How do I find a resource?
Start with the Table of Contents. See if you can find the topic that you are interested in. Look through the chapter to see if there is a resource that can help you. Write down, or print out, all of the information that you will need to make your phone call: agency name, telephone number, name of contact person. You may also look up resources in the Index. You can find them listed by their name, and also by the city they are located in (handy if you have issues with transportation). If you are unable to find a resource that will help you in this directory, a good first step would be to call your local Independent Living Center (Chapter 13). They will have a good idea of what is available in your area. A second step would be to call or email us (Rehabilitation Research Center for TBI & SCI). We have an SCI resource specialist who may be able to help. Call us at 408/793-6433 (Debbie Burdsall), or email us at debra.burdsall@hhs.co.santa-clara.ca.us.

What should I do before calling one of these resources?
When you are making a phone call be sure to prepare in advance so that you have all of the information in front of you and you have paper to write down the information you receive. Before you call, it is very important to know what you want. You will be far more successful if you can make a specific request rather than just asking for help. Making the call: introduce yourself and a give a brief description of your situation. Ask about the services that they provide. The most important point is to remember to NOT GIVE UP at the first sign of resistance. Sometimes people either don't understand your request or are not sure how they can help you. Sometimes you may need to explain your request in several different ways. Many of the agencies/individuals listed in this guide do not work only with individuals with spinal cord injuries. You may need to describe your issues and/or problems. Sometimes an agency may not be able to help you, but the person you are talking with can make other suggestions. You will also find that some of the services are no longer offered, or the agency is no longer in business.

Who compiled the information?
The staff of the Rehabilitation Research Center (RRC) for Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury. Staff involved in this project included a Physiatrist, Occupational Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Nurse, Staff Researchers, and Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries.

Is the SCI-FYI free?
The online version of the SCI-FYI is 100% free (except for your Internet Service fees).

If its free, then how do you guys make any money?
We aren't trying to make any money off of this project. The SCI-FYI is provided as a service of the RRC. The RRC receives grants from the US Dept of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research for its operating expenses.

Why is the SCI-FYI in Portable Document Format (PDF)?
PDF files allow users to view/use the online SCI-FYI as if it was the printed copy. PDF files contain both font information as well as graphics. You could actually print the whole SCI-FYI, and it would look almost identical to the printed copy that we sell. Using PDF files also allow the use of an index that has accurate page numbers for resources. We are experimenting with this new format to see if it is useful to our readers.

Where can I find out more information about PDF files?
Follow this link to more information about PDF files.

What if I can't use PDF files?
Please let us know at jerry.wright@hhs.sccgov.org or leave us comments on the feedback page. We will try to figure out an alternative way to get you the information.

Can I order a printed copy?
Yes. Printed and bound copies of the SCI-FYI are available. The cost for a printed copy is $16 (which includes shipping). There are also plans for a CD version of the SCI-FYI ($10). Email us at lois.roberts@hhs.sccgov.org for more information.

Will the SCI-FYI ever be available again in HTML?
You never know. It depends on the feedback we get.

Are there SCI-FYIs for other geographical areas?
No, not at this time. There are many other resource directories (see the SCI-FYI chapter on Resource directories).

How do I get my service listed?
Use the Submission page. We cannot guarantee you will be listed.

What are the plans for the SCI-FYI?
At some point we would like to have the SCI-FYI available as a searchable database. This is currently beyond our technological capacity. If you would like to assist us with this project, please email Jerry Wright at jerry.wright@hhs.sccgov.org.

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