BACKBONES

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.

12/05/2025

Here are some helpful tips for setting goals after a Spinal Cord Injury!

If you are interested in reading more about these tips, check out the full blog! Use the link in our bio, or the URL below👇

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



Image 1: Purple background with line drawings of plants in the top corners of the design. White text is in a green bubble, reading: "Tips for setting goals." Below the green bubble, bullet points read: "Set realistic goals, Give yourself grace, Start small and specific, Use flexible timelines, Revisit and revise goals, and Build accountability." The BACKBONES logo is displayed below the bullet points.

Image 2: Purple background with line drawings of plants at the bottom of the design. White text is in a green bubble, reading: "Read the full blog, link in bio!"

12/04/2025

🎧 Missed the kickoff to our 2025 Spinal Cord Injury Community Event Series? Catch up now with the podcast!

Hear from Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES, and other inspiring leaders as they share powerful stories, insights on identity, and tips for setting and reaching your goals.

🔗 Listen here: https://on.soundcloud.com/D4N3S6PbVMVzyST4nS

12/04/2025

🧡 BACKBONES is excited to announce that our Leader's Program of 2025-2026 has just begun! Please join us in welcoming all of our new participants! 🧡

Every year, BACKBONES selects 10 participants to join the Leader's program. Each participant is given the opportunity to grow their leadership skills through various workshops. The Leader's program is committed to helping participants develop their public speaking skills, advocacy skills, conflict resolution skills, disability identity, and so much more! Participants are also given other resources that can be used to boost their professional development.

Stay tuned to hear more about each of this year's participants!



Image: A screenshot of all of the new participants of the BACKBONES Leader's program in a Zoom meeting together

12/03/2025

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reflect on this year’s theme: Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.

An inclusive society is one where:
🧡 Disabled people are seen, heard, and valued.
🧡 Access is built in, not added later.
🧡 Employment, leadership, and education are equitable.
🧡 Disabled voices lead decision-making.
🧡 Difference is welcomed, not erased.

If our world works for disabled people, it works better for everyone.
Today we celebrate the brilliance, resilience, creativity, and impact of disabled people everywhere- and commit to doing more than “supporting” inclusion. We commit to building it.

How are you advancing accessibility in your community?

11/29/2025

💙Giving Tuesday is almost here — and we’re ready to make an impact! 💪

At BACKBONES, we believe in the power of community, connection, and inclusion. Your support helps people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities thrive through mentorship, peer support, and advocacy.

✨Together, we can create opportunities.
✨Together, we can make change.

Mark your calendars for December 2nd and help us spread the word! 💙

11/26/2025

💙 This Giving Tuesday, we're highlighting the strength and community within the spinal cord injury world! At BACKBONES, connection is at the center of everything we do, and monthly support helps us keep it strong 💙



Image 1: A dark blue poster with curved orange and blue accents in the corners. The text reads: "Every Day, individuals with spinal cord injuries redefine what strength looks like, and your support helps make that possible!" Above the text is an all-white Giving Tuesday logo. Below the text is an all-white BACKBONES logo.

Image 2: A dark blue poster with curved orange and blue accents in the corners. The text reads: "Our goal this season is to welcome 25 new monthly donors to BACKBONES!" The all-white BACKBONES logo is below the text.

Image 3: A dark blue poster with curved orange and blue accents in the corners. The text reads: "By being a donor, you help build a future around vital programs, peer support, and resources for people with SCI and their families." The all-white Giving Tuesday logo appears above the text. The all-white BACKBONES logo appears below the text.

11/25/2025

11/19/2025

💙 Let’s bust some Giving Tuesday myths! 💙

Giving isn’t just about money - it’s about showing up, connecting, and making a difference together.

🌟 Myth: Giving is only about writing a check.
✅ Truth: It’s so much more. Volunteering, speaking up, lending your time or expertise - those all count.
🌟 Myth: One day, one campaign, then done.
✅ Truth: The ripple continues far beyond 24 hours. Your support creates momentum, building community and connection
🌟 Myth: Big orgs only; small groups won’t be seen..
✅ Truth: Actually, smaller groups like ours can stand out - because authenticity and personal connection matter.

At BACKBONES, your support helps people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities thrive through mentorship, peer connection, and advocacy.

✨ This GivingTuesday (Dec 3), join us in breaking myths and building community. ✨