Michael S. Porter
Eric C. Nordby
United Spinal Association is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) and wheelchair users. Founded in 1946 by paralyzed World War II veterans in New York City, the organization has grown to serve over 67,000 members nationwide through 40+ chapters, 115+ support groups, and partnerships with 115+ rehabilitation hospitals.
The organization provides free lifetime membership, peer support and mentorship, advocacy, resource navigation, and the award-winning New Mobility magazine. In New York, United Spinal operates four chapters: NYC Spinal (serving Greater New York and Long Island), United Spinal Association of Hudson Valley, Motion Project Foundation in Buffalo, and the Rochester Chapter.
Best For: Adults (18+) with spinal cord injuries or disorders and their family members. While the organization primarily serves people with acquired spinal cord injuries from accidents or disease, the Motion Project Foundation chapter also serves individuals with spina bifida and other congenital spinal conditions. This organization is not designed for families seeking early intervention or developmental disability services for young children with birth injuries like cerebral palsy.
Strengths & Limitations
| Strengths | Limitations |
| Free lifetime membership – No cost to join, includes New Mobility magazine, Resource Center access, and member discounts | Adult focus (18+ only) – Children under 18 cannot be members; parents must join on their behalf. Not designed for pediatric populations or early childhood services |
| Nearly 80 years of advocacy leadership – Helped pass the Architectural Barriers Act (1968) and co-authored the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) | Acquired injuries focus – Primary focus is traumatic spinal cord injuries and disorders in adults, not congenital conditions or developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy |
| Robust peer support network – 700+ trained peer mentors nationwide who match with newly injured individuals based on injury type, gender, and lifestyle | Membership organization, not direct service provider – Does not provide residential care, day programs, clinical therapies, or OPWDD-type services; connects members to resources and advocates for policy |
| Comprehensive Resource Center – Dedicated Information Specialists available by phone (800-962-9629) Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM ET to answer questions and provide referrals | Limited grant availability – NYC Spinal’s grant program closed in 2024; Motion Project grants only available to residents of 17 Western NY counties |
| Quality of Life Grants – Motion Project Foundation provides individual grants for adaptive equipment, home modifications, and rehabilitation programs |
Services & Support
Peer Support & Mentoring
- Over 115 support groups nationwide (virtual and in-person options)
- Peer Mentoring Program with 700+ trained mentors who match based on injury type, gender, and lifestyle
- Family members and caregivers can access peer support as members
- Virtual support groups available
Resource Navigation
- Resource Center Information Specialists help navigate services (phone: 800-962-9629)
- Connections to rehabilitation resources and specialists
- Products & Services Directory of vetted providers
- Health Access Toolkit and accessibility guides
Financial Assistance
- Motion Project Foundation Quality of Life Grants (Western NY only) – For equipment, home modifications, vehicle modifications, and rehabilitation programs; requires residency in 17-county Western NY region and physician verification
- Technology Access Initiative for adaptive equipment
- Member discounts including 20% off Cephable, 33% off HealthDesk, 10% off Restorative Therapies equipment
Educational Resources
- New Mobility magazine (monthly membership publication)
- Virtual Advocacy Series and livestream events
- Knowledge Books library
- Accessible Parking Guide
- Disability Etiquette guide
- Ready to Roll Emergency Preparedness program
- Stronger Together podcast
- My Wheelchair Guide mobile app
Advocacy
- Roll on Capitol Hill annual advocacy event
- Advocacy Working Groups
- SecureRide Coalition and Access & Care Coalition
- Active legislative advocacy to protect disability rights and Medicaid funding
Veterans Services
- VetsFirst – VA-accredited program to prepare, present, and prosecute veterans benefit claims
Employment Support
- Pathways to Employment job placement assistance
- Employer partnerships
New York Chapter-Specific Services
NYC Spinal (Greater New York & Long Island):
- Peer mentorship (in-person or virtual)
- Policy and advocacy program
- Regular social events
- Note: Grant program closed in 2024
United Spinal of Hudson Valley:
- Adaptive sports and recreation programs
- Injury prevention program
- Policy and advocacy
Motion Project Foundation (Buffalo/Western NY):
