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Check our DCR's Universal Access Program here for fun summertime adaptive recreational programs! |
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Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here. |
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In this newsletter, you will find:
- Thank You NHL Foundation U.S.
- ADA Day Recap
- We Have a Merch Store!!!
- Upcoming Events
- BBQ Social
- Chair Wash
- Tickets On Sale! SCI Awareness Day at Fenway
- SCI Awareness Day at the MA State House
- Thank You to the Cummings Foundation
- Advocacy Update
- Peer Mentor Spotlight - Derek
- Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor?
- BCIL 2025 ADA 35 Rally Video
- Thank You To Our Sponsors
- The Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship
- Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program
- VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS: Women's Group, WAGS Group, and other New Groups
- SCIboston's SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
- Ways You Can Contribute to SCIboston
- Community Tidbits: KBF Adaptive Sports and Rec Survey, Waypoint Adventures Adaptive Recreation Programs
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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 [email protected]. |
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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. |
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ADA Day Recap "This year’s ADA day was full of connection, friendship, and fun! ☀️
It was wonderful to see so many of you brave the heat and show up to support us and be in community with hundreds of others in the disability community!
As we remember and celebrate the advocates that fought for our rights as people with disabilities, also remember that together we can continue their work in the fight for disability justice. Nothing about us, without us! "
-shared to us by our advocacy coordinator, Vita
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WE HAVE A MERCH STORE!!  GET YOUR MERCH HERE! With the help of our resident graphic artist, mentor, and group leader, Josh Keller, SCIboston now has a merchandise store on Redbubble!! Redbubble is a global online marketplace for print-on-demand products based on user-submitted artwork. Any of our logos and designs can be printed on a variety of items like t-shirts, hoodies, bottles, stickers, tote bags, and more. We hope to add more fun designs in the future. Since this is our first foray into merch on a third-party store, we would love your feedback about all aspects of the experience. |
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2026 Summer BBQ Social, Sunday August 9th 1-4pm Join the SCIboston community on Sunday, August 9th from 1-4pm at the Woburn Stoneham Elks Club for a catered summer BBQ social! In order to accommodate our community, we are asking all members to RSVP for no more than 2 additional guests. If you have more family members that would like to attend, please let Heidi know. Although there is no cost to attend, this event is being paid for through grant funding and SCIboston is paying per attendee. Therefore, if you cannot make the event, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. RSVPs are requested by Friday, July 31st. Please email [email protected] with any questions or to let us know if you are requesting a vegan meal. The event will be held indoors. Venue is accessible by The Ride, has ample parking, and is air-conditioned. |
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SCIboston is thrilled to team up with the Boston Red Sox for our 5th Annual Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day at Fenway and honor individuals living and thriving with paralysis, along with their families, friends, and caregivers. What better way to bring awareness to the community about SCI than coming together at Fenway for a Red Sox game with grouped seating, and a limited-edition hat give-away. The Red Sox have put aside limited discounted accessible and regular seating to accommodate all abilities. Your ticket purchase includes a special edition Red Sox SCI Awareness baseball hat (different color from last year, while supplies last). We have a limited number of tickets available, so get yours today! Be sure to stop by the Community Table, where SCIboston and The Thomas E. Smith Foundation will be sharing information and raising awareness about spinal cord injury. We are also excited about Keelan Zenion being honored for the Red Sox Hats off to Heroes and Kristen McCosh as Leader of the Pack portions of the game. Come celebrate them with us! Thank you to Mary Cooper for putting together this awesome event every year! |
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Take Action:
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Call your Congressional Representative and tell them to cosponsor the FAST Repairs for Wheelchairs Act! This bill would prohibit Medicare Advantage plans from requiring prior authorization for wheelchair repairs. Since private insurers generally take their cues from Medicare, this would hopefully spur private insurers to follow suit. Three Representatives have cosponsored this bill, but let’s get all nine to sign on! If your legislator is Reps. Richard Neal, Jim McGovern, Jake Auchincloss, Katherin Clark, or Bill Keating, please reach out and request that they cosponsor H.R. 9364, ‘‘FAST Repairs for Wheelchairs Act’’. Take action here! 
Photo from Wheelchair Repair Rally on July 14, 2026 at South Station.
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Support the Choices for Increased Mobility Act! This bill would let wheelchair users upgrade to a wheelchair with a carbon fiber or titanium frame – paying only the difference in cost. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed this bill and it’s moving on to the Senate. Your senator needs to hear from you! Take action here.
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Share Your Feedback on Protection and Advocacy Organizations (P&A) and your experiences with their services. Protection and Advocacy organizations provide advocacy, information and referral, investigations, legal assistance, training and other supports to people with disabilities. The Administration for Community Living is looking for ways to increase awareness of P&A services, and improve accessibility and efficiency. Take the survey here.
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Help improve future care and education around Self-Catheterization! The University of Michigan Department of Urology is looking for people who have an SCI and use intermittent self-catheterization to take a short survey. Click here to take the survey.
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Ask the state to reaffirm their commitment to community integration for people with disabilities! This June, the Department of Justice released a memo that drastically changes the stance of the federal government on disabled people’s right to live at home in their communities. The DOJ’s June memo contradicts decades of legal precedent by suggesting the 1999 Olmstead v. Lois Curtis decision – which affirmed that disabled people have the right to receive support and services in their own homes and communities rather than in institutions under the ADA and Section 504 – does not include a requirement to provide these community-based services (also known as the integration mandate) and would be unconstitutional if it did. While the memo doesn’t change the law itself, it signals that the DOJ will likely not enforce Olmstead, and by stating that an integration mandate would be unconstitutional, states may decide to reduce funding for home and community-based services (HCBS). This shift aligns with a broader administrative push toward institutional care, despite the well-documented benefits of community living for disabled individuals and their families.Take action by urging your Governor and Attorney General to publicly reaffirm their commitment to ensuring disabled people can live and receive support in their communities. Then reach out to your Congressional Offices and ask them to support the Latonya Reeve Freedom Act, which would codify the existing integration mandate into law and would further expand disabled people’s rights.
