Spinal Network
A Chapter of United Spinal
Association
Let's build a world where inclusion is the norm, where education leads to employment, and where quality of life is elevated.
Introducing our newest Executive Board member
We'd like to welcome Alexandra Torres to the Spinal Network team. As Director of Social Media, Alex will be responsible for posting information on events, programs, resources and fun content across all of our social media platforms.
Alexandra is a San Diego native and graduated from San Diego State University in 2017 with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. She has worked as a mentor, tutor, case manager and was involved in the county's COVID project to help individuals who are unable to leave their home receive an in-home COVID vaccine. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and currently works within Child Welfare Services with the County of San Diego. On her free time she enjoys going to the gym, creating TikToks and hanging out with family and friends.
Follow along to get to know Alex and Spinal Network.
Our Adaptive Sports, Recreation, and Resource Fair was a Huge Success
Well, we did it again, we held a second adaptive sports, recreation, and resources fair. MCAP (Mobility Community Access Partners of San Diego) will co-sponsor this event with the City of San Diego's Therapeutic Recreation Services.
We offered basketball, pickleball, boccia ball, handcycling, fitness, martial arts, paddle boarding and over the line.
The event was free and lunch was provided by OMBAC (Old Mission Beach Athletic Club).
Our Mission
Spinal Network's mission is to promote community integration, participation, and independence for individuals with a disability requiring the use a wheelchair for their mobility, by providing the tools and community support to be successful in their work and personal lives. Our goal is to maximize quality of life, raise self-esteem and improve physical and mental health.
Our Vision
Spinal Network provides pathways for success by promoting community integration, participation, and independence. Spinal Network also connects individuals that have a disability requiring the use of a wheelchair for their mobility, with employment and/or educational resources necessary to achieve their individual goals maximizing quality of life.
Spinal Network's Assistive Loan Closet
Spinal Network has been awarded a grant by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to launch an assistive loan closet in the San Diego county area. This is a much needed service that will impact the lives of our members who have a high level SCI or diagnosis. The trial loan period will be 60 - 90 days and will be monitored closely to determine whether the combination being trialed is maximizing function and independence.
Mental Health
It's Ok to Not Be OK"
with Lindsey Elliott and Michaela Devins
Peer Support
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Latest Newsletter
Partner Spotlight: AJ True Strength
COMMITMENT TO ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES
Coach AJ has been working with the SDSU Adapted Athletics Program for over two years as the head of strength and conditioning and now the Director of Sports Performance. He earned his bachelors and dual master degree in exercise physiology and nutrition from SDSU, and has since been certified as a CSCS, CSFC, and USATF Level 1.
After his time spent at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, formerly the Olympic Training Center, Coach AJ strives to bring the highest level of Paralympic standards to the athletes and staff of SDSU AA.
Coach AJ was asked to attend the NWBA National Championships in 2021, as an assistant to the San Diego Wolfpack Team, taking home the bronze medal. He is currently training players from this veteran team.
Coach AJ volunteers part of his time with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and helps connect youth athletes from various programs with foundational strength and conditioning as well as sport specific coaches.
News and Views
What Exactly is Ableism?
Grassroots Advocacy: Change Starts with You – District Mobilization Program
Grassroots Advocacy: Change Starts with You – District Mobilization Program Read More »
Able Accounts
