United Spinal’s Digital Roll on Capitol Hill Strengthens Incapacity Rights, Accessibility, and Inclusion for Future Generations of Wheelchair Customers | Nationwide

NEW YORK, June 18, 2021 / PRNewswire / – The United Spinal Association and approximately 200 lawyers from around the country virtually gathered 14.-16. June for the Roll on Capitol Hill 2021, meeting with their representatives in Congress to ensure that people with spinal cord injuries and diseases (SCI / D) are involved in disability policy making.

Roll on Capitol Hill provides a platform for United Spinal members to raise their voices on issues affecting their health and independence, share their experiences as a wheelchair user, and proactively advocate for disability rights at both state and national levels.

“We need events like Roll on Capitol Hill more than ever. The stories we tell, how we got our dream job, moved to our dream cities, lead a truly independent life or proudly roll across the stage after graduation” are achieved that are still underserved by our society. There is so much to do, “said Vincenzo Piscopo, President and CEO of United Spinal.

This year, with 200 virtual congressional visits in one day, Roll on Capitol Hill participants brought key issues forward in meetings with their congressional officials, including:

• Accessible, affordable, adaptable, safe and reliable broadband that is suitable for everyone, including people with disabilities.
• Better access to transportation so that people with disabilities can be active in their communities and maintain their health and independence.
• Better access to telemedicine and critical coverage of home and community-based services.
• Improved access to veteran nursing support and enhanced health care for veterans living with toxic exposure diseases, now and in the future.
• Increased funding for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) model systems that provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary system of care, research, and resources for people with SCI.

Prior to the Roll on Capitol Hill, members attended a training session to learn about United Spinal’s political priorities from experienced disability advocates and congressional staff.

In the afternoon of the June 16, United Spinal hosted a congressional and corporate advisory reception to honor individuals who work to empower and integrate people with disabilities. The winners included:

• Natalie Barnhard – Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year Award 2021
• US Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas – 2021 James J. Peters Distinguished Veterans Legislator Award
• US representative In Titus of Nevada – 2021 United Spinal Outstanding Congressional Leadership Award

“This award is such an honor because I am able to draw attention to the changes I am working hard to make here in my community. As an advocate, I hope that with your physical recovery, your physical recovery will create lasting change for people with SCI / D to be able to. ” and to create a better quality of life for everyone through physical rehabilitation, accessibility, care and support, “said Barnhard.

The reception also commemorated United Spinal’s 75th anniversary and its mission to build an inclusive world that empowers all people with disabilities. United Spinal highlighted the impact of its programs and services and recognized the vital support provided by its corporate partners, who are transforming the lives of people with disabilities, their families, friends and carers.

“Thank you for letting me know my voice matters. This is such a cool organization and I hope this is just the first of many years to be a part of Roll on Capitol Hill. I’m excited “said Davita Carter, a grass football player Illinois.

For more information on the public policy that United Spinal addressed at Roll on Capitol Hill, please visit http://unitedspinal.org/action-center/.

United Spinal thanks its Roll on Capitol Hill Sponsors 2021 for supporting its mission.

Via United Spinal Association

United Spinal is a national 501 (c) (3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1946 by paralyzed veterans dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with Spinal Cord Injury and Disease (SCI / D), including Multiple Sclerosis, Spina. has prescribed bifida, ALS, and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to everyone with QSL / D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create curb ramps and accessible public transportation that were used as models for many US cities. In 2021, United Spinal will celebrate 75 years of building an inclusive world that welcomes wheelchair users and all people with disabilities.

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SOURCE United Spinal Association