The leaders of the Iowa Chapter of United Spinal Association strive to CONNECT individuals impacted by spinal cord injuries or disorders, including families, caregivers, and professionals. Together, our members EMPOWER each other to ENGAGE in active and healthy lifestyles.

Participants enjoyed free, adapted bowling & pizza at Great Escapes in Pleasant Hill. We had a wonderful turnout with about 38 people!

A couple Board Members spoke with students on culturally responsive healthcare to be more inclusive to people with disabilities. This is part of their curriculum and we were guest speakers to answer questions, give them lived experiences and advice for becoming future doctors and healthcare professionals.

We were a vendor on the Fair's Grand Concourse, with a few other non-profits. It was a great opportunity to promote our IowAbility Fair and share who we are as an organization all in an effort to promote active and healthy lifestyles for individuals with physical disabilities.

This event offered a unique experience for individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury, spina bifida, other neurological disorders and mobility impairments. 



IowAbility Fair was co-hosted with the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa. We loved seeing many friends and meeting a few new faces! Every Participant received a swag bag of resources and goodies provided by ourselves and our sponsors! It was a hot day with temps at 90+ degrees but we all had a greet time learning new activities, networking and acquiring resources to improve the quality of our lives.

United Spinal Association hosts an annual conference for Chapter Leaders! It's called "Strong Wheeled Together" (SWT Con). Board Members Angie Hulsebus, Jeff Schmidt, and Mary Schmidt attended the event in Las Vegas, representing your Iowa Chapter.

United Spinal provided updates on things happening with the national organization and with advocacy on Capitol Hill in D.C. We gained resources from the sponsors with vendor tables and other chapter leaders!

We met at Felix & Oscars restaurant to enjoy delicious food, network and learn about all the programs and services we provide to our members — YOU!

We'll be bowling at a new location, Spare Time Entertainment in West Des Moines. There, you'll enjoy free, accessible bowling and lunch in a private party room. All participants with a spinal cord injury/disorder/diagnosis (SCI/D) will receive a $10 gift card to use at Spare Time's Game Zone arcade that's full of the latest games. It's FREE, ACCESSIBLE FUN! Don't miss it!

Spare Time Entertainment

340 Jordan Creek Parkway

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Are you someone who has successfully adapted to living with a spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) or cared for someone who has and wants to empower others to do the same? If you answered yes, this is a perfect opportunity for you! All training is FREE & ONLINE. To participate on February 17, you MUST COMPLETE a brief online training session on your own prior.

This will be an opportunity to check out all the fun, adapted games and recreation equipment we offer members to rent for FREE. See it, try it, rent it that day! This event will be located at Ada Hayden Park in Ames, Iowa. More details will be coming soon.

This Annual event offers a unique experience for individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury, spina bifida, other neurological disorders and mobility impairments. IowAbility Fair is co-hosted with the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa.