United Spinal Association Advocacy Network

06/11/2026

.

💻 Connect. Collaborate. Advocate.

Join Advocacy Live, the United Spinal Association Advocacy Network's monthly opportunity to connect with advocates from across the country, discuss current policies and issues impacting people with disabilities, and learn how you can take action.

🔶 June 16th at 1:00pm ET Registration: https://unitedspinal.org/events/advocacy-live-at-1pm/

🔶 July 21st at 5:00pm ET Registration: https://unitedspinal.org/events/advocacy-live-at-5pm/

Together, we can share ideas, amplify our voices, and advocate for meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels.

06/05/2026

🌟 500 MILES OF PURE DETERMINATION! 🌟

Huge congratulations to Kim Ravenscraft Harrison, a member of United Spinal Association Advocacy Network's Outdoor Access Working Group, for smashing an incredible challenge! Kim completed the grueling, historic 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage from St. Jean, France, all the way to Galicia, Spain! 🇪🇸✨

Writing about her journey for the United Spinal blog was an absolute blast! Her infectious energy and sheer grit shine through every single detail!

This wasn't just a physical trek. This was a powerful statement for disability advocacy and outdoor inclusion. Navigating rocky terrain, steep mountain climbs, and a serious lack of accessible infrastructure, Kim proved that with the right gear (shoutout to her GRIT Freedom Chair!), a killer support crew, and unstoppable grit, the outdoors belongs to everyone. 🏔️♿️

🌲 Let’s Keep Pushing Forward Together!
Kim’s journey reminds us that we still have a long way to go. If you're ready to help break down barriers and expand outdoor access for all, consider getting involved with United Spinal Association’s Outdoor Access Working Group: https://unitedspinal.org/working-groups/

https://unitedspinal.org/what-one-wheelchair-users-500-mile-camino-journey-teaches-us-about-access-and-advocacy/

United Spinal Outdoor Working Group member Kim Harrison shares her triumphant 500-mile journey across Spain.

06/05/2026

🐾 Small, Mighty, and Ready to Change the World! 🐾

Huge congratulations to Long Beach activist, former City Councilwoman, and dedicated United Spinal Association advocate and working group member, Liz Treston, on being matched with her new Canine Companions service dog, Lucas! 💛

Service dogs aren’t just companions; they are keys to independence, helping with everything from picking up dropped items to navigating public spaces so advocates like Liz can keep breaking barriers.

Welcome to the team, Lucas! We can't wait to see you and Liz cruising the streets of Long Beach and continuing the fight for accessibility. 🦾🐕✨

Many people in the Long Beach community know former City Councilwoman Liz Treston to be an activist and a leader. But even superheroes need sidekicks — and Treston got one through Canine Companions, a service dog provider, on May 15 at a service dog graduation in Medford.

06/04/2026

Kelly Brush Foundation Adaptive Rec Talks: Water Skiing

Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM EST

Join for a conversation focused on adaptive water skiing and the many ways to get involved. Experts from the Adaptive Water Ski Club and the Adaptive Water Ski Program in Canada will share their experiences, recommendations, and insights on getting started, finding the right equipment, and connecting with local opportunities.

Click here for more information & future Adaptive Rec Talks:
https://adaptiverechub.org/adaptive-rec-talks/

06/03/2026

🚨 Access to catheter and ostomy supplies is not a luxury. It is a medical necessity.

In this clip from our Meet an Advocate Live Stream, 2026 Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania Jamie Clendening, discusses growing concerns about potential cuts to coverage for catheter and ostomy supplies and the devastating impact they could have on people with disabilities.

Without access to these essential supplies, individuals face increased risks of urinary tract infections, serious health complications, loss of independence, and higher healthcare costs. These supplies help people live, work, participate in their communities, and maintain their health and dignity.

Disability advocacy matters. When policymakers consider changes that affect access to critical medical supplies, it is essential that the disability community shares its voice and real-world experiences.

📢 At the upcoming United Spinal Association Roll on Capitol Hill, advocates from across the country will be speaking directly with their Members of Congress about protecting access to catheter, ostomy, and other medically necessary supplies for people with disabilities. Together, we can ensure our voices are heard!

05/29/2026

United Spinal Association's 2026 Roll on Capitol Hill! 🏛️♿

It’s almost June, which means one of the most powerful advocacy events of the year is just around the corner!

On June 24th, United Spinal Association advocates from across the nation are heading to Zoom to meet directly with Congressional members. They will be fighting for priority policies that deeply impact the disability community, including:

🛡️ Defending Home and Community-Based Services

🩺 Securing proper coverage for Catheters & Ostomy Supplies

🦽 Expanding coverage for lightweight Carbon Fiber and Titanium Wheelchairs

🛠️ Ending prior authorization for wheelchair repairs in Medicare Advantage

Want to know why these issues matter so much? Check out the full video to hear from Ryann Mason, a wheelchair user, registered nurse, and fierce United Spinal advocate on how these policies directly affect daily life and healthcare.

👉 Watch the video here:

“It’s almost June, which means it’s almost time for one of my favorite events of the year,” says Ryann Mason, one of United Spinal’s advocates attending ROCH. The signature event will be virtual this year, allowing advocates to meet with their representatives over Zoom from across the nati...

05/27/2026

We want to sincerely apologize for the audio feedback issues at the beginning of this month’s Meet an Advocate Live Stream. Please stick with it, because the sound does clear up, and 2026 Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania Jamie Clendening's powerful story and advocacy are absolutely worth hearing.

A huge thank you to Jamie Clendening for joining us and sharing such an honest and impactful conversation about disability advocacy, access to proper equipment, and the challenges so many people face after sustaining a spinal cord injury or other mobility disability.

Jamie’s story is a reminder that access to quality healthcare, appropriate mobility equipment, therapy, and home accessibility should never be considered a luxury. Every person deserves the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive with dignity, independence, and support.

Thank you, Jamie, for using your voice to advocate for change, educate others, and empower the disability community through your lived experience and leadership. Conversations like this are exactly why advocacy matters.

05/27/2026

Join us for the next Meet an Advocate Live Stream on Wednesday, May 27th, at 12:00pm ET featuring Jamie Clendening, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2026!

Born with Spina Bifida and scoliosis, Jamie turned personal challenges into powerful advocacy after a life-changing surgery left her navigating inaccessible healthcare, housing, and equipment barriers. Today, she is a full-time advocate for healthcare access equity, peer mentor, and founder of I Can and I Wheel where she is helping connect people with disabilities to the resources and support they need to thrive.

From advocacy and mentoring to outdoor adventures and family life, Jamie brings passion, honesty, and real-world experience to the conversation. Don’t miss this discussion about accessibility, independence, resilience, and making meaningful change in the disability community.

Join us LIVE and bring your questions for Jamie!

� New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! �

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It is a time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of those who gave everything to protect them. We also recognize the families, friends, and loved ones who carry their memories forward every day.

As we gather with our communities today, may we pause to remember the true meaning of this day and express our deepest gratitude to those who served and sacrificed for our nation. 🇺🇸