| |  | | Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) statement can be found here. |
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| In this newsletter, you will find: - 2026 Reeve Summit Recap
- Upcoming Events
- Abilities Amplified
- TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament
- ADA Day
- Tickets On Sale! SCI Awareness Day at Fenway
- Advocacy Update
- Peer Mentor Spotlight - Kesava
- Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor?
- Thank You To Our Sponsors
- The Steven F. Riley Educational Memorial Scholarship
- Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program
- VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS
- SCIboston's SCI Transition Program - Do You Know Someone In A Nursing Home?
- Follow Us On Social Media!
- Ways You Can Contribute to SCIboston
- Community Tidbits: Tennis Lessons, New England Disabled Sports Summer Programs
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| |  2026 Reeve Summit: A Defining Event for Advocacy and Collaboration The 2026 Reeve Summit (Boston, MA, May 6–8) united advocates, healthcare leaders, and policymakers to drive progress for the paralysis community. Led by keynote speaker Marissa Bode and emceed by Ali Stroker, the summit featured our community members as panelists and session contributors, shaping the agenda with their expertise. Sessions covered aging with paralysis, adaptive sports, caregiving, and policy, highlighting actionable solutions for real-world impact. SCIboston was proud to participate by sponsoring 20 community members’ attendance, ensuring the voices of people with SCI and their loved ones were front and center.  A Community Member’s Perspective By Judi Downey When I found out that the 2026 Reeve Summit would be held in Boston this year, I couldn’t wait to attend. I am always eager to expand my learning to become a better care partner and mentor and enhance my interactions with those with disabilities. This year’s theme was “Where Care, Cure and Community Connect,” and that is exactly what happened over those three days. I enjoyed being part of a large, dedicated community,and talking with participants who enhanced my understanding of the questions, concerns, and needs of those with disabilities. It was also exciting to be able to immerse myself more fully in the community by learning from and interacting with doctors, nurses, therapists, researchers, and other care providers who shared invaluable information and answered questions. In addition, exhibitors demonstrated novel resources for making daily tasks easier, discussed spinal cord stimulation, shared funding mechanisms, and even made a quick repair to my husband’s wheelchair. Speakers representing varied professions discussed research currently underway and innovative techniques being developed to enrich the lives of the disabled, reinforcing that those with disabilities have significant opportunities to not only live, but to thrive. This was reinforced by Ali Stroker, who was the Emcee for the event, and Marissa Bode, the keynote speaker who shared their experiences seamlessly applying their craft while using their wheelchairs on stage and screen. One of my favorite moments from that session was when Ali Stroker described how, once she accepted what she viewed as her “limitations,” her entire world opened up – and it turned out that those very “limitations” were what made her special. Another of the sessions focused on redefining care dynamics. As a care provider for my husband, I appreciated learning how to move from being a caregiver to a care partner, leading to more collaborative, fulfilling, and effective results. Previously I was more focused on telling him what he should do regarding physical and occupational therapy and at home exercises, and now I make sure I ask him what he wants to do and/or when he wants to do it. Now, he is taking more responsibility for his own care and is far more engaged in it. We both benefited from this shift in perspective. I appreciate SCI Boston’s sponsorship and participation in the Summit. It was an honor and pleasure to attend with many members of the SCIboston community. It was a pleasure to discuss the content of this program with our members as well as how it influences care of our loved ones. While I had extremely high expectations for this extraordinary opportunity, they were most definitely surpassed! |
| | | ![Don't miss this one-of-a-kind free event on the Charles River Esplanade celebrating people with disabilities, music and assistive technology! 🔊What? ✨️Abilities AmplifiedWhen? ✨️Wednesday, June 3rd, 6-8pmWhere? ✨️Hatch Memorial Shell- 47 David G Mugar way, Boston, MA 02108➡️ Visit link in bio to register for the event! Once you've registered, please email heidi@sciboston.org to let us know you're coming!Image description: [1 page flyer titled, Abilities Amplified! Featuring SCIboston and Empower SCI logo's at the top. All other details highlighted in caption above.]](/newsletterjune26/4304c18e-03f0-4e47-99a5-c02d2ff77dee.jpg) |  | Become a Sponsor: Help Us Knock It Out of the Park! Your sponsorship directly funds the Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program at SCIboston, providing critical equipment and home modifications that restore independence and autonomy to spinal cord injury survivors. Partner with us to reach our $60,000 goal and empower survivors through peer mentoring, education, and life-changing grants. Sponsorship Levels: Single - $250 - *name listed on event signage and website* Double - $500 - *name listed on event signage and website, as well as a social media shoutout* Home Run - $1000 - *name listed on event signage and website, social media shoutout, recognition during the event, and opportunity to display a banner or materials* Click here for more information and to purchase a sponsorship!
