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Supporting your child in education As a parent or guardian of a child with a spinal cord injury you might have concerns ranging from education, access to services, respite and your other children’s needs. Back Up are here to support you. Families’ experiences Accessing advocates and support Families’ experiences This section is two case studies […]

Going back to school You have the right to be included in all activities at school, college or further education. Learn about your rights, what support is out there for you, understanding your emotions, thinking about sex and relationships and hear from other young people with a spinal cord injury about how they’ve returned to […]

Inclusive education case study This section is a case study from a SENCO working with a high level tetraplegic student attending secondary school. The case study talks about the importance of involving the student, using technology, encouraging social contact, it covers their policies, how the teaching assistant’s work, and how to make inclusion happen. Our […]

Knowing what to expect Remember that every child and young person with a spinal cord injury is unique and will have individual specific requirements and needs.  Involving the child or young person, their family and the health teams working with them from the outset will help make sure you understand and learn how to meet […]

Introduction “I am delighted to introduce this toolkit on behalf of Back Up. Having had a spinal cord injury from birth, I have experienced the relationship between spinal cord injury and education from nursery to university. As such, I fully understand the importance of this resource. As a proud trustee of Back Up, I am […]

Every child and young person has the right to be included in their education. That’s why Back Up are here to support you and your child as they get settled back into their education. Jo, our Education Inclusion Coordinator, has written up some of her best tips for ensuring a smooth return to nursery, school, […]

How your gift can make a difference We know that a gift in your will is a big commitment and I’m sure you want to know it will be spent well. Here are three ways your gift could make a difference: Your gift could get someone back into work. Only around one third of people […]

Our Head of Outreach and Courses, Andy Masters, was delighted to attend the 57th International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) conference in Sydney, Australia – an annual meeting of healthcare professionals and organisations from across the world. Andy made the trip – which was kindly sponsored by Wellspect Healthcare – to help facilitate a course, contribute […]

In 2001, Sharon developed Transverse Myelitis, a rare condition which causes inflammation of the spinal cord. By 2005, it had left her permanently paralysed below the T6 level. Sharon, 47, spent a year in a local general hospital under mental health concerns and found the experience terrifying. ”I felt so despondent at that time, and […]

Michael sustained his spinal cord injury in 2005 after being involved in an altercation on a night out with friends. Michael fell and fractured his neck at C6/7 level. He spent the next 17 months in hospital, learning to adapt to life with a spinal cord injury. When Michael was discharged and returned home, he […]