UsersFirst Empowers Wheelchair Users at Houston Abilities Expo
August 30, 2011
Ann Eubank, LMSW, OTR/L, ATP
VP Community Initiatives
UsersFirst, a program of United Spinal Association
UsersFirst attended the Abilities Expo in Houston this past weekend and it was awesome! We signed up 120 members and a new Houston chapter has begun with enthusiasm and lots of support.
Did you know UsersFirst has access to 34 chapters of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association––the membership division of United Spinal Association? We expect to have access to 50 chapters by March 2012.
The people we met at the Expo agreed that Americans should have access to wheelchairs that increase independence and quality of life. You know, a wheelchair that actually works for you in your life?
Many people expressed frustration about how difficult and confusing it can be to get the right wheelchair. It can be a bear. We offered guidance to people that stopped by our booth on the process of getting the right wheelchair, basically mapping out some of the steps involved and addressing their questions and concerns. The map is a good starting point and they can call us any time if they get snagged.
UsersFirst booth was active all weekend with attendees sharing their perspectives on mobility equipment.
Our booth showcased powerful imagery depicting strong Americans who need wheels to live the lives they choose. The booth did a good job sparking curiosity and allowed us to gather, talk and record wheelchair stories from many attendees. And, everyone has a story when it comes to obtaining mobility equipment.
We talked with a father who has been unable to get the right wheelchair for his son. He said the insurance company has denied it several times. Without the right wheelchair, his son doesn’t have a chance at being independent. UsersFirst is committed to working with this family and others to challenge the policies that prevent people from living actively and pursuing their goals.
Ann Eubank hosts a self-advocacy seminar
on obtaining the right wheelchairs.
During the show, UsersFirst also presented a seminar on self-advocacy––a fancy word for pushing insurance companies for what you need to be independent. A part of self-advocacy––or what some would even call self-respect––is not settling for the status quo. Status quo literally means “the existing state of affairs.” And, I would strongly suggest the “existing state of affairs” is not working for anyone!
But the good news is we all have the power to change that. The UsersFirst Movement empowers people to exercise their right to be independent and demand access to mobility equipment that’s right for them. I think we drove that point home during the Expo and made a positive impact on the lives of many of the attendees.
Stay connected and speak out. I think you will feel really good about it.
You can also email us at usersfirst@unitedspinal.org.
To check out more photos from the Expo, visit our Facebook page.
