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Wheel World News
May 2025 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: [Functional Wheelchair Skills]
Description: [The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association is partnering with Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center to offer Functional Wheelchair Skills, a program designed to enhance the mobility, independence, and confidence of individuals who use wheelchairs. Our Functional Wheelchair Skills Classes are tailored to meet the unique needs of participants, whether they are new to using a wheelchair or seeking to refine their existing skills.
Beyond just physical skills, our program focuses on building confidence and a positive mindset. Participants will be encouraged to embrace their abilities, overcome challenges, and develop a sense of empowerment in their daily lives.
These FREE classes will take place at Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center.
Click here to sign up today!]
When: [Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 @ 4:30 pm]
Where: [Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center]
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What's Happening: [Ride & Row]
Description: [We are celebrating our third year of partnership with High Country Adaptive Sports (HCAS), AZSCIA (Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association), AAWS (Arizona Adaptive Water Sports) This season you can expect to see more bikes and more kayaks as we have grown and welcome AZDS (Arizona Disabled Sports) to the Ride and Row Summer Series. We will be offering 4 Ride and Rows this summer with 1 new location.
Ride and Rows this summer season will be at Watson Lake, Prescott on May 21st, Kaibab Lake, Williams on July 16th, Lynx Lake, Prescott on Sep. 24th, and Tempe Town Lake on November 8th. We will be kayaking, cycling, and off-road cycling. Lunch will be provided. Sign up for one or all of our Ride and Row events this summer! If you require transportation, don’t worry our friends as AZSCIA got you covered. An email with the location and times will be sent out the Monday before the event with all the essential information. The cost is just $10 to participate! Be there or be square!
RIDE AND ROW SERIES DATES:
May 21st – Watson Lake, Prescott – 10AM – 3:30PM
July 16th – Kaibab Lake, Williams – 11AM – 4PM
Sept. 24th – Lynx Lake, Prescott – 11AM – 4:30PM
November 8th – Tempe Town Lake – 11AM – 4PM
For more questions reach out to Kaitlyn Verfuerth at 602-386-4284 or at kaitlynv@ability360.org]
When: [Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 fro 10AM-3:30PM]
Where: [Watson Lake, Prescott]
Cost: [$10 per person]
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What's Happening: [Summer Bingo Night (In-Person)]
Description: [Join the AZSCIA for our Summer Bingo Night on Friday, May 30th, 2025 @ 5 pm! Doors open at 5 pm and games will begin at 5:30 pm. For only $5, you will receive a pack of 10 BINGO game cards, dinner, snacks, and beverages.
Online registration: $5/At the door: $10. Space is limited, sign up today! Click here to sign up today!]
When: [Friday, May 30th, 2025 @ 5PM]
Where: [Ability360 Center, Conference Room #1]
Cost: [$5 per person]
| | To stay up-to-date on all AZSCIA events (and other events going on within the community), follow our Community Events/News Facebook page! | | 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.
| | 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 | |
Research by The National Institute of Health (NIH), has shown that regular exercise can ease chronic pain. Exercise releases endorphins, which are our body’s natural painkillers. Exercise has been proposed as an intervention for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
The newly updated “Opioid Reduction Program” is a program that provides treatment and recovery support for individuals going through Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The individual will receive a complimentary membership to the fitness center, along with curated classes to build a sense of community and accountability to one another as they work the program together. Members will now be able to participate in all outdoor programs offered by Ability360 Sports & Fitness as part of their membership.
If you are currently in treatment, recovery, or have ever experienced OUD in the past, this program is for you! The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association and Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center are working together to combat the OUD epidemic in Arizona. We are dedicated to building a healthy community for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
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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!
| | 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.
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 2-3:30 pm!
(NEW TIME!)
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 Thursday of Each Month
from 4-5 PM
Details: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84551614366
(This link will lead you directly to the call)
Meeting ID: 845 5161 4366
Password: 521326
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NEW SUPPORT GROUP!