- Natalie Barnhard Center for SCI Rehabilitation and Recovery – Physical rehabilitation facility with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced robotics
- Activity-based therapy
- Technology access program
- Health professional education
- Caregiver support groups
- Motion Project CARES program (Community, Advocacy, Resources, Education, Support)
Rochester Chapter:
- Monthly Social & Support Group meetings
- Grant program
- Resources and referrals
Locations & Contact
National Headquarters
United Spinal Association National Office
102 Duane Road
Fort Totten, NY 11359
Phone: (718) 803-3782
Resource Center: 1-800-962-9629 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM ET)
Email: askus@unitedspinal.org
Website: https://unitedspinal.org
New York Chapters
NYC Spinal
P.O. Box 286444, Yorkville Station
New York, NY
Phone: 866-692-7242
Email: info@nycspinalcord.org
Website: www.nycspinalcord.org
Serves: Greater New York Metropolitan Area & Long Island
United Spinal Association of Hudson Valley
White Plains, NY
Phone: 845-786-4950
Email: hudsonvalleyunitedspinal@gmail.com
Serves: Hudson Valley, NY
Motion Project Foundation
4820 Genesee Street
Buffalo, NY
Phone: 716-668-4724
Email: info@motionprojectny.org
Website: www.motionprojectny.org
Serves: 17 counties in Western New York (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse area)
Rochester Chapter
Rochester, NY
Phone: 585-234-3269
Email: RSA@rochesterspinalassociation.org
Website: www.rochesterspinalassociation.org
Serves: Rochester area
Who Can Access Services
Age Range: 18 years and older. Parents or guardians of children under 18 may join as members themselves.
Geographic Area: United States residents. Chapter-specific grants and services have geographic restrictions (Motion Project serves 17 Western NY counties; NYC Spinal serves Greater New York and Long Island; Hudson Valley serves Hudson Valley region; Rochester serves Rochester area).
Eligibility: Membership is open to individuals with spinal cord injuries or disorders, all wheelchair users, family members, caregivers, friends, and healthcare professionals.
Cost: Free. Membership is completely free and includes New Mobility magazine subscription, Resource Center access, and member discounts.
Documents Needed:
- Membership: Online form with basic information
- Quality of Life Grants (Motion Project): Physician letter verifying injury type and cause, proof of residency in 17-county Western NY region
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible facilities and events
- Spanish language resources available through Resource Center
- Virtual services including support groups, peer mentoring, and online Resource Center
How to Get Started
- Become a free member by visiting https://unitedspinal.org/membership-form/ and completing the online form. Select your local New York chapter (NYC Spinal, Hudson Valley, Motion Project, or Rochester) if desired. Parents of children under 18 should enter their own information when joining.
- Contact the Resource Center by calling 1-800-962-9629 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM ET) or submitting an online request at https://unitedspinal.org/assistance-request-form/. Information Specialists can answer questions and provide referrals.
- Request a peer mentor through their official website. United Spinal will match you with a trained mentor based on injury type, gender, and lifestyle. Matching typically occurs within days to weeks.
- Connect with your local New York chapter directly using the contact information above to access chapter-specific support groups, social events, and programs.
- Apply for Quality of Life Grant (Motion Project Foundation only, Western NY residents) at www.motionprojectny.org/grants/. Requires physician letter and proof of residency in eligible counties.
Bottom Line
United Spinal Association is best suited for adults with spinal cord injuries or disorders and their family members who need peer support, advocacy resources, and connections to rehabilitation services. With nearly 80 years of disability rights leadership and a robust network of 700+ peer mentors nationwide, the organization excels at connecting people to others who understand their experience and advocating for policy change. Four New York chapters provide local support, and the Motion Project Foundation in Buffalo offers both a physical rehabilitation center and Quality of Life Grants for Western NY residents.
However, families seeking services for young children with birth injuries should understand that United Spinal serves adults 18+ and focuses on acquired spinal cord injuries rather than pediatric developmental disabilities. If your family is affected by spina bifida or another congenital spinal condition and your child is approaching or past age 18, United Spinal’s free membership, peer mentorship, and advocacy resources can be valuable supplements to medical care and other support services.