United Spinal Association Chapter Check-In: Iowa


Iowa Chapter: From Small Beginnings…

Iowa-chpter-pic

When Tim Ascherl went into business as a mobility equipment dealer in Iowa in 2002, one of the first — and most surprising things — he noticed was how many customers were wheelchair users he didn’t know. “When I started my business I knew a few people in chairs but really never came across or crossed paths with many,” he says. “When I got into business all these people were coming into my shop that lived within a 100 mile radius of where I lived — and here I didn’t even know them, and I had been in a chair for 17 years. I thought, this isn’t right that we don’t cross each other’s paths and there is no sense of community.”

To rectify that, Ascherl, a C5-6 quad, teamed up with some friends in the local  SCI community to found the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Iowa. “Our goal at that point was just to have a clinic to bring people together for one day a year and let them try adaptive bikes, share a meal and get a sense of community,” he says.

That clinic, held in August 2004, became the launching pad for something much bigger. Over the next 10 years the chapter expanded across the state, added new social events and grew the initial clinic into an annual recreation expo with vendors, outdoor activities and much more.

To honor and celebrate its 10th anniversary, the chapter unveiled a new logo and a revised mission statement at last August’s recreation expo. Ascherl is proud of the impact the chapter has had, especially in a rural state that lacks an SCI rehabilitation hub.

“We had to kind of create our own [hub]. It has evolved into something more because of the members’ desires and needs,” says Ascherl. “We’re still missing that, but there’s a sense of community now and people are aware and know each other more than they did 10 years ago.”

Chapter president Angie Hulsebus has been on board almost all the way from the beginning. Hulsebus, a quad, met Ascherl while getting her first wheelchair and quickly got roped into attending the first expo.

“Tim was like, ‘Hey you’re coming to the expo?’ And I was like, ‘What?'” Hulsebus recalls.

She loved the budding sense of community at the event, and Ascherl again found her ear.

“He said, ‘Hey, you’re a planner, aren’t you?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, kinda,’ and he goes, ‘Why don’t you be a board member?'”

She did just that in February of 2005 and she replaced Ascherl as president a few years later. As president she has focused on growing the annual expo and expanding the chapter’s reach beyond Des Moines.

“Reaching out to everyone in Iowa has been a challenge, but as we do, people tend to find something that they’re interested in,” she says. “We try to offer a wide range of activities because we know that everyone is different. We try to offer such a variety so that everyone can come together and we can create a very inclusive active lifestyle environment.”

Looking back on the last 10 years, Ascherl, who now serves as treasurer, says he is proud the chapter has given Iowans with spinal cord injuries the motivation and encouragement to succeed and live their lives.

“I’m honored to be a part of starting the sense of community in the spinal cord community within the state of Iowa,” he says. “Hopefully in the next 10 to 20 years we can grow that and become even greater.”


Angie HulsebusSpotlight: Iowa

By Angie Hulsebus

My Take

Plan your visit in August so you can experience the Iowa State Fair, among the nation’s top five state fairs, located just east of Des Moines. It attracts more than 1 million people and was the inspiration for the original novel, State Fair, by Iowan Phil Stong, plus three motion pictures and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s  Broadway musical.

The fair, over 450 acres, includes 160 acres of camp-grounds; several outdoor stages; over 600 exhibitors; over 20 buildings; several food stands and restaurants; and a variety of animal barns. Best of all, it is becoming more wheelchair accessible every year. In recent years two elevators have been added, along with increased restroom accessibility and more signage for accessible parking and restrooms. The Iowa State Fair has been a family tradition for more than two generations.

Skinny on the State

In Iowa you can always catch an adventure. Although the capital, Des Moines, has a great deal to offer, don’t forget about the rest of the state. The less populated western half boasts annual festivals, including the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, which features hot air balloons, the Pella Tulip Festival in Pella, the Renaissance Festival, which takes place in between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and many more.

The High Trestle Trail Bridge, which runs from Ankeny to Woodward, is stunning at night.
The High Trestle Trail Bridge, which runs from Ankeny to Woodward, is stunning at night.

Places to Go

Outdoors lovers can take advantage of Des Moines’ accessible docks for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Or you can handcycle along extensive paved bike trails across the state, including High Trestle Trail Bridge, which runs from Ankeny to Woodward. Located in Des Moines, the Science Center of Iowa offers plenty of accessible options, including a 50-foot domed digital planetarium and a six-story IMAX theater. The Iowa Speedway, a short 30-mile jaunt east of Des Moines, hosts numerous events, including NASCAR races. Iowa is also known for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. This non-competitive bike ride has become the largest, longest and oldest bike touring event in the world.

During colder months you can take your adventure inside to the Des Moines Art Center, watch a play or musical, or seek the warmth and beauty of the Botanical Center. Des Moines has over four miles of climate-controlled skywalk system, giving you access to many venues, hotels and restaurants.

Getting Around

Accessible transportation is improving in Des Moines, but still has a ways to go. I rely on my accessible van to get around, but friends who use public transit options report that access is growing. Des Moines Area Rapid Transit does a decent job covering the downtown Des Moines area and offers paratransit services. There are also transport services like HIRTA and Joy Ride that allow wheelchair users to schedule trips, although mostly for medical appointments. Accessible cabs are the bald eagles of the transportation scene — they do exist, theyre just seldom seen.

One nice thing for drivers: Iowa has accessible refueling stations. FuelCall is established at all Hy-Vee gas stations, some BP stations and other locally owned places. You can drive up to the gas pump, press a large button, and an employee will come to you and fill your gas tank for you. You don’t even need to get out of your vehicle.

Available Health Care

Iowa’s main inpatient rehab facilities are Younker Rehabilitation and Mercy Center for Rehab, both located in Des Moines, and Genesis Health, which has facilities in Davenport, DeWitt, Aledo, Silvis, and Maquoketa. The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, offers research study opportunities to be involved in, and has a  newly built medical facility.

The Healthy Living Center YMCA, in West Des Moines, is the first of its kind to offer specialized programming for people with disabilities.

Must See, Must Do

In addition to being featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Smokey D’s BBQ has become known as Central Iowa’s championship BBQ, with over 600 trophies/awards, including the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City.


Support New Mobility

Wait! Before you wander off to other parts of the internet, please consider supporting New Mobility. For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. But none of this is cheap, easy or profitable. Your support helps us give wheelchair users the resources to build a fulfilling life.

donate today

Comments are closed.