Wheel World News

April 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to Wheel World News. Our monthly newsletter highlights current events, the different programs offered around the community, and much more. Enjoy!

Current Events

Here are some of the latest events going on within the community this month. We hope to see you there!

What's happening: Advanced Wheelchair Skills Classes

Description: [Shorter hospital and rehabilitation stays may not allow enough time to learn important wheelchair skills, or changes through aging require a brush up course to learn new skills to remain independent.

Wheelchair skills are vital as they help prevent secondary conditions or isolation due to an inability to navigate our environment. It also teaches individuals to become more efficient in the usage of their wheelchair.

Topics Covered Each Week:

Week #1: Transferring

Week#2: Managing Your Environment

Week#3: Traveling with Your Chair

Week#4: Mechanics of Your Chair/Adaptive Sports


These classes are FREE. Click here to sign up today!]

Date: [April 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2023]

Time: [4:30-6:30 pm]

Cost: [FREE]

What's happening: Wheeln' N Reeln' - Adaptive Fishing

Description: [Join AZSCIA and J& K Outdoor Adventures for a fun morning of fishing!

If you need assistance, please bring a caregiver or family member to help you.

If you’re bringing a family member/caregiver/friend that will be fishing, they will need a license.

For more info on obtaining a license, check here: https://www.azgfd.com/license/

If you have any questions, email karen@azspinal.org or call the office- 602-507-4209

We hope to see you there! 

Click here to sign up today!]

Date: [Saturday, April 23rd, 2023]

Time: [10 am-12 pm]

Cost: [$15 per person]

What's happening: Exploring Arizona - Adaptive Hiking Series

Description: [There’s no better way to refresh the spirit than a hike in the wonderful outdoors! Join us for the Exploring Arizona adaptive hiking series. Bring a sack lunch, water, and sun protection. 

Space is limited for this hike - Click here to sign up today!]

Date: [April 17th, 2023]

Time: [8 am-3 pm]

Cost: [$10 per person, (Transportation, if needed is an additional $15 per person)]

What's happening: Cribbage Game Night

Description: [Join the AZSCIA for our Cribbage Game Night! Cribbage is a classic game enjoyed by many where we use words such as “15 for 2” and “go” while doing mental math and charting the games process on a wooden point board. 

If you have your own cribbage board and deck of cards, please bring to game night. Not all boards or decks may be used, but we want to make sure we have enough.

Space is limited for this event, sign up today!

Click here  to sign up today!]

Date: [Tuesday, April 25th, 2023]

Time: [5:30-7:30 pm]

Cost: [$5 per person]

What's happening: Spring Bingo Night (In-Person)

Description: [Join the AZSCIA for our Spring Bingo Night on Friday, April 28th, 2023 @ 5:30pm. Doors open at 5 pm and games will begin at 5:30 pm. For only $5, you will receive a pack of 10 BINGO game cards, dinner, snacks, and beverages.

Online registration: $5/At the door: $10. Space is limited,

Click here to sign up today!]

Date: [Friday, April 28th, 2023]

Time: [5:30-8 pm]

Cost: [Online Registration: $5/At the Door: $10]

To stay up-to-date on all AZSCIA events (and other events going on within the community), follow our Community Events/News Facebook page!
AZSCIA Community Events/News Facebook

Our 'Meditation & Movement Class' is returning this month! The intent of the class is to exercise and develop greater self-awareness and inner mastery. With the utilization of mindful and meditation exercises, people have the opportunity to experience greater self-knowledge, resiliency, and positive habit-forming exercises.


