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Spinal Cord Commission

FAQs

What is a spinal cord disability?

A spinal cord disability occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, resulting in the loss of the ability to transmit messages to and from the brain. While some nerves and body parts have the ability to regenerate and repair themselves, the spinal cord cannot. As a result, there can be a permanent loss of sensation and paralysis. All kinds of nerve impulses, autonomic, sensory, and motor, are affected by a spinal cord injury.

A wide variety of things may cause damage to the spinal cord. The three main causes of spinal cord damage are: traumatic injuries, birth abnormalities and disease processes.

Where can I get more information about living with spinal cord injuries?

To learn more, please visit our Resources page.  Each category contains a number of links to information and other helpful organizations.

How do I refer someone?

You can contact us by telephone at (501) 296-1792 to make a referral by phone.  You can also fill out the ASCC Referral Form at the bottom of our Make a Referral page and send the PDF by email to ascc@arkansas.gov or by fax to (501) 296-1787.

Your referral should contain the name, address and telephone number of the candidate for services. Other helpful information (if available) is date of birth, social security number, attending physician, veteran status, diagnosis, date of onset, and extent of disability.

Anyone can refer another Arkansas resident for services - you can even refer yourself! Remember that Act 330 makes it mandatory for all public and private health care and social agencies to report all people with spinal cord disabilities to ASCC within 5 days of identification.

What can you do for me?

ASCC's most important objective is to ensure that an Arkansan with a spinal cord disability be given every opportunity to live as independently as possible.

ASCC Case Managers are knowledgeable in all aspects of spinal cord disability and rehabilitation. If you are newly disabled, your Case Manager will work closely with you, your family, medical professionals and other agencies in coordinating and providing needed services. If you have been disabled for a while, your Case Manager can direct you to support groups, recreational opportunities and educational conferences as well as keeping you up-to-date on the latest research and equipment. For more information please view our Programs and Services.

Who is eligible for services?

Please visit the Programs and Services page for answers to this question.

Who is my Case Manager?

ASCC Case Managers are assigned by county. You can identify your Case Manager by determining who is assigned to your county. You may view a listing of Office and Case Manager Locations or you may call (501) 296-1792 for assistance.