http://www.BACKBONESONLINE.org/

BACKBONES, P. O. Box 7334, Prospect Heights, IL (2026)

01/12/2026

💙 Please join us in welcoming Zelene Sanchez as one of this year’s participants in BACKBONES’s Leaders Program! 💙

Zelene (Seh-Leh-NEH) Sanchez is an undergraduate student studying Communication and Graphic Design. She is committed to advocating for disability justice after sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2019. Discovering art therapy during her inpatient rehabilitation recovery ignited her creative work in painting, drawing, and collaging.

Joining the spinal cord injury community is what is continuously shaping Zelene into a thoughtful advocate and mentor. She currently serves as a peer mentor for individuals with newly acquired physical disabilities, where she supports them in navigating their transition back to community living. Zelene is passionate about fostering community, uplifting disability culture, and working towards becoming a strong leader amongst others in her circles.

01/09/2026

Bob Kafka spent his life doing the work that matters-supporting others, challenging systems, and leading with care. As a lifelong disability rights activist and organizer with ADAPT, he facilitated direct action, trained advocates, and fought for accessibility and community-based care. His impact lives on in the people and communities he shaped. May we honor him by continuing the work.

February 1946-December 2025

Photo Credits: The People’s Portfolio

Image: Black and white photo of Bob Kafka looking directly into the camera with a neutral expression. Towards the bottom of the image, black text in a white textbox reads: ""Don't mourn, organize." -Bob Kafka"

01/05/2026

💙 Please join us in welcoming Angeline Hamele as one of this year’s participants in BACKBONES’s Leaders Program! 💙

Angeline Hamele is a disability rights advocate, designer, and community educator dedicated to expanding access, autonomy, and opportunity for powerchair users and disabled people across the United States. Drawing from their lived experience navigating lifelong mobility barriers and New York State service systems, including ACCES-VR and paratransit programs, Angeline turns personal challenges into strategic advocacy rooted in systems knowledge and community care.

Their work highlights the structural gaps that restrict disabled people’s freedom of movement and calls attention to tangible solutions such as accessible vehicle funding, inclusive design, and meaningful policy reform. As a peer mentor and community organizer, Angeline supports disabled individuals in navigating benefits, equipment needs, and state programs while fostering confidence, self-advocacy, and independence.

Through writing, speaking, and collaborative projects, Angeline promotes a future where access is expected, mobility is supported, and disabled people have the tools they need to participate fully in their communities.

01/03/2026

2026 is about CONNECTION and SHOWING UP for each other.

How will you show up for our community this year?

#2026

12/30/2025

Here's to another great year! Thank you to everyone who made 2025 a special one 💙

#2026

Image: A white page taped to an orange background. The text reads as: "As we approach the new year, BACKBONES wants to say thank you to all those who contributed in 2025."

12/29/2025

💙 Please join us in welcoming Analiese Fazio as one of this year’s participants in BACKBONES’s Leaders Program! 💙

Analiese is guided by curiosity, creativity, and a drive to support others through meaningful education. She acquired a T10 spinal cord injury in 2010 while on her way to school, an experience that reshaped her life and strengthened her commitment to growth and connection.

Today, Analiese works as a CEU producer, where she develops thoughtful and accessible training materials in Applied Behavior Analysis. She enjoys the challenge of taking complex concepts and transforming them into resources that help practitioners learn, grow, and better serve their communities. Building on this passion, she is in the process of launching her own company, Catnap ABA Resources, which will provide innovative tools and continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field.

Outside of her work, Analiese finds joy in reading, writing, art, and travel. These interests fuel her creativity and offer fresh perspectives that shape both her personal and professional life. Through her lived experience with spinal cord injury, she hopes to uplift others, strengthen community connections, and help create spaces where people with disabilities can thrive.

12/26/2025

After a spinal cord injury, one of the hardest things can be the isolation.

PeerConnect program was created to break that isolation — to give people with SCI/D a place to show up as they are, share resources, and feel a part of something.

Through virtual gatherings and in-person meetups, our community learns, laughs, and builds real relationships that often last far beyond the sessions.

