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Youth Program

Empowering Youth with Spinal Cord injury

teenager in a yellow racing wheelchair wearing a helmet and smiling
teen boy in a wheelchair

Program Details

The BACKBONES Youth Program is a summer virtual program for teenagers (ages 15-18) with spinal cord injuries and disabilities (SCI/D). It’s designed to help you build self-advocacy skills, connect with others, and learn about important topics for youth with disabilities -- like going to college, driving, managing independence, employment, dating, and more!

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This is a fun opportunity to connect with other teenagers with SCI/D, and learn directly from leaders and professionals in the disability community. If you are between the ages of 15-18 and are living with SCI/D please complete the form below to apply!

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About the Program

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  • Participants meet weekly via Zoom from mid-June to mid-August

  • Guest speakers, interactive activities, important conversations, and time to just socialize!

  • Meet other teenagers with SCI/D, make new friends, and receive and provide unique support 

  • Receive a $500 stipend for participating! We see this as a way to compensate youth for their time, much like a summer job.

  • Weekly sessions (2 hours long) every Wednesday at 11am PST / 1pm CST / 2pm EST

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Program Dates: June 17 to August 15, 2026.​

Applications due: April 10, 2026.

Notifications: Early May 2026.

Questions? Contact:

Amanda Russel, Program Coordinator - arussel@backbonesonline.org

To Be Eligible to Apply, You Must:

  • Be between ages 15-18

  • Be living with Spinal Cord Injury and/or Disorder (SCI/D)

  • Be available to participate Wednesdays (2 hours)

  • Be committed to learning from disabled leaders and peers

  • Be willing to share your knowledge with your peers

"This program was the best! I feel like it will help me with job search, dating, and achieving my goals to go to college. The spinal cord injury doesn't stop me."
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