Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord that results in partial or complete loss of motor function, sensation, or both below the level of injury. The location of injury along the spine determines which abilities are affected: injuries at higher vertebrae (e.g., C4-C5) affect more of the body, potentially limiting arm and hand movement, while lower injuries may preserve upper-body function. In accessibility, understanding the specific level of spinal cord injury is important because it determines which input modalities and assistive technologies a person can use — someone with a C7 injury may use fingers and arms, while someone with a C4 injury may rely on head movements or voice control.