SAVE THE DATE 3nd Annual Kentucky Congress on Spinal Cord Injury (KCSCI) June 18th, 2015 from 9:00 to 4:00 Marriot Griffin Gate Hotel, Lexington, KY (off Newtown Pike near I-75) Need: Organizations, outreach programs and specialized medical care providers for individuals living with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky have traditionally been unorganized and without a common mission. Importantly, while current outreach efforts appear to have some impact for SCI individuals in urban areas, we wish to build cohesion among this community of individuals throughout the commonwealth by expansion into the more rural areas. We envision congress participants, sponsors, healthcare providers and care givers all exchanging information about programs available to those in need throughout the commonwealth. The community of individuals with SCI and their support systems can be a strong advocacy group given the right organizational structure. Mission: The mission of the Kentucky Congress on Spinal Cord Injury (KCSCI) is to gather individuals with SCI from around the commonwealth to join in the discussion of critical issues that are important to them and to help draft agendas to be used to legislate changes in our commonwealth for people with SCI. The members of the KCSCI should be strong advocates for the rights of all people with disabilities and be willing to provide peer mentoring for newly injured folks who may need additional support. Accomplishments since the 2nd Annual KCSCI (May 2014): • We have formed an Advisory Board Committee Meeting whose charge it is to identify the top principal concerns of the SCI community that the KCSCI can help (for more information, visit www.karrn.org) • Based upon expert advice and careful thought, we have chosen not to file for nonprofit 501c3 status. • Our recognition is expanding as we continue to increase our network of people with SCI in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We have an interactive Face Book page and we’re developing a website. • After the recent snow storms, we collectively contacted local councilmen and businesses to bring to their attention that the inadequate/improper snow removal from handicapped parking spaces was in violation of laws, in particular for vehicles with ramps requiring room. Fellow member David Allgood also helped us advance this legislation in the Capitol. • • A Few of the Featured Invited Speakers and Preliminary Agenda for the 3nd Annual KCSCI (June 2015): Heidi Johnson-Wright and Steve Wright are experts in Universal Design, ADA in built environment, advocacy for Inclusive Design - as it relates to rural communities. Johnson-Wright is an ADA compliance professional and attorney with over 30 years of public speaking experience. Steve Wright has expertise in universal design, master plans, zoning codes, walkability, sustainability, architecture, transportation and public policy. Lindsey Mullis will present on fitness for people with mobility impairments. Mullis is the Health & Wellness coordinator for the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky. **REGISTRATION for this FREE event is open now. Register at http://tinyurl.com/qdzn8vv For more information you can contact KCSCI President Jason Jones at [email protected] or Visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KCSCI