Jackson Heights, NY–The New York City-based United Spinal Association, in partnership with the Therapeutic Recreation and Independent Lifestyles program of The Rehabilitation Center at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, will train more than 20 local individuals with a spinal cord injury to become “peer mentors.” The trainings will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29, from 9 AM to 5 PM each day. Friday’s training session will be held at the University Health Science Campus Neurosciences Building 550, first floor, east conference room. Saturday’s presentation will take place on the second floor of the Alumni Hall, within the Health Science Education Building.

Peer mentoring helps newly-injured persons with a spinal cord injury learn important skills like problem-solving, assertiveness, and goal setting. A mentor is someone who is living successfully with a spinal cord injury; who is knowledgeable about daily living skills, coping strategies, and community resources; and, who is committed to sharing his or her experience with other spinal cord injured individuals.

Attending and mentoring at this event will be United Spinal Association’s Social Services director Jerome Kleckley, who is himself a person with a spinal cord injury. Mr. Kleckley stated, “a spinal cord injury may prevent a person from doing things the ‘old way,’ but it doesn’t prevent them from learning new ways to live. Our daily challenges are different than non-disabled persons, but we can still succeed in the workplace, have a family, and become active and respected members of our communities.”

United Spinal Association’s ability to kickoff its Peer Mentoring program in Salt Lake City is made possible by a generous grant from the Milbank Foundation for Rehabilitation in New York City. Later this fall, United Spinal will begin similar mentoring projects for persons with a spinal cord injury at four hospital-based rehabilitation centers in the state of New York.