“After I was spinal cord injured in a motorcycle accident in 1997 I quickly realized that society treated people with disabilities much differently. My biggest challenge was challenging myself. I knew that I would have to conquer many obstacles to regain my independence and that I ultimately had the power to either make my situation better or worse,” Damon says.

Damon, a member of United Spinal and single father of two boys––Dashawn, 14, and Damon Jr., 15––decided that life was too short to let his disability or any other hardship he endured determine what he could and couldn’t do.

He soon discovered that comedy was a great outlet to let out some of the physical, psychological, and social frustrations of living with a disability and change the negative public perception of wheelchair users. Comedy was therapeutic, and Damon, whose smile can light up a room, had a natural talent for it.

The Brownsville, Brooklyn native started doing comedy in 2003. He’s performed at comedy clubs nationwide and has landed major gigs in New York City including the Improv, the Laugh Factory, Caroline’s, and Stand-Up New York.

Most nights, Damon has to be lifted on stage because there isn’t any accessibility at the clubs. But he’s quick to crack a joke about it.

“I may look a little afraid tonight, it’s because I am. I know if a fire breaks out none of you are gonna help me off this stage,” Damon jokes during one of his sets.

His comedy routine is diverse, unfiltered, and extremely honest. “At first people are somewhat shocked by seeing a comic in a wheelchair. But as I perform they start to just see me for who I am and not the chair,” he says.

Damon’s biggest achievement is raising his two sons, who inspire him to work hard, stay healthy and set a good example in all that he does.

“For them, growing up in a ‘disabled world’ opened their eyes to the trials and tribulations many people with disabilities go through. And in my opinion they definitely have an edge on society,” he adds.

Along with comedy and taking on the full-time responsibilities of parenting, Damon still finds time to play wheelchair sports and get involved in his community. But he admits, he had to overcome a great deal of adversity to get to where he is today.

Damon recently published a book titled, Surviving the Game of Life where readers get a personal look at his battle overcoming street life and drugs, incarceration, and his tragic accident to becoming a successful comic, wheelchair athlete, and father.

Damon will be sharing his experiences with attendees at United Spinal Association’s Independence Expo at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on October 1^st and 2^nd

“I’m looking forward to offering my support to attendees who are confronting the challenges of living with a disability. The Expo such a great event because it provides people with a wide-range of tools to become more independent and reach their goals. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Damon is presently working on a second book and was recently asked to give a motivational speech to inmates with disabilities at Rikers Island.

For more information on meeting Damon in person at United Spinal’s Independence Expo, please visit www.independenceexpo.org.

Over 30 children and their families and friends joined United Spinal, its partners, as well as many volunteers for a fun-filled day learning how to play a variety of adaptive sports from tennis, basketball, and baseball to handcycling and hockey.

KSS left a lasting impression on all participants, opening a new world of opportunity to many. Adaptive sports provided the perfect platform to teach the kids an even more important lesson–that everyone has the ability to achieve their goals no matter what obstacles they are faced with.

Many parents shed tears of joy at the sight of their children interacting and playing alongside other kids. As they watched from the sidelines, some parents had smiles as big as the kids participating.

‘This is the first time I attended and I thought it was wonderful. Domenic was smiling all day. This was Domenic’s first time playing any sports,” said Tina Dolan, Domenic’s aunt.

“As always, we had a great time! We were very excited about the new Power Hockey,” said parent Melissa Pitts.

Melissa’s two sons, Alex, who is a member of United Spinal and his brother Ryan who does not have a disability, had the most fun partcipating in baseball, where kids of all ability levels were able to join in.

Alex, who is 10 years-old and a big fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, said, “I like coming here every year and playing sports with the other kids. The baseball game was definitely my favorite part of the day.”

Another parent commented, “My child rarely has a chance to play with other kids without feeling different. This event offers him a chance to shine.”

“It was so much fun trying out all the different sports. I liked playing baseball. It was my favorite,” said Jose, a young participant who has attended KSS the last 4 years and crushed a couple of jaw-dropping line drives past volunteers.

Jose’s mother Mayra, said that her son hurt himself just two days before KSS and they thought that he wouldn’t make it to the event. Jose thought otherwise and went onto play baseball and every other sport.

According to Jose Sr., Jose has attended KSS for four years and always enjoys having a chance to get out and play with other kids with disabilties. “ My son has a rare bone condition and it’s very difficult to find recreational activities that he can get involved in near our home. We really appreciate United Spinal Association and everyone involved in KSS for offering us an outlet for our son to play sports.”

Since getting involved with KSS, Jose is now interested in joining adaptive sports programs in the Philadelphia area.

The children were an inspiration to watch. One attendee commented, “Their enthusiasm is incredible and they have so much heart. You can see the making of many future athletes today.”

David Brown of Carlysle, PA, who is an amputee, couldn’t pass on the opportunity to attend KSS with his son who is struggling with the challenges of living with spina bifida.

“There aren’t too many events like this in PA for kids and young adults with disabilities such as spina bifida. This is the first time we are attending KSS, but I think we will definitely be back next year. My son had so much fun today,” Brown added.

And it’s not only the kids who get a great deal of enjoyment from the event, supporting staff and volunteers are just as excited to help out each year.

Sylvia Krangel, administrative coordinator at Bayada Nurses, which has co-sponsored the event over the years, remembers her experience attending the first KSS and how it left a lasting impression.

“The first year at KSS, one of the activities for the kids was ballroom dancing. I remember watching this little girl using a wheelchair, dancing for the first time. As I watched her, the wheelchair seemed to disappear and all I saw was a child having so much fun. And that is what this event is all about,” Krangel explained

“KSS is such a beneficial experience for children with disabilities because it not only introduces them to adaptive sports, but also brings an important message along with it, that is to ‘access what life has to offer,’ said Renee Kirby, assistant director of Disability Services and Student Affairs at Temple University, who was busy instructing participants on wheelchair tennis throughout the day.

During the event, kids were divided into three groups and participated in instructional clinics for each sport led by experienced athletes with disabilities. The instructors also spent time giving participants one-on-one lessons. Instructors/vounteers included players from Magee Sixers wheelchair basketball team; representatives from Philadelphia Power Play and Shriners Hospital for Children; and Tribit Green and Renee Kirby from the United States Tennis Association and the Philadelphia Center for Adaptive Sports––Tennis Raquet Program.

“We’d like to thank everyone involved in making KSS a success year after year. This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners, volunteers, and most importantly our participants and their families,” said Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association.

The Kids Sports Spectacular was hosted by United Spinal Association and Comcast-Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm that provided use of the Wells Fargo Center for the event. Other sponsors/supporters included Aramark, which provided a free lunch to all participants; Bayada Nurses; Campbell’s Soup; Ride-Away Wheelchair Vans and Modifications, and Pepsi Bottling Group of Philadelphia.

After lunch was provided, United Spinal Association presented Katie’s Komets, a Philadelphia area team for children with physical and developmental disabilities with a donation of $1,000 to be used to replace and repair the players’ sports wheelchairs and equipment for the upcoming season.

Stacy Johnson, whose son Rasheed was born with spina bifida, accepted the donation on behalf of the team.

“We are thrilled to be a part of KSS and have our kids participate. It’s such a fantastic learning opportunity for all of them and teaches life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, and commitment. Thanks to United Spinal and their donation, we will be able to improve our program and purchase some much needed equipment,” Johnson said.

To check out photos and video from KSS, please visit http://www.unitedspinal.org/kss.

The rules impact an estimated 200,000 Vietnam veterans who suffer from one of the three Agent Orange-related diseases or their survivors.

The unanimous three-judge panel said VA must publish final rules on the three diseases in the Federal Register within 30 days. The VA claimed it could not issue the rules by the June 23rd deadline set by an act of Congress, because it was waiting for another federal agency (the Office of Management and Budget) to review them.

For many veterans and survivors, the date that VA rules are published has an impact on the amount of financial benefits they will receive. If a Vietnam veteran or survivor files a claim before VA publishes the rules on the three diseases, they are eligible for benefits retroactive to the date the claim is filed.

By law, veterans who file after the rules are published, receive benefits retroactive to the effective date of the regulation. For every month that publication is delayed, these veterans and survivors lose a month of benefits.

The VA estimates that as many as 150,000 Vietnam veterans and survivors have yet to file their paperwork. The veterans organizations believe the publication of rules in 30 days will likely result in a flood of additional VA claims.

Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association said, “We urge all veterans and their survivors who have been affected by Agent Orange-related diseases to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of the retroactive benefits available to them. This court decision will improve the quality of life of many individuals who have been suffering for far too long, but it’s vital that veterans file now before the rules are published.”

