In the fall of 2002, practioners, individuals with spinal cord injury, and advocacy groups met and established the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky (SCIAK). The mission of SCIAK is to serve those affected by spinal cord injury through increased awareness, greater resource availability and support services, enhanced educational and preventative interventions, as well as increased athletic and recreational opportunities.

In addition, to practioners, individuals with spinal cord injury and corporate sponsors, three organizations in Kentucky were instrumental in the formation of SCIAK, i.e., the Derby City Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Friends for Michael Spinal Cord Injury Organization and Kentucky Wheelchair Athletics Association. For more on these organizations, see Founding Organization on this website.

The Mission Statement of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky approved by its Board of Directors is as follows:

The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky will network with state, federal, public and private agencies to raise awareness of and about people with spinal cord injuries and advocate for their needs.

The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky will identify and cooperate with existing agencies, organizations and individuals offering services to persons with spinal cord injuries throughout the State of Kentucky. In addition, the Association will identify and solicit appropriate sources to access additional funds for provision of client services, research and innovative program development.

The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky will provide education on spinal cord injury to individuals with spinal cord injuries, their families, health care professionals and the general public.

The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky will identify and support opportunities for people with spinal cord injuries to learn, play and compete in organized sports and recreational activities/events.

The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky was organized as a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization on May 20, 2003. According to its bylaws, SCIAK has an elected president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. All officers are elected for a period of 24 months. The officers meet quarterly with the Board of Directors to conduct business of the SCIAK . Functioning committees that report regularly to the Board include: Membership, Special Events, Communications/Public Relations, Athletics, Education and Awareness/Resource. All officers and members of the Board of Directors serve SCIAK without pay for their time or services. For more information about the SCIAK or becoming a participant or supporter of SCIAK, you may send you inquiry here.