United Spinal Association of Connecticut Chapter

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In the United States of America, individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities are protected by a variety of laws that provide entitlements that safeguard and promote their health, welfare, and independence. Legislation came into being because of the work of disability advocacy groups across the country. Explore this section to learn more about programs, agencies, resource centers, and special interest groups who promote accessibility, inclusion, and equality for individuals living with a spinal cord injury.

Scroll through the resources below to identify various Disability Resource Centers that serve as clearinghouses of disability-specific information. These include sources for health and patient advocates who can help you navigate the complexities of the health care system. Learn about self-advocacy across a spectrum of needs – medical, psychological, social, emotional, recreational, and vocational. Understand how to find healthcare providers and identify additional support through community-based disability groups.

This section also includes state-wide disability action centers and alliances involved in promoting and ensuring civil rights for people with disabilities. These include state-wide Centers for Independent Living (CIL), National Spinal Cord Injury Association chapters, Family Caregiver Alliances and foundations that support spinal cord injury recovery. These groups provide transition support and counseling for housing, home-based services, personal assistants, and other legal services. Centers for Independent Living and Spinal Cord Associations also provide peer mentoring programs for youth and adults.

United Spinal Association of Connecticut Chapter The Mission of the Connecticut Chapter of the United Spinal Association is to support those with spinal related injuries or diseases and their families by being an advocate for their rights while serving as a resource to its members and the general public. The Association provides individual peer support and information to increase awareness of disabilities and prevention, and fundraising events to promote research and education. Quality of Life grants have been given to individuals for transportation needs, education expenses, additional wheelchair cushions, home and vehicle modification and adaptive equipment. The Chapter also provides the national Powerful Tools for Caregiver program. Special events and programs are also designed to support empowerment of its members.