Back-to-Life Center | Icahn School of Medicine

RESEARCH

Nancy Lieberman Back-to-Life Center

Often, people who have had a spinal cord injury believe their life is over. But that is not true. There is much you can do to improve your independence and quality of life. Mount Sinai’s Nancy Lieberman Back-to-Life Center has the experts, equipment, and experience to help. We offer assistive technologies, peer engagement, and personalized support all in one space. This first-of-its-kind hub sparks hope, which is often the most powerful medicine. We help both newly injured and long-term patients, inpatients as well as those living at home.

What We Offer

The Center uses the latest technology to help spinal cord injury survivors. Our care is personalized and compassionate. We offer:

Assistive-technology loan bank: You can explore and learn to use the latest adaptive tools here. This includes voice recognition software and mouth pads that let you control a computer with your tongue.
Vocational and educational support: We can help you return to school or work, navigate disability benefits, and build confidence in your own abilities. We offer hands-on education and training and one-on-one meetings with counselors, peer mentors, and coaches.
Recreation and lifestyle programs: Our rehabilitation specialists provide education and psychological support. We can teach you about adaptive sports and travel. It is important to know what is possible—from parachuting to playing video games to using social media.

Our goal is to enable you to imagine your new life, from work to play. We want to help you start your journey back to independence, confidence, joy, and the life you want. To help you reclaim your life.

Meet the Founder

Angela Riccobono, PhD

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Rehabilitation and Human Performance

Award-winning researcher Dr. Riccobono has devoted her life to improving opportunities for people with disabilities.

View Profile

Core Faculty

David F. Putrino, PhD

Director of Innovation

Steve Spohn

Director, Nancy Lieberman Back-to-Life Center

Garrison Redd

Head of Programming, Nancy Lieberman Back-to-Life Center

Lauren Dalokay, PsyD

Rehabilitation Neuropsychology Fellow

Additional Faculty

ABBEY SAWYER

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW | Rehabilitation and Human Performance

LILY ANN COOKE

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR II | Rehabilitation and Human Performance

Mount Sinai Launches Innovative Recovery Center

First-of-Its-Kind Center Aims to Get Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries Back to Life
Determined to live life to the fullest, Nancy Lieberman returned to work and traveled the world after becoming quadriplegic. Her determination and resilience inspired the creation of a new center dedicated to helping patients rebuild their lives and independence following life-changing injuries.