As people with disabilities, sometimes it can be easy to think that we are alone, isolated, and that we have no choice but to be consumed by the extra time and energy required for us manage our daily lives. Just surviving with a disability for 20-year old Nujeen Mustafa wasn't an option, and she had barely survived. Living with cerebral palsy in war-torn Syria in 2014, she fled the bombarded city of Aleppo with her sister pushing her wheelchair over 5,000 kilometers until they reached Europe as refugees.  They settled in Germany, where Nujeen was able to study and restart her life with the support she needed to live independently. She has since become an outspoken advocate for others with disabilities around the world, especially for those in refugee communities and areas affected by war. In 2019, Nujeen became the first person with a disability to speak at the United Nations Security Council regarding the responsibility of global powers to protect civilians with disabilities. Like her, we all have the opportunity to transform the nightmares we survive into our most powerful weapons of truth and hope for the world. Never stop fighting, Nujeen! Let's get more disability advocates at the UN! 

Read and watch a BBC recent update on Nujeen's story at ​https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-54165869.
Check out Nujeen's book on her experience at https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Aleppo-Nujeens-Escape-Freedom-ebook/dp/B072FTK9FN. 

#disability #morethanwalking #cerebralpalsy

Exercise for life (EX4L) is a free online collection of innovative exercise videos for individuals with spinal cord injuries, created by students @sacredheart with help from @GaylordHealth physical therapists. Feedback and recommendations are welcome! shuex4l.wixsite.com/website ​

Dear Friends,

In the wake of George Floyd's death and the protests that have followed, we want to express our support for the Black Lives Matter movement and other initiatives that fight against racism and suppression of minorities. The disabled community is perhaps the most diverse in the world because no one chooses to become a member. We fight the same challenges every day and therefore can relate to each other no matter our skin color, religion, language, nationality, or sexual orientation. In fact, we believe that everyone is disabled in some way and that our inherent vulnerability as humans is what powers our innovation, grit, and solidarity to overcome life’s challenges. Everyone involved with More Than Walking, no matter what differences we have, should know that we are here to support each other. Let us remember our shared humanity and fight injustice and discrimination together.
Sincerely,
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Jonathan Sigworth & Jessica Bello Capote
More Than Walking Co-founders

Standing for at least 30 minutes per day is an important part of exercise after SCI. See how Mike Hurlock (C4 Quadriplegic) uses an FES Bike and Standing Frame. For more information on the benefits of standing, see Mason Ellis's article at www.spinalcord.com.  #morethanwalking #spinalcordinjury

Meeting with your doctor by phone or video call means you need to be better prepared to clearly communicate your concerns and questions. See Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's and EduMed's patient guides to telemedicine for tips and resources to find out how to schedule an appointment!

https://www.himss.org/news/patients-guide-telemedicine  
https://www.edumed.org/resources/patients-guide-to-telehealth-virtual-healthcare/ 
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#morethanwalking #disability #covid19 #spinalcordinjury

Did you know that you don't need to roll, stroll, or drive to your local library to read books or audiobooks for free? Check out https://www.overdrive.com/ and its downloadable free app Libby to get started. The app will even help you sign up for local library memberships if you don't already have one.
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#morethanwalking #spinalcordinjury #covid19

How can personal attendants for people with disabilities protect themselves and their clients from Covid-19? Check out CareAcademy's free online course for direct care workers. 
#morethanwalking #spinalcordinjury #covid19 #disability

Watch this video by the Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System showcasing different adaptive hand grip strategies for people with quadriplegia and limited hand function. Upload your own tips to share at morethanwalking.com. #spinalcordinjury #morethanwalking