The United Spinal Association has announced that the 4th annual “Roll on Capitol Hill” legislative and advocacy conference will take place in Washington, D.C. this June.
For four days (from June 7th to the 10th), thousands of people with disabilities as well as their advocates will meet with congressional representatives to raise awareness of various causes that affect people who suffer from spinal cord injuries and illnesses. In attendance will be representatives of wounded veterans as well as people with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, ALS, spina bifida and other illnesses.
The Agenda
Everything from ADA compliance to wheelchair van accessibility, Social Security disability and transportation equity will be covered during the conference. The issues that are brought forth are important to a wide range of people that make up the forty-seven chapters and two-hundred support groups of the United Spinal Association. They are also issues that impact the millions of individuals who suffer from these conditions in the United States.
The schedule is currently set as follows:
- Sunday, June 7: Arrival and Welcome Reception
- Monday, June 8: Education Sessions, Speaker Panels and Presentations, Advocacy Training, Sponsor Expo
- Tuesday, June 9: Capitol Hill Meetings, Congressional Awards Reception
- Wednesday, June 10: Advocate Recognition Breakfast
The Issues
Some of the positions that have been taken in the past by the United Spinal Association include:
- To ensure that all individuals with a medical condition or disability requiring urological prosthetic supplies have access to the supplies prescribed by their healthcare providers.
- To urge members of Congress to join the United States House of Representatives’ Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus and support the rights of individuals living with disabilities.
- To promote adequate funding for all Medicaid services that allow people with disabilities to remain in their homes and contribute to the community.
- To support ratification of the Disabilities Treaty to continue to advance the rights of people with disabilities throughout the world.
- To support the ABLE Act which would help individuals and families save private funds to support people with disabilities for the purpose of maintaining their health, independence, and quality of life.
- To ensure that people with disabilities should have access to traditional and alternative modes of transportation so that they can participate in society as fully as they wish and live independently in the setting they choose.
Check out some video from the Roll on Capitol Hill Event Last Year
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32NxVfaoHcw]
What issues do you think should be addressed at the 2015 Roll on Capitol Hill Event? Let us know in the comments below.