Enhancing the quality of life for people living with spinal cord disability
"At some time, often when we least expect it, we all have to face overwhelming challenges. When the unthinkable happens, the lighthouse is hope. Once we find it, we must cling to it with absolute determination. When we have hope, we discover powers within ourselves we may have never known- the power to make sacrifices, to endure, to heal, and to love. Once we choose hope, everything is possible." ~ Christopher Reeve
New Mobility’s Biweekly Newsletter – March 18, 2020
By Seth McBride|March 18th, 2020
Welcome to New Mobility’s biweekly newsletter. To receive via email (mobile-friendly), subscribe here.
DISABILITY-SPECIFIC COVID-19 COVERAGE
SCI/D Recommendations
The media is blanketed with coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak, but relevant, disability-specific information is a lot more difficult to come by. Here’s a primer, updated as new info comes in, including what secondary complications put people with SCI/D at higher-risk, how to prevent infection and transmission, and how to find information you can trust.
Cancellations and Consequences
United Spinal Association recommends that its chapters suspend any social events, in-person peer visits and group activities. Many hospitals and rehabilitation centers, which frequently host United Spinal gatherings, are limiting or banning visitors at this time. The United team is also concerned about the risks posed to its members and all others who use homecare services since protective measures and virus-related illness may make it difficult for service to continue uninterrupted. The organization is asking anyone whose homecare services have been affected due to COVID-19 to contact United’s Resource Center.
Editor Ian Ruder: COVID-19 is No Laughing Matter
A few weeks ago, chuckling at the binge-buying of toilet paper (or kale, if you live in Portland) seemed like a reasonable response to COVID-19. It’s now clear that this pandemic is no laughing matter. “I think about all my friends and all the people like me who don’t fit neatly into the solutions currently on the table,” writes Ian Ruder. “If COVID-19 has shown us anything, it’s that we need better plans and a larger discussion about how we propose to take care of all of our people.”
Your Questions Answered
New Mobility invites you to submit your disability-related questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. You can submit your question here, and it will be logged by our staff. We will research selected questions by speaking with relevant experts, and within the next few days, we’ll begin posting answers on newmobility.com. Check back often for updates.
Due to COVID-19 the Rochester Spinal Association will be cancelling all upcoming events, group meetings and face to face peer visits for the protection of our members. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we navigate these uncertain times.
