By Megan Hammond Nechols
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, community members gathered for the 27th Annual MetroHealth Spinal Cord Injury Forum, a conference for community members to promote education and fellowship. As someone who has been attending this Forum for 16 years and serving on the planning committee for the past seven years, this event holds a special place in my heart. I’m deeply invested in its success and am thrilled to see MetroHealth’s recognition of its value for our community, making it a unique event.
This year, a theme around ‘building community and tools for success’ emerged as the planning committee started drafting a list of session topics/speakers. Our day started with an animated presentation about how the ADA protects us inside the airport building and how to report a violation. Next, we heard about surgical interventions for those living with tetraplegia that promote functional return in arms or hands, and adaptive technology and how you can learn about various options at the MetroHealth ALT Lab. After lunch, we heard from our Inpatient Rehabilitation Nurse Manager about the complexities of bladder care. Two catheter companies joined her on stage, promoting research on how catheters promote urinary health. We wrapped up the day with our keynote speaker, Joci Scott, who joined us virtually from LA. Joci is a native of Northeast Ohio and discussed disability representation in Hollywood and the media and how vital her community was in her success after her injury.
Throughout the day, we had ten vendor tables set up in our “Exhibitor Hall.” These vendors included Adaptive Sports Ohio, Canine Companions—Northern Ohio Volunteer Chapter, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Coloplast, Convatec, Hollister, Inc., MetroHealth Gerson Center/ Vocational Services, MetroHealth Smoking Cessation, NORSCIS Research, and United Spinal Association of Northeast Ohio. Community members could visit each table to learn about products and services.
The theme of ‘community’ kept presenting itself throughout the day. Speaking with attendees, I heard about activities people were involved in, what they wanted to do next, some health issues, and how much support has meant in each scenario. I know that when I chat with another wheelchair user, our conversation usually consists of something that “only we” understand because of our disability. There is power in community.
The 27th Annual MetroHealth Spinal Cord Injury Forum was not just an event—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and shared experience. From the informative sessions to the engaging keynote speaker, and the invaluable resources provided by vendors, the day highlighted the strength and support found in coming together. The theme of ‘building community and tools for success’ resonated throughout, reminding us that true progress is made when we connect, share knowledge, and support one another. As someone deeply involved in this event, I am proud to see it continue to grow and make such a meaningful impact. There is indeed power in community, and this year’s forum was a testament to that.
You can find all the replays on the United Spinal Association of Northeast Ohio’s website: www.usaneo.org/sciforum2024
