BALTIMORE, July 13, 2026 — The International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute has received a generous grant from the Samuel and Margaret Gorn Foundation to purchase a driving simulator aimed at helping individuals with spinal cord injuries regain independence. The simulator will be integrated into patient therapy to accelerate skill development and build confidence as they prepare to return to the road.
For many individuals with spinal cord injuries, resuming driving requires specialized rehabilitation and adaptive equipment. Long wait times for driver rehabilitation programs and decreased confidence often delay or prevent them from driving, limiting independence and contributing to social isolation.
“Driving is crucial to independence,” said Anna Schneider, director of operations and business development at ICSCI. “Many of our patients cannot rely on rideshare services or public transportation. The ability to drive themselves to run errands, go down the street or attend appointments has an immeasurable impact on their lives.”
The new simulator replicates real-world driving scenarios and vehicle features, allowing therapists to tailor treatment to each patient’s needs. In this safe, controlled setting, patients can improve their coordination, motor skills, strength and reaction time. They can also practice using adaptive driving equipment, such as hand controls, left-foot accelerators and steering aids.
“Many of my patients don’t realize that driving is possible after a spinal cord injury. This simulator helps show them what’s achievable and gives them the opportunity to learn how to use adaptive equipment for the first time,” said Jenna Shipley, occupational therapist at ICSCI.
Kennedy Krieger expects this new therapeutic tool to improve rehabilitation outcomes for about 100 patients each year, ages 16 and older, with spinal cord injuries and related conditions.
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About Kennedy Krieger Institute:
Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally known, nonprofit organization located in the greater Baltimore/Washington, D.C., region, transforms the lives of nearly 30,000 individuals a year through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies; home and community services; school-based programs; training and education for professionals; and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders and injuries that impact the nervous system, ranging from mild to severe. The Institute is home to a team of investigators who contribute to the understanding of how disorders develop, while at the same time pioneering new interventions and methods of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Visit KennedyKrieger.org for more information about Kennedy Krieger.