One community member shared:
“Thank you so much! I look forward to attending more sessions in the future. As someone who is newly injured, these kinds of sessions are extremely valuable to me. Thank you so much for having them!”

We had really engaging topics and guest speakers this year and are working on our line-up for 2026. Stay tuned!

#2026

Orange and blue graphic with a photo of two wheelchair users turning towards each other in a group. PeerConnect banner across the photo. Text reads "Stay tuned. New Eent dates in January 2026"

12/23/2025

The holidays can look (and feel) different when you’re living with or caring for someone with SCI/D. At Backbones, we believe the most meaningful traditions are built on connection, understanding, and support.

Whether you’re navigating snowy sidewalks, holiday stress, or just craving a space where you’re truly seen, our community is here- cheering you on, all season long. 💙

Sending warmth, joy, and love to everyone in the SCI/D community this December. ❄️💙

12/17/2025

Goal setting after SCI/D isn’t about hustle culture. It’s about sustainability, compassion, and redefining success on your terms.

Some days the win is getting out of bed. Some days it’s setting boundaries or revising a goal that no longer fits.
Whatever your pace is, you’re doing enough. 🧡

Read more: https://www.backbonesonline.org/post/setting-goals-after-spinal-cord-injury

12/15/2025

Please join us in welcoming Desmeon Thomas as one of this year's participants in BACKBONES's Leaders Program!

Desmeon is a dedicated Community Liaison at the Center for Independent Living: Living Independence for Everyone of Mississippi. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship from Jackson State University—earned in 2022—and an Associate Degree from Hinds Community College, Desmeon is committed to lifelong learning and growth. He also completed the basic ADA training through the Southeast ADA Center, reflecting his deep commitment to advocating for accessibility and inclusion.

Driven by a passion to create meaningful change, Desmeon has spent the past eighteen years advocating for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to pursue independence and live fulfilling lives within their communities. His work embodies the spirit of resilience, inclusion, and hope.

Beyond his role at the center, Desmeon actively contributes to his community through service on the JATRAN Paratransit Advisory Committee and the ADA Advisory Council for the City of Jackson, where he champions accessible transportation and inclusive policies. He is also a dedicated board member of the City of Jackson’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery Program, where he passionately fights against gun violence, seeking to build safer, stronger communities. Desmeon’s unwavering commitment and compassion inspire those around him to believe in the possibilities of a more inclusive and equitable future.

Image: Purple and white background. Circular photo with blue border of Desmeon smiling. He is wearing a suit and tie and clear glasses.

12/10/2025

Welcome to our new Social Justice interns from !

"Hi!! My name is Taylor Stern, and I’m a first-year student in the Psy.D. program at Adler University! I studied psychology in undergrad at CU Boulder and recently moved to Chicago to pursue my doctorate in clinical psychology. I’m excited to be part of the Backbones team as part of my Adler experience. I have a strong passion for advocacy, particularly in uplifting marginalized voices and supporting equitable access to mental health care. My professional goal is to become a child and adolescent psychologist with a focus on neurodiversity, where I hope to promote inclusive, strengths-based approaches to care. In my free time, I love going to the movies, doing LEGO sets, coloring, and exploring new coffee shops around the city. I’m always looking for good movie recommendations or creative project ideas, so feel free to share any favorites!"

12/08/2025

Hello all! My name is Makenzie Schimming, and I am one of this year’s interns with BACKBONES! I am in my first year of Adler University’s Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Thomas More University, in Northern Kentucky. I was drawn to Adler University because of its social justice mission, which is something I have always been very passionate about.

Outside of my educational and professional world, I enjoy many quiet activities. I’ve always been drawn to art, and I spend a lot of my free time crocheting and listening to music. My two cats also really enjoy this hobby of mine, because they either get to curl up next to me or try to play with my yarn while I work on it. I am very excited to continue working with BACKBONES and learn more about the SCI/D community! It is an honor to be surrounded by people who demonstrate such resilience, compassion, and commitment to empowering those around them.

Image: Purple and white background, with a circular photo of Makenzie smiling. She has straightened brown hair and a white dress on.

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