Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM)

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Olyphant, PA
Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM)

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Discover, Develop, and Celebrate Abilities An important tool in this process is the adventure program. The executive board will have the final say.

Here are a few of the programs we would plan on initiating:

THE ADVENTURE PROGRAM: Our mission is to support and foster a healthy, happy life. This program is designed to consist of what may be considered high adventure activities meant to challenge and inspire. It is our belief, that participating in such a process will help an individual with a spinal cord injury have an expanded sense of what is truly possible after such a catastrophic event in their lives. We feel that by providing opportunities for someone to try new things and meeting other individuals in similar situations will allow for a space in which a spark might grow into a fuller life. At the very least these activities are meant to let us all just have a little fun! The activities and their organization will be decided upon by votes from all members within the community. The range of what we will do is very broad and may range from “high activity” events such as skydiving, river rafting, or horseback riding to something less physical like attending a concert. The goal is to arrange for a minimum of at least one larger activity during the course of the year. Smaller events or community outings may also be part of this program. These will be open to all individuals who have a spinal cord injury within our community, free of charge, with preference going to those who have newer injuries. Participation in as many activities as possible is encouraged, but those who have not had a chance to take part in previous outings will be chosen first if space is limited. The number of individuals participating will depend upon activity limitations, volunteer support, and available funds. Family members will be encouraged to join in, but may have to pay a portion or all of the money necessary to cover their costs. THE GRANT PROGRAM: This aspect of our group is designed to offer support for individuals who want to work towards and achieve health and fitness goals which would be otherwise made difficult due to monetary limitations. Persons submitting applications will be expected to fully explain their needs and what it is they hope to achieve upon receiving assistance. They may be considered for either full or partial funding of their requests. Any monies paid out will not need to be reimbursed, but the individual is encouraged to give back to the group and the community as best they can. Applications may be submitted to the secretary or directly to the board. The executive board will vote on how to proceed based on their perceptions of need and available resources. This will be done in a timely fashion and the applicant will be notified directly. THE RENTAL PROGRAM: The goal of this program is to purchase accessible equipment that can be used by members of the I AM organization. Some possibilities are hand-cycles and the necessary equipment used to go snow skiing or for aquatics activities. This type of equipment can be expensive to purchase so our goal is to obtain items with the broadest range of use for our members. Decisions of this nature will be voted on by the group and must receive approval from the board. . It is suggested that rentals be free of cost, but require some form of commitment by the individual to promote the mission of the group, perhaps by participating in fund-raising events or promoting community awareness. THE PEER-MENTORING PROGRAM: When a person sustains an injury to their spinal cord the fundamental aspects of that individual's life and the lives of those who care about him or her are inevitably altered; the degree to which this occurs may differ, but it does happen. During this time there is a multitude of things happening. There is a physical component that needs to be addressed. Certain mental and emotional adjustments also need to be navigated. Few people can understand this better than those who have been through and live within this reality. For this reason I AM will encourage its members, those with a spinal cord injury along with any interested family members, to become part of a support network. Individuals who act as mentors within this program endeavor to offer some support or perspective on many of the aspects, emotions, thought processes, and situations which may arise following such an event. COMMUNITY INITIATIVE: I AM is a group, but we are also members of a larger community and as such have a shared responsibility to contribute towards society. As individuals putting abilities in motion our continued development should inherently improve those around us. However, the organization will also work to develop awareness about spinal cord injuries along with the power of abilities when allowed to flourish. One way we to accomplish this is by promoting an annual Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day as a way in which the community has a better opportunity to learn about the issues and concerns surrounding those who have spinal cord injuries. Information will be provided as to what happens to a person’s body after a spinal cord injury and practices to adopt that may help reduce the occurrences. Many activities and sports participated in after an injury will also be showcased. The group also holds a fundraiser in which area colleges compete in a torment using wheelchair sports. This program has the dual purpose of educating the public and those students who are working towards a degree and may find themselves in a position where they will be working directly with the unique needs of the spinal cord injury population.

11/08/2026

Yesterday we held our annual Halloween party. It was a very nice evening full of good company, conversation, and games. There were also a lot of great costumes. Which ones are your favorites.

We want to thank the Numotion Foundation and United Spinal Association their support and helping to make this event possible.

11/05/2026

United Spinal Association is holding a new, recurring activity - Community Game Night!

Community Game Night is a welcoming virtual gathering for players of all experience levels. Whether you’re a casual player or a strategy pro, come hang out, play online games, and connect with friends old and new from anywhere.

When: Friday, November 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Live on Zoom
Cost: Free
Register: https://unitedspinal.org/events/community-game-night/

What we’ll be playing:

Card and board games (UNO, Spades, Ticket to Ride, Scrabble, and more)
Trivia, Codenames, and Bingo
Party favorites like Jackbox Games (Quiplash, Fibbage, and Drawful)
No gaming experience needed. Just come ready to play, connect, and have fun with the United Spinal community!

