Aging is a deeply personal and unique experience for every individual, filled with a variety of expectations. Join the conversation this month as we explore the variety of internal and external factors experienced by women with SCI/D. We will engage in conversations with Vicki Kowaleski and Ginger Lane, two women who have been living with SCI/D for over 20 years, as they actively discuss their changing bodies and outlook on their injuries. They will also provide deep and personal insight into the importance and benefit of having a strong support system in other women. We hope you’ll join us for an amazing insight into Living with Long Term SCI/D!
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Vicki Kowaleski
In the summer of 1986, Vicki Hill Kowaleski was injured a diving accident that left her with C6 quadriplegia at the age of 22. After competing in Wheelchair Sports for several years, Vicki attended grad school at IIT and earned her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She moved to Connecticut, got married and raised a family with her husband. She recently retired after a 24-year-career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and supervisor for the Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Vicki and her husband Bill have been married for 28 years. They have four grown children and three grandkids.
Ginger Lane
Ginger Lane is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher working in physically integrated dance in the Chicago area, having first received a dance scholarship to the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts, and graduating from Northwestern’s renowned theater program. She worked at Chicago’s independent living center, Access Living, for 31 years, first as Director of Peer Counseling Services for 20 years and then as Coordinator of its Arts & Culture Project, curating and producing artistic and cultural events for the next 11 years. Ginger conceived of and was the founder and Artistic Director of CounterBalance-the Power of Integrated Dance -a showcase for dancers with and without disabilities-from 2008-2020, in conjunction with MOMENTA Dances and Bodies of Work, until she retired in 2020.