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Wheel World News
April 2024 Newsletter
| Welcome to Wheel World News! Our monthly newsletter highlights current events, the different programs offered around the community, and much more. Enjoy! |
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What's Happening: [Functional Wheelchair Skills Classes]
Description: [The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is partnering with Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center to offer Functional Wheelchair Skills, a program designed to enhance the mobility, independence, and confidence of individuals who use wheelchairs. Our Functional Wheelchair Skills Classes are tailored to meet the unique needs of participants, whether they are new to using a wheelchair or seeking to refine their existing skills.
Each class will focus on a wide range of functional wheelchair skills,
including but not limited to:
-Core Basics of Your Wheelchair
-Navigating ramps, curbs, and inclines
-Transferring in and out of the wheelchair
-Wheelies, Tricks, and Tips
Beyond just physical skills, our program focuses on building confidence and a positive mindset. Participants will be encouraged to embrace their abilities, overcome challenges, and develop a sense of empowerment in their daily lives. These FREE classes will take place at Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center.
Join AZSCIA’s Functional Wheelchair Skills Classes and embark on a transformative journey towards greater independence, mobility, and empowerment. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills for daily activities or newly injured and wanting to gain new skills, our program is designed to meet your needs. All classes are FREE! Registration is still required. Click here to sign up today!]
When: [Thursday, April 18th 2024]
Where: [Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center]
Cost: [FREE]
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What's Happening: [Living Healthy with SCI - Spring 2024 Series (Virtual)]
Description: [The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association presents 'Living Healthy with SCI - Spring Series 2024 -“Virtual educational classes to help you live your best life!”
Class Dates: April 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th, 2024 (view flyer for class topics and presenters)
All these virtual classes are FREE to attend. Click here to register today!]
When: [April 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th, 2024]
Where: [Virtual Via Zoom Call]
Cost: [FREE]
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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 Exploring Arizona adaptive hiking series.This outdoor program is unique in the sense that participants will require no additional devices or equipment to navigate the trail. The Trails we have chosen for these upcoming hikes are all hard packed dirt and can be done from a Powerchair, Day Wheelchair, Crutches, Walker…etc. Coolers will be provided for you to place your own Snacks or Lunch inside! Make sure you dress accordingly for the weather day of.
Sign up soon as space is limited! Click here to register today. Any questions, call 602-386-4284]
When: [Monday, April 15th, 2024 from 11 am - 1 pm]
Where: [Crescent Moon, Sedona, AZ]
Cost: [$10 per person]
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To stay up-to-date on all AZSCIA events (and other events going on within the community), follow our Community Events/News Facebook page! | |
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Join us for our Meditation & Movement Virtual Class!
Next Classes:
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 @ 11 am (virtual)
&
Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 @ 11 am (virtual)
Where: Via Zoom Call
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. Come for the experience. Stay for the FUN!
Sign up @ : www.ability360.org/sports/class-schedule/
Virtual Class Link:
Virtual Meditation and Movement Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199163237?pwd=WUlLWHFjYXlTa2tNQ3J2MXYzc1NoZz09&from=addon
Meeting ID: 871 9916 3237
Passcode: 764454
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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.
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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. | |
| Opioid Reduction Program with Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center |  | |
Research by The National Institute of Health (NIH), has shown that regular exercise can ease chronic pain. Exercise releases endorphins, which are our body’s natural painkillers. Exercise has been proposed as an intervention for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
The newly updated “Opioid Reduction Program” is a program that provides treatment and recovery support for individuals going through Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The individual will receive a complimentary membership to the fitness center, along with curated classes to build a sense of community and accountability to one another as they work the program together. Members will now be able to participate in all outdoor programs offered by Ability360 Sports & Fitness as part of their membership.
If you are currently in treatment, recovery, or have ever experienced OUD in the past, this program is for you! The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association and Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center are working together to combat the OUD epidemic in Arizona. We are dedicated to building a healthy community for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
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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!
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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 | |
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! | |
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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.
