James J. Weisman, United Spinal Association’s General Counsel for over 28 years, was cited by the Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi for “the exemplary service” he has provided for the benefit of county residents.
The citation was presented at a reception following the 2008 Disability Leadership & Policy Summit at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY on June 5th. The Summit, which is the first of a planned annual gathering to promote an exchange of ideas between people with disabilities and public officials, disability rights advocates, educators, transportation providers, business leaders, and health and human service professionals, would not have been possible without Weisman’s invaluable leadership.
“It was a great honor to receive recognition from Nassau County, its residents, and all in attendance who are working diligently to bring disability issues to the forefront, not only locally, but nationally,” Weisman said. “I am extremely proud to be a part of this remarkable Summit, which has done the ‘impossible’, uniting so many outstanding and talented people with one vision and one goal––to promote disability rights and independence.”
As a loyal advocate for the rights of people with disabilities nationwide, Weisman’s achievements demonstrate an unyielding determination to transform public policy and perception of a community of Americans often overlooked. The foundation for his work is United Spinal Association. A nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans, the organization’s mission––in which Weisman plays a key role––is to improve the lives of all people with spinal cord injuries and disorders through a variety of outlets, including advocacy and legislation, peer mentoring, research, education, veteran services, adaptive sports, and youth programs.
Weisman’s journey, thus far, has been an illustrious one. He got his first taste of advocacy in 1977 working as a staff attorney with Community Action for Legal Services, Inc., where he took the initiative to institute the first legal services project in the nation designed to help poor persons with disabilities. In 1979, he initiated a lawsuit against New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) resulting in an accessible bus network, improved accessibility at key subway stations, and the creation of a paratransit van service supplement.
Joining United Spinal Association in 1979, Weisman was a key negotiator with Members of Congress in drafting and supporting the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the 1990s, he was appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ADA Advisory Committee and New York Governor Mario Cuomo’s task force to ensure New York State’s ADA compliance. President Clinton appointed him the U.S. Access Board. In 2002, he settled a lawsuit against New York City for $218 million to be utilized on installation of curb ramps for wheelchair users. His efforts to foster greater access for people with disabilities did not go unnoticed. Weisman was presented with the 2004 Universal Accessible Transportation Award by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.
“We have definitely come a long way in our fight to gain equal rights for people with disabilities. I have been privileged to be a part of so much that has already been accomplished, especially in regard to accessibility and ADA-compliance,” Weisman added. “But our greatest work is still ahead of us. Although it won’t be easy, the changes we can initiate will be worth all of our hard work and collaborative efforts. This Summit is just one example of what we can accomplish together.”
