Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week 2024: Embracing Accessibility and Community

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, held from September 2-8, 2024, is a pivotal time to heighten awareness of spinal cord injury and celebrate progress being made toward a more inclusive society that enables those of all abilities to participate equally. This year, awareness week aligns with the Paris Paralympic Games, being held from August 28 to September 8, showcasing the incredible achievements of athletes living with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injury.

Event Highlight: Managing Nerve Pain After Spinal Cord Injury

At estara, we are dedicated to delivering expert knowledge, education, and advocacy to enrich the lives of those affected by spinal cord injury. This week serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to build a more inclusive society where everyone can fully participate, understanding that accessibility of key information and resources is essential to fostering equal opportunity.

To honour Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week in 2024, estara is hosting an event in our office at 225 Greenhill Road, Dulwich on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 1:30 to 2:30pm. This session will include presentations from our Spinal Nurse Advisory, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy teams, offering insights into managing debilitating nerve pain. Attendees will also experience estara’s innovative virtual reality (VR) therapy and have the chance to receive personal consultations. To attend, please RSVP to Annie by calling (08) 8150 2218 or emailing anne.leane@estara.com.au by August 27. Please feel welcome to bring a support worker or guest and share any dietary requirements.

Celebrating the Paralympic Games 2024

The Paralympic Games serve as a powerful reminder of the exceptional capability of athletes living with disability, including those with spinal cord injury. Australia is proudly represented by 30 athletes living with spinal-related injuries who compete and excel in sports such as wheelchair rugby and basketball, para-swimming, and para-cycling. Their individual achievements highlight the progress Australia has made in championing inclusivity and enabling opportunities for every person to chase bold dreams. estara scholarship recipient Hayley Sands is proudly competing in her first Paralympic Games this year, showcasing her mastery of para-table tennis—a skill she has been honing for 7 years since picking up the sport in 2017.

End Violence – Protect Spinal Cord

September 5 marks the annual World Spinal Cord Injury Day, an initiative of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), which runs parallel to Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week. This year’s theme is End Violence – Protect Spinal Cord.

In acknowledgement of violence-inflicted spinal injury, Professor Belgin Erhan, MD, Chair of the ISCoS Prevention Committee, highlighted that “Unfortunately, cases of spinal cord injuries resulting from violence remain a major concern globally. By shining a light on this issue, we aim to raise awareness and inspire collective action. Together, we have the power to prevent violence by creating environments where individuals are valued, respected and protected from harm.”

Spinal cord injuries are often a result of traumatic events, many of which are preventable. We must raise awareness about the causes of these injuries and advocate for measures that can prevent them. Whether it’s promoting safe driving practices, advocating for workplace safety, or addressing acts of violence, we all have a role to play in reducing the incidence of spinal cord injuries.

The Reality of Spinal Cord Injuries

Approximately 20,800 Australians are living with a spinal cord injury, often resulting from traumatic events that sever the connection between the brain and body. This disruption can lead to permanent loss of strength, sensation, and function below the injury site. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Flinders University’s Injury Research and Statistics Series #136 report on Spinal Cord Injury, in Australia there were 187 new cases of traumatic spinal cord injury reported in 2017-18 among those aged 15 and over.

The implications of a spinal cord injury extend far beyond the immediate effects of lost movement and sensation. Long-term health impacts are common, including pressure sores, osteoporosis, and poor circulation. Chronic pain, lack of bladder or bowel control, and respiratory failure often accompany these injuries, significantly affecting overall quality of life. Additionally, the mental health impact is substantial, with many facing post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Managing these health issues is critical to enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by spinal cord injury.

Call to Action

Join us in raising awareness for and supporting those affected by spinal cord injury. You can take part in Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week by attending our event, sharing key information with your network, and advocating for greater inclusivity and accessibility in your community.

To learn more about how estara can support you or someone you know, visit our website or contact our Business Development team.

Let’s create a world where everyone can live their full potential, regardless of injury or disability. Together, we can build a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding community for all.