Mobility, Skin Care & Recreation Tips for People with Spinal Cord Injuries

Summer is here — bringing warmth, longer days, and more opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy life. But for people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), the summer months can also introduce new challenges when it comes to mobility, skin health, and staying active.

At The Access Store, we’re here to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported — so you can experience a safe and enjoyable summer. Whether you’re spending time with family, staying cool indoors, or looking to get active outside, this guide has practical tips and trusted product recommendations to help you thrive.

☀️ 1. Smart Summer Mobility Tips

Warmer weather can be a welcome change — but it also impacts your mobility equipment and your body’s comfort levels. Here are a few ways to stay moving with ease this season:

Check your equipment before heading out.
Heat can affect tires, batteries, and other mechanical parts on power chairs or mobility devices. Make sure everything is functioning well and bring a backup charger or manual option if needed.

Plan your routes with heat and terrain in mind.
Hot pavement, gravel paths, and grassy parks may present challenges for some chairs or walkers. Look for accessible paths with shade and avoid long periods in direct sun.

Hydration = key.
Use a lightweight hydration pack or accessible water bottle attachment on your chair to stay cool and energized while out and about.

Breathable, lightweight clothing goes a long way.
Avoid overheating by choosing moisture-wicking fabrics and light colors.

Product Tip: Cooling gel seat cushions and wheelchair sunshades are excellent additions to your summer setup. Ask us for recommendations!

2. Skin Care That Protects and Heals

Your skin is your first defense — but in summer, sweat, moisture, friction, and sun exposure all become added risks for pressure injuries.

Inspect your skin daily.
Use a mirror or have a caregiver help check high-risk areas, like the tailbone, heels, and back. Catching irritation or breakdown early can prevent bigger issues.

Use barrier creams and moisture-control products.
These help protect against friction and skin breakdown, especially in warm, humid weather.

Stay dry, especially around your seating area.
If you tend to sweat or have incontinence concerns, opt for absorbent underpads, breathable cushions, and regular position changes when possible.

Access Store Recommendations:

• Calmoseptine® Ointment – for soothing and protecting irritated skin

• Skin-friendly wipes – gentle cleansing without harsh chemicals

• Pressure-relief cushions – to reduce hot spots while seated

Ask our team for help selecting the right products based on your unique needs.

3. Recreation Ideas That Actually Work

You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy recreation — it’s about movement, connection, and fun. Summer is a great time to rediscover what your body can do.

Try adaptive sports.
Whether it’s wheelchair tennis, seated yoga, or swimming with assistance, there are growing opportunities across Canada for people with disabilities to participate in sports at any level.

Explore creative recreation.
Painting outdoors, photography, accessible gardening, or birdwatching from a trail — recreation can be whatever brings you joy and expression.

Get social.
Sometimes, the best kind of recreation is just being with others — a picnic at a park, hosting a backyard BBQ, or visiting a local festival (look for accessibility details online).

Helpful Tools for Recreation:

• Portable ramps for access to friends’ homes or outdoor areas

• Lightweight reachers or grabbers for gardening or household activities

• Adaptive utensils or grips for outdoor games and meals

4. Must-Have Summer Products from The Access Store

To make this season smoother and safer, we recommend these summer-ready essentials:

✅ Breathable, pressure-relieving cushions – Stay cool and prevent hot spots when sitting outdoors.
✅ Skin care kits – Include wipes, barrier cream, and gloves for quick use when on the go.
✅ Lightweight transfer boards or slide sheets – Help with easier movement when surfaces get sticky in the heat.
✅ Cooling neck wraps or vests – A great way to beat the heat while being active or traveling.

We know how important the right tools can be — not just for comfort, but for freedom. Visit our shop or contact us directly to ask questions and get personalized product suggestions.

Final Thoughts from David

Living with a spinal cord injury doesn’t mean summer has to be limited or uncomfortable. With a bit of preparation, the right support, and access to products that truly make life easier, you can enjoy this season to the fullest.

As someone who’s been living with an SCI for over 40 years, I know that mobility and skin care are two areas that can either hold you back or open up your world. I hope these tips help you feel more confident and excited about the months ahead.

And remember — if you ever have questions about a product, need help managing your daily routine, or just want someone to point you in the right direction, we’re here.

Have a great summer,
– David Tweed & The Access Store Team
Helping you find confidence, control, and comfort in your daily life.