“We filed this request because veterans who have given so much for our country, should not have their compensation claims delayed because two federal agencies can’t get their act together and comply with the law,” said Bart Stichman, co-executive director of NVLSP. “Today’s court order is a victory for our Vietnam veterans, and sends a strong message to federal bureaucrats – that bureaucratic delays will not be tolerated.”

The successful request for a judicial remedy was filed in July 2010 by a coalition of veterans service organizations: United Spinal Association/VetsFirst; the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP); the Paralyzed Veterans of America; and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. The organizations received pro-bono legal help from Chadbourne & Parke LLP.

ABOUT VETSFIRST

In partnership with United Spinal Association (www.unitedspinal.org), VetsFirst (www.vetsfirst.org) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization. VetsFirst’s network of national veterans service officers and attorneys provide assistance and representation in securing health care, disability compensation, rehabilitation, education and other benefits for its members before the Department of Veterans Affairs’ and in the federal courts. Membership in VetsFirst is free.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL VETERANS LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM (NVLSP)

The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans’ service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1980. NVLSP has represented veterans in Agent Orange lawsuits for nearly three decades. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates, connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help, publishes the nation’s definitive guide on veterans’ benefits, and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies, and federal courts. For more information, go to www.nvlsp.org.

We would like to thank all of the great folks who attended, the exhibitors and vendors, speakers, and Suffolk Community College for the event venue.

Take a moment and have a look at the Expo doings. If you are going to be in the Orlando area on October 1st or 2nd, you can still get in on the fun and excitement at the 2010 Orlando Independence Expo.
Click here for information.

The lawsuit, which seeks no damages, aims to end New York’s systemic failure to provide access to polling sites for disabled voters.

Ramps at New York City polling places are commonly inaccessible, and sometimes there are no ramps at all. Even when people with disabilities can enter a site, all too often they face additional barriers inside that prevent voters from getting to voting machines to cast a vote.

New York City also fails to provide its poll workers with training on how to set up an accessible polling place or on how to assist New Yorkers with disabilities who wish to cast a ballot. Despite complaints from individuals and advocacy groups alike, year after year the City chooses polling places which do not provide access for disabled voters.

The suit, which was filed on the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is brought by United Spinal Association (http://www.unitedspinal.org/) and Disabled in Action (http://www.disabledinaction.org/) – two groups which work to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated into their communities and live as independently as possible. Both groups have a long history of advocacy work to protect people with disabilities right to vote.

“In a time when a handful of votes can elect a President or Senator, it is imperative that the votes of all 55 million people with disabilities be counted,” said Paul Tobin, President and CEO of Plaintiff, United Spinal Association.

Inspections of New York polling places conducted over the past decade by the Center for Independence of the Disabled (http://cidny.org/cidnyweb/index.jsp) , NY (CIDNY), demonstrated that logistical and physical barriers were pervasive and present significant problems for people with disabilities.

“For years we’ve had to struggle with ad hoc remedies and rationales for why more could not be done. It’s time for New York to comply with federal civil rights law and time for the Courts to enforce the law,” said Susan M. Dooha, J.D., Executive Director of CIDNY.

The Plaintiffs are represented by Disability Rights Advocates (http://www.dralegal.org/) (“DRA”), a non-profit law center that specializes in civil rights cases on behalf of persons with disabilities. The suit alleges that the Board of Elections is violating Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

“These practices disenfranchise a minority group which has long struggled against discrimination, and in doing so barricades New York voters with disabilities from having a voice, a presence, and a place in our political system,” says DRA attorney Julia Pinover.

Plaintiffs request that New York City change the way in which polling sites are selected and operated so that registered voters with disabilities may freely exercise their right to vote.

Media Contacts:

Ahvi Spindell
United Spinal Association Media Relations
(212) 580-4567, aspin4eiscom@aol.com

Margi Trapani
Director, Communications & Education
Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY)
646-442-4154
mtrapani@cidny.org

Julia Pinover
Disability Rights Advocates
212-644-8644, jpinover@dralegal.org

August 7, is the date!

More information and registration.

The event offers kids who are wheelchair users fun and educational sports and recreation opportunities that leave lasting, positive effects on participants and their families. Packed into one exciting day are activities that will have kids smiling for weeks to come, and leave them with memories that last a lifetime.

"This has been the greatest day of my life!"

