| |  | | Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here. |
| SCIboston's Statement of Position on the Reconciliation Bill On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the reconciliation budget bill into law. This legislation includes cuts to Medicaid and major changes to SNAP, shifting costs to states for the first time in nearly 50 years. These changes pose serious risks to the spinal cord injury community and beyond. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 11.8 million people could lose Medicaid due to new requirements and restrictions, and over 2 million may lose food assistance. In Massachusetts alone, at least 250,000 residents could lose health insurance. These cuts will not only harm individuals—they will destabilize the broader healthcare system by closing rural hospitals, crowding ERs, and raising insurance costs. At SCIboston, our mission is to Reach, Inspire, Support, and Empower individuals and families affected by life-altering spinal cord injuries. These policies run directly counter to that mission. We are deeply concerned—but not without hope. - We recognize this is an uncertain and difficult time. Please know that many of the provisions will not take effect until 2027, and numerous organizations are actively working to delay or mitigate potential negative impacts. If you have any questions about how this may affect your services, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to connect you with the right resources and support.
- And most importantly, we will do what we’ve always done: come together when systems fall short. SCIboston will be here to help fill the gaps left behind by this bill. That commitment is the heart of our community
The services we depend on may be cut—but we’re not going anywhere. |
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| In this newsletter, you will find: - July Event Recaps
- ADA35 Boston March and Rally
- BBQ Social at the Woburn Stoneham Elks
- The Impossible Dream Sail
- Upcoming SCIboston Events
- Peer Mentor Spotlight - Justin G.
- September is SCI Awareness Month - Tell Us What It Means To You!
- Virtual Support Groups
- SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program
- Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
- SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
- Resources
- Community Tidbits
- Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act Documentary
- Caregiver Retreat
- OIG report: Amtrak can improve customer service to passengers with disabilities
- DCR power-driven mobility devices
- Disabled, Not Unable 2025: 75 books for Children, Teens, and Adults
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We rely on donations, sponsors and grants to fund our peer programs. If we made a difference in your life or that of someone you love, consider a donation to allow us to continue to assist others as we assisted you. SCIboston is recognized by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. |
| | Este correo electrónico se puede traducir al español o al portugués utilizando el traductor de su cliente de correo electrónico, que se encuentra en la configuración de su correo electrónico. Si necesita más ayuda, podemos traducirlo por usted. Escríbanos a info@sciboston.org. |
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| Due to the length, some email providers may cut off some of this newsletter's content.
We recommend viewing it in your web browser for optimal reading. |
| |  | ADA35 Boston was incredible!
Nearly 1,500 people marched down Tremont Street from Boston City Hall Plaza to The Embrace last week in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was an incredible opportunity to show up, be visible, and remind everyone that “Disability Rights are Human Rights!” Thank you to all who were able to attend – we had a blast! For those of you who were unable to, check out this video of the event! Now, we must keep the momentum going! We need all of you to take action to protect Medicaid in Massachusetts by advocating directly to state leaders. With the passage of the budget bill, state budgets are tight. We must encourage our legislators to protect Medicaid home and community-based services such as the MassHealth PCA program. Please use this action alert by the ARC of Massachusetts to write to Governor Healey and ask that she support our community! Watch our recap video here! Read more about the event here. |
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|  | SCIboston Summer BBQ Brings the Community Together On July 27, SCIboston hosted a lively Summer BBQ Social at the Woburn Elks, featuring a classic BBQ menu with plenty of lemonade and iced tea to keep everyone cool. The event welcomed over 65 members of our community for an afternoon of great food, conversation, and connection. It was a heartwarming opportunity to reunite, make new friends, and enjoy some face-to-face conversation. A big thank you to Heidi Estrada, Community Involvement Coordinator, and Diane DeRoche, SCIboston Peer Mentor Coordinator for organizing such a joyful and well-run event—and to Erik Condo for collecting donations in support of a nonprofit in Zimbabwe, Africa! |
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| Impossible Dream Sail July 16th, 2025, was a beautiful day for a sailing trip on the Boston Harbor. The day on the Impossible Dream was truly a highlight for all eight participants from the SCIboston community. The weather was perfect, offering a beautiful blend of warm sunshine and refreshing sea breezes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. From the moment we set sail, we were captivated by the experience. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the time spent on the water, creating memories that will last a lifetime. SCIboston is grateful to share in this experience and thanks the Impossible Dream Crew and Captain for providing us with a day full of smiles! This Impossible Dream, a universally accessible catamaran, is dedicated to raising awareness of barrier-free design and improving the quality of life for disabled persons through sailing. The Impossible Dream has a website and everything that was needed to be done so that people with wheelchairs can run this boat made the boat more beautiful not less. You can just check it out to learn more. |
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| | Upcoming Events
For a full calendar of our events, visit our events page here |
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|  | 2025 SCI AWARENESS DAY AT FENWAY PARK This SCIboston favorite is back! Please join us in raising awareness for spinal cord injury at the Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins game on August 17th at 1:35pm, for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day at Fenway Park! *Tickets are on sale now!!!*
*ADA seating is limited - please only purchase 1 Wheelchair accessible seat and up to 2 companion seat when purchasing the ADA tickets. For the rest of your friends and family, please use the Regular Seating link.
