Annie Streit Archives

Author: Annie Streit

Annie Streit
Grassroots Advocacy Manager

Annie Streit has been the Grassroots Advocacy Manager for United Spinal Association since September 2020. Along with her work at United Spinal, Annie writes children’s books and speaks to various groups about her experiences after the onset of her spinal cord injury in May of 2005. She has a passion for disability advocacy, working with children, and sharing her journey of navigating through life as a wheelchair user to help others, raise awareness, and create change.

United Spinal Advocacy Program 2023 Year in Review

by Annie Streit December 21, 2023

Our Advocacy and Policy Department would like to thank you all for helping us reach our goals over this past year!... Read more.

a women sits in her powerchair when a man kneels down next to her. they are both smiling.

What We Want Our Caregivers to Know

by Annie Streit December 1, 2023

United Spinal Care Support Working Group members offer guidance on what Personal Care Attendants (PCA) should know.... Read more.

Illustration by @odahumanity showing burning house. The man says to the woman wheelchair user, "Fine, you were right. We need a ramp and an emergency plan." She replies, "No shit."

9 Wildfire Preparedness Resources for People with Disabilities

by Annie Streit October 17, 2023

In the case of a wildfire, people with disabilities must consider many aspects for their safety.... Read more.

Seth McBride sits in his blue jacket next to a tent. He is in nature next to a pond and grasses. The sky is clear blue.

Accessible Camping for the Disability Community

by Annie Streit September 27, 2023

Our Outdoor Access Working Group compiled information and resources you need to plan a fun and accessible camping experience. ... Read more.

A Black powerchair user talks with a Black woman

Best tips and strategies for finding and hiring PCAs

by Annie Streit August 23, 2023

Finding and hiring PCAs is hard. Our Care Support Working Group makes it easier.... Read more.

Decorative to illustrate hurricane preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness for the Disability Community

by Annie Streit July 28, 2023

What is the bottom-line of hurricane preparedness for the disability community? Make a plan.... Read more.

Two women enjoying a wheelchair accessible beach together.

Our Members Love These 15 Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

by Annie Streit June 12, 2023

United Spinal’s Outdoor Access Working Group members share their favorite wheelchair accessible beaches.... Read more.

Four wheelchair users cheer and smile. They are of different races and genders.

Our powerful stories made Virtual Advocacy Day a success

by Annie Streit April 17, 2023

On our March 22 Virtual Advocacy Day, our attendees discussed why our SCI Model Systems are important.... Read more.

Three wheelchair users participate in a virtual advocacy meeting.

Find the United Spinal Advocacy Working Group That’s Right for You

by Annie Streit January 4, 2023

Our Advocacy Department's popular working groups provide opportunities for members to organize around the issues that matter most to them.... Read more.

Natalie Barnhard Receives the Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year Award

by Annie Streit June 21, 2021

Natalie Barnhard, from Buffalo, NY, is the 2021 recipient of the Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year Award at this year’s United Spinal Association Roll on Capitol... Read more.