Here are the dates for Spring 2023:

Apr 5th @ 11 am - In Person

Apr 19th @ 11 am - Virtual

May 3rd @ 11 am - In Person

May 17th @ 11 am - Virtual


Virtual Meditation and Movement Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199163237?pwd=WUlLWHFjYXlTa2tNQ3J2MXYzc1NoZz09&from=addon

 

Meeting ID: 871 9916 3237

Passcode: 764454



We hope you'll join us! Please contact us if you have any questions -

(602) 507-4209

REGISTER HERE

Peer Mentor Training on Monday, April 24th, 2023

@ 11 am - 3 pm

Online Application

Opioid Use Disorder in the Disability Community

Individuals with spinal cord injuries are disproportionately affected with OUD (Opioid Use Disorder). A spinal cord injury typically requires the use of various pain-killing medications in an effort to manage pain effectively. However, data shows that after 5 days of use of an opioid, the risk of long-term abuse is drastically higher. The AZSCIA is committed to providing services around prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Our core belief is that opioids are not a sustainable method of treatment for this population. Pain management is a complex issue with a wide range of applicable strategies that can be effective. The goal is to manage pain while simultaneously limiting the chance of opioid use disorder (OUD). For individuals suffering from OUD; MAT therapy has proven to be an extremely effective treatment, one which the AZSCIA supports for any individual who makes that choice. Visit our website here for more resources and information. Pain Doesn't Have to Kill.

AZSCIA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit

Our 'Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit' is a great resource for individuals who may be struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), for people who want to learn more about opioids, and for caregivers/family members. This can be your go-to packet on all things OUD, from understanding OUD, first responder education, education or family members/caregivers, recovery support after overdose, and curated SCI community resources. If you ever have further questions or concerns, or just need someone to talk to, please call us at 602-507-4209 or email eric@azspinal.org. 
View Toolkit
Opioid Reduction Program with Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center
More on Opioid Reduction Program
Share Your OUD Story
WE WANT YOU! The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is working to combat the Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) epidemic in Arizona. We are dedicated to building a healthy community for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

AZSCIA is working on creating videos to bring awareness to opioid use in the disability community. We are looking for individuals who are willing to share their experience with opioids. If you would like to participate and share your story, please call us at (602) 507-4209 OR email at eric@azspinal.org/allison@azspinal.org.

Your stories will help other individuals in the community. Click the button below if you are interested in sharing your experience. We thank you in advance!

Share Your Story
AZSCIA's Opioid Project Surveys
The AZSCIA is dedicated to building a healthy community for individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families. We are conducting data collection to understand the use of opioids within the disability community. The goal is to understand the role opioids play in response to chronic pain. Your feedback is valuable in creating new opportunities to educate and identify resources to increase awareness around the opioid epidemic in Arizona. Your responses are confidential and will not be shared with any third parties. We appreciate your time and thank you in advance for your participation
Individual Survey (answering for yourself)
Professional Survey
Family Member/Caregiver Survey

Support Groups

Support groups are a wonderful way to become active in the community, socialize, and meet new friends. You won't want to miss out on these amazing support groups going on throughout Arizona! 
Men’s Disability Discussion Group
If you're looking to meet new people or just have a great time, we invite you to join our Men's Support Group run by Don Price and Richard Klein.
Men's Group Zoom Meeting
Time: Every week on Thursdays,
4-5:30pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83127569653
Meeting ID: 831 2756 9653
That's How We Roll - SCI Support Group
This support group is based in Sedona, AZ. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 2pm-3:30pm. This group currently not meeting in person due to the pandemic. Please call Kelly & Corina for information on virtual support group meetings. If interested, please call 928-301-1591 or email supportgroup@kctproject.com
Ladies Support Group
Join the AZSCIA for our virtual Ladies Support Group! All ladies are welcome to participate. Our conversations include talking about living with SCI and the challenges we face. It’s all about the good, the bad and the better we can be.
When: 2nd Tuesday of Each Month
@ 2PMm (Once a month)
(This link will lead you directly to the call)
Meeting ID: 845 5161 4366
Password: 521326
Explore More Support Groups
Contact us: (602) 507-4209
www.azspinal.org

AZSCIA Peer Mentor Program - Meet Our Mentors!

Did you know we have a great Peer Mentor Program here at the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association? In this video, we wanted to highlight some of our amazing volunteers/mentors who dedicate their time to support the community. If you want to get connected with one of our peer mentors, please reach out to us today!

Wheelchair For Sale

X4-Extreme All-Terrain Wheelchair


Seat: 18x18

The chair will need new batteries. We have the original paperwork and manuals. The chair was ordered with flip-up armrests, camo print, a 10" seat elevator, and a 50-degree tilt in space.

