Greater Philadelphia Chapter Debuts

After over two years in the works, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of United Spinal is off and wheeling. The chapter introduced itself to the world on Sept. 12 with a handcycling and barbecue event held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports. Almost 60 people showed up for a fun afternoon of handcycling, food and learning about the chapter’s vision and plans. “I think everyone had a really nice time and there seemed to be a lot of interest in the chapter and what we’re trying to do,” says Alysse Einbender, the chapter’s vice president.

Einbender says recruiting new members and tapping into the local community has proved more difficult than the chapter’s board had anticipated, but they are optimistic they are on the right path. To improve its outreach efforts, the chapter partnered with Beautiful Social, a “digital media research collaborative” consisting of students and faculty at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Based out of the university’s communications department, Beautiful Social works with nonprofits for no charge — a key for new groups like the Greater Philadelphia Chapter.

The chapter knew of Beautiful Social because of a project it had done for another local disability organization. It invited the team to the inaugural event with the goal of producing a video and material the chapter could use to market itself. The students took photos, video and conducted interviews at the kickoff event and then assembled a two-minute video which can now be viewed on YouTube or the chapter’s Facebook and web pages. “The video turned out really well,” says Einbender. “We’re hoping it will help us introduce us to the people we’re trying to connect with.”

To find out more about the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, visit the website at unitedspinalphiladelphia.com or find its Facebook page at facebook.com/unitedspinalphila. You can watch the video mentioned above at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mszuSneP9vg

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Spotlight: Philadelphia

by Kara Aiello

My Take
My favorite thing to do is roll around Philadelphia on a sunny day in the throes of the holiday season. I love watching different cultures of people go by, and on occasion see other wheelchair users cruising the sites as well. As someone who lives in the suburbs, visiting Philly provides me with many accessible sidewalks, stores and sites closer in proximity that make the city loads of fun.

The Reading Terminal Market (pictured at right) located at 12th and Arch Street has been in existence since 1893, and visiting it is an adventure all its own with its massive crowds, exciting smells and many indoor vendors with delectable eats you can sit down and enjoy right inside. Thomas the Train is there for the kids’ enjoyment: We have taken my niece there twice now and she loves it. The Market is wheelchair accessible but can get crowded, particularly during lunch and weekends.

Skinny on the City
Ah, Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love, cheesesteaks and unforgettable sports fans. What can I say? It’s my hometown and I love it. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the fifth largest in the United States. With the Appalachian Mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the city, we have great access to winter skiing and summer beaches.

Places to Go
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the most renowned museums in the country, is a great place to start. You can experience current exhibits such as the Art of American Still Life, Audubon to Warhol, as well as great pieces of art from around the world. The museum is wheelchair accessible with a parking lot and ramps entering through the front entrance. There are elevators to every floor and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. I love visiting here when I can — it is so easy to maneuver.

If you’re hungry you can visit many of the hotspot cheesesteak places. One of the greats is Geno’s Steaks on South 9th St. It is accessible, but be prepared for the long lines, as you will not be the only one hungry for a cheesesteak. If you visit in the summer, come to the Philadelphia Zoo, the country’s oldest, and see the many species of animals that live there. There is also a children’s zoo and so much to do that you can spend the entire day there.

Getting Around
Philadelphia on the whole is mostly wheelchair friendly with access to public transportation, taxis, hotels, attractions and sidewalks. Wheelchair-accessible cabs can accommodate both manual and power wheelchairs, and their numbers are growing. They are available by phone, but wait time can be up to 30 minutes or so, so plan accordingly.

If choosing to take the subway system, there are three separate lines that travel both above and below ground. The subway and its train cars are wheelchair accessible, but not all stations are. There are gaps between the platform and train, but bridge plates are available at all accessible stations.

The Philadelphia International Airport is very accessible and brand new. Bathrooms are large and ramps and elevators are plentiful for getting to different gates.

Must See, Must Do
If you want to take in a show, come to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where you will get to see our famous Philadelphia Orchestra, PhilaDANCO Dance Company, or the Philly Pops. I saw PhilaDANCO last December and they were absolutely amazing to watch, with a blend of ballet and modern style dance. The Kimmel Center has underground accessible parking. Park once and grab dinner at Bar Volver or the Dining Room of Volver and enjoy delicious food from the great José Garces.

Philadelphia is swimming in American history and offers attractions such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. If learning about the Constitution is your passion, head to the Constitution Center, where you can increase your awareness and understanding with a bevy of interactive exhibits. Located at Independence Mall, the museum is wheelchair accessible and offers loaner wheelchairs.

If you’re in Philadelphia during March, don’t miss the Philadelphia Flower Show, located in the heart of Philadelphia at the highly accessible Convention Center.

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