SCI wellness summit brings community together for adaptive recreation and creativity

June 4, 2026

Fencers in wheelchairs spar in a gym. — Wheelchair fencing was among the many adaptive sports demonstrated at the SCI wellness summit.

The Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System hosted its 2026 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Wellness Summit on May 2, at the Tukwila Community Center. The event brought together people with spinal cord injury, family members, caregivers, clinicians, and community partners for a day of learning, connection, and hands-on activities.

Held every other year, the summit focuses on practical ways to support health, independence, and community participation. This year’s theme, Unlimited Play, highlighted adaptive recreation and creative expression across the Pacific Northwest.

Exploring new ways to stay active and engaged

Attendees took part in demonstrations, workshops, and interactive sessions that showcased a wide range of accessible activities. Sessions included birding, fencing, dance, and other opportunities designed to help people explore new interests and build confidence in recreational settings.

Throughout the afternoon, participants rotated between activity sessions and open time with community organizations, exhibitors, and sponsors. These conversations provided space to share resources, learn about local programs, and connect with others working to improve access and inclusion.

Hands-on opportunities allowed attendees to try new activities, ask questions, and discover practical ways to stay active—whether at home, outdoors, or in community-based programs.

A group of people, some standing, some in chairs and some in wheelchairs, dance together in a circle. — The summit featured interactive activities that everyone could participate in.

Building connections across the region

The summit also created a space for meaningful connection. People with lived experience, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community organizations came together to share ideas and learn from one another.

By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing health, wellness, and participation for people with spinal cord injury.

A group of people, some in wheelchairs, scan the sky with bionoculars — Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, just a bird. Birding was on of the many activities on offer at the summit.

Thank you to our community

Thank you to all of the attendees, presenters, exhibitors, volunteers, and partners who made the 2026 SCI Wellness Summit possible. Your time, expertise, and engagement helped create a welcoming and informative event for the entire community.

Learn more and stay connected

To learn more about the Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System and its work, visit https://sci.washington.edu/.

You can also sign up on their website to receive updates about future events, including upcoming SCI Forums, a regular series of talks on topics of interest to the SCI community.

Be sure to follow @NWRSCIS on Instagram for the latest news.

A group of people, some in wheelchairs, practice tossing a ball at a target.

A group of people, some in wheelchairs, play a game in a gym.

A man in a wheelchair gets ready to throw a frisbee at a target.

In photos:

The group practices frisbee golf.
The summit demoed games and activities that the whole family can play.
A man launches a frisbee toward a target.