United Spinal Association

05/29/2026

“It’s almost June, which means it’s almost time for one of my favorite events of the year,” says Ryann Mason, one of United Spinal’s advocates attending ROCH. The signature event will be virtual this year, allowing 140+ advocates to meet with their representatives over Zoom from across the nation.

Our key priorities include:
- Defending Home and Community Based Services
- Coverage of Catheters & Ostomy Supplies
- Coverage of Carbon Fiber and Titanium Wheelchairs

Hear how these issues directly impact Ryann as a wheelchair user and registered nurse. The stakes could not be higher — please support our mission: https://givebutter.com/ROCH2026

05/27/2026

Join us for the next Meet an Advocate Live Stream on Wednesday, May 27th, at 12:00pm ET featuring Jamie Clendening, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2026!

Born with Spina Bifida and scoliosis, Jamie turned personal challenges into powerful advocacy after a life-changing surgery left her navigating inaccessible healthcare, housing, and equipment barriers. Today, she is a full-time advocate for healthcare access equity, peer mentor, and founder of I Can and I Wheel where she is helping connect people with disabilities to the resources and support they need to thrive.

From advocacy and mentoring to outdoor adventures and family life, Jamie brings passion, honesty, and real-world experience to the conversation. Don’t miss this discussion about accessibility, independence, resilience, and making meaningful change in the disability community.

Join us LIVE and bring your questions for Jamie!

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05/27/2026

“My dad was injured while serving in the Army, and growing up I saw firsthand how a spinal cord injury can impact everyday life, which is why I’m raising money to support veterans living with spinal cord injuries and help make sure they get the support they deserve,” says George Aiello. His father is Tom Aiello, United Spinal’s Chairman of the Board.

Our VetsFirst program is committed to serving our nation’s veterans who use wheelchairs. Please support our mission: https://givebutter.com/supportvetsfirst

05/21/2026

The benefits of technology impact all individuals with disabilities by breaking down barriers to independence in unprecedented ways. In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we invite you to learn from our members about the adaptive tech they rely on and the way it enhances their daily lives.

Learn from our members about the adaptive technology they rely on and the way it enhances their daily lives.

05/21/2026

As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to highlight a valuable resource for our members. We partnered with BetterHelp to provide one month of therapy at no cost.

Learn more about what they offer & sign up for membership to receive the code: https://unitedspinal.org/membership-form/

05/12/2026

Searching for the right home health caregiver can feel overwhelming.

One way to make the process more manageable is crafting a strong ad that does more than describe tasks and requirements. A good ad should tell your story, set clear expectations and help applicants picture themselves in the role.

Members of the United Spinal Association’s Care Support Working Group know this process well. Drawing from their experiences, they shared practical advice on how to write caregiver ads that stand out, attract the right applicants and lead to better long-term care relationships.

Read their top tips: https://unitedspinal.org/how-to-write-a-caregiver-ad/

05/06/2026

Debbie Myers has been involved with United Spinal’s North Carolina Chapter (NCSCIA) for 23 years and currently serves as the chapter’s president. During her tenure, she has received countless calls about the chapter’s impact from wheelchair users and their family members, but she says one call from the father of a member stands out specifically. His son played on a wheelchair rugby team that had grown out of a chapter-sponsored clinic.

“He told me, ‘Debbie, I need to thank you for bringing this sport, you saved my son’s life. We thought we were going to lose him and he’s just found a new purpose. He’s getting back to being himself,’” says Myers.

Read more: https://unitedspinal.org/north-carolina-chapter/

05/04/2026

Steve Lieberman, Director of Advocacy and Policy, spent time in DC last week talking directly to congressmen about the need to preserve programs that are critical to the disability community.

“Many programs that are focused on the needs of people with disabilities are proposed to be cut. We don’t want to see that happen. We want to preserve the capacity of the SCI Model Systems program and provide an increase in funding, which is 20 years overdue,” says Steve.

United Spinal is gearing up for Roll on Capitol Hill this June to continue the fight. Please support our mission: https://givebutter.com/ROCH2026

05/01/2026

"From the first Roll on Capitol Hill I was honored to attend in 2012, I knew it would be special — but being part of it has been so much more than I imagined. We have educated legislators and staff on the needs of wheelchair users and people with disabilities. It’s very encouraging to know we make a difference and can positively make changes that affect our lives," says Kim Harrison, North Florida Chapter Advocacy Coordinator.

This June, United Spinal Association's 14th annual advocacy conference goes virtual — the same huge impact and direct legislator engagement, but with more advocates than ever before.

We need your support to continue amplifying the voices of our community! Please donate: https://givebutter.com/ROCH2026

04/30/2026

80 years ago, a group of wheelchair users rolled into Grand Central Station to gather signatures for accessible housing legislation. That group — which would become Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, the predecessor of United Spinal — saw tremendous need and started finding solutions. It’s that same spirit that continues to drive United Spinal 80 years later.

We've created webinars before they were mainstream, trained hundreds of peer mentors, and provided resources to support people through all phases of their recovery journey. United Spinal continues to adapt to meet the needs of our community.

Read more about our origin story and how we've evolved in the past 80 years. https://unitedspinal.org/80-years-of-impact-how-united-spinal-continues-to-evolve/