Reinventing the Wheel…and the world while we’re at it!
If you have been to a BACKBONES event before, you already know that we are not just about connecting people with spinal cord injury for peer support. BACKBONES is about storytelling. Sharing your story for the sake of connecting as humans, for knowledge, conversation and understanding.
And so in honor of storytelling I will tell you a story about many stories…
Once upon a time, Reveca wanted to show the world why people should care that there are millions of Americans like herself living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). She wanted people to know that life was not over and people with SCI can live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. A Google search resulted in a bad representation of people with disabilities, they all looked ill and helpless! This needed to change!!!
“I could tell people my story” she thought, “but that wouldn’t be as fun…”
What was the best way to impact a large number of people…think…think…Lightbulb!!!
A picture! A picture can say a thousand words she thought, as cliché as that was, it was true! With one photo we could capture a whole story, a thousand moments that led to that one. It could change someone’s perception of what they knew to be true… in one instant!
And sooo…the journey began to pair up 21 photographers with 21 people with spinal cord injuries, and together they would create 21 photo stories of ABILITY and life after SCI.
Silly pictures, serious pictures, funny pictures, beautiful pictures, crazy pictures…REAL pictures of REAL lives!
The 21 teams are from cities all over the country, capturing stories of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. On June 29th, 2013 BACKBONES Launched: Reinventing the Wheel: Stories of Life After Spinal Cord Injury as a touring exhibit starting at the National Museum Health and Medicine Chicago.
Join us in this project by sharing our work with everyone you know! Together we will begin to shift attitudes- Let’s challenge current stereotypes of the lives of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) change views leading to better access to housing, employment, education and recreation for people with disabilities!
Please consider making a donation to help cover our touring costs! We need your help to keep this wheel turning!
We would love to help you bring more awareness to the public about your project. We offer free, on-going ballroom, Latin and contemporary dance classes for the physically challenged and community volunteers.
Let us know how we can help.
Beverly WEurding, Founder & President
http://www.wheelchairdancers.org
We would love to have you join us in San Diego. We offer wheelchair dance classes in all dance styles. Classes are free and on-going. We will send out information about your event when it gets closer to San Diego.
Beverly Weurding, Founder & President
Any hope you might be coming to Toronto, Ontario Canada? What about Detroit or Buffalo?
It would be great to see you guys here.
Brenda
I loved the “light bulb”. I had the same thing happen to me! I too want to raise awareness in the general public in a playful and positive light around PWD. I have invented a television series! I sure would love the opportunity to speak with Reveca. And I can’t wait to see the exhibit when you get to LA!
Thanks Cynthia! What is your television series?