Spinal Cord Injury Network Nepal (SCINN) is an autonomous social organization established to promote self-reliance, independence, and an inclusive lifestyle for individuals with spinal cord injuries. It was founded on August 25, 2015 (Bhadra 8, 2072 B.S.) by seven individuals with spinal cord injuries. SCINN is registered with the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, and Gokarneshwar Municipality. It is also affiliated with the Social Welfare Council and the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN).

The primary objective of SCINN is to empower individuals with spinal cord injuries based on the Independent Living Approach, focusing on improving their access to education, healthcare, sports, recreation, skill development, and income-generating opportunities. The organization has been actively involved in various activities to support individuals with spinal cord injuries in living a dignified and self-sufficient life within their families and communities.

SCINN provides education, healthcare services, regular peer counseling, assistive devices, vocational training, accessible housing for school level student, and personal assistance services for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, it conducts advocacy programs for policy formulation, public awareness campaigns, and sports activities. Spinal cord injury is a life-altering condition that significantly affects an individual’s mental, physical, social, and economic well-being. In response, SCINN operates peer counseling services and advocacy programs to engage with relevant stakeholders and ensure the reintegration of affected individuals into society.

In Nepal, the lack of disability-friendly infrastructure, the scarcity of assistive devices, and the shortage of essential medical supplies have created significant challenges for persons with spinal cord injuries. Therefore, SCINN has been consistently advocating and debating with the government to ensure the effective implementation of laws and policies designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Vision

Establishing an accessible, inclusive, and self-reliant society for individuals with spinal cord injuries in Nepal.

Mission

Empowering individuals with spinal cord injuries by ensuring access to education, healthcare, skill development, employment, rehabilitation, and independent living.

Goals

• Develop skills and capabilities of individuals with spinal cord injuries to contribute to an inclusive society.
• Ensure equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and accessible infrastructure for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• Secure representation of individuals with spinal cord injuries in policy-making processes.
• Expand national and international partnerships to promote rehabilitation, self-reliance, and accessible and inclusive society.

Objectives

1. To establish and operate an Independent Living Practice Home where people can learn to live independently.
2. To organize sports and recreational activities to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in such events.
3. To collect nationwide data on individuals with spinal cord injuries and support their employment or entrepreneurship based on their interests, skills, and abilities.
4. To conduct awareness programs to educate society about spinal cord injuries and foster a positive mindset.
5. To advocate for the effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD),SDG, as well as the policies, laws, and regulations of the federal, provincial, and local governments.
6. To collaborate, advocate, and lobby with various government and non-governmental organizations to enhance education, healthcare, sports, employment, rehabilitation, accessible infrastructure, and communication services for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
7. To push for the inclusion of spinal cord injury-related content in the lower secondary-level curriculum in Nepal.
8. To provide essential assistive devices to individuals with spinal cord injuries who need them.
9. To expand SCINN’s network across Nepal.

Principles of Spinal Cord Injury Network Nepal (SCINN)

Spinal Cord Injury Network Nepal (SCINN) is committed to ensuring dignity, equality, and full participation of persons with spinal cord injuries in all aspects of life. Our principles guide all our programs and advocacy efforts:

1. Independent Living and Meaningful Participation

SCINN believes that every person has the right to live independently and participate fully in their society. We promote the Independent Living (IL) movement, encourage self-determination, and provide necessary support services to ensure full inclusion in families, communities, workplaces, and recreational activities.

2. Non-Discrimination, Dignity and Equality

SCINN oppose all forms of discrimination based on disability, gender, caste, ethnicity, age, or economic status and work to ensure equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion. We uphold the inherent dignity and equal rights of persons with spinal cord injuries.

3. Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation

SCINN advocates for a barrier-free society by ensuring accessible infrastructure, transportation, and services. We work towards inclusive education, Health, employment, and social participation through reasonable accommodations in both public and private sectors.

4. Right to Health and Rehabilitation

SCINN promotes access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation services, assistive devices, and psychological support to enhance the independence and well-being of persons with spinal cord injuries. We ensure gender-sensitive and child-friendly healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of individuals.

5.Economic Empowerment and Self-Reliance

SCINN supports skill development, vocational training, self-employment, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with spinal cord injuries. We believe in fostering financial independence through access to economic opportunities and support systems.

6. Peer Counselling and Solidarity

SCINN fosters peer-to-peer counseling, experience sharing, and networking among persons with spinal cord injuries to provide mutual support and empowerment.

7. Respect for the Evolving Capacities of Children with Disabilities

SCINN believes in the rights of children with spinal cord injuries to receive an education, healthcare, and family support to reach their full potential. It works to ensure they grow up in an inclusive and supportive environment.

8. Advocacy and Awareness

SCINN engages in policy advocacy, legal support, and public awareness campaigns to ensure the implementation of disability rights laws and policies at national and local levels. We work with stakeholders to hold governments and institutions accountable for inclusive and rights-based policies.

9.Partnerships and Sustainability

SCINN collaborates with government agencies, national and international organizations, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and civil society to strengthen the disability rights movement. We focus on sustainability and long-term impact, ensuring that our programs continuously support and uplift persons with spinal cord injuries across Nepal.