September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: Spotlight on Our Board President, Gordon Palmer
This blog post was written by SportsAbility Alliance Director of Communications and Events, Kasara Barto.
September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: Spotlight on Our Board President, Gordon Palmer
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can happen in an instant. One moment life is moving forward as expected, and the next second, everything could change. But an SCI does not mean life is over—it means life is different. With determination, support, and resilience, new doors can open. At SportsAbility Alliance, we are proud to recognize Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month by highlighting the journey and leadership of our Board President, Gordon Palmer.
A Life Changed, A Mission Found
When Gordon was 18 years old, just two weeks before his high school graduation, a car accident left him a quadriplegic. While this sudden change could have closed doors, Gordon instead found strength through the support of his family and friends. He says he would not be where he is today without them—and he has spent his life paying that support forward.
Gordon was first introduced to our organization, at that time known as Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA), through theSportsAbility Expo. The event immediately drew him in, sparking a lifelong passion for helping people of all abilities experience inclusion, recreation, and community. Over the years, he has been a participant, volunteer, and board member, and today he proudly serves as President of the Board of Directors. The SportsAbility Expo remains his favorite program, and he continues to champion its mission of creating accessible opportunities for all.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Leadership
Beyond his work with SportsAbility Alliance, Gordon has been deeply involved in other nonprofits and advocacy efforts, including the Center for Independent Living of North Florida (Abilities 1st) and the Florida Transportation Disadvantaged Commission. Professionally, he dedicated more than 30 years as a senior attorney with the Florida Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission before retiring in 2020.
Education has played a central role in his journey. Gordon earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and his Juris Doctor degree from Florida State University. His perseverance demonstrates what is possible when you commit to moving forward.
More Than a Title
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Gordon lives life to the fullest. He enjoys smooth jazz, classic rock, traveling, movies, and cheering on his beloved Florida State Seminoles. He also loves seafood and spending time outdoors. He is also involved with the local Parrotheads and frequently fundraises for SportsAbility Alliance.
When asked what inclusion means to him, Gordon explains it simply: “Having accommodations for people with all disabilities and colors.”
His message to the world is just as powerful: “Let the little stuff go—and it is almost all small stuff. Focus on the positive things in your life, and go forward.”
Advice for Others Living With SCI
Gordon understands the challenges of adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury. His advice for newly injured individuals is straightforward and full of hope: “Be strong, get an education and get to work. It’s worth it.”
He also encourages people to take advantage of organizations and agencies—like Vocational Rehabilitation—that can help provide resources and support.
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month is about more than just statistics. It’s about people like Gordon—who remind us that while an SCI changes the path, it does not define the future. His resilience, leadership, and passion for inclusion embody the spirit of SportsAbility Alliance.
We are honored to have Gordon Palmer serving as our Board President and leading the way toward a world where people of all abilities are included, empowered, and celebrated.
