BACKBONES

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

10/07/2025

💡 Employment Tip: Focus on abilities, not limitations.
When we recognize the strengths people with disabilities bring, workplaces thrive with creativity and innovation.

10/06/2025

Creating Your Personal GPS: Navigating Opportunities, Research, and Resources
Finding a new path forward can be challenging for people with spinal cord injury and their loved ones. This three-event series combines expert talks and peer discussions to help you and your loved ones set meaningful goals and achieve them—whether they involve health, recreation, family, work, or community life. Learn from those who have navigated this journey before, and explore research opportunities, resources, and strategies to create positive change in your own life, your community, and the world.

Join us to connect with members of the spinal cord injury community online and in person at these events presented by the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System.
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2025-spinal-cord-injury-community-event-series

10/03/2025

This month, we’re celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities, sharing tips for inclusion, and spotlighting amazing individuals thriving in their careers.

October 2025 is the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This yearly event began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance of the contributions of people with physical disabilities.

That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
👉 Follow along all month!

Images of people with disabilities and fireworks. Says “Celebrating Value and Talent, National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” Also includes America 250 logo, the DOL seal followed by the words “Office of Disability Employment Policy, United States Department of Labor” and , 80th Anniversary, and dol.gov/odep. (National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)) https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

10/01/2025

🚀 Applications are NOW OPEN!
The Backbones Leaders Program is your opportunity to:
✅ Build leadership skills
✅ Connect with disability advocates
✅ Launch real-world impact

🔗 Apply now through October 31st: https://www.backbonesonline.org/leaders-program

This is YOUR time to rise. Let’s lead together.

09/26/2025

Something BIG is coming this October...
A chance to lead, grow, and elevate your impact!
Are YOU ready to step into your power?

The is returning — and we’re looking for changemakers, advocates, and voices ready to shape the future of disability leadership.

📅 Stay tuned! Applications open October 1st.

09/25/2025

Huge thanks to our incredible board members Lori Jankowski and Charlis Penson for hosting our first-ever ConnectNight in Baltimore!

The event was a huge success thanks to their leadership and dedication. They put so much heart into planning this event- from coordinating details to welcoming organizations and community members. It truly showed!

Our board members have a deep commitment to supporting people with spinal cord injuries and their families and we're so grateful for all that they do to continue to advance our mission.

Thank you Lori, Charlis, and our entire board for helping us build connections and community nationwide. Can't wait to keep growing together!

09/11/2025

REFLECTION: What helped your self-esteem and body image after your spinal injury? 💭

Comment below & we’ll share some of your answers in our Stories this week.

09/08/2025

🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉
We’re giving away a BACKBONES t-shirt to one lucky winner.

To enter:
1️⃣ Follow
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag 2 friends in the comments

Winner announced in 48 hours!

09/04/2025

✨ What is a Spinal Cord Injury - SCI? An injury to the spinal cord can affect movement, sensation, and daily life—but no two injuries are the same.

Every person’s journey is unique, but one thing we know for sure: awareness builds understanding, and understanding builds inclusion.

👉 Save this post to come back to later.
👉 Share to help us spread the word.

09/03/2025

It’s Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month 💙 This September we want to reach more people with spinal cord injuries, their families, caregivers, friends, health professionals and advocates in our community! We’re on a mission:

👉 Reach 500 NEW followers!
👉 Raise awareness & build community!

Will you help us get there?
1️⃣ Follow us
2️⃣ Tag a friend
3️⃣ Share this post

Let's build and grow our SCI community!

09/02/2025

PeerConnect: My Home is Someone's Workplace
Hiring and Retaining a Home Attendant

Sep 17, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM CDT- Virtual

This workshop will cover the history of disability justice and its intersection with domestic work, support everything you need to know about hiring a home attendant, and ensuring that this relationship is mutually beneficial. Topics covered will include federal requirements for employing someone in your home, where and how to hire home attendants, tips for retention and communication, and taking action as a group. Learn from our guests at Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network

Register: https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/peerconnect-my-home-is-someones-workplace

08/30/2025

🎉 Join us for the **BACKBONES ConnectNight** in the Baltimore/DC area!

Connect. Celebrate. Make an impact.

Enjoy appetizers, drinks, a silent auction & great conversation — all in support of people with spinal cord injuries & disabilities. 💙

🗓️ September 18th at 6p 📍 The City Garage
Tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/backbones/event/connectnightbaltimoredc/

Let’s build community, one connection at a time.

Address

P. O. Box 7334
Prospect Heights, IL
60070

Website

http://www.BACKBONESONLINE.org/

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