NMD United

OUR MISSION NMD United is a non-profit organization composed of adults living with neuromuscular disabilities. This peer-led organization fosters meaningful interactions and provides informational resources to increase self-direction while promoting independence. NMD UNITED'S CONCEPTION A true grassroots’ organization, NMD United began with the rise of social media. Members of an online support group of adults with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and other neuromuscular disabilities realized that many of the socialization and support groups focused mostly on children and their parents. Yet, adults with neuromuscular disabilities (NMDs) face different challenges and crave deeper discussion with peers living with similar diagnoses. WHAT MAKES NMD UNITED UNIQUE No other non-profit organization focuses on neuromuscular disabilities (NMDs) existing in the United States is entirely peer-driven, led and run under the social model of disability versus the medical model. The medical model of disability sees “disability” as a medical problem (illness), and the person living with the disability as a patient consumed by this problem. The focus is always on curing the disability. Whereas, the social model of disability embraces the present day and strives to change society’s perception and stigma regarding life with a disability. NMD United, by embracing the social model, exists as a desperately needed resource.