We’re wild about the web and we think that you are too. But do you know how out there we at United Spinal really are about it?
We are wild enough to have created a large number of focused websites so that you, our members and friends, can get focused information, casual reading, and answers. Having focused sites makes it easier for you to find what you want when you want it. Take a tour and let us introduce you to some of our web properties. We think they’ll interest you.
Living well with a disability is what Action Online is all about. It’s the online version of United Spinal’s monthly magazine that offers up a trove of great reading and good information. You can find intriguing articles on a diverse mix of topics such as fashion, the arts, health, personal finances, employment, travel, and much more. Articles are updated regularly so there is always something new waiting for you at Action Online.
Not just for veterans but also for their spouses and family members. The VetsFirst website offers visitors updates on veterans benefits, the doings in Washington, and insightful posts on issues that are important to vets and their families. While you’re there, check out Ask VetsFirst. Ask VetsFirst is a free online service staffed by trained benefits counsilors. You can ask them any questions regarding your veterans benefits and get an accurate quick answer, and some help if you need it. Also, be sure to sign up as a VetsFirst member. Membership in VetsFirst is free and open to all veterans with a disability, their spouses, dependent children, and surviving spouse or parents.
Putting it mildly, this website is a cornucopia of information on wheelchairs and assistive devices. USA TechGuide is about choices and knowing what is out there and available. Be sure to stop by the wheelchair review section or the mobility scooter review section. These sections contain reviews of hundreds of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Not by our United Spinal staff but by real users of these products. USA TechGuide is a great reference and information resource that can help you make the right equipment choices. Take a minute to enter a wheelchair or scooter review of your own. It’s quick and easy, and not technical at all. Your input may help others in making the right choice.
This United Spinal website is dedicated to easing the travel pains for travelers with disabilities. There are always really great deals on accessible trips and cruises listed on the site. If you have concerns or questions about traveling with a disability just contact the staff and ask away. ABLE to Travel provides knowledgeable travel agents that have dealt with all types of issues that a traveler using a wheelchair or who has limited mobility may encounter during his or her trip, including accessible transportation to and from the airport, stowage of wheelchairs or other mobility equipment on board an aircraft, accessible hotel accommodations, and access to medical equipment.
Our advocacy website, Spinal Cord Advocates, is obviously dedicated to advocacy and public policy but not like you’re used to getting it. It’s geared for the "grassroots" crowd and offers up information on important legislative issues that affect all people with disabilities in a way that makes this complex subject understandable. Be sure to check out the "My Issues" section. This is a super section where visitors to the site can enter issues that are of concern to them and share them with everyone. Yep, they get posted on the website for all to read. If you have something on your mind or just want to find out what is gnawing on other visitors, this is the perfect place.
This website is where you can get the answers to your questions about Spinal Cord Injury & Disease. The Spinal Cord Central website has a free help service where you can contact the expert staff and get answers and information. It’s quick and easy and the answers are archived in your own personal account for future reference. There are a large number of online "Knowledge Books" that you can browse for information. If you still need help, all it takes is a quick submission and anwers will be on their way to you.
This is one of United Spinal’s hidden treasures. It is homebase to our Accessibility Services program. As their staff says and the website confirms, their top mission is "Making our built environment accessible". Accessibility Services is the cutting edge of United Spinal Association’s commitment to guaranteeing the civil rights of all citizens to fully participate in our culture and our society, and these folks are the best at it. Just look at this sampling of projects that they have worked on. While the the site caters to design professionals and code enforcement officials, it still has much to offer everyone. Stop by the site and view the online Fire Safety For Wheelchair Users Training Program, or take a moment to read their newsletter. Their newsletter offers great behind the scenes insights into accessiblity.
Dedicated soley to topics concerning Multiple Sclerosis, our newspaper styled MS Scene covers the latest in new pharmaceuticals and therapeutic treatments with sidetrips to topics such as excercise, lifestyle, clinical trials, and more. It’s the place to go for keeping up with the latest regarding Multiple Sclerosis.
The Wheelchair Medic website is our virtual service stop for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. This is the place to go if you are considering purchasing a wheelchair or scooter or looking for a wheelchair or scooter part (especially a hard to find one). If you live in the greater New York City area you can arrange a repair to your wheelchair or scooter. Just fill in the short online form and they’ll get right back to you.
This is our laid back wheelchair and assistive technology blog but on any given day you might see almost any subject posted here. New innovations from futuristic wheelchair concepts to smart faucets will usually show up on these pages. It’s light reading with lots of what’s new.
That covers most of our websites, and as you can see we are wild about web. Please take some time to visit these websites. They’re there for you.
Ziggi Landsman
VP of Online Relations
United Spinal Association
