Regina Blye, Chief Program and Policy Officer of the Reeve Foundation Looking Forward: 20 More Years of the National Paralysis Resource Center

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May 31, 2022, 22:41 ET

SHORT HILLS, N.J., May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Regina Blye talks about Dana Reeve's legacy of the National Paralysis Resource Center and her vision for the coming years.

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Blog

Regina Blye (PRNewsfoto/Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation)

I arrived at the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) this spring—twenty years after Dana Reeve first opened its doors. As the new Chief Program and Policy Officer, my mission is to lead the NPRC's work in the here and now—but with the 20^th anniversary celebration underway, I can't help but reflect on our beginnings.

Dana was determined to ease the struggle of families fighting to rebuild their lives after spinal cord injuries. The NPRC provided the information and resources that were urgently needed—and much more; it shone a light where there had once been darkness, empowering a community with knowledge and unwavering support.

Twenty years later, it's clear to me and thousands of other people living with paralysis that Dana's vision for the NPRC captured something essential to every life—dignity. She understood what is too often forgotten by people who have no personal experience with disability: we deserve the same opportunities to define ourselves, to live and work independently, and to pursue joy in whatever way we choose.

It is my hope that the NPRC's future amplifies its past. We've built a vast library for community members, including our comprehensive Paralysis Resource Guide and state-by-state contact information on everything from assistive technology loan libraries to adaptive sports teams. We connect people with peer mentoring and oversee community grants whose broader impact changes lives.

Our extraordinary team of Information Specialists have served more than 114,000 people, many in the midst of reconciling a life altered by injury, disease, or age. These are difficult moments, but the steady compassion of our team not only guides these families toward brighter days but creates a connection with the NPRC that often lasts a lifetime. To me, there is no better testament to the strength of this organization than a community that chooses to turn to us again and again.

But when I think of those 114,000 people served so far, I also worry about who we are missing—people living with paralysis whose lives might be healthier, more independent, and better supported with help from the NPRC—if only they knew we were here.

Expanding our outreach efforts to rural and minority populations is crucial. We will seek new collaborations with churches and community groups who can help carry NPRC's mission to those who need us. We are also updating our digital and print materials to be as inclusive and accessible as possible for those who live with paralysis and other conditions, including limited vision.

Spotlighting the health and economic disparities that continue to affect people with disabilities is another NPRC priority; alongside the resources, we've already created on how to find fulfilling jobs or overcome barriers when seeking preventative care. We will increase our campaigns to raise awareness about these inequities among policymakers advocating for change.

We will ensure our work is able to continue, uninterrupted, by building bridges with organizations whose commitment to our mission includes the funding and support to sustain it for decades to come.

I believe strongly in the spirit of partnership—with our outstanding team, with the Administration for Community Living, and with the families we serve. The fundamental mission that inspired Dana Reeve remains true today. Then and now, the NPRC is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through days that are filled with both challenges and joy, and lives that are ever-evolving with age and new experiences. We will continue to be guided by the needs of our community and work tirelessly to reach all who need us.

About Regina Blye

As the Chief Program and Policy Officer, Regina oversees operations of the National Paralysis Resource Center by developing and delivering programs that provide the critical services and resources that help people build healthy, independent lives.

Regina sustained a C6-C7 spinal cord injury at the age of 10. She brings over two decades of disability policy and advocacy experience, making the move to Reeve to work more directly with people living with spinal cord injury and paralysis.

Prior to starting with Reeve, she led the Independent Living Services program at the Administration for Community Living (ACL), monitoring compliance with the Rehabilitation Act and overseeing 155 federal grantees. Before that, as executive director of the Texas State Independent Living Council, she expanded independent living initiatives across the state. Her work has affected thousands of individuals and families living with disabilities and was recognized by President Barack Obama with a 2011 appointment to the United States Access Board, serving as Vice-Chair.

Regina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications Studies at West Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

About the Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discovery across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community's voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB's Charity Seal. For more information, please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

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SOURCE Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation