Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight.

Helen Keller

A Free-Wheelin' Guide to the Internet

By Kathy Miller
The Rehabilitation Research Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Preface, Introduction and General Disclaimercartoon of girl in wheelchair using a computer

The internet is an amazing tool for accessing information, services, entertainment, education, and much more. You can learn about pesky bladder issues or order a catheter, online. You can keep abreast of the latest research, or do some research of your own. How about trying a virtual conversation with another person with SCI, possibly even the same level of injury, using a CHAT room? Do you want to learn about the rehabilitation facilities that specialize in SCI? Many have their own web pages. Check them out for yourself. You can even FIND a job or start a business via the Internet. If you are new to the Internet, select "Internet Basics Course" aka "Internet 101." The site is called "Learn the Net" and it's a good place to start. Here you can learn everything from browsers to e-mail, in a language that won't be too difficult to decipher (in fact, you can choose your native tongue, the site has been translated in several different languages).

Special Thanks

This publication was funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, NIDRR Grant #H133N50003.

We would also like to thank the following people for their contributions and editorial review: Jerry Wright, Debra Burdsall, Richard Patterson

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