At United Spinal Association, there are many facets to promoting disability awareness.

Educating the public on issues such as accessibility, health care, legislation, and research is a vital component of United Spinal’s mission, however, the personal approach our staff takes to assisting each and every person with a disability, is also an important part of our identity.

United Spinal’s social workers and peer mentors help resolve the day-to-day challenges and obstacles people with spinal cord injuries and disorders or mobility impairments may encounter. They are the caring voices that tirelessly work in the trenches to share United Spinal’s message of hope and disability awareness with those that need it the most, offering valuable resources and unparalleled one-on-one support.

Lindsey Whitcomb, a social worker for United Spinal who has touched the lives of many of our members, nurtures our organization’s most valued belief––despite living with a disability or mobility impairment, a full, pro-active, and rewarding life is not only possible, it is within the reach of anyone with the strength to believe it and the courage to make it happen.

“I work hard to provide valuable information and resources to our members. Quite often people are not aware of the different types of resources and help that are available to them. It’s my job to educate our members about these services and link them to the appropriate resources and programs their communities have to offer. I also advocate for our members, help them cope with issues in their everyday lives, and teach them to become their own self-advocates to improve their quality of lives,” Whitcomb said.

Marilyn Lazarcheck, a United Spinal member from the Bronx, NY, said she has made tremendous progress in her life thanks to the support of Whitcomb and United Spinal. “When I needed the assistance United Spinal came through. They persevered and followed through until the end to successfully assist me when I needed it the most. I feel that United Spinal has so many programs and they’re always willing to help anybody in the community that needs it. They’re always right there when I need them––just a phone call away.”

As we celebrate the final week of United Spinal’s Disability Awareness Month, let’s not forget the most important factor in spreading awareness and empowering the lives of others within our community––that is, of course, you.

Tom Scott
Editor
Marketing & Communications
718-803-3782