My son is an 8-year TBI warrior. He has suffered drop foot, tone, balance issues and curled hands. After many hours of traditional OT/PT, surgeries, and treatments, he had become very discouraged in his hope to become more independent and possibly walk again. Then we found NextStep Orlando. Such a wonderful place! They did not focus on his inabilities but his abilities. They had no problem keeping him busy and helped him to get his confidence back. Travis, Louis, Amanda, and the crew have such a positive attitude. They take the "im" out of impossible and turn it into possible. Although we were only able to visit for a short time they have inspired him to work toward more independence which was his ultimate goal. We are so grateful that we have been welcomed into the NextStep Orlando family and my son now has hope of a new and improved level of independence. We are returning soon for an extended period to continue our journey toward the best life he can have and cannot wait to see our friends again at NextStep!
I have volunteered with NextStep Orlando for 4 years, in that time I have also referred a number of contacts to NextStep Orlando for treatment.
This organization provide a valuable service to the local (and national) Spinal Cord Injury community. I have witnessed clients make recoveries which they were told would not be possible. Additionally this organization does everything it can to financially support clients who in many cases have few resources to cover the cost of the treatment they offer. This is done through exhaustive fundraising and management's commitment to making the treatment as affordable as possible.
Absolutely NO ONE ever wants to have a reason to need the services of NextStep Orlando which is the exact reason it's imperative that there is a community of people supporting the organization. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and all the lives it will change in the coming years.
This is one of the most caring teams I have ever had the privilege of working with. Everyone truly goes above and beyond for each and every client. They are like one big family. I have been blessed to know them. You could not ask for a more special group of people!
I am a C4 C5 quadriplegic and a client of Next Step Orlando Now over six years. Since starting at Next Step I have seen vast improvements In my recovery. The staff and trainers are some of the most Amazing and caring people in the world. They will go out of their way for any Client In their pursuit of recovery, Not only physically but mentally. This is why I Still and will continue to go to Next Step Orlando.
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I am a quadriplegic And been a client now at Next Step For over four years.I have greatly increased my core strength Allowing me to set up on my own.I contribute this to The trainers and staff Who Go above and beyond To help you on your recovery.
liza6 10/23/2019
David, it has been so wonderful to see your growth over the years. You are truly inspiring to us all. Thank you for your support.
NextStep Orlando is a wonderful place making the difference in the lives of so many families. When you walk in, you see people accomplishing their greatest task before them- getting stronger each and every time. Amanda and Liza's heart shines through each person you see; And each and every person you see has a story that's been impacted GREATLY by NextStep Orlando. The heart is evident in all they do, it's a great family of people all working hard and supporting each other!
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Hello! My name is Vivianne Brenneisen, I'm a neurological physiotherapist from Brazil. As my field of interest is neurological rehabilitation, I spent two months last fall (2018) at Nextstep Orlando persuing more pratical knowledge about Activity-Based Traning after Spinal Cord Injury. In whole South America there are just one center that works with this methodology, despite all the consolidate scientific evidence we have regarding it nowadays. At my time at NextStep I could see that beyond the technical excelence they also provide to their clientes a community enviroment where you feel like part of their big family. The everyday trainning is associated with healthy jokes, a lot of smiles and true friendship between clients em staff. I had a life-changing experience during my time there. And I came back to Brazil carrying with me the desire to provide such an incredible facility as NextStep Orlando to people in similar conditions in Brazil. Thank you for all, NextStep Orlando family!
liza6 10/23/2019
Thank you Viv! We LOVED having you at NextStep and the enthusiasm that you brought with you.
Walk-and-roll is the best event I’ve ever seen!! The red carpet event is awesome!!!! I don’t know if there was a person there that didn’t cry when watching Next Step Orlando clients walk on the red carpet!!! They work so hard all year to do what everyone else takes for granted.everyday. The trainers and clients are truly amazing!!
liza6 10/23/2019
We really appreciate your kind words! Our clients work so hard for that event and we know how much it means to them to have support on the day. Thank You!
The NextStep Orlando Walk-N-Roll-A-Thon was one of the most amazing events I’ve ever been to! It really puts life into perspective and makes you realize that every day is a gift. Hearing each person’s story as they worked so hard to get down that red carpet (not quitting until they reached the very end of the red carpet) brought tears to my eyes. It’s really something everyone should attend. I know I’ll be in the stands next year cheering them all on!❤️
liza6 10/23/2019
Colleen, thank you so much for your kind words. We are so glad you were there to show your support at our Red Carpet Event, it means so much to the clients and trainers. We look forward to seeing you there again neat year :)
NextStep Orlando is in the business of helping people do the things they can’t do alone. They are very knowledgeable in many disabilities and will create a plan to help you pursue your goals. Their staff is great!
liza6 10/23/2019
Thanks Robert! You have been such a dedicated member of this NextStep Family, such an inspiration.
