United Spinal Association, ADA 35

 

ADA 35 On July 26th, we celebrated 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act — a pivotal moment in the fight for equal rights and accessibility. At United Spinal, we honor its legacy and recognize there is more work to be done. "Visited a cute indie romance bookstore in La Mesa and was so excited to see a wheelchair lift to the second floor. There is always more work to be done, so let’s keep showing up & taking space! We Belong," says Gretchen in recognition of the ADA anniversary. Many wheelchair users echo her call to action and feeling of gratitude, while some express fear of ADA rollbacks. Program Spotlight: Community Support Our Community Support team does just what the name suggests — supports wheelchair users and their family through the good and bad. Our Resource Center fields almost 5,000 cases in a year. They help connect callers with info on employment opportunities, accessible housing, and ways to get involved locally.  “United Spinal opened my world up so much. It's important to feel like you're not the only one in a wheelchair. When you're in your daily life, we sometimes forget that other people are having difficulties as well,” says one member.  Our Peer Mentoring Program connects newly injured individuals to trained mentors who have firsthand experience navigating life with a spinal cord injury. Over 700 mentors nationwide provide practical advice, emotional support and resources to help mentees adapt to new challenges.  “Mentors provide not just guidance but also hope, showing them that a fulfilling and active life is still possible. Mentorship empowers people to regain control and envision a future beyond their injury,” says Eddie Smith of United Spinal Georgia.  The Power of Peer Mentoring The impact of our Community Support programs are profound — but expensive. We need your help to build stronger, more inclusive communities where every wheelchair user has the resources they need to thrive. Donate today. SPONSORED CONTENT The Empulse R90 fits discreetly under your chair, maintaining its size and maneuverability. It offers smooth movement, a wheel-up function, and a cable-free Bluetooth Control Box. The patent-pending V-LOCK system ensures secure docking, while the removable 5.0 Ah battery delivers up to 19.5 miles* of range for longer trips. Medicare now covers ReWalk Exoskeletons for eligible beneficiaries, and with benefits including reduced pain and spasticity, improved bowel function and quality of life, it’s easy to see why ReWalk is #MoreThanWalking! Are you an adult living with a spinal cord injury (SCI)? Join the University of Delaware Center for Health Assessment Research & Translation (CHART) Research Registry to be notified when new research studies are available! Interested? Please contact the study team at ChartRegistry@udel.edu. UPCOMING EVENTS Get connected with our free virtual events! Join the conversation — there's something for everyone. Click for more information and to register: Active Project Live Advocacy Live Employment Empowerment Resource Group Empowering Parental Caregivers Resource Center Live Rolling Through Life: Aging with a Disability Rolling Through Parenthood Rolling With Pride Social Hour Stronger Together Live Podcast Walking Rollers VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

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