LERNSCI Lived Experience Research Network  Spina - Empowering Spinal Cord Innovation

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Community Engagement and Roles

<p>At LERNSCI, we blend personal lived experience with expertise in med tech, research, and advocacy to drive advancements in spinal cord injury support. From grant writing to AI and adaptive technologies, we are your trusted partner every step of the way. Join us in transforming lives through innovation and understanding.</p>

Lived Experience Research Network Spinal Cord Injury

<p>Expert guidance on designing and conducting spinal cord injury research projects, leveraging lived experience for impactful outcomes.</p>

Spinal Cord Injury Research Consulting

<p>Consultation on medical technology development and implementation for spinal cord injury rehabilitation and care.</p>

A glimpse into the future of orthotic design, with professionals using advanced technology to tailor medical devices to individual needs.

Med Tech Innovation Advisory

<p>Support in advocacy efforts and policy development to improve services and rights for people living with spinal cord injuries.</p>

Advocacy and Policy Consulting

<p>Assistance with grant proposal development and funding strategies tailored to spinal cord injury initiatives.</p>

Grant Writing and Funding Support

<p>Expert advice on incorporating AI and adaptive technologies to enhance quality of life and independence for individuals with spinal cord injuries.</p>

AI and Adaptive Technologies Integration

<p>One-on-one coaching leveraging personal lived experience to empower clients navigating spinal cord injury challenges.</p>

Personal Lived Experience Coaching

LERNSCI Consulting Services

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This image depicts a 3D generated rendering of a half-sliced, influenza (flu) virus with a grey surface membrane, set against a black background. The virus’ surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), are depicted in light and dark blue, respectively. HA is a trimer, which is comprised of three subunits, while NA is a tetramer, which is comprised of four subunits, with a head region resembling a 4-leaf clover.  Illustrator: Dan Higgins

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Bournemouth beach 2018 airshow stunt plane action.

An artist’s illustration of artificial intelligence (AI). This image depicts how AI tools can reproduce and disguise biases and the importance of research to mitigate this. It was created by Ariel Lu as part of the Visualising AI project launched by Google DeepMind.

Empowering lives through innovation and lived experience.

<p>Join us in transforming possibilities!</p>

Connect with expert guidance to navigate spinal cord injury challenges and innovations.

Let's explore how our unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise can support your journey.

Empowering Spinal Cord Innovation

Discover how LERNSCI leverages lived experience to advance spinal cord injury research, med tech, and adaptive technologies. We offer expert consulting, grant writing, and advocacy to drive meaningful change. Join us in transforming challenges into opportunities.

<h3>Expertise Rooted in Lived Experience</h3><p>At LERNSCI Lived Experience Research Network Spina, we bring unparalleled expertise grounded in personal lived experience with spinal cord injury. Our team combines firsthand knowledge with professional skills in medical technology, research, and grant writing, ensuring that every project we undertake is informed by authentic understanding. This unique perspective enables us to deliver consulting services that are not only scientifically sound but deeply empathetic to the needs and challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries.</p><h3>Comprehensive Consulting Services</h3><p>We offer a broad spectrum of consulting services that span from cutting-edge research and grant proposal development to the integration of artificial intelligence and adaptive technologies. Our approach is holistic, addressing the full continuum of spinal cord injury care and innovation. Whether supporting academic institutions, healthcare providers, or technology developers, we provide strategic guidance to accelerate advancements and improve outcomes in the spinal cord injury community.</p><h3>Advocacy and Impact Beyond Consulting</h3><p>Beyond technical expertise, LERNSCI is committed to advocacy and empowerment. We champion the rights and inclusion of people with spinal cord injuries, influencing policy and raising awareness through community engagement. Our network serves as a bridge between lived experience and scientific progress, ensuring that research and technology developments are aligned with the real-world needs of those we serve. Partnering with LERNSCI means gaining an ally dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the spinal cord injury landscape.</p>

