United On Wheels: The Wheelchair Lifestyle Podcast

United On Wheels – Episode 48.

“I always say I was an advocate before I knew I was an advocate,” our Grassroots Advocacy Manager Annie Streit tells host Paul Amadeus Lane. She shares how she became involved with United and how you, can too. Joining her is our Advocacy Director Stephen Lieberman, who discusses our vast, nationwide network of over 1,600 advocates in almost every legislative district. Steve tells how our working groups grew organically from advocates sharing about their local needs. They come together to share strategies on how to make change from their hometown up to Capitol Hill.

Learn about our advocacy program.

United on Wheels – Episode 47

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we are joined by a very special guest, United Spinal board member and trial attorney Josh Basile. In 2004, Basile’s life was literally flipped upside down. While on a family vacation in Delaware, he was slammed headfirst into the ocean floor by a wave. His paralysis rendered him a C4-5 quadriplegic but it did not stop him from finding his voice and wheeling after his goals. Basile’s positive attitude and desire to help others motivated him to form the Determined2heal Foundation. For over 10 years, he has fought to simplify the difficult transition into life with paralysis for the newly injured. He went on to create the world’s largest paralysis video mentoring network — SPINALpedia.com. Basile’s paralysis limited what he could do physically but mentally the sky was the limit.

Learn more about United Spinal’s Pathways to Employment program.

Paul is joined by Mitchell Tepper, PhD, MPH, who has been integral in developing United Spinal Association’s Tech Access Program and leader of its Atlanta Chapter. Dr. Tepper is a journalist who contributes regularly to New Mobility Magazine, and a sexuality educator and counselor. He recently founded an adaptive E-sports program with competitive teams (Nerve Gaming) and community adaptive gaming clinics. You can learn more about Dr. Tepper by visiting his website: https://www.drmitchelltepper.com/

United on Wheels – Episode 45

On this episode, Paul is joined by Adam Lane, a member of United Spinal’s Oklahoma Chapter who recently handcycled across the United States to raise awareness about the organization’s #StrongWheeled Together campaign which highlights the spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) community’s contributions to American society and struggle for equality. You can donate to support Adam’s efforts at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=bWNsPX. Also check out his website: https://adamklane.com/

United on Wheels – Episode 44

On this episode Paul is joined by Dillon Connolly, Zuk Fitness founder, athlete and entrepreneur who shares his perspectives on life after spinal cord injury and the benefits of fitness in strengthening your independence and quality of life.

If you want to check out the benefits of Zuk Fitness for yourself, now is the time! As part of United Spinal’s #StrongWheeled Together campaign, Zuk Fitness is offering United Spinal members free access to motivating virtual workouts that are accessible and fun for all wheelchair users. Whether you’re a paraplegic or quadriplegic, expert instructors will personally lead you through the best possible workout, while giving options for any ability level throughout.

Learn more at https://unitedspinal.org/try-zuk-fitness-free/

United on Wheels – Episode 43

When it comes to mental health and disability, sometimes we don’t seek out the support and resources we need due to a variety of reasons. Despite any biases or preconceived notions, we should never let it stop us from getting the care we need! Michaela Devins, a member of United Spinal’s Boston Chapter and dedicated mental health and disability advocate talks about the personal struggles she encountered in effectively addressing her mental health after her spinal cord injury due to a diving accident. She has a lot of knowledge to share with us.

For more on the topic of mental health and to support United Spinal’s #StrongWheeled United campaign, visit https://unitedspinal.org/strong-wheeled-together/

Steve and Heidi-Johnson Wright join us to share their personal journey maintaining a strong and loving relationship when caregiving is part of the equation. The couple have used their experiences to raise awareness and educate the masses on disability issues, notably the lack of access to the built environment.

As a Haitian-American, Rhonel Cinous always wanted to go to Haiti, but when he finally got his opportunity, things did not go as he had hoped. Cinous, a Miami native, went to Haiti in 2016 to promote the morning radio show he hosted and see the country, but on a snorkeling trip during his second day, he broke his neck on his first dive. Since his injury, Cinous found his way back to pursue his interests and discover new opportunities to create positive change in our society. With the support of the United Spinal community, Rhonel has become a leading voice for the organization’s Tech Access Group, advocating for inclusive technology that will empower other wheelchair users to find greater independence and quality of life.

Nick LiBassi, United Spinal’s VP of Partnership Expansion joins United on Wheels podcast host Paul Amadeus Lane to talk about his journey from a devastating skydiving accident that caused a spinal cord injury to finding strength from his peers and the United Spinal community to reach his goals.

None of us are fully prepared for very dramatic changes in our lives, but it’s how we learn from each other’s lived experiences and pick each other up that can make a positive difference and lead to amazing things! That’s how we become ‘Strong Wheeled Together’.

Leonard Mayberry – rodeo worker, welder, steel worker, supervisor of a city crew – shares his new life story of recovery after spinal cord injury. Learn how Leonard, a United Spinal member from Texas, regained his independence and fought back against a system that only saw his wheelchair and disability, rather than his talent, spirit and determination to overcome all odds.