Meet Our Gold Sponsor: United Spinal Association

Our Gold sponsor, United Spinal Association, was a major supporter of the Cuba adventure. The
organization’s efforts and talented “New Mobility” team brought the journey directly to the paralysis community through the magazine’s incredible storytelling and reach.

History

United Spinal Association was founded in 1946 by paralyzed WWII veterans from New York City who were frustrated with the poor treatment they received at the local VA hospital. The organization started as a support group and blossomed into a powerful nationwide network over the years. These men were in essence instrumental founders of the disability rights movement.

Together the United Spinal founders advocated for greater civil rights and independence both for themselves and for fellow veterans, which is a mission that continues till this day. With over 60 local chapters nationwide, United Spinal Association connects people with spinal cord injuries to their peers, helping them engage and learn from one another. United Spinal also offers benefits counseling for veterans through a program called VetsFirst, which also offers a free knowledge library.

Today, United Spinal Association is recognized as the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to helping persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Its commitment to providing active-lifestyle information, peer support and advocacy to empower individuals to achieve their highest potential is what makes this organization stand out from the rest.

New Mobility Magazine

In 2010, United Spinal Association acquired New Mobility Magazine, the leading disability lifestyle print magazine in the United States. New Mobility was founded in 1989 by Sam Maddox and has an impressive readership of nearly 20,000, including international subscribers. What makes new mobility unique is that 90 percent of its writers live with disabilities, making its articles real, vibrant and compelling. The magazine is free to United Spinal members (subscribe here).

In August 2016, New Mobility Magazine featured our Cuba adventure, Wheeling in Cuba: 90 Miles Away and a World Apart, making it the cover. You can read the cover story here

Roll on Capitol Hill

For the last six summers in the District of Columbia, United Spinal Association has organized their signature policy event — Roll on Capitol Hill. This five day event brings together many voices from the disability community with the goal of strategically advocating targeted messages to congressional legislators on important disability specific issues. Here is a video from this year’s Roll on Capitol Hill: watch

Learn more about United Spinal Association at unitedspinal.org