The Greater Orlando Spinal Cord Injury Network has been connecting and serving people with spinal cord injuries for over four decades, but by all means, 2025 was a banner year for growth and new offerings.
At the forefront was exhibiting at the Orlando Health Adaptive Sports Expo held at Barnett Park in November of 2025. Attendees learned about adaptive sports and recreation opportunities in Central Florida and had the opportunity to try out equipment in a fun, supportive environment. There was information on scuba diving, handcycling, sled hockey, pickleball and more.
“That was the first expo we’ve held. We used grant money that we had gotten from one of the big disability organizations and it was a great success. So we are looking to do it again and make it even bigger,” says Bob Melia, the Network’s leader and employee at Orlando Health.
“The nice thing about Florida, especially coming from Boston, is that you never have to deal with extremely cold weather,” adds Melia.
A History of Support
A physiatrist and social worker at a local rehabilitation hospital founded the Spinal Cord Injury Network in the mid 1980s to provide peer mentoring and a hub for local resources. In 2012, they officially merged with United Spinal Association to expand their reach.
Melia acquired a C5-6 injury from an accident in college and moved to Orlando in 1999 after finishing rehab in Boston and a master’s degree in Miami. He worked for the Center for Independent Living for six months and then accepted a position at Orlando Health, working in their Advanced Rehabilitation Institute. His personal and professional experience made him the perfect candidate to lead GOSCN.
“I’ve been fortunate that my administrators at the hospital understand the benefit of allowing some of my time to go to the Greater Orlando Spinal Cord Injury Network,” says Melia.
Aside from sports, the chapter has several signature events each year, including cookouts, an indoor bowling and billiards event, and a holiday party. They will also host a table at the Orlando Abilities Expo in October.
The chapter and Orlando Heath outpatient therapists are committed to providing more female-centered resources, as the number of women who acquire spinal cord injuries is increasing. “It’s important because when you look at the national breakdowns on spinal cord injuries, it’s 70% men and 30% women, when years ago it was 80% and 20%. So it’s getting closer,” he says.
The chapter hosts a support group specifically for women and is hosting a Valentine’s Day themed party after February 17.
“I’ve been married for over 25 years and I’m also a girl dad. So I know there are topics that women don’t want to bring up with men around and it just makes sense that they are able to communicate more freely about issues that impact them.”
Learn more about United Spinal’s chapter network and get involved.