| |  | 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 |
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| In this newsletter you will find: - Upcoming Events
- Advocacy Update (Wheelchair Warranty, Air Travel, etc.)
- Spinal Cord Injury Transition Program
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Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor? -
SCIboston YouTube (NEW VIDEOS: Nutrition and Metabolic Changes with Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder, Cooking with Arash from NorCal SCI ) -
Support Groups -
For Sale/Donations -
Grant Program (Durable Medical Equipment and Vehicle Modifications) -
ACT EXPANDING WHEELCHAIR WARRANTY PROTECTIONS FOR CONSUMERS WITH DISABILITIES (H.378/S.152) Fact Sheet -
Helpful Websites |
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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. |
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| | | 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. |
| SCIboston Saturday Education Series
SCI and Footcare
May 20th 11:00am-12:30pm Podiatrist, Dr. Emily Curley, will review the basic parts of a foot exam and home-management tips for common foot problems for people with spinal cord injuries. There will be a Q&A at the end to answer any of your foot-related questions. Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84802044709?pwd=OTJzY1lkV2tIbUZoejc1RTZyZ2t5UT09 Meeting ID: 848 0204 4709
Passcode: 323904 |
|  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), Massachusetts Office on Disability, and United Spinal. You'll read about the a reasonable accommodation and modification workshop, safer air travel, Advocacy Live, and more. Advocacy Update Interested in getting notifications about our advocacy efforts or being an advocate on the state or national level? |
| 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. |
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|  | 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: Nutrition and Metabolic Changes with SCI/D (NEW) Cooking with Arash (NEW) Returning to School After SCI Bladder Management Adaptive Driving SCI Awareness Month Playlist And so much more! Click the button below to check them all out! |
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 | 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 SCI/D Discussion Group And many more! Click the button to access more information and the zoom links! |
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|  | 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: Shower Chairs 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! |
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 | 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! |
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| |  | | | Did you miss a newsletter? All our past newsletters can be found here: |
| | | | | SCIboston
2 Rehabilitation Way | Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
(617) 952-5643 | info@sciboston.org |
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