Volunteers Needed: TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Planning Committee SCIboston is seeking volunteers to join the TR24 Legacy Wiffleball Tournament Planning Committee for the 2026 tournament on June 27 in Essex Junction, Vermont, at Little Fenway. Committee members help with event planning, logistics, outreach, and day-of coordination. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get involved behind the scenes, we’d love to have you join us in honoring Travis Roy’s legacy and supporting the SCI community. Contact Molly at [email protected] to learn more. |
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| ADA Day A Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July 15th, 12:00-2:00PM
560 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116 Join SCIboston and many other organizations for ADA Day. This year, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be celebrated with a festive two-hour lunchtime celebration in Boston. The FREE event brings together people of all ages to honor the disability community and to inform it about access, inclusion, and rights. There will be a speaking program, a disability resource fair, food, and plenty of fun, making it a meaningful and welcoming occasion for all. For more info, click here. We hope to see you there! |
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| | |  The advocacy world is in full swing right now. A new Advocacy Round-Up is on the way, packed with the latest updates, action items, and ways to get involved. Sign up here to make sure you don’t miss it and receive it directly in your inbox! Want a sneak peek? Keep reading for key action items, a summary of the Reeve Summit and a blog post by our very own Justin Graceffa! Advocate Spotlight! In the most recent advocacy blog post, Justin Graceffa takes us on a journey of perseverance and resilience, turning personal hardship into passion and progress, and becoming a voice for all who use the PCA program. He tells a story of how any of us can show up – first for ourselves, and then for the community. In his essay, Justin shares what brought him to join the PCA Workforce Council and of his first few years as a member. Read Justin Graceffa’s blog post, “From Self-Advocacy to Community Leadership: A Story of Impact” here. Take Action: -
Share your experience as a parent with a disability! The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities invites disabled parents to submit blog posts about their experiences or videos of problem solving ‘life hacks’. Click here for more information and to submit your post. -
Massachusetts Senior Action Council (MSAC) wants to hear about how recent RIDE policy changes have affected riders. Fill out the survey here: RIDE Survey -
University of Northern Colorado is seeking to understand the relationship between food insecurity and individuals with disabilities. Click here for more information and to take the survey. -
Help improve accessible air travel! The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is gathering feedback to further understand the challenges and opportunities for improving air travel accessibility. Please complete the survey by June 25th. Click here to take the survey. -
Support the PCA Program! Say “No!” to budget cuts! As the 2027 state budget process continues, now is the time to make sure there are no budget cuts to the MassHealth PCA program. Contact your legislator to urge their full support of, and funding for, PCA services. Find your legislator here. |
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| Peer Mentor Spotlight Name: Kesava Injury Level: T12 Year of Injury: 2017 Kesava has been a peer mentor for many years. Below, he answers some questions about his experience as a mentor: - What inspired you to become a mentor? While going through my own recovery, hitting numerous bumps on the way, I realized that crossing hurdles and navigating challenges in daily life, both at home and work, could be made easier for another individual who is also suddenly challenged with SCI or any other physically limiting disability, and that, within reason, sharing learning from lived-in experience helps.
- What does being a mentor mean to you? A lot! It’s not easy to put into words.
- What is your favorite mentoring moment? When you see the individual one (mentee) is working towards acknowledging, making meaningful gains (big or small), and advancing to the next challenge.
- What is the advice that you share most often with your mentees? Acknowledge, appreciate, accommodate, try again...
- Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience as a mentor? It is an equally learning, humbling, and rewarding experience.
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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. Sponsor our 2026 Gala here!
- 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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| | |  | All Comers Wheelchair Tennis Camp 2026 Come Learn Tennis With Us!
Join us for a three-day, high-energy camp designed for wheelchair tennis players of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, come hone your skills and meet new friends on the court!
Dates: Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: YMCA Emilson, Hanover, MA
Hosted By: USTA New England & South Coast Wheelchair Tennis Foundation |
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 | | We want to share the love of sports and the outdoors with you! We hope you join us this summer for an adventure you won’t forget! Lessons reservations open for the 2026 summer season on April 28th. Please give us a call at (603) 745-9333! Online reservations are not available for summer sports – reservations will only be accepted by phone. See below for each sport’s scheduled dates, times, and locations. At this time, NEDS does not offer transportation to NEDS or to participate in NEDS programming/sports. All student-athletes (ages at least 4+ and equipment sizing appropriate) must meet and complete Essential Eligibility Criteria before registration and before participating in summer programming. A completed specific Essential Eligibility Criteria is required for each sport you are participating in and a Participant Code of Conduct form. Click on each sport(s) you will be participating in below to complete the Essential Eligibility form before you attend a NEDS sports activity. Cycling Golfing Water Sports (kayak & paddleboard) Mountain Biking Pickleball Participant Code of Conduct We don’t want financial barriers to keep you from participating and having fun! NEDS offers a confidential Sliding Scale Scholarship Application. We hope to see you soon! Click Here for more info. |
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| | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
| | 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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