Chapter Name Change

We are excited to announce that we have transitioned our Chapter’s name from the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Asspciation, to SCIboston. We will continue to be a chapter of United Spinal Association and offer the same support and services to individuals and families impacted by spinal cord injury in Massachusetts and the New England area. We are making the change to simplify and shorten our name and to be consistent with our website, social media and email addresses. 

Thank You to Our Supporters

A Special Thank You to Travis Roy Foundation!

Follow Us

info@sciboston.org                    www.sciboston.org

 

In this newsletter you will find:

  • 30th Anniversary Gala Videos and Photos
  • An Exciting Announcement
  • Upcoming Events
  • Advocacy Update (TAKE ACTION!)
  • Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program
  • Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor?
  • SCIboston YouTube 
  • Support Groups
  • For Sale/Donations 
  • Grant Program (Durable Medical Equipment and Vehicle Modifications)
  • Community Tidbits (LGBTQIA Support Group and All Abilities Party)
  • Helpful Websites

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.

 
 

30th Anniversary Gala Videos and Photos

We are excited to share the videos and some photos from our
30th Anniversary Gala held on April 1, 2023! 

View the Photo Gallery and Videos HERE

We are very excited to announce that the Travis Roy Foundation WIFFLE Ball Tournament has been revitalized and will benefit the SCIboston Durable Medical Equipment and Vehicle Modification Grant Programs. To learn more about the tournament click HERE! Also, Allie Skelley will be attempting to Stand Up Paddle 40 miles around Aquidneck Island in August to also benefit the grant programs. Stay tuned for more details on his epic paddle!

We are beyond grateful both Allie and TRF for helping us continue our mission and Travis's legacy to improve the lives of individuals living with spinal cord injury. Thank you!

Upcoming Events

Save The Date 
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day at Fenway

September 10, 2023 at 1:35 against the Baltimore Orioles
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more detailed information about the event and ticket sales.

*NEW SUPPORT GROUP for INDIVIDUALS with SCI and FAMILY MEMBERS!*

Beginning Monday, June 5th, from 7-8pm EST, SCIboston is adding a new weekly virtual support group! This group is open to all individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders, as well as to family members. We are excited to offer an evening group to accommodate the various schedules of our community. We see the need and benefit of having a group that supports individuals with SCI, as well as their family members. Please reach out to Heidi heidi@sciboston.org with any questions!

SCI Support Group (family members welcome)

For individuals with spinal cord injuries and family members

Meeting Day and Time: Every Monday from 7:00pm-8:00pm EST
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85965908529?pwd=SHVCaXZCd054RjZlMVRVSG5VM3pVUT09
Meeting ID: 859 6590 8529 Password: 945729
Phone in Number: 929-205-6099 US (New York)
 
Accessible Recreation Fair
Saturday June 10th, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m
Herter Park/Artesani Playground in Brighton.
1255 Soldiers Field Rd. Brighton, MA 02135
 
Join the  Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's  Universal Access Program rain or shine for a free, fun-filled day celebrating accessible outdoor recreation in Massachusetts state parks! To pre-register and learn more about the event click HERE!

 

SCIboston Saturday Education Series

Our Saturday Education Series will be on break for the summer months so that everyone can enjoy their summer Saturdays. We look forward to resuming this popular series in September. Have a great summer!!!

 

Image Description: this is a banner with a background of cartoon people at a protest holding up blank signs.

The wheelchair warranty bill (H.378/S.152) is very important to our community. Please use the DPC's "Take Action" form below to reach out to your state legislators and ask them to co-sponsor the bill. If they are already co-sponsoring, you'll be able to thank them instead. We encourage you to add a personal story and make the email your own, because legislators want to hear why the bill is important to you! Scroll to the bottom of this email for this bill's fact sheet.

Take Action

 

In this month's update you will find news and updates from Disability Policy Consortium (DPC), and United Spinal. You'll read about the a Service animals, safer air travel, Masshealth, and more.

Advocacy Update

Interested in getting notifications about our advocacy efforts or being an advocate on the state or national level?
Click here to sign up for email alerts.
 

Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program

Do you know someone with an SCI that is living in a nursing home? We are pleased to announce that SCIboston has a Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program which assists individuals with SCI in transitioning out of nursing homes to living in the community. This program was started in December 2021 and is led by Occupational Therapist, Stacie Selfridge. 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.

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. If you'd like to hear more about the program or wish to connect with someone, please contact SCIboston's Peer Mentor Coordinator, Jessika, at jcoromel@partners.org to learn more today.

Our YouTube Channel

Have you missed one of our recent Saturday Education Series Presentations or one of our virtual community events? Did you know that we upload them to our YouTube channel?
We have presentations on:
SCI and Foot Care (coming soon!)
Nutrition and Metabolic Changes with SCI/D 
Cooking with Arash
Returning to School After SCI
Adaptive Driving
SCI Awareness Month Playlist 
And so much more!

Click the button below to check them all out!

Virtual Support Groups

Join us for one or more of our virtual support groups that meet your needs as an individual, family member, or significant other affected by a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). Our many virtual groups offer opportunities for open discussion, support, and resources. 
Women's Group
Newly Injured 
Spanish Group
After Dark Groups
Family Groups
SCI/D Discussion Group
And many more!
Click the button to access more information and the zoom links!

For Sale/Donated

Are you looking for or do you have Durable Medical Equipment, Assistive Technology, Adapted Vehicles or an Accessible Home for sale or donation?
This month we have:
Folding Travel Power wheelchair
Therapy Table (FREE)
Kia Soul Ramp Vehicle 
Duet Basic Bicycle
Concept Rower
And so much more!
Click the button below to check them all out or submit your item!

SCIboston's Grants

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 $4,000
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!

Community Tidbits

Image description: United spinal association Rolling with pride. There's an image of an individual doing a wheelie in a manual wheelchair. Text: United spinal association, Rolling with pride. Want to meet other LGB TQIA wheelchair users from around the country ?now you can! Come join rolling with pride, a new LGBTQIA discussion group! All members of the LGBTQIA Community who have disabilities -including our allies-are welcome. Come as you are! Every first Tuesday of the month at 1 PM EST. There is a blue register here button at the bottom of the image. Click the image to register.
 
Boston disability commission. Friendship social. Image description: a flyer with multiple pictures of people of varying abilities at a large party. Text: friendship social, this initiative goes out to people of all abilities come and take a vantage of this opportunity to get together for an amazing afternoon filled with food, dancing, entertainment and socializing.. Sunday June 25, 2023, 1 PM-5 PM. Music provided by DJ Jo peters * gifted fingers*. Florian Hall, 55 Hallet Street, dorchester, MA. Contact us -Dennis Walsh 617 483 5235 or Maggie desdunes 617 285 4899
 
 
 

Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here:

Newsletter Archive

 

Helpful Websites

United Spinal Association Resources and Webinars

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Resources and Webinars

Informative Webinars: Living with an SCI

Facing Disabilities: for families facing spinal cord injuries

New Mobility Magazine

Spaulding New England Regional SCI Model System

ReUse DME Website: Refurbished Durable Medical Equipment

 Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System Informative Webinars 

AbleThrive: Curated Content Just for You

Massachusetts Office on Disability 

 

SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way  | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | info@sciboston.org

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