Tucson Support Group
When: 3rd Monday of Each Month
from 5-7:30 PM
Disability Cultural Center at the University of Arizona. 1224 E. Lowell Street, Tucson AZ 85721
On the 2nd floor.
| | AZSCIA Peer Mentor Program | |
Contact us: (602) 507-4209
www.azspinal.org
| | 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! | | | Congraulations to Don and Camille! | Don Price and Camille Antieau were married on January 24, 2025, in a justice of the peace ceremony in Chandler. It was a small and personal wedding, and beautifully simple, just as the couple wanted. Afterwards, the newlyweds spent the weekend with friends in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. The AZSCIA Team is so happy for you both and wish you a lifetime of happiness! | | | | 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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Abilities Expo
Discover what empowers YOU!
-Innovative products and tech
-Insightful workshops
-All-inclusive climbing wall
-Adaptive sports, dance, and fun
-Service dogs and more
September 5-7, 2025 @ Westworld of Scottsdale
AZSCIA will be providing FREE transportation from Ability360 Center to WestWorld for this event. More information to come.
Register for free here.
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Camp with a Ramp
It’s almost time for the Neuro and Brain Community Foundation’s 7th annual Camp with a Ramp located at Whispering Hope Ranch, near Christopher Creek, Arizona on September 11-14, 2025.
Approximately 70 campers (with various spinal cord injuries or diseases), caregivers, family members and volunteers gather for an awesome 3-day cabin camping experience.
Throughout the stay, participants choose from a wide variety of adaptive activities including adaptive horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, adaptive mountain bike riding, archery, crafts, animal interaction, basketball, pickleball, and educational discussion groups. Each Camper gets to tailor their outdoor adventure to their own personal interests and abilities. Each evening features an all-camp activity including a campfire with s’mores, live music and dancing, and a casino night.
Get your application in today!
Sounds fun? Here’s what some of our other camper’s think:
“Camp inspired me to trust myself and my abilities.”
“I tried things I would have never thought is possible…opened my eyes to new possibilities.”
“3 nights with others of similar disabilities taught me what is really possible in life!”
“Although I am still disabled, I am ABLE.”
“I met and connected with new people and the networking was priceless.”
“Empowering people to push themselves.”
“Great sense of camaraderie and belonging.”
“New outlook in life”
“1st time in 18 years I felt comfortable dancing with others.”
“Challenged me to try new things.”
“It was amazing to see my husband do so many activities he thought he could no longer enjoy. You have made him smile and refueled his hope!”
With the continued support of generous organizations, businesses, and individuals, we hope to continue to be able to come back each year to bring together this amazing group of people. We are further inspired to reach out to those adults in our community that haven’t had the opportunity to explore their capabilities and join our supportive spinal cord injury/disease community.
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9th Annual Push Forward Conference
Join the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association for our 9th Annual Push Forward Educational Conference! Push Forward is an all-day interactive conference for individuals with spinal cord injuries, family members, caregivers, and professionals.
When: Friday, October 3rd, 2025 from 8 AM – 4 PM
Where: Desert Willow Conference Center – 4340 E. Cotton Center Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Cost: FREE for consumers and one Family Member/Caregiver. $50 for additional family members, professionals, and students.
Click here to sign up today!
**Sponsorship/Vendor Opportunities are available. Please contact Karen Halgren at karen@azspinal.org for more information.**
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Accessibility | Visit Arizona
There is so much to experience in Arizona, and so many ways to do so. Pow wows are about dancing, the thump of drums, the colors of each participant's outfit, the sounds of each chant. A visit to a botanical garden includes the steady hum of a hummingbird's wings, the striking orange-and-black wings of a pollinating monarch butterfly, the scent of sweet honeysuckle, the stillness of a sunset with flora and fauna before you.
Arizona includes people of all abilities, including those with mobility, visual, and hearing needs. Many of the state's lodging facilities, attractions, and events are ADA compliant, meaning that they do their best to comply with the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination and ensures equal access to state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
Click here for more information and to start exploring today!
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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 contact us to arrange a drop-off date/time. 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!
| | *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! | | Follow Us on Social Media! | | | | |
