Formerly the Canadian Paraplegic Association, SCI Canada was founded in 1945 by a group of paralyzed WWII veterans who were determined not to spend the remainder of their life in hospital. Their efforts resulted in improved medical and rehabilitation services, better pensions and, perhaps most importantly, increased awareness in the medical community and throughout society of their abilities and potential. By 1960, SCI Canada had a nation-wide presence. Today, with divisions in all ten provinces and 47 regional offices, SCI Canada provides a wide variety of services to a membership of more than 30,000 Canadians who have a spinal cord injury or other mobility impairment. SCI Canada's scope has increased considerably since 1945, but it remains true to its founders' self-help philosophy. Of the Association's 200 plus employees (approximately 100 of whom are professional counsellors), many bring the personal experience of living with a disability, along with their formal training, to their positions.