Empowering Innovation and Advocacy in Spinal Cord Injury with LERNSCI

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<h3>Expertise Rooted in Personal Experience and Diverse Knowledge</h3><p>At LERNSCI, we bring a unique blend of personal lived experience and professional expertise to the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) consulting. Our deep understanding spans from medical technology and research to grant writing, ensuring that every aspect of SCI care and innovation is covered. This comprehensive knowledge allows us to deliver tailored consulting services that address the complex needs of individuals living with SCI, healthcare providers, researchers, and organizations.</p><h3>Innovative Solutions through AI and Adaptive Technologies</h3><p>We specialize in integrating cutting-edge AI and adaptive technologies into rehabilitation and daily living strategies for those affected by SCI. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, LERNSCI helps clients leverage these tools to improve outcomes, increase independence, and enhance quality of life. Our consulting approach is grounded in practical application, ensuring that innovations are accessible and impactful for real-world use.</p><h3>Advocacy and Comprehensive Support Across the Spectrum</h3><p>Beyond technology and research, LERNSCI is deeply committed to advocacy and comprehensive support. Our services include grant writing to secure funding for critical projects, strategic advice for organizations, and personalized guidance for individuals navigating the challenges of SCI. We pride ourselves on being a versatile partner, bridging gaps between technology, research, funding, and the lived experience to foster a holistic approach to SCI care and advocacy.</p>

About Jacob Schueller & LERN-SCI

<h3></h3><p>Praxis PLEx Fellowship</p><p>As a Fellow in the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute’s Persons with Lived Experience (PLEx) program (April–July&nbsp;2024), Jacob worked closely with the institute’s innovation and PLEx teams to set priorities and provide lived‑experience insight. The PLEx program empowers people with spinal cord injury to influence research and innovation; fellows co‑develop frameworks, share lived experience, and support translation of research into practice. During his fellowship Jacob collaborated on technology evaluations, participated in knowledge translation workshops, and helped the program design processes that put people with SCI at the center.</p><p>Founder and Consulting at LERN‑SCI</p><p>Jacob founded the Lived‑Experience Research Network for SCI (LERN‑SCI) to bridge the gap between lived experience, research, technology and advocacy. Through LERN‑SCI he provides consulting to med‑tech startups on inclusive design, accessibility and AI‑driven solutions, and he continues to support grant writing, community reintegration and adaptive equipment design. He also served as a community reintegration specialist in MetroHealth’s Adaptive Life Technologies (ALT) Lab, working with engineering teams to ensure that innovations meet the real‑world needs of people with SCI.</p><p>Consumer Reviewer &amp; Advocacy</p><p>Jacob contributes to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) as a consumer reviewer. In this role he reads and comments on dozens of research proposals, participates in multi‑day peer and programmatic review panels, and speaks for the SCI community in funding decisions. His service is recognised by the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC); a 2024 letter of support notes that his lived experience, knowledge of research methodologies and advocacy skills make him an exceptional reviewer and communicator. Jacob also collaborates with United Spinal Association, serves on review panels for grant calls and provides feedback on projects through NASCIC’s research advocacy course.</p><p>ARROWS Feasibility Trial &amp; Clinical Research</p><p>In addition to his consulting and reviewer work, Jacob is a lived‑experience consultant on the ARROWS Feasibility Trial (Aging, Recovery, Reintegration &amp; Wellness for Survivors). In this study he advises researchers on recruitment, patient‑reported outcome measures and qualitative interviews, ensuring that the research reflects community priorities around quality of life, mental health, and reintegration after spinal cord injury. His engagement ensures that participant voices are heard and that findings translate into meaningful change.</p><p>Community Engagement &amp; Public Speaking</p><p>Jacob regularly speaks at conferences and webinars about spinal cord injury, technology and advocacy. He has presented at United Spinal Association’s Annual Summit and the Unite&nbsp;2&nbsp;Fight Paralysis Rally, and completed the NASCIC Spinal Cord Injury Research Advocacy Course in 2023. He mentors new advocates, builds networks among persons with lived experience and professional stakeholders, and shares knowledge about cutting‑edge research, adaptive devices and accessibility.</p><p>Together, these roles illustrate Jacob Schueller’s deep commitment to advancing spinal cord injury research and improving the lives of people with SCI. Through LERN‑SCI he channels his lived experience into consulting, consumer review, and research collaborations that drive innovation and empower the community.</p><h3></h3>