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United on Wheels – Episode 43 When it comes to mental health and disability, sometimes we don’t seek out the support and resources we need due to a variety of reasons. Despite any biases or preconceived notions, we should never let it stop us from getting the care we need! Michaela Devins, a member of United Spinal’s Boston Chapter and dedicated mental health and disability advocate talks about the personal struggles she encountered in effectively addressing her mental health after her spinal cord injury due to a diving accident. She has a lot of knowledge to share with us. For more on the topic of mental health and to support United Spinal’s #StrongWheeled United campaign, visit https://unitedspinal.org/strong-wheeled-together/

Steve and Heidi-Johnson Wright join us to share their personal journey maintaining a strong and loving relationship when caregiving is part of the equation. The couple have used their experiences to raise awareness and educate the masses on disability issues, notably the lack of access to the built environment.

As a Haitian-American, Rhonel Cinous always wanted to go to Haiti, but when he finally got his opportunity, things did not go as he had hoped. Cinous, a Miami native, went to Haiti in 2016 to promote the morning radio show he hosted and see the country, but on a snorkeling trip during his second day, he broke his neck on his first dive. Since his injury, Cinous found his way back to pursue his interests and discover new opportunities to create positive change in our society. With the support of the United Spinal community, Rhonel has become a leading voice for the organization’s Tech Access Group, advocating for inclusive technology that will empower other wheelchair users to find greater independence and quality of life.

Nick LiBassi, United Spinal’s VP of Partnership Expansion joins United on Wheels podcast host Paul Amadeus Lane to talk about his journey from a devastating skydiving accident that caused a spinal cord injury to finding strength from his peers and the United Spinal community to reach his goals. None of us are fully prepared for very dramatic changes in our lives, but it’s how we learn from each other’s lived experiences and pick each other up that can make a positive difference and lead to amazing things! That’s how we become ‘Strong Wheeled Together’.

Leonard Mayberry – rodeo worker, welder, steel worker, supervisor of a city crew – shares his new life story of recovery after spinal cord injury. Learn how Leonard, a United Spinal member from Texas, regained his independence and fought back against a system that only saw his wheelchair and disability, rather than his talent, spirit and determination to overcome all odds.

On this episode we chat with former US Paralympian Gold Medalist Seth McBride who shares his story about overcoming spinal cord injury and making it to the Paralympic Games, not once but three times! Seth has lived a pretty extraordinary life. As a parent with a disability, wheelchair rugby athlete and editor at New Mobility Magazine, he has a few lessons to share with aspiring athletes who want to perform on the biggest stage or basically anyone who wants live life to the fullest. Check it out!

On this episode we share a truly valuable resource for the disability community! Help Hope Live (HHL) supports community-based fundraising for people with unmet medical expenses and related costs due to cell and organ transplants or catastrophic injuries and illnesses. Our special guests Sonny Mullen, program manager at HHL and Kristen Sachs, HHL brand ambassador share the organization’s success and how individuals in need can take advantage of their one-on-one fundraising support!

On this episode we’re joined by Brook McCall and Ian Mackay, members of United Spinal’s Tech Access Group (TAG). Learn more about TAG and how cutting-edge technology is breaking down barriers to independence and greater quality of life in unprecedented ways for wheelchair users.

On this episode of the United on Wheels podcast, Paul welcomes two amazing moms to the show to discuss the important topic of how to talk to your children about disabilities. Teal Sherer, an actress and advocate for the inclusion of performers with disabilities in the entertainment industry talks about how she navigates being a mom who uses a wheelchair and how she approaches the disability conversation with her 6 year-old son. Kara Ayers, a psychologist. disability advocate, and mom of three shares the importance of honesty and openness when addressing disability and what we can all do to break down the stigma of living with a disability.

On this episode of United on Wheels Paul is joined by Stephen Lieberman, Director of Policy and Advocacy at United Spinal Association. They speak on the importance of District Mobilization. This is a must listen, tune in now!

On this episode of United on Wheels, Paul is joined by Christine Golden and Johnny Parker from our Vetsfirst Team. Did you know that prior to being called United Spinal, we were actually named “Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association?” Tune in to learn a bit about the Vetsfirst Team and what they do for our veterans.

Join Paul as he speaks with United Spinal’s Accessibility Services (ACS) Team members Kay Pearson, Marsha Mazz and Dominic Marinelli to discuss progress in building an inclusive world for wheelchair users and all people with disabilities. Accessibility Services is a team of professionals, including certified accessibility specialists, plan examiners, attorneys, architects and code enforcement officials who are skilled in applying state and federal accessibility requirements, including, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing, Section 504 and state/local accessibility requirements to your project. Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2021, United Spinal and its programs such as ACS have empowered people with disabilities to maximize independence and access their communities to pursue new opportunities.