ADA SEATING HERE
REGULAR SEATING HERE All Attendees receive this year's official event hat!  |
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| | Mentor Spotlight Name: Justin Injury Level: C4-6 Complete Year of Injury: 2007 Justin sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 20 due to a fall. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and has valuable experience in spinal cord injury-related topics, including advocacy and adaptive equipment. Justin is well-equipped to offer guidance and suggestions to help others navigate similar challenges. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, attending concerts, meditating, and playing board games. His combination of personal experience and knowledge makes him a helpful resource for those seeking knowledge in the SCI community. |
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| Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor? Are you or a family member looking to connect with one of SCIboston's trained peer mentors? Many people find it helpful, reassuring, and hopeful to talk to a mentor about adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury. Topics of conversation could include getting back to work or school after a sci, adaptive sports, relationships and intimacy, bladder and bowel management, and more. We match individuals with peer mentors based primarily on gender, injury level, age, interests, and family life, amongst other considerations. SCIboston's mentors also lead many of our virtual support groups, as well as attend them to provide support to others. SCIboston Peer Mentors have completed SCIboston and United Spinal Association Peer Training Program, completed HIPPA training, passed background checks, and are, in many cases, certified Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital volunteers. If you'd like to hear more about the program or wish to connect with someone, please contact SCIboston's Peer Mentor Coordinator, Diane, at diane@sciboston.org to learn more today. To learn more about our Peer Mentor program click here to watch our Saturday Education Series about it. |
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| September is SCI Awareness Month The month aims to educate the public about the impact of spinal cord injuries and the importance of supporting research and advocacy efforts while also celebrating the resilience and accomplishments of individuals living with SCI. Would you like to participate in our SCI Awareness Month social media posts by sharing your experiences to inspire others? Would you be ok with giving a short blurb via video or just in your own words? Keep it short! 20 seconds max if video & 2 sentences if only words 1. Share a struggle of having SCI: Examples: Pain, depression, loneliness, muscle spasms Now share how you are managing this? Examples: spending time with family, reading a book to distract myself, using heat pads or massage guns 2. Advice to a newly injured with SCI: - Whats something you wish you knew as a newly injured? Examples: find a therapist, join support groups, things will get better, wheelchair hack, everyday tips 3. What are some of your greatest accomplishments after your SCI? Examples: joined a program, went back to school, visited a new country, tried a new parasport, found a new hobby If you are interested in participating or have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Social Media Coordinator, Thalita: Thalita@sciboston.org |
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| Update to SCIboston’s Support Groups: As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen and better serve our local community, SCIboston will be limiting participation in our virtual support groups—with the exception of the Nutrition Group—to residents of New England (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). SCIboston’s mission is to Reach, Inspire, Support, and Empower individuals living with spinal cord injuries across Massachusetts and New England. Our virtual support groups have become a cornerstone of that mission, offering meaningful connection, community, and support. Originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to reach individuals in new ways, these groups have since grown into a vital and enduring part of our programming. As we continue to evolve, we’ve recognized the importance of focusing our support group efforts on individuals and families within our service region. This allows us to direct resources more effectively and foster deeper regional connections among participants. The Nutrition Group will remain open to all participants, regardless of location. We want to emphasize that current participants who reside outside of New England are warmly welcomed and encouraged to continue attending. Your presence and contributions have become an essential part of the SCIboston community. The relationships we've built together are deeply valued, and we look forward to your continued involvement. If you have any questions regarding support groups please reach out to heidi@sciboston.org Virtual Support Groups Join us for any of SCIboston’s virtual support groups that meet your needs as an individual or family member impacted by a spinal cord injury or disorder. Our support groups offer opportunities for questions, open discussion, support, resources, and more. All of our facilitators are trained SCIboston Peer Mentors who are there to structure the meeting, guide conversation, and help meet the needs of attendees. We want our attendees to feel comfortable and know that any level of participation is welcomed, even if you would just like to listen. No need to RSVP, meeting links are the same each week. Younger Adult Group Women's Group Newly Injured Spanish Group Family Groups SCI/D Discussion Group And Nutrition Group Click the button to access more information and the zoom links! |
