Membership, programs, policy and history — these four key elements shaped United Spinal into the premier nonprofit organization for the SCI/D community. We’ve devoted a section to each component and filled them with stories, posts and infographics in our attempt to cram 75 years of accomplishments and service into one issue. We hope you come away as proud as we are.
MEMBERS
United Spinal Association is the largest membership-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. The organization’s 59,000 members are organized within in-person chapters and virtual support groups, or directly connected to each other by helpful United staff members. Together they provide resources, enhance careers, and even drive big projects like creating person-centered rehab options.
Meet Rhonel
To understand what makes a United Spinal membership so powerful, we look at how one simple application opened up a new world for Florida member Rhonel Cinous.
Natalie Barnhard: 2021 Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year
Steve Wright chronicles the work and dedication United Spinal’s advocate of the year put in to realize her long-held dream of bringing world-class secondary rehab to her community.
A Gathering of Leaders
United Spinal’s annual Chapter Leadership Meeting in photos.
PROGRAMS
Whether our members are seeking jobs, interested in influencing the latest technology or or seeking peer support, United Spinal Association has a program for that. Other programs assist disabled veterans, teach businesses best accessibility practices, share knowledge with members needing resources and more.
Technology for Everyone
The Tech Access Initiative connects members and tech industry titans to ensure a more accessible future. Aaron Broverman reports.
A Commitment to Helping
Steve Wright takes us behind the curtain of United Spinal’s Resource Center.
POLICY
Policy and advocacy touch every part of our members’ lives, from what wheelchairs they can access to where they can go in those wheelchairs and how they’ll get personal assistance, if needed, when they get there. United Spinal’s dedicated advocates ensure that our members’ voices are heard from city halls to the halls of Congress.
Shaping an Accessible World
Seth McBride digs into United Spinal’s top policy victories from curb cuts to home health care and beyond.
A Roll to Remember
United Spinal’s Roll on Capitol Hill in photos.
HISTORY
Curb cuts. Lifts on buses. Accessible businesses. SCI healthcare specialists. We hardly have to think about these things anymore since they’re an accepted part of modern life. Today’s disability access that we take for granted happened because of the leadership of paralyzed veterans who no one even thought would survive. Their story is our story.
How We Became United Spinal
Josie Byzek recounts the events and personalities that framed United Spinal’s first 75 years.
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Congratulations to United Spinal for 75 years of advocacy and empowering people with disabilities!