About United Spinal Association
Our Mission
United Spinal Association is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals.
We believe no person should be excluded from opportunity based on their disability. Our goal is to provide people living with SCI/D programs and services that maximize their independence and enable them to remain active in their communities.
United Spinal transforms the lives of people with SCI/D by:
- Advocating for greater access to healthcare, mobility equipment, public transportation, rehabilitation, community services and supports, and the built environment
- Empowering our members with resources, one-on-one assistance, and peer support
- Promoting independence through employment opportunities and community integration of wheelchair users into mainstream society
Our History
United Spinal was founded in 1946 by a determined group of paralyzed WWII veterans in New York City who advocated for greater civil rights and independence for themselves and their fellow veterans. Rejecting the poor treatment they received at their local VA hospital, they decided to form a support group. From these modest beginnings, United Spinal was born. Since then, our core belief has remained unchanged. Despite living with SCI/D, a full, productive, and rewarding life is within the reach of anyone with the strength to believe it and the courage to make it happen.
Our Reach
United Spinal has access to over 100,000 wheelchair users, 50+ chapters, 180+ support groups, and 100+ rehabs and hospital partners nationwide––including 10 distinguished Spinal Cord Injury Model System Centers that support innovative projects and research in the field of SCI. This year, we have touched over 1.8 million lives impacted by disability. Our expansive reach to wheelchair consumers, their families and caregivers, clinicians and disability stakeholders, through our national Spinal Network empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their highest potential in all facets of life.
Membership in United Spinal is free and open to all individuals with SCI/D.
Our Impact
United Spinal is committed to advocating for greater civil rights and independence for people with disabilities, including expanding education and employment, improving enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring adequate access to public transportation and taxi services, and amending Medicare rules that restrict many individuals to their homes and nursing facilities.
Our Leadership
United Spinal Association’s Leadership is dedicated to advancing the organization’s principles
and goals and to achieving the highest level of service to the spinal cord injury community.
Patrick W. Maher
Chairman of the Board
United Spinal Association
As Director of Civic Engagement a digital transformation agency, Pat Maher continues a personal and company initiative that fosters and develops key civic partnerships with leading non-profit organizations with a mission to improve career opportunities in tech for historically marginalized populations. Read more about Pat Maher
James Weisman
President & CEO
United Spinal Association
For 35 years James Weisman has advocated for the rights of people with disabilities including helping craft the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Mr. Weisman is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).Read more about James Weisman
Officers
Patrick W. Maher – Chairman of the Board
Tom Aiello – Vice Chairman of the Board
Denise A. McQuade – Secretary
Andy Hicks – Treasurer
James Weisman – President & CEO
Tom is a West Point graduate and Army veteran living with spinal cord injury (SCI) from Wheaton, Illinois. He is currently president and founder of March Marketing, LLC., a leading agency specializing exclusively in strategy, consulting, marketing, recruiting, public relations, social media, and word-of-mouth communications for products and services targeting military and veteran families.
Marty has been involved in improving the lives of wheelchair users for over 50 years! Marty has worked in the mobility business for over 30 years and recently retired from his position of vice president of sales for TiLite, manufacturer of ULTRA-light-weight, titanium and aluminum wheelchairs.
Darren currently works as Senior Director of Direct Materials Procurement with Dairy Farmers of America. In that capacity, he successfully manages all commodity, ingredients, packaging, and co-manufacturing spend to drive value for the 14,000 member farmer-owners. Prior to working at DFA, Brehm led the North America Ingredients Procurement Team for KraftHeinz, and was also an Engagement Manager with McKinsey and Company.
Ronald is a results-oriented leader with a strong record of directing organizations in the delivery of benefits and employment to service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities. Ronald specializes in helping veterans to reintegrate into their family and community after sustaining combat and other injuries or illnesses in the line of duty to their country. He also has strong connections to support services and other resources necessary to enhance the quality of life of the severely injured and extensive experience working in all programs and services for people with disabilities.
David C. Cooper is president and CEO of Media Solutions, Inc. 
Mark is currently in Corporate Partnerships with the New York Football Giants. In this role, he is responsible for the development of customized marketing programs for both new and existing clients. Previously, he was the Director of Sales of the 2014 Super Bowl Host Committee, responsible for generating revenue from the sale of corporate partnerships, media programs, and hospitality. Mark received his BS from Fordham University with a Primary Concentration in Marketing. He actively serves within the local community at Hoboken Grace Church and at True Mentors- a local one-on-one mentoring program. Mark is a two-time marathoner and also enjoys cross-fit.
Andy is owner of Complex Rehab Technology Education, LLC, which provides continuing education for physical and occupational therapists in the US and Canada.
Carmen has been an advocate within the disability community for more than 25 years. She is the CEO/President of the Solutions Marketing Group, a consulting firm that develops strategies for companies and government agencies to employ, market to and provide customer services to the Nation’s 56M people with disabilities.
Gary Karp has been writing and teaching about disability since 1996, when he began work on his first of four books, “Life On Wheels: For the Active Wheelchair User.”
Wendell Matas is President of Premium Healthcare Products, a marketing entity dedicated to improving people’s lives by promoting awareness and choice of innovative healthcare products in the field of mobility, independence and neuromuscular training.
Denise states: “I was asked to be one of the first women to join United Spinal Association. I wanted to again be involved in a national disability rights organization and I was encouraged to run for the board of United Spinal.”
During the 1990s, Ronnie was involved in a case against a New York City Cooperative where she lived that revolved around creating a wheelchair accessible entrance. At that time, United Spinal offered to represent her legally.
Jim Sinocchi is Head of the global Office of Disability Inclusion at JPMorgan Chase. Sinocchi joined the firm in 2016 to head the newly established office. He works closely with senior leaders across the firm to establish consistent standards and processes to better support employees with disabilities. The office also supports employees who care for disabled family members.
Len has been involved with the disability community for 16 years. Len was the General Counsel of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) from 1995 until its merger with United Spinal Association in 2011. He is a member of the NSCIA’s Greater Boston Chapter. In 2001, he received the James E. Smittkamp award for outstanding service to NSCIA.
