United Spinal Association is committed to the health and wellness of people with spinal cord injury/disorder and all wheelchair users.
We crafted mental health and wellness resources for the SCI/D community as part of our #Strongwheeled Together campaign. This initiative is designed to break down the stigma around mental health and encourage wheelchair users to seek help when they need it. “Therapy truly is for everyone at any age,” says Peer Support Director Lindsey Elliott. “It’s likely that we will all struggle with our mental health at various points of our lives. We all deserve support without misconceptions about mental health standing in our way. We must acknowledge that these struggles are common. It’s valid and normal to seek mental health care, and asking for help is a sign of resilience!”
Elliott directs our robust peer support program, which provides in-person, virtual and peer mentoring through our network of national chapters and hospital members. She worked closely with Greater Boston Chapter member Michaela Devins to create blog posts that explore what wellness means post-injury, including “Engaging in Wellness.”
For the “Health” Half of “Health & Wellness”
Our Community Support Team is only an email or phone call away. The team can connect you to health-related resources in your community and includes a nurse information specialist who is knowledgeable about SCI/D-specific concerns. Also, we collaborate with organizations like the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center to disseminate information created for people with SCI, their families and caregivers. And through our membership publication, New Mobility, we provide reported articles on all aspects of health and SCI/D.
The physical well-being of our members is important to us. All United Spinal Association members are eligible for three free months of Zuk Fitness. This digital platform offers virtual workouts created by and for wheelchair users. Also, New Mobility reviews fitness equipment, programs and techniques.
Please contact United Spinal Association’s Community Support team for more information or assistance. Join our community by signing up for a free membership. To support our mission, donate here.