BACKBONES

⚽ WORLD CUP -- MEET POWER SOCCER! ⚽ While the world is watching soccer, we're celebrating athletes who are redefining the game through power soccer.

Power soccer is a competitive team sport designed for people who use power wheelchairs, bringing together strategy, skill, teamwork, and speed.

Athletes with disabilities belong in every part of sport—from local leagues to the world stage.

Have you ever played or watched power soccer? Tell us about your experience below.

Our newest blog post about internalized ableism is now live. 💛

Internalized ableism can quietly shape self-worth, identity, and the way people relate to disability. Sometimes it sounds like:
“I should be able to do this alone.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience anyone.”
“I just need to push through.”

But support, care, and accessibility are not weaknesses.

Swipe through for a few reminders from the blog, then visit https://www.backbonesonline.org/news to read the full post about recognizing internalized ableism, building disability pride, and practicing self-compassion. ✨

Because we are excited about all the World Cup games we are sharing this video
-- Behind the scenes on the Power Soccer team's incredible journey to its third straight American Powerchair Football Confederation (APFC) America’s Cup championship.

Power National Team Wins APFC America’s Cup! 🏆 | Behind The Crest A lot of new faces and new talent have joined the since ...

Disability life comes with a lot of unpaid labor nobody talks about.

Fighting insurance. Educating doctors. Advocating in spaces that weren't built for you.

Being the strong one. Always.

This month we're naming it — and sitting with each other in it.
📅 Wednesday, June 17 | 5:30pm CST | Zoom
🔗 RSVP: https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/burnout-advocacy-and-disability-life

Our Youth Program kicks off June 17! We're excited to welcome a new group of young people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities as they build confidence, friendships, leadership skills, and community.



Graphic: Orange frame with yellow and pink tropical flowers and palm tree. White square with BACKBONES logo and blue letters that reads: "Youth Program. 7 Days until program begins! Stay Tuned!"

June is Transverse Myelitis Awareness Month. Many people in our community experience paralysis as a result of transverse myelitis—a rare neurological condition that affects the spinal cord. We want to raise awareness, and continue building community and support.
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Slides 1: What is Transverse Myelitis?
Slide 2: transverse myelitis is a rare neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of a specific section of the spinal cord. This swelling disrupts communication between the spinal cord and the rest of the body
Slide 3: Symptoms Pain: Sharp, shooting pain. Muscle Weakness: From heavy legs to partial or complete paralysis.Sensory Issues: Numbness, tingling, burning, or extreme sensitivity to touch and temperature.Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Incontinence, difficulty urinating, or severe constipation.
Slide 4: Causes: In about half of all cases, the inflammation follows a recent viral or bacterial infection, though it can also stem from an abnormal immune response. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
Slide 5: Transverse Myelitis Awareness Month

When's the last time someone asked how you were doing — and actually meant it?

Not as a caregiver. Not as an advocate. Not as someone's inspiration. Just... you.

That's what this month's PeerConnect is about. Come as you are.

📅 Wednesday, June 17 | 5:30pm CST | Zoom
🔗 RSVP: https://www.backbonesonline.org/events-1/burnout-advocacy-and-disability-life

🌈♿ BACKBONES Celebrates Pride ♿🌈

The disability and LGBTQ+ communities have long shared spaces of advocacy, activism, and community care. Both movements continue to fight for accessibility, dignity, representation, and equity for all.

Disability justice and LGBTQ+ liberation are connected– and every person deserves a world where they feel seen, supported, and included. 💛



🏳️‍🌈Sources: Alamy (Birdsall, 2017); Gale (Briggs, 1990); Brownworth (2020); Doherty et al. (2025); Gale Ambassadors (2021).

While going to a public gym may not provide tools and equipment helpful for wheelchair users, it does not mean that fitness and exercise are off the table! This article explores workout equipment that fellow wheelchair users have tried and loved.

From strength training to cardio equipment, the options are endless! Having SCI/D does not have to put an end to anyone’s fitness journey.

Check out the rest of this article to see what equipment you might like to try!

Read it here: https://newmobility.com/wheelchair-users-favorite-home-workout-products/

VaPro™ No Touch Intermittent Catheters can help to minimize the risk of UTIs.1

References:
1.Hollister Data on File, 2014; Laboratory Study

Learn More: https://www.hollister.com/en/continencecare/vapro