United Spinal to Host From Within Conference for Women Living with Physical Disabilities: Free Conference to Empower Women Toward a Better Quality of Life

NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association's membership division NSCIA and Independence Care System (ICS) are hosting the third annual From Within conference to improve the lives, health, and well-being of women living with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

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From Within attendees will have the opportunity to participate in frank and open discussions on advocacy; disability benefits and healthcare; fitness; nutrition; sexuality and relationships; breast care and OB/GYN; wheelchair check-ups; fashion; and much more.

"From Within offers a forum for women 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.

"It's rewarding to see the impact From Within has had on the diverse group of women who have attended this conference––young, old, single, married, mothers, daughters, workers, caregivers and volunteers," she added.

This year's keynote speaker and "From Within' award honoree is Ginny Thornburgh, who serves as director of the Interfaith Initiative at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

Thornburgh has worked 23 years focused on the spiritual and religious issues of children and adults with disabilities.

Other guest speakers include Luticha Andre Doucette, disability rights advocate and co-founder of RocCity Young Professionals with Disabilities––a group based in Rochester, NY that focuses on helping people living with disabilities connect to their community.

Some of this year's workshop presenters are Susan C. Wolf, M.D., Ph.D., clinical director of ICS's Access to Women's Health Care Program; Millie Miraglia, consultant, Fitness, Yoga and Stress Management; Carole A. Baraldi, RN, MS; public health nurse educator; Linda Hickman, consultant for Adult Day Programs and Therapeutic Music & Program, NYC Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society .

Exhibitors will include Wheelchair Medic; Able to Travel; UsersFirst; Independence Care System; The Greater New York Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association; Initiative for Women with Disabilities (IWD), See and Be Safe; Barrier Free Living; and MS Society of New York City.

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

• Saturday, May 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway New York, NY 10036
• Free lunch will also be provided to all registrants and attendees
• Free Raffle Drawing – Prizes courtesy of The Avon Dude Dan; Bayada Home Health and Marriott Marquis

From Within is sponsored by Allergan; Independence Care System (ICS); Coloplast; and Hollister.

For more information, please visit http://www.unitedspinal.org/events/from-within-conference/ or call Marlene Perkins at 800-404-2898 ext. 7330.

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.

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Marlene Harmon-Perkins
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SOURCE United Spinal Association