The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and Shepherd Center present the video series “Raise Your Voice: Succeeding through Self-Advocacy”
New educational video series provides insight into disability rights and self-advocacy for people living with paralysis
Short Hills, NJ – May 13, 2024 – The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, in partnership with Shepherd centerproudly presents “Raise Your Voice: Success Through Self-Advocacy.” This seven-part series helps individuals living with paralysis by providing comprehensive resources and education about disability rights and essential tools for self-advocacy. From exploring the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to navigating health care, employment, housing, transportation, and education, this series offers expert insight and candid testimony from community members.
“The Reeve Foundation is committed to providing the necessary tools for those living with paralysis to champion their rights and thrive on a daily basis,” said Emily Wolinsky, Director, Outreach and Education, Reeve Foundation. “Through education and advocacy and collaboration with our partners at the Shepherd Center, this series spreads awareness of how to break down barriers and build a more inclusive and just society while advocating for yourself.”
“After a complex illness, disease or catastrophic event, it can be difficult to find your voice—both literally and figuratively—to ask for help and advocate for your needs,” said Diane Johnston, Director of Professional Education, Shepherd Center. “Self-advocacy is more than speaking up and getting what you need. It includes essential elements of educating yourself and others to ensure your needs are met. Self-advocacy helps you thrive and live your life to your fullest potential.”
A history of our society
As a person with a disability, you are part of a unique community with a rich history of self-advocates striving to create a more accessible world. In this video, explore the history of disability rights and the progress made in building an inclusive society.
Mastering the ability to self-advocate
While self-advocacy can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate at times, it can also be an uplifting experience that leads to change—for yourself and your community. This video will identify tools to help you develop a successful, assertive approach to navigating self-advocacy in any situation.
Navigation in the healthcare system
Access to high-quality health care, whether primary or specialist, presents a myriad of challenges for those living with paralysis. In this video, you can learn how to navigate the health care system to make sure you get the care you need and get tools to solve the challenges you may face.
Looking for employment
This segment will explore the challenges of seeking employment or returning to work as a person living with paralysis. You will hear expert advice from a certified rehabilitation counselor and a vocational specialist to help you prepare to enter or re-enter the workplace.
Equal access to housing
Whether you’re looking to rent, sell or buy a home, it’s important to know your rights and resources when looking for a place to live. In this video you can discover the essential tools to ensure a safe and stable home effectively.
Education available
For people living with paralysis, going to school—whether K-12 or college—requires extra preparation. This video is designed to simplify this process and streamline your educational journey, making it more accessible, manageable and ultimately rewarding.
Transportation
Transport and integration into society play a central role in one’s quality of life. In this segment, explore your rights related to pedestrian travel, public transportation, driving and operating a car, and air travel, and get practical tips for navigating transportation obstacles.
The complete video series and descriptions are on Reeve Foundation YouTube Channel.
About the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by paralysis. In addition, through a collaboration agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, wellness and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources and referral services that have helped over 125,000 individuals and families since launching in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs for greater representation and independence.
We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charitable accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10,000,000, with a portion of the project funded by ACL/HHS and the remainder funded by non-governmental sources. The content is that of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official views of, or an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the US Government.
About the Shepherd Center
The Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multiple traumas, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis and pain. The Shepherd Center is an elite center recognized as both spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury model systems. american news as one of the country’s best hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them get back on their feet.
Reeve Foundation media contact:
Julia Leonard, media specialist
[email protected]
973-933-7222
Shepherd Center media contact:
Kerry Ludlam, Director of Communications, Public Relations
[email protected]