 

We are asking $10,000. We paid $20,000 originally,

Please call Jodi @ 623-308-2061 for more information.


Podriplegics Podcast/AZSCIA YouTube Channel

Podriplegics Podcast
Have you checked out the 'Podriplegics' Podcast yet? If not, you'll want to! This is a podcast where three guys talk about living with a disability and providing insight, current events, and humor about their lives. They host guest speakers regularly. New podcasts come out monthly. Click image below to listen to previous podcasts. Click here to listen!
***Disclaimer***
The show has mature subject matter and mature language.
AZSCIA YouTube Channel
Be sure to check out the AZSCIA YouTube channel! We will be releasing videos on some of the virtual educational classes we recorded last year. If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you can click the bell to get notified when we publish new videos!

Click here to subscribe today!

Support AZSCIA

Save money and help a good cause every time you shop! We have partnered with Goodshop so that now you can feel great about your online shopping! Goodshop gives you the best coupons for thousands of stores like Target, Apple, Amazon, Petco and more AND a percentage of what you spend on virtually every purchase is donated to the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association! Plus, with the Goodshop app for iPhone and iPad, you can shop, save, and give on the go. While there also use Good Search when searching the internet. They pay us one cent for each search! Adds up quickly. Thank you!
Free to sign up here: http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop

Did you know you can support nonprofit organizations in your community just by shopping at Fry's? It's easy when you enroll in Fry's Community Rewards! To get started, sign up with your V.I.P Card, then select the AZSCIA as your charity. Once you're enrolled, we'll earn rewards every time you shop and use your V.I.P Card! If you are already enrolled, all participants must re-enroll each year to continue earning rewards for their chosen organization. The Banner Wheelchairs Suns has retired, so you will have to change your charity. We hope you choose the AZ Spinal Cord Injury Association! Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Our # is 44739.
Click the link below to enroll today!

Save the Date

Camp with a Ramp


September 14th-17th, 2023

Join us for a annual favorite, Camp with a Ramp! Enjoy horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, archery, crafts, Casino night, Dance night, power soccer, rugby, basketball, sunrise hikes, Boccia Ball, campfire smores, and more!!! Registration deadline is July 22nd, 2023. Space is limited.

Click here to register today!

8th Annual Push Forward Conference


Friday, October 6th, 2023

Join the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association on Friday, October 6th, 2023 for our 8th Annual Push Forward Educational Conference, an all-day interactive conference for individuals with spinal cord injuries, family members, caregivers, and professionals. The conference is FREE to attend for consumers and one family member/caregiver. For additional family members, professionals, and students to attend, it is $40.

Stay tuned for more details!

Click here to register today.

Accessible Van Rentals Provided by the
Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association
Have an upcoming trip or need a van for a big group event? Consider renting out one of our accessible vans for your event or trip! They have a manual ramp, fits two chairs, and three able-bodied individuals. The ramp swings out for easy access and has a lowered floor.

If you need more information on renting a van, please contact Guillermo Zeledon at 602-507-4209, extension # 1
More About Transportation

ReWalk Exoskeleton and Myolyn Myocycle

Click Here to Learn More

Have a Donation?

The AZSCIA is always looking to give back to our community. We will work with you to arrange pick-ups of larger items such as beds, exercise equipment, or other durable medical equipment. If it is something smaller, please feel free to stop by anytime and drop them off. We are open 9 AM to 5 PM, M- F. We love seeing the support and you can be sure that what you give is put back into the hands of those who need it.

Our donation specialist Guillermo Zeledon is available at 602-507-4209 ext#1. He will be happy to assist you with any questions or pick-up concerns you may have!
*Accessible Van donated from community member and given to this family in need*
We are now on Instagram! Follow us @azscia. There, we will post about current events, community stories, and more!
Visit our website
Meet Our Staff
Board of Directors
Follow Us on Social Media!
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  
[602.507.4209]  [allison@azspinal.org]  [azspinal.org]