Liza Perla puts her heart & soul into her clients at Next Step Orlando Paralysis Recovery Center - Sadly, she personally understands what the families are going through as she is the Mom of Amanda Perla, who became a quadriplegic over a decade ago as a teen passenger in a car crash - The intense passion to assist & empathy for both the client & their families, ripples through their entire team - The effort they all put into their clients is phenomenal - Both Liza & Amanda also work tirelessly helping others in the SCI (spinal cord injury) community, even if the clients are in another country & are not going to be coming there - The work they do helps people RECLAIM function, but also helps their clients stay healthy & prevent secondary complications of being immobile - - something that was never thought possible in the past - Liza, Amanda & their whole team also help foster a positive attitude & joy of living life in the moment for all their clients - They use humour, fun & regularly all give up their own free time to attend events to help SCI and other paralysed people learn to really "live" again through things like their Red-Carpet Event, access surf, access waterskiing, etc. They facilitate a sense of comradery that helps people realize life is worth living still - They do this for their clients, the people of Florida, BUT they also do so tirelessly in the SCI community by posting their videos to help those who cannot attend learn HOW to do things & that something can be done - it gives HOPE to people worldwide & they do that on their own time with no expectation of anything in return -- I highly recommend NextStep Orlando who I have personally watched motivate & assist so many people over the years, as Top Contender for Great NonProfits
liza6 10/23/2019
This is so wonderful, you really understand our mission and goal. The trainers and clients are so thankful to have supporters like you!
NextStep Orlando does incredible work for its clients! Not only are they helping patients with spinal cord injuries recover and regain their lives and independence back, but they give hope and inspiration to everyone around them. It’s a wonderful facility that radiates success, positivity and, most importantly, rehabilitation!
A great team of people that helps my best friend for the last few years to walk again ❤️
liza6 10/23/2019
Thank you so much for the support.
I volunteered here for many a few years on and off because. The methodoly that they have for developing specific plans for people to reach the goals that the client sets is impeccable. Plus the creativity that the trainers have for catering to the specific needs is also incredibly impressive; particularly that from Travis who could have probably easily become an engineer instead. The people at nextstep really make you feel at home. A lot of clients and their families actually become integrated into the workforce at NextStep which is something I have never seen before. Anyways, the place is 10/10 for anyone with SCI or TBI looking to increase their functionality.
liza6 10/23/2019
Thank you Daniel! You are very right about the trainers and the creative ways they are able to move our clients bodies. We appreciate you support over the years!
I recently started working for Next Step Orlando as a marketing intern and it has been incredible to see the work they do for their clients everyday. The staff is truly invested in getting to know their clients and helping them create new milestones on their path to recovery. This organization is an inspiration and I highly recommend visiting!
I have been attending since 2012 the trainers and this facility our amazing I have gained so much strength throughout the years I will always continue to go here
liza6 10/23/2019
Thank you Melissa, you always make such great progress and we love having you here.
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I volunteered as an Intern at NextStep Orlando before I began working as one of the Lead Trainers at the organisation. This facility changed my entire outlook on the paralysis recovery industry. The trainers and staff are experienced and have excellent knowledge (and practical advise)! NextStep Orlando works hard to maintain our affiliation with the Reeve Foundation which ensures that all staff stays up to date with research and focus on recovery, not compensation! Highly recommend!
NextStep Orlando is a wonderful, Life Changing place! The trainers and staff are truly inspirational. If you haven't checked out NextStep Orlando you are missing out!
My son was injured this past April when he fell out of a hammock. His level of injury is C-5. The Dr.'s told us he would never walk, and have very little movement below his injury level. We were devastated! We spent 3 months in the hospital, and after 2 months he was well enough to begin therapy. We were not very encouraged. While he was there I started looking into what we could do to make his quality of life better. I found Project Walk on the recommendation of a vendor I met in the hospital. The day I walked in to Project Walk, was the first day I felt hope. It felt like our new family. When he was released from the hospital, we started Project Walk with in a few weeks. My son now has good use of his arms and shoulders, working on his balance for sitting, and some movement in his wrists. We have learned so much about what Sam CAN do as a quadriplegic. Project Walk is a wonderful family oriented place, with caring people that love what they do. Our road to his recovery will be long, but with Project Walk we are more hopeful than ever!
Wow what a great organization that helps so many! I've been receiving therapy for the last several months and believe that it is help my mental and physical health tremendously.
I came to Next Step Orlando in November of 2015 for two weeks. I loved it so much that I recently moved to Orlando FL from Baltimore Maryland. I now attend Next Step Orlando weekly and have seen tremendous improvement within these past 5 months. I highly recommend this recovery center!! So amazing!!
What Project Walk Orlando is able to accomplish with their clients is absolutely astonishing. The staff here are just as determined as the clients and it is an amazing thing to watch everyone come together to accomplish a common goal. Spinal Cord Injury does not always have to be an "end all" situation, and Project Walk Orlando is proving that on a daily basis through their extensive exercise-recovery program!
I have watched Project Walk Orlando evolve, from idea to success, as a result of necessity and determination by my cousin Liza Perla. After her daughter Amanda suffered quadriplegic injuries as the result of a car accident, her mother researched every therapy to get her daughter the best help possible. She did find it at Project Walk in California. The therapy and support that Amanda found there was so positive and constructive that she was compelled to start a satellite location for those in similar circumstances in the southeastern US. I have been witness to the tangible progress made with Amanda and other clients at PWO. I urge everyone to consider supporting Project Walk Orlando and to know you are making a substantial difference for those with devastating spinal cord injuries.
My granddaughter, Amanda Perla, was injured in a car accident 7 years ago. She is a quadraplegic. As a client at Project Walk Orlando her health, physical ability and mental state have improved tremendously. Her prognosis when first injured and in the hospital for 3 months was bleak. The hospital was wrong. Although Amanda is still not walking, she is doing more than they ever imagined she could do. I am so proud of her and her attitude. She is also an inspiration to other clients who attend Project Walk Orlando. She is there to greet them, talk to them about their injury, and more importantly makes friends with each and everyone who attends Project Walk meeting for lunch, dinner or just a night out. They are not alone in their journey.
Johanna Van Casteren