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Wheel World News
December 2023 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: [Exploring Arizona - Adaptive Hiking Series]
Description: [Exploring Arizona Hiking Series is back for the 23/24 season. Our next Exploring Arizona Hiking event will be on December 9th from 4:30-6:30PM. This is a sunset hike at Phoenix South Mountain Loop on the Judith Accessible Trail. Transportation is provided from Ability360 starting at 3:30pm.
This is a partnership with Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, AZ Spinal Cord Association, and Barrow Neurological Institute/Barrow Outpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation Center. Space is limited and we want people to sign up soon!
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.
People are allowed to bring 1 friend/caregiver with them and can sign up using the form below. If you’d like to bring more than one person, call 602-386-4284. NO ANIMALS ALLOWED. Click here to sign up today!]
When: [Saturday, December 9th, 2023]
Where: [South Mountain Judith Tunnell Trail]
Cost: [$10 per person (additional $15 if using AZSCIA Transportation)]
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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 Class:
Stay Tuned for more dates!
*There will be no December 2023 classes*
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 |
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! | |
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
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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
@ 2PMm (Once a month)
(This link will lead you directly to the call)
Meeting ID: 845 5161 4366
Password: 521326
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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! | | |
Tek RMD - A Standing Robotic Mobilisation Device | |
Tek RMD Demo
Written by Sharon Malone
After my SCI injury in 2012, I searched YouTube many times to find ways to walk again. I came across a mobile standing device that was created in Turkey. At the time, this device wasn't approved in the USA. However, a few years ago, this mobility device was finally approved, and they partnered with a major distributor in the DME world. This year, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Karen Roy (former Ms. Wheelchair USA), who is the ambassador for the Tek RMD device. We partnered this month to demo the device to the major hospitals and rehabs in the greater Phoenix area. It has been a blessing to say the least to be able to stand again. Not only is this a great physical benefit but it's also a mental health benefit. I look forward to continuing to demo the device throughout the state this coming year. Keep an eye out for me as I will be wheeling as much as I can with it.
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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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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! | |
The AZSCIA Staff wants to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season! 2023 has been a great year and we are excited to see what 2024 has in store! Thank you to our wonderful community for making 2023 a year to remember. | |
Follow Us on Social Media! | | | | |