Events:
Wednesday, August 5th:
Spinal Cord Injury Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) coalition webinar: Learn About the PFDD Meeting, from 4:00-5:00pm, ET
Thursday, August 6th:
Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) Lunch & Learn Webinar Series: Artificial Intelligence in Aging and Disability, from 12:00-1:00pm, ET
Tuesday, August 11th:
Justice in Aging Webinar: Medicaid 101: Basics and Recent Changes, from 2:00-3:15 pm, ET
Thursday, August 27th:
ADA National Network Learning Session: Disability & Health in Extreme Weather Contexts: Identifying Challenges & Building Resilience, from 2:30 - 3:30pm, ET
In the Media:
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Nearly 80 advocates rally for timely wheelchair repairs! Articles from MassLive and GBH, and an NPR radio broadcast.
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It shouldn’t take so long to fix a wheelchair, The Boston Globe Editorial Board
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Five New England states, including Massachusetts, sue to block Medicaid work requirement, The Boston Globe
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How AI tools are transforming the lives of people with disabilities, WBUR
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Voting with a Disability: Disability Law Center Podcast
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Peer Mentor Spotlight Level of injury: C4-C6 Inc. Injured: 2020 Age at the time of injury: 18 Derek sustained a C4-C6 incomplete injury in 2020 at the age of 18 due to a diving accident. He is currently pursuing his education at Middlesex Com. College and will soon be transferring to UMass Lowell. A history enthusiast and avid follower of activism and politics, Derek also enjoys video games, hockey and hopes to explore stand-up comedy in his future. His spinal cord injury knowledge includes adaptive equipment, managing personal assistants (PCA's), navigating returning to education after injury, SP tubes, and pain management. |
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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 [email protected] 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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The Steven F. Riley Memorial Educational Scholarship SCIboston is proud to offer the Steven F. Riley Memorial Educational Scholarship, created to support individuals with spinal cord injuries as they pursue educational and professional goals. This scholarship honors Steve Riley’s legacy by investing in opportunity, independence, and lifelong learning. Funds may be used for tuition, books, certification programs, or other education-related expenses that help recipients move forward with confidence. Thanks to the generosity of Linda (our spotlighted Peer Mentor below) and Stacey Riley, this opportunity has been created in Steven’s memory and offered through SCIboston to honor his perseverance and compassion. Apply here — https://www.sciboston.org/sfreducationalscholarship |
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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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New Virtual Support Group! We are pleased to announce the addition of a new SCIboston Virtual Support Group! Our "new" Newly Injured Support Group meets on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 PM. This group is specifically for individuals who are within the first three years of a spinal cord injury. We are thrilled that Josh Keller (C4 incomplete SCI) will facilitate this group, in addition to his role as Thursday Support Group Leader. As SCIboston continues to grow and reach more individuals throughout New England, we remain committed to evaluating and meeting the needs of our expanding community by creating additional opportunities for connection and support. We hope this additional group will help make space for new attendees. Please note the following updates:
- The Tuesday Newly Injured Support Group has begun and meets Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 PM.
- The former Wednesday “Newly Injured Group” is now open to individuals at any stage of their spinal cord injury.
- The Thursday SCI Support Group will remain unchanged.
We encourage you to review the updated group descriptions (click the button below) to determine which group best fits your needs. Also, check out SCIboston's Facebook Group: SCIboston has a Private Facebook Group for members of our community to stay connected and engaged with one another. You can also post items for sale and share local events. Here is the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3404016333192937 Please let us know if you have any questions and how we can best support you! |
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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 [email protected] for more information or to recommend a candidate. |
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We rely on donations, sponsorships, and grants to sustain our peer programs. If SCIboston has made a difference in your life or in the life of someone you love, please consider supporting us so we can continue helping others just as we were able to help you. Please consider
- donating. You can also choose to make a one-time donation or make recurring donations. You can also check with your employer to see if they match donations.
- starting a Facebook and Instagram fundraiser for SCIboston. It is simple to set up and allows your followers to contribute easily. Holding a birthday fundraiser is a great way to give back and raise awareness.
- sponsoring one of our upcoming events! This is a great way to support our programs while getting some advertising for your business or organization. Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsorship.
- volunteering. We are always looking for volunteers to support our social and fundraising events. We are also looking for help with various administrative tasks. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more!
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. |
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Adaptive Sports & Recreation Readiness Survey
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Waypoint Adventure runs adventure programs for youth and adults ages 7-99 with any disability!
Check out the calendar here and click on any program to learn more about location, accessibility specifics, and to register. If this is your first time on a Waypoint program, we can't wait to meet you! A staff member will reach out to you once you've completed the online registration process to make sure you've registered for a program that meets your goals, go over what to expect, and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to adventuring with you!
Challenge yourself! You can do more than you think. Waypoint will be there guiding your discovery, meeting you right where you are – ensuring that you have the necessary equipment, encouragement, and the experience of being supported by community.
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Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
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Helpful Websites For our full list of SCI resources, click here |
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SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | [email protected] |
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