United Spinal Co-Hosts 'From Within' Conference for Women Living with Physical Disabilities

NEW YORK, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association, Independence Care System (ICS), and the National MS Society are co-hosting the fourth annual 'From Within' Women's Health Conference to improve the lives, health, and well-being of women living with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/MM82757LOGO)

From Within attendees will have the opportunity to participate in frank and open discussions on relationships; breast health; advocacy; self-esteem; and using social media.

"This conference offers women with disabilities a forum to address their special needs, share their triumphs, and interact with peers and advocates dedicated to shattering public misperceptions and stereotypes," said Marlene Perkins, VP of Corporate and Community Relations at United Spinal.

Attendees will also hear first-hand stories of women who have overcome disability to pursue their goals.

"I feel good when I come here because I'm not the only one facing these [kinds of] problems," said Carmen Cruz, who uses a wheelchair due to rheumatoid arthritis and who has attended the conference twice.

"I'm here because improving the quality of my life is important," said Shellaine Pointer, a 34-year-old woman living with Muscular Dystrophy, who attended the conference for the first time last year.

"It's hard to find the time to have an intimate conversation with women like myself, because at therapy, people have a time limit," she shared.

The conference is free and open to the public. Advance registration recommended.

-Saturday, June 1st from 9:30 am-4:30 pm 

-Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, 425 East 25th Street, New York, NY. Cross streets: 25th Street, between 1st Ave and Asser Levy Pl.

-Free lunch will also be provided to all registrants and attendees.

-For more information, email [email protected] or call 877-958-8427.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Marlene Harmon-Perkins
http://www.profnetconnect.com/marlene_harmon-perkins

Media contact:
Ahvi Spindell  
Media Relations Services
United Spinal Association  
(212) 580-4567
[email protected]
Twitter @ahvispin

SOURCE United Spinal Association