Help us plan the fun: Tell us your favorite games in this quick survey, and we’ll use your picks to shape our first game night: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/game-night

11/04/2026

Ready to make an impact?

Join the BACKBONES Leaders Program — for people with spinal cord injuries who are ready to grow, connect, and lead. Apply now: https://www.backbonesonline.org/leaders-program

The BACKBONES Leaders Program is a free, virtual leadership development experience designed to empower people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities to strengthen their voices, build community, and lead change. Participants engage in personal growth, skill-building, and community building over the course of several months, gaining tools to make meaningful impact in their communities. Participants in the Leaders Program will receive up to a $1000 grant for professional development and a professional photo session for headshots.

BACKBONES is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with spinal cord injury and related disabilities through programs that promote personal and community growth. Since 2009, they have worked to ensure that people with disabilities feel supported, represented, and empowered.

11/03/2026

Our friends at IM ABLE Foundation is holding their Ruck & Roll event on Nov. 14, and are inviting YOU to attend. They have 5 spots left for the Adaptive Ruck, which uses our GRIT Freedom Chairs and unlimited spots open for our Adaptive Roll (Demo & Group Ride). More details below.

Ruck & Roll
Get ready to ruck, roll, and rally for a fall day of fitness, fun, and community at Blue Marsh! Choose a ruck distance, try out adaptive equipment, join a group ride, or take on an adaptive GRIT Chair ruck. With mission-inspired challenge stations, a chili cook-off, fall activities, and s’mores by the campfire, there’s plenty to enjoy on and off the trail. Bring canned goods to support local organizations serving veterans and families.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Blue Marsh National Recreation Area, State Hill Boat Launch Area
Wernersville, PA
Ruck
Choose your distance: approximately 3–4 miles, 8–9 miles, or 13–14 miles. Carry a weighted pack or vest, or go without added weight.
Roll
Explore adaptive equipment, join a supportive 5-mile group ride, or participate in the adaptive GRIT Chair ruck.
Adaptive athletes register free. Veterans receive 50% off ruck registration with code SALUTE50.
Register and learn more: https://runsignup.com/ruckroll

10/26/2026

One of our members is selling his van. For more info and pricing call Tom @ 570.762.3233

2020 Toyota sienna Limited -Premium wheelchair accessible Minivanwith a Braun automatic side door entry ramp. It has an EMC touchscreen control unit to operate secondary functions, including the drive shift, heat and air conditioner, windows, mirrors, and Automatic Braun ramp. It also has secondary controls in the brake/accelerator for blinkers, wipers, cruise control, etc. It.is set up for a disabled person to drive using hand controls. These include reduced effort steering and a 3700 unit with reduced effort braking to operate the vehicle. Excellent condition with very low mileage, approximately 4300 miles,and ready to be driven for the Right person or used as a training vehicle.

10/21/2026

You're voice matters. Share your thoughts on in-home services, housing, transportation, employment, etc. based on your experiences. The input will be incorporated into the development of a Statewide Plan on Independent Living, as required by federal law.

10/05/2026

This past Saturday we held our last group cycling event for the year. It was a beautiful day for a ride along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Peckville and we look forward to getting back out there as a group next spring. Thank you to everyone who helped with this event and our other earlier cycling events. UofS Department of Physical Therapy
Of course cycles are still available to be used through the Bike Buddy program. If you need more information about that program check out the below link or send us a message.
https://individualabilities.org/reach/bike-buddy-program/

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

Who doesn't like a good basket raffle! Well, we had a GREAT ONE for our bingo fundraiser this past Sunday! We received A LOT of compliments on the baskets that were there and it certainly added to the success of the event.
We want to say THANK YOU to all those people and businesses who donated such great baskets.
THANK YOU:
Harvest Seasonal Grill, Moosic
Gertrude Hawk Chocolates
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery
Stracham Enterprises
Barbara Barak
Rose Farrell
The Welsch Family
The Rynar Family
The Doyle Family
Barb Romanansky
Eleventh Element
Jen Thomas
Salon Nouveau
Boxes and Bows
Jon L. Stopay Candies
Betsy LaRoza
Gert McGowan
George Burger & Sons Inc.
Back Mountain Makery
Planko's Woodworking
Wild Birds Unlimited (Dallas, PA)
Ali Zurawski
Barb Davis
Ellen Stefanski & Leslie Marchetti
Susan Charnetski
Barb Hoyson
The blooming barn
Joni Petro
Lissa Bryan-Smith
Wreaths of Wonder
Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilkes-Barre
Nell-Ann Kappler
Mary O'Hora
The Caulson Family
The Celuck Family
The Salva Family

Address

Olyphant, PA
18447

Telephone

+15705616139

Website

http://www.individualabilities.org/

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