Men's Group Zoom Meeting
Time: Every week on Thursdays,
4-5:30pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83127569653
Meeting ID: 831 2756 9653
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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 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Come for support, camaraderie, and resources!
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Flagstaff Spinal Cord Injury & Brain Injury Support Group
Please join us each month on the 1st Tuesday from 5:30 - 7:00 pm!
Primarily a Spinal Cord Injury group but includes MS and Traumatic Brain Injury clients as well since many of the adaptation, medical, equipment, needs, and socialization issues are pertinent to all.
The group meets in the Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona at 1851 North Gemini Drive on McMillan Mesa in Flagstaff, 86001
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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
@ 2PM (Once a month)
Details: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84551614366
(This link will lead you directly to the call)
Meeting ID: 845 5161 4366
Password: 521326
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OPENING MARCH 25TH 2024
SCI-FIT (Spinal Cord Injury - Functional Integrated Therapy) Arizona is a dynamic and innovative gym located at our new location in Chandler, Arizona. We work with Spinal Cord Injuries and other neurological disorders. Maintaining an energizing and judge-free atmosphere while ensuring our members are constantly improving is our main priority. We understand that recovery is a lifelong journey with our clients and we want to provide the best ways to help improve their quality of life. Our unique approaches to developing exercises incorporate our five main components: Load Bearing, Gait Training, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Active/Passive Range of Motion, and Functional/Developmental Movement Patterns. Our facility is not just a gym but a community dedicated to wellness and personal growth.
Interested in joining? Go to www.SCI-FIT.org and fill out our online application to set up a FREE evaluation with us. We would love to connect with you in any way we can.
arizonachanges@sci-fit.org
602-989-4504
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AZSCIA Peer Mentor Program | |
Contact us: (602) 507-4209
www.azspinal.org
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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! | | |
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.
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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!
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Functional Wheelchair Skills
The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is partnering with Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center to offer Functional Wheelchair Skills, a program designed to enhance the mobility, independence, and confidence of individuals who use wheelchairs. Our Functional Wheelchair Skills Classes are tailored to meet the unique needs of participants, whether they are new to using a wheelchair or seeking to refine their existing skills.
Next class is set to take place on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
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Ride & Row - Summer Outdoor Adventure Series
We are celebrating our third year of partnership with High Country Adaptive Sports (HCAS), AZSCIA (Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association), AAWS (Arizona Adaptive Water Sports) This season you can expect to see more bikes and more kayaks as we have grown and welcome AZDS (Arizona Disabled Sports) to the Ride and Row Summer Series. We will be offering 4 Ride and Rows this summer with 1 new location.
Ride and Rows this summer season will be at Watson Lake, Prescott on May 8th, Lynz Lake, Prescott on June 5th, Kaibab Lake, Williams on July 10th, and Tempe Town Lake on November 6th. We will be kayaking, cycling, and off-road cycling. Lunch will be provided. Sign up for one or all of our Ride and Row events this summer! If you require transportation, don’t worry our friends as AZSCIA got you covered. An email with the location and times will be sent out the Monday before the event with all the essential information. The cost is just $10 to participate! Be there or be square!
The first Ride & Row event is set to take place on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 at Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ. Click here to register today!
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Abilities Expo
Three days. One roof. Endless access to the latest products, technologies and resources for the disability community! Get ready for an all-inclusive climbing wall, a ton of adaptive sports, info-packed workshops and so much more. It's all free so join us and register today.
Phoenix Dates: September 6-8, 2024 @ WestWorld of Scottsdale
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Congratulations to Sharon Malone for being crowned the 2024 Ms. Wheelchair Arizona!
The AZSCIA team wants to say a huge congratulations to our very own board member, Sharon Malone, for being crowned the 2024 Ms. Wheelchair Arizona! Sharon will be representing AZ to advocate for Safety for individuals with a disability. Way to go, Sharon!
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1st Annual WMF & AZSCIA Picnic Recap | |
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!
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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!
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Accessible Van Rentals Provided by the
Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association
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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
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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!
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*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! | |
Follow Us on Social Media! | | | | |
