United Spinal Association of Virginia recognizes that we cannot fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disease (SCI/D) without acknowledging differences in our community. A proactive commitment to diversity and inclusion guides how we compose our workforce and board, develop grassroots leadership, and select our partners in the movement for people with disabilities. We prioritize partnership with corporations and agencies that share this broad commitment to inclusion. Without ensuring that these needs are met, we cannot build a truly representative membership organization.

We strive to represent the interests of all people living with SCI/D, including racial, ethnic and linguistic minorities, women, and LGBTQIA. We tailor our programs, advocacy, publications, and social support work to make the voices of the geographically underrepresented and socioeconomically disadvantaged members of the disability community heard everywhere from Capitol Square to the marketplace.

The dynamic lives of our members, based across the Commonwealth of Virginia, are the basis of our understanding of how these different identities intersect with the experience of paralysis. We know that we cannot move both our organization and our movement forward without a clearly articulated commitment to diversity.