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| SCIboston's Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program Our Grant Program assists individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) who demonstrate a financial need. These grants can help assist with obtaining either Durable Medical Equipment or Vehicle Modifications up to $5,000. Examples of Eligible Items: Upgrade and maintenance of wheelchairs, home ramps and lifts, computers, commodes, standing frames, shower chairs/benches, vehicle hand controls, wheelchair locking systems, and more. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, what our grants cover, and to fill out the application, click the button below! |
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| Thank You To Our Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors A Special Thank You to Our Supporters |
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|  | Watch Stacie and Rory tell their story at our 2024 Gala HERE. |
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Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program Stacie Selfridge - TRANSITION PROGRAM LIAISON Stacie oversees SCIboston’s SCI Transition Program, which aims to assist individuals who live in nursing homes to get back to living independently. Stacie brings twenty-plus years of knowledge and experience as an Occupational Therapist to our SCIboston community. We are pleased to announce the SCIboston Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program has had some great successes during it's first two years and we want to continue helping individuals with their independence. Do you know someone with an SCI that is living in a nursing home? We are looking for new candidates who are motivated to move back into the community. Please contact info@sciboston.org for more information or to recommend a candidate. |
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| Resources Page Our resource page was curated by our staff with information provided by our mentors, group leaders, and other members of the SCI community that includes information about: Caregivers
Getting Back to Work
Housing, Sports & Recreation
Complex Rehab Technology
Transportation
and so much more! Click the button below to check them all out! |
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| | |  Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act From the Collection: Documentaries to Watch Now Film Description Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Told through the voices of key participants and witnesses, the film highlights the determined people who literally put their bodies on the line to achieve their goal and change the lives of all Americans. A story of courage and perseverance, the film brings to life one of the great civil rights movements in American history, where ordinary people made their voices heard and Congress responded. A testament to the power of coalition building and bipartisan compromise, the passage of the ADA is a shining example of democracy in action. Learn more here! |
|  | CAREGIVER RETREAT
OCT 9 - 12, 2025 Now more than ever it is important to give back to those that have given so much. We are so excited to offer a Caregiver Retreat, in partnership with Brutally Beautiful! The Retreat will take place at the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Carrabassett Valley. Our Caregiver Retreats are an intentional nature-based healing program. Activities include daily modalities, hiking, forest baths, and more! Caregivers will learn self-care strategies and the positive impact time in nature can have on their mental, physical, and emotional health. For more information, click here! |
| |  | DCR power-driven mobility devices Learn about power-driven mobility devices that visitors with mobility impairments can borrow at select DCR properties. DCR’s power-driven mobility devices help you explore new trails at Massachusetts State Parks in new ways. You can use these devices on designated trails to explore the beauty of DCR parks and enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking, and other outdoor education and recreational events sponsored by the DCR and/or partnering organizations. Our current mobility devices are an Action Trackchair AXIS 40, which moves between parks, and a Cheetah Ninja Dual Seat Mobility Scooter, which stays at Maudslay State Park. There is no cost to use a power-driven mobility device. Read on to learn about the eligibility criteria and how to make a reservation to borrow a device. For more info, click here! |
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 | OIG report: Amtrak can improve the quality of customer service it provides to passengers with disabilities July 15, 2025 "WASHINGTON – Amtrak has no overarching strategy to guide its efforts to improve customer service to passengers with disabilities, and its current improvement initiatives in this area are fragmented and not well coordinated between departments, an Amtrak Office of Inspector General Report released today found..." Read the full article here |
| |  | Disabled, Not Unable 2025: 75 Books for Children, Teens, & Adults The Disabled, Not Unable Booklist is a list of recent books for all ages about the diverse experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent community. It is published as part of the Boston Public Library's observance of Disability Pride Month each year Learn more here! |
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| | | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
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| SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | info@sciboston.org |
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