Film Looks at the Future of Disability

United Spinal is excited to sponsor Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement, an award-winning documentary that explores the social impact of human augmentation. Haunting and humorous, poignant and political, Fixed rethinks “disability” and “normalcy” by exploring technologies that promise to change our bodies and minds forever.

According to the film’s marketing material, Fixed “takes a close look at the drive to be ‘better than human’ and the radical technological innovations that may take us there. What does ‘disabled’ mean when a man with no legs can run faster than most people in the world?

“What does ‘normal’ mean when cosmetic surgery procedures have risen over 450 percent in the last 15 years and increasing numbers of people turn to ‘smart drugs’ every day to get ahead at school or work? With prenatal screening able to predict hundreds of probable conditions, who should determine what kind of people get to be born? If you could augment your body’s abilities in any way imaginable, would you?”

United Spinal is planning to host a community screening early this March in Washington, D.C. Filmmaker Regan Brashear and Dr. Gregor Wolbring, one of the film’s main subjects, will be on hand for a post-film discussion. Specifics on time and date will be available on United Spinal’s web site as they become available.

The film will also be featured as part of a March 4 event on technology and disability hosted by Future Tense at the New America Foundation in Washington, D.C. Future Tense is a partnership between New America, Arizona State University and Slate magazine to explore emerging technologies and their transformative effects on society and public policy. Central to the partnership is a series of events that take in-depth, provocative looks at issues that, while little-understood today, will dramatically reshape the policy debates of the coming decade.

For more information on Future Tense, visit newamerica.org/future-tense.

The March 4 event is from 12-2 p.m. at the New America Foundation, 1899 L St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036.

For more information on Fixed, visit: www.fixedthemovie.com

NY Disabilities Film Festival

United Spinal is also sponsoring the 7th Annual ReelAbilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival.

From March 12-18, approximately 25 films by and about people with disabilities will be shown in 38 different venues around the New York City metro area. Half of these are feature length and the rest are short films.

All films are followed by conversations with filmmakers or others involved.

New Start for ‘New Beginning’ Backpacks

United Spinal is pleased to report that our New Beginning Backpacks have a fresh look for 2015 and will include more in-depth resources and information for people living with disabilities to regain their independence.

The backpacks, which are distributed to people leaving hospitals and medical facilities, provide tools and resources for people with new spinal cord injuries and disorders, their care providers, as well as those who have lived with disabilities for many years, to improve their quality of life.

The backpacks include info on accessing quality healthcare and rehab programs; finding employment and educational opportunities; choosing the proper adaptive equipment and home modifications; locating peer support groups; caregiver resources and much more.

As part of United Spinal’s long term partnership with hospital members, the New Beginning backpacks will be available to numerous hospitals and rehabilitation sites across the country to ensure that people with SCI/D are equipped with the knowledge to clear major hurdles when they return to their communities and are able to pursue the lives they choose.

The New Beginning backpacks are supported by United Spinal’s expansive Resource Center at www.spinalcord.org — an online hub that connects people living with SCI/D, as well as their loved ones and care providers, to timely resources and support.

Join the ADA 25 Celebration

The Americans with Disabilities Act will turn 25 on July 26, 2015. Join United Spinal Association and the entire disability community in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the ADA, the landmark civil rights law that protects wheelchair users and other people with disabilities from discrimination.

How to get involved:
• Download and share a digital copy of United Spinal Association’s Understanding the ADA booklet (www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/understanding_the_ada.pdf) — an essential resource on the law that improves access to many areas that Americans without disabilities often take for granted, such as public transportation, housing, and employment. Hard copies can also be purchased, and a 20 percent discount is available for schools and nonprofits.

• Support the full implementation of the ADA and help the ADA Network achieve the nationwide goal of 25,000 signatures.

• Participate in the ADA Legacy Project’s cross-country tour with informative and interactive exhibits and workshops designed to raise awareness and excitement about the ADA 25th Anniversary.

Transforming the Vision of the ADA into Reality

The ADA levels the playing field for all people with disabilities so they can pursue their rights under the Constitution. The law improves access to many areas that Americans without disabilities often take for granted, such as public transportation, housing, and employment. United Spinal played a significant role in drafting portions of the ADA and advocated for amendments signed into law in 2008 that expanded the ADA’s definition of disability.

We were there for our paralyzed veterans returning home after World War II who needed better health care, higher paying jobs and greater access to housing and transportation. Since then, we have continued to advocate on the front lines to ensure equal rights for all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

From writing portions of the ADA, to utilizing this landmark legislation to improve employment opportunities, access to transportation and community integration of wheelchair users Ñ we have been honored to serve the disability community for over 65 years.

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