SCI Life: January 2015


Jason Roy

Zero to a Hundred

Jason Roy, an incomplete C5 quad, has lived a life full of parallels. A former city of Houston police officer paralyzed in a car chase in 2011, he has seen both sides of life — with and without a spinal cord injury. And he’s seen what it’s like to recover from an SCI as well.

“Anytime you lose something precious and get it back is a great feeling,” says Roy, “but to know that there are so many other people with SCI that will never regain mobility is disheartening.” Now 36, Roy is one of those rare and fortunate individuals who has fully recovered from his injury, and this is exactly why he founded the Zero 2 A Hundred Foundation this year.

“The foundation is focused on improving the quality of life of those with spinal cord injuries,” he explains. His organization is also committed to providing financial resources to those with injuries, and promoting spinal cord injury awareness among teen boys — a unique outreach.

“Our foundation is hands-on and personal as it relates to our clients and SCI survivors,” says Roy. “I’m personally involved in making sure that they receive the things they need to become as independent as possible.” He also published a book this year, From Zero 2 a Hundred: Finding My Purpose Through My Pain.

And his future goals are big. “I want our foundation to impact youth all over the world,” he says. “We’re planning four events next year, starting with a 5k walk, run and roll. And of course I would love for my book to become a best seller and make it to the big screen,” he adds with a smile.  We do, too, Jason.

Affordable Ballroom Dancing for All

Wheel Dance, a brilliant idea — not surprisingly dreamt up by Canadians and founded in 2013 — is the first nonprofit in North America to offer income-based wheelchair ballroom dance classes. Latin dance classes are also available to individuals with disabilities and their nondisabled partners.

Wheel Dance

Seegey Muretov, the lead instructor at Wheel Dance, a nondisabled instructor who began his career over 40 years ago, is passionate about wheelchair ballroom dancing. Wheel Dance also has another instructor, Nancy Clarke, who uses a wheelchair and only began wheelchair dancing last year. Both sides of the dancing world are represented.

For those who are interested in checking out this novel program, Wheel Dance is based in the Toronto area. The organization will also bring dance classes to rehab facilities and other organizations throughout Canada upon request.

The Style of Universal Design

Unfortunately, accessibility in home design is often equated with a lack of style. The Universal Design Style blog’s mission is to tear down this stereotype, and they’re doing it by posting fabulous creations from brand new architects. Want to get inspired about making your home accessible? This is the blog to check out — universaldesignstyle.com


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