BACKBONES

BACKBONES exists to help people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) and their families connect with their communities.

05/01/2026

How BACKBONES got its name!

05/01/2026

🚙 What's been the biggest mental barrier holding you back from getting behind the wheel again?

For many in the SCI/D community, the road back to driving isn't just physical; it's emotional, too. 💚

That's exactly what we're talking about at our next PeerConnect session.

🚗 Returning to Driving After SCI/D
📅 Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30pm CST
Join us to connect with peers who get it. RSVP here 👉 https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/returning-to-driving-after-sci-d

04/28/2026

🌼National Gardening Month: Gardens are for everyone. 🌼

With a few thoughtful changes (like raised beds, smooth paths, and adaptive tools) gardening can be more accessible for people with SCI/D and other disabilities. 🌱 How do you make gardening work for you? 🌷

Sources:
🪻OSU Extension: “Gardens Are for Everyone”
🪻ADA National Network: “The Universal Garden”
🪻GardenTech: “Gardening for Everyone”
🪻Food Gardening: “Adaptive & Accessible Gardening Tools & Raised Beds”

04/24/2026

✨ Adaptive Hacks ✨

Fun days shouldn’t have to end early because of pressure or skin concerns. Staying out longer often comes down to small habits that support comfort, prevention, and long-term health. ❤️‍🩹

This Adaptive Hack focuses on simple ways to reduce pressure and protect your skin while you’re out enjoying life, whether that’s an event, travel day, or time with friends.
Swipe through for a quick prevention checklist + an easy reminder trick that can help make pressure relief part of your routine. 💡

What strategies help you stay comfortable during long days out? Share your adaptive hacks below 👇

04/21/2026

1 day left to apply to the BACKBONES Youth Program! Apply now for a chance to be a part of the 2026 program. We’re looking for teens with SCI/D (ages 15-18) who want to connect with their peers and learn from disabled leaders.

Apply here today! https://www.backbonesonline.org/youth-program

04/20/2026

🍃 Cannabis & SCI/D 🍃

For some people living with SCI/D, cannabis can be one tool for managing symptoms like nerve pain, spasticity, sleep issues, and stress. Research suggests many users report meaningful improvements in comfort and quality of life- but experiences vary widely.
🌿💬 If you’re curious, talking with your care team is a great first step.💬🌿

Sources:
🌿Finnerup NB et al., Frontiers in Pain Research (2023)
🌿Hawley LA et al., Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation (2025)

04/19/2026

What has helped you grow this year?

Not in a big, dramatic way—
but in the quiet, real ways.

For us, it’s been community.
Showing up for each other.
Spaces where people feel welcome.

If you want to share, we’d love to hear 🌸

And if you’re able, you can plant a flower in our garden. https://www.backbonesonline.org/donate

Thanks for helping our garden grow!

04/19/2026

3 days left to apply to the BACKBONES Youth Program! Apply now for a chance to be a part of the 2026 program. We’re looking for teens with SCI/D (ages 15-18) who want to connect with their peers and learn from disabled leaders.

Apply here today! https://www.backbonesonline.org/youth-program

04/17/2026

5 days left to apply to the BACKBONES Youth Program! Apply now for a chance to be a part of the 2026 program. We’re looking for teens with SCI/D (ages 15-18) who want to connect with their peers and learn from disabled leaders.

Apply here today! https://www.backbonesonline.org/youth-program

04/15/2026

Today is World Art Day! We have a lot of amazing work that comes out of our community. Tag an artist with a disability below for a chance to win a Backbones notebook!

04/14/2026

Last call 🚨
An evening with Robin Wilson-Beattie, honoring Alice Wong and Disability Intimacy.
Join us tomorrow, April 15th at 5:30 PM CST
https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/book-discussion-disability-intimacy-by-alice-wong

04/13/2026

This April, we’re growing something together.

We’re building a garden—one that reflects connection, care, and the ways we show up for each other.

Every donation plants a flower.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll watch it grow 🌱

If BACKBONES has been part of your life, or if you believe in disability community and connection, we’d love for you to be part of this.

🌷 Plant a flower: https://www.backbonesonline.org/donate

Address

P. O. Box 7334
Prospect Heights, IL
60070

Website

http://www.BACKBONESONLINE.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BACKBONES posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to BACKBONES:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Prospect Heights?