A truly unique conference for women with disabilities co-sponsored by United Spinal Association and Independence Care System (ICS) was held Saturday, May 22nd at a truly unique venue––ICS’s Brooklyn Center. 
The conference titled From Within––A Discussion About Self-Esteem, Self-Awareness, & Self-Empowerment for Women with Disabilities, which was free and open to the public, included intimate workshops that gave participants a chance to express themselves in frank and open discussions on self-image, parenting, fitness and nutrition, dating and socializing, relationships, abuse and domestic violence, and breast health care.
Marlene Perkins, United Spinal’s VP for Corporate and Donor Relations believes the conference has a bright future. “Thanks to our partnership with ICS and all of the sponsors, presenters, and attendees who made this initial gathering so successful, we have paved the way to improve the lives of many women living with disabilities for years to come. United Spinal feels privileged to be a part of this conference, and we are very excited about its future.”
The diverse group of attendees included women from various backgrounds––young, old, single, married, mothers, daughters, workers, caregivers and volunteers. For many, the experience was unlike any other.
“It was such an interesting conference. As a new mother living with a disability I learned a great deal of valuable information. I’ve always wanted to learn about ways to become more active and independent. It’s not everyday that you are presented with an opportunity to improve your life as this conference offered me,” said Martha Mendez, an associate member of United Spinal.
“The presenters were so knowledgeable. There was something for everyone,” added Torey Buckley, a Brooklyn resident.
One workshop provided beauty tips and a demo on applying make-up. It was a family atmosphere with many laughs and smiles, as Mia B. Wilson, founder and president of Just B Beautiful (www.justbbeautiful.com), with an arsenal of beauty products close by, entertained the crowd, and a few volunteers, while offering advice on looking good on the outside.
In another workshop, a more serious discussion was taking place on accessing healthcare and becoming your own advocate. Many in the audience shared their personal stories on being denied medical treatment and other unfortunate healthcare scenarios as Kelly McAnnany, Esq., of the Disability Law Center, shared valuable resources and information to avoid such issues. In the distance, soft, meditative music could be heard as Millie Miraglia, a fitness, yoga, and stress management consultant, led a group of women through a variety of relaxing exercises to improve their health and well-being during a physical fitness workshop.
Two other workshops were led by Carole A. Biraldi, RN, MS, a private practice public health nurse educator who provided information on breast health and the importance of mammographies for women with disabilities; and Denise Baker, LMSW, a social worker at Barrier Free Living who gave a presentation on domestic violence against women with disabilities and what to do if you’re a victim of abuse. Katinka Neuhof hosted two workshops for the day, one that explored parenting with disability and one on marriage, dating, and relationships.
During her keynote address, Wendy Crawford, who is founder of mobileWomen.org, a site dedicated to women who use wheelchairs, discussed “The Raw Beauty Project,” an innovative visual arts project designed to inspire the public to create new perceptions, transform stereotypes and break through personal obstacles in expanding awareness of women with physical challenges. “Women learn early on to place a great deal of value on the size and shape of their body. We assume that looking a certain way will bring us happiness and success. Disabled women are subject to the same effects of the media as everyone else, but even more so because we are rarely represented. Rarely is a disabled woman’s beauty or sexuality recognized,” said Crawford, who also chairs United Spinal’s Women Without Limits Advisory Committee, which is committed to enhancing the lives of all women with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) by identifying and addressing the many issues that are relevant in their lives.
“I think many of us need to learn to change our self-perception and embrace our own beauty before we expect others to do the same,” she added.
Other attendees commented on how fitting it was to host this one-of-a-kind event at ICS’s Brooklyn Center, a place that shows off its accessibility around every turn. Upon entering the center, located at 25 Elm Place in Brooklyn, NY, visitors are met by a large welcome mat that reads “Adults with Physical Disabilities Are Welcome Here.” The motto is expressed in many of the center’s universal design elements that speak to wheelchair users, including curved walls, cork floors, a minimal number of doors (some exceeding Americans with Disabilities Act size requirements), a sliding glass front door on a motion sensor that opens automatically, and vibrant colors to identify service areas. The 16,000-square foot space also includes an art gallery displaying paintings and contemporary art pieces created by ICS members; a wheelchair repair and maintenance workshop; and an airy office space with accessible work areas. For more info on the center, or to schedule a tour, please visit http://www.icsny.org/about-us/our-state-of-the-art-brooklyn-center/.
During the conference, the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure received the inaugural “From Within” Award for their efforts to improve the lives, health, and well-being of women with disabilities and their support for ICS’s model Breast Cancer Screening Project for Women with Physical Disabilities, now in its third year.
“It certainly gives me a great deal of pleasure and pride to accept this recognition on behalf of my organization. Our mission at Susan G. Komen for the Cure is to ensure all women with disabilities receive the services and supports needed to lead healthy and productive lives. While it is an honor to receive this award, for us, it’s just what we do. It’s a part of who we are as an organization. We are so proud to be associated with ICS and United Spinal. We look forward to working with both organizations as they continue to trail blaze in New York City and other areas across the country,” said Dr. Dara P. Richardson, CEO of the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
