Jose Hernandez, United Spinal Association’s Advocacy Coordinator and President of its New York City Chapter was recently honored by City & State NY as one of the top brass from advocacy, social services, community leadership, government and others involved in community engagement across New York.
“Throughout the years that I have been advocating, I have never considered myself advocating alone and when I advocate I am doing it to uplift all of us in the disabled community. It is an honor to be recognized and humbling to know that one person’s voice could be singled out amongst all the other great voices out there,” said Hernandez.
Spinal cord injured at age 15, Hernandez has used his lived experience as a power wheelchair user in New York City to help others overcome the hurdles of living with a mobility disability and maintain independence.
Hernandez dedicates much of his time at United Spinal advocating for improved in-home treatment and care for people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders, both regionally and nationally.
As Hernandez explains, part of the challenge is finding and retaining qualified home care attendants that are willing to work for minimum wage, especially in New York.
His focus remains on urging Congress and elected officials to push for higher minimum wages for home care attendants who play a vital role in the health and quality of life of wheelchair users.
Improved home care services also empower people with disabilities, including many young individuals to remain in their communities and avoid being institutionalized or placed in nursing homes.
“The saddest part about it is the loss of potential that they will never regain. It’s like a prison sentence and your only crime was being or becoming disabled,” added Hernandez. “There are so many people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities that don’t have a voice. If I can I will share my voice with all of them.”
United Spinal NYC Chapter is currently hosting a virtual fundraiser to commemorate two important milestones—the 75th Anniversary of United Spinal and the 26th Anniversary of Jose’s spinal cord injury.
Jose credits United Spinal with providing the spark that got him moving forward after his injury. Connecting with peer mentors and taking part in community events like Roll on Capitol Hill showed him that being in a wheelchair wouldn’t stop him from living the life he wanted.