, SCI-focused physiatry).
- Ask other people with SCI in your area — peer networks and CILs know who's good.
- Trust fit. A specialist who listens and partners with you is worth switching for.