BACKBONES

04/02/2026

This April, we’re growing something together.

We’re building a garden—one that reflects connection, care, and the ways we show up for each other.

Every donation plants a flower.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll watch it grow 🌱

If BACKBONES has been part of your life, or if you believe in disability community and connection, we’d love for you to be part of this.

🌷 Plant a flower: https://www.backbonesonline.org/donate

04/01/2026

10 days left to apply to the BACKBONES Youth Program! Apply now for a chance to be a part of the 2026 program. We’re looking for teens with SCI/D (ages 15-18) who want to connect with their peers and learn from disabled leaders.

Apply here today! https://www.backbonesonline.org/youth-program

04/01/2026

Book Discussion: Disability Intimacy by Alice Wong
Apr 15, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM CDT

Virtual Event

Join Backbones for a guided discussion of Disability Intimacy, the powerful anthology edited by Alice Wong. Through selected excerpts, we’ll explore disability culture, relationships, caregiving, friendship, and sexuality—centering connection, care, and the many ways intimacy shows up in disabled lives. This session creates space for reflection, shared insight, and community conversation.

Read, reflect, and discuss Disability Intimacy in community.

03/25/2026

"Jen’s story stands out not because it was simple, but because it reflects the ongoing process of adjusting expectations, advocating for access, and making choices that align with personal priorities."

Read more about Jen Goodwin and her story in the new blog on the BACKBONES website!

03/23/2026

☀️ “This will be my fourth year as Youth Program Coordinator, and it is such a wonderful and unique program that’s truly been a pleasure to be a part of! Every year has been different in a good way - every new group of participants bring different experiences and advice and it’s a joy to see friendships being formed and the youth all learning from one another. I strive every year to take feedback seriously to make the program even better. ” ☀️ - Amanda Russel

As Youth Program Coordinator at BACKBONES, Amanda leads with heart and intention, taking participant feedback seriously each year to make the program even stronger.

Join us this summer to build connection, confidence, and community. ☀️🌺

🗓 June-August | Virtual
💛 $500 stipend
📌 Apply by April 10, 2026

03/21/2026

We take a lot of time to talk about goal-setting in the SCI community. Some people feel pressured to complete huge goals in the name of the Spring season, even though small, steady goals are just as important.

This Spring, enjoy the weather, and more importantly, enjoy yourself! Allow yourself to bloom with the flowers, but don’t overwater your pot!

03/20/2026

This year’s theme for the International Day of Happiness focuses on the relationship between social media and happiness

With all of the chaos that transpires on social media, it can be easy to forget the positives it brings to our lives. It gives us a new way to connect and share ideas with people that we may have never crossed paths with without it! This International Happiness Day, we are taking time to appreciate the joys that it has brought us.

03/16/2026

☀️ At BACKBONES, our summer program is shaped by the voices of our youth- including these reflections from former program participants. ☀️

🌊“Backbones opened my eyes to what’s possible and helped me build lifelong friendships.”
🌊“This program gave me confidence in my future and showed me I can achieve my goals with the right support.”
🌊“Backbones helped me connect with people in ways I hadn’t before.”

In our summer youth program, teens ages 15-18 with SCI/D connect, build self-advocacy skills, and grow together- all while earning a $500 stipend.

🗓 Virtual | June-August 2026
📌 Apply by April 10, 2026

03/14/2026

✨ New Series Alert: Adaptive Hacks✨

We’re excited to launch “Adaptive Hacks!," a new series from Backbones sharing creative, practical tips from the disability community to make everyday life a little easier. From simple ideas to clever workarounds, these posts highlight small adaptations that can make a big difference.

This is the first post in the series, and it’s all about making it easier to carry drinks while using a wheelchair. 🥤♿️ Check out the slides for a few simple ideas that can help reduce spills and make sipping on the go more manageable!

💬 Comment below with your favorite adaptive hacks! 💬

03/13/2026

🌟 Empower SCI Teen & Young Adult Summer Program 🌟 Apply now!

Applications are open for the Teen & Young Adult Summer Program hosted by Empower Spinal Cord Injury, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with spinal cord injuries build independence, confidence, and community.

📍 Location: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
📅 Program Dates: July 26 – August 1, 2026
👥 Who it’s for: Teens & young adults ages 14–20 living with spinal cord injuries
📝 Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

Program highlights include adaptive recreation (such as cycling, surfing, and yoga), peer mentorship and social outings, clinical support and rehabilitation counseling, and 24/7 support!

📄 Learn more and apply:
https://www.empowersci.org/applications

03/13/2026

Life doesn’t have to be better or worse after SCI-just different. Being able to pivot is often one of the best things a person can do after sustaining an injury. Check out the new blog on the BACKBONES website to read more about how Jen pivoted in her life!

03/12/2026

Goal Setting, Celebration, and Finding Joy 💛💫

Join us for a PeerConnect session centered on goal setting, celebration, and finding joy. Together we’ll reflect on our journeys, celebrate wins (big and small), and create vision boards to inspire what’s next.

Through conversation and creativity, we’ll explore how honoring our achievements and finding joy in everyday moments can be powerful acts of care, resilience, and community connection. ✨

🗓 Wednesday, March 18
⏰ 5:30 PM CST

How to join: Visit backbonesonline.org → go to “Upcoming Events” → click on the event → select “Join Us” to register for the Zoom.

Come connect, reflect, and celebrate with us! 💛