State Organizations
The Iowa Disability Equipment Swap is a resource for you to buy, sell, & trade your accessible and medical supplies and equipment. Please keep your items disability specific, items that aid those with disabilities. The intention of this page is to help connect our members to buy, sell, trade useful items that are helpful and pertain to individuals with disabilities (specifically spinal injury/disease/disorder). Examples are, but not limited to: grab bars, assistive technology, used ramp vehicles, bathroom equipment, adapted cooking utensils, ramps, and so on.
Iowa COMPASS offers information and referral, a used equipment listing service (Used Equipment Referral Service) and legal advocacy and representation (Assistive Technology Legal Project) for Iowans with disabilities and their families, friends and service providers.
Since being established in 2011, Adaptive Sports Iowa has provided revolutionary sports opportunities for Iowans with physical disabilities. From introducing adaptive sports in the Iowa Games to and setting up various sports programs to having a RAGBRAI team, we hope to continue to offer Iowans with physical disabilities the chance to showcase their athletic abilities while promoting an atmosphere of fun and community.
Cedar Valley Rollers
Meets at 6:30 pm at Becks in Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Call Jenn for more details at 319-290-9402.
If you know of any other support groups in Iowa for individuals with spinal cord injury/disease/disorder, or for family members and caregivers, please provide this information to us via email at admin@unitedspinaliowa.org
Des Moines Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
This group meets online on the third Tuesday of every month from 2 PM to 3:30 PM. It aims to maintain a group of individuals affected by spinal cord injuries, & their family & friends. Provides individuals access to a community of peers, group gatherings, resources, & activities. Our group holds scheduled meetings for conversation & guest speakers. We are constant resource to ourselves and to others, & try to plan group get-togethers in the community. Visit the group’s Facebook page for details about its upcoming meeting.
A Facebook group of wheelchair users in Iowa and their family and friends who are caregivers or just support. We share information and/or ask questions that apply to wheelchair users in Iowa.
Join in discussions about all things related to living life on wheels! The Virtual Group Chat is held via Zoom so you can join from the comfort and safety of your own home. Meetings are held on the first and third Sunday of every month, 7:00–8:00 pm CST. Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information.
Visit our Peer Mentoring page for info about the program. If you’d like to be a mentor or request one, please contact our Peer Mentoring Coordinator.
The Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of American (IPVA) is a non-profit organization and is one of 33 chapters which represents our national organization, Paralyzed Veterans of America. Our membership is free and consists of veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have suffered a spinal cord injury or received a diagnosis of disease affecting the spinal cord.
Across the state of Iowa and our nation there is an unseen, unspoken of issue, a lack of accessible restrooms for individualswith disabilities. Current regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state that handicap accessible restrooms are only required to accommodate the space needed for a wheelchair user to comfortably access a restroom. These standards do not address the large segment of the disability community that cannot properly utilize current facilities.
Standard accessible restrooms do not meet the needs of individuals who are beyond the weight limit to safely use a traditional changing table, yet still require the use of incontinence products. Some need assistance with changes by a caregiver. Other simply require more space, privacy and a multi-gender restroom.
Iowans with disabilities across our state are not able to use ADA provided facilities in a safe, private and dignified manner. These individuals are changed on unhygienic public restroom floors, on the lap of their caretakers, or in the back of vehicles. Some may go unchanged, forced to sit soiled until an appropriate place can be located.
Changing Spaces Iowa is committed to improving conditions and access for individuals with disabilities through education and legislative action.
National Organizations
United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries or disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals. Top three resources they provide:
More resources can be found on the United Spinal Association website.
VetsFirst is a program of United Spinal Association that assists veterans and their eligible family members in obtaining the benefits they are entitled to, deserve and need.
Since 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for our seriously injured heroes. We’ve had a single-minded mission—to empower our brave men and women to regain what they fought for: their freedom and independence.
As a retired servicemember of the United States military, obtaining the maximum VA compensation isn’t a simple task. There are many benefits available to you as a veteran of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force. Veterans Guide provides you with the necessary information you need to obtain the maximum benefits when you leave military service.
Thousands of military service members were exposed to harmful chemicals and materials, including asbestos. Exposure to these substances has been linked to lung cancer, even decades after the initial exposure and active duty. Veterans who have been diagnosed with lung cancer may be eligible for VA benefits and other forms of compensation.
Lung Cancer Group helps patients and their loved ones understand their treatment options and pursue financial aid. Visit their website to learn more.
Information for people with disabilities, state and local governments, and businesses. Pick a topic to find out how the ADA works.
Help Hope Live is a charitable organization that provides one-on-one fundraising help, a customizable Campaign Page, bill pay support, and additional benefits based on its 501c3 nonprofit status and won’t charge you. Visit Help Hope Live to learn more.
The Complete Home Accessibility Guide
Accessible home improvements are any house modifications that increase safety, mobility, and independence for people with disabilities. Homeowners can use the ADA guidelines to eliminate accessibility concerns for private residences. This nearly extensive guide covers every area of the house — inside and out — to provide the most thorough accessibility checklist for homeowners. Also, you can get a room-by-room tour of the best accessible home upgrades.