Who We Are

For 80 years, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCIO) has stood as Ontario’s largest and most trusted community for individuals living with spinal cord and mobility disabilities. Founded in 1945 by courageous World War II veterans, including John Counsell, Al Jousse, Conn Smythe, Ken Langford, Andy Clark, and L.M. Wood, SCIO began with the determination to live with independence, dignity, and community rather than institutionalization. Together, they established Lyndhurst Lodge and introduced the first folding, self-propelled wheelchair to Canada, stored at Maple Leaf Gardens. It was a revolution in mobility.

“We weren’t looking for sympathy; we were looking for a chance to live fully. That’s how SCIO was born.” – Founding veteran, 1945

Honouring Our Founders & Trailblazers

From those bold veterans to the medical pioneers like Dr. Palmer McCormick and Dr. Harry Botterell, and to the legion of passionate advocates, staff, volunteers, peer mentors, and community members, SCIO’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and collective spirit. Over the decades, we’ve marked milestones such as the opening of Canada’s first spinal cord injury rehab hospital in 1974, Rick Hansen’s iconic Man in Motion tour in 1985, the launch of the Wheelchair Relay Challenge in 1996, and countless advocacy wins, including the push toward barrier-free legislation.

“The people who came before us fought for dignity and access. Every time I see a ramp or an accessible washroom, I think of them.” –  Peter, SCIO Advocate

Empowerment Through Advocacy, Peer Mentorship & Community Support

SCIO’s services, such as peer support, service navigation, employment services, and education through Cortree are built from lived experience, research-led learning, and a deep commitment to inclusion and accessibility. None of this is possible without our many volunteers, donors, peer mentors, and grassroots fundraisers. From adaptive sports events to awareness campaigns and heartfelt peer storytelling, every action and every dollar raised helps create meaningful change.

“When I became a peer mentor, I realized the power of lived experience. A conversation can change someone’s entire outlook.” – SCIO Peer Mentor

What’s Next: Our 80th Birthday Spotlight

As we move through the remainder of 2025, we will be sharing a series of stories, memories, and tributes to celebrate SCIO’s trailblazers, past and present. Alongside feature stories and archival highlights, we will spotlight the change makers, founders, volunteers, peer mentors, staff, and advocates who have helped shape our shared history.

Double Your Impact: Join Our 80th Birthday Campaign

From September 15 through December 3 (International Day of Persons with Disabilities), SCIO is marking our 80th birthday with a special opportunity to make your generosity go further. Thanks to the support of an anonymous donor, every gift made during this period will be doubled—meaning your impact goes twice as far.

This year, we’ve set an ambitious goal: to welcome 80 new monthly donors in honour of our 80 years. When you sign up as a monthly donor between Sept. 15 and Dec. 3, your monthly gift will be matched for up to your first year. That means your support provides double the impact for the people and families we serve.

Here’s how you can help:

• Become a monthly donor today—any amount counts.
• Encourage friends and family to join you in doubling their impact.

• A “Happy Birthday, SCIO!” video message
• Share a heartfelt photo or memory
• A tribute to someone in the community who paved the way
• Post your messages using #SCIO80 or send them to us directly. Your reflections may be featured as part of our spotlight series.

• Share our celebration video and campaign on social media with #SCIO80.

Together, we’re not only celebrating 80 years of progress, but we are also investing in the next 80 years of advocacy, peer mentorship, community, and innovation.

“We honour them not only with words, but with action, continuing to build the inclusive world they envisioned.” – Amanda, SCIO Community Member

As SCIO marks its 80th year, we celebrate more than longevity; we celebrate impact. From founding veterans to modern advocates, peer mentors, and the broader community, every person is part of our story. This year, let’s pay tribute to our shared journey, remember those who inspired us, and collectively move forward toward a more inclusive, barrier-free Ontario.

Stay tuned for heartwarming stories, powerful reflections, and celebrations throughout the rest of 2025.

Happy 80th birthday, SCIO. Here’s to our legacy, and the community that empowers us all.