United Spinal’s Kids Sports Spectacular has been bringing smiles to the faces of kids from the Philly area since 2004. The 2010 Kids Sports Spectacular will feature instruction and educational clinics on wheelchair tennis, softball, basketball, power hockey, hand cycling, power soccer, and more.

The kids get one-on-one instruction from wheelchair athletes and staff on each sport, gaining confidence in their abilities and helping them to develop skills for rising above life’s obstacles. The clinics are set up so that every child is a part of the action, no matter what ability level. When the day comes to an end, many participants leave ready to conquer the world and excited to join adaptive sports programs in their communities.

The Kids Sports Spectacular is hosted by United Spinal Association and Comcast-Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm that will be providing the use of the Wachovia Center for the event. Other sponsors/supporters include Aramark, Bayada Nurses, Campbell’s Soup and Pepsi Bottling Group of Philadelphia.

"Your event really opened our eyes…"

During this year’s event, United Spinal will be presenting Katie’s Komets, a Philadelphia area team for children with physical and developmental disabilities with a donation of $1,000. The money will be used to help make their upcoming season possible and to replace and repair the players’ sports wheelchairs and equipment.

“My son and I have been coming to Kids Sports Spectacular every year. This wonderful event offers children like my son Rasheed, who was born with spina bifida and plays on Katie’s Komets wheelchair basketball team, an opportunity to learn teamwork, participate in new adaptive sports, and build self-confidence,” said Stacy Johnson, a 41 year-old Philadelphia resident.

United Spinal Association President and CEO Paul J. Tobin said, “The Kids Sports Spectacular opens new doors and opportunities for the children with disabilities who participate. The kids have fun while building confidence and learning life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, and commitment. Skills that will serve them throughout their lives and in all of their future endeavors.”

"This has been an absolute delight. My brother has the biggest smile on his face."

Darien Zimmerman, Area Director for Bayada Nurses (Paoli, PA), added, “Watching children who might not have the opportunity to participate in any athletic endeavor play power soccer and hockey is proof that we can always do more than we think possible.”

So if you’re in the Philadelphia area and would like to come out for a fun-filled day of sports and recreation for the entire family, we would love to have you. See you at the 2010 Kids Sports Spectacular!

More information and registration.

See the slideshow of the 2009 Kids Sports Spectacular.

Prepared by: James Weisman

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

United Spinal Association is a membership organization of over 12,000 people with spinal cord injuries and diseases. We welcome the opportunity to testify in support of Assembly Bill A07842 introduced by Assemblyman Kellner.

United Spinal used to be called Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA) and as EPVA sued New York City Transit (NYCT), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the City of New York (NYC) to make mass transit accessible. That litigation was settled in 1984. The Settlement Agreement required all new buses to be accessible, key subway stations to be accessible and a paratransit system, called Access A Ride, to be created for those whose disabilities prevent them from using mass transit.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and the United States Department of Transportation’s ADA implementing regulations required that transit operators meet the actual demand for paratransit, which means service cannot be denied on the basis of unavailability. The Access A Ride budget in the City of New York is $450 million in 2010. New Yorkers with disabilities are living in the community, going to work and socializing. Largely because MTA has deliberately limited access to mass transit they are overwhelming Access A Ride with demand. MTA should have encouraged accessible transit use, made subway stations accessible as they were renovating in the ordinary course of business and used Access A Ride to “feed” people with disabilities to accessible mass transit buses and subway stations using mass transit as the long haul carrier. Instead, MTA has been stingy about making stations accessible and, except for key stations, refuses to add accessible subway stations to the list of key stations.

Benefits paying agencies that provide travel to beneficiaries such as Medicaid, Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs currently contract with private entities i.e., taxis, to transport many of their beneficiaries. Those who can use mass transit receive mass transit fare for benefits related travel; those who can use taxis receive taxi fare. Those who cannot, because they are dependent on wheeled mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters for ambulation, are provided private ambulette service to make rehabilitation and health related trips. Ambulette service cost four to five times more per trip then taxis.

If all new taxis were accessible:

1. Many people with mobility, cognitive and visual impairments would choose to use taxis rather than go through the cumbersome advance reservation process required by Access A Ride.
2. NYCT would substantially reduce its Access A Ride budget by contracting with and using accessible taxis to provide service rather then using Access A Ride vehicles which require drivers, fuel, maintenance and replacement, all at taxpayer expense. Access a Ride cost per ride is $66 to NYCT, the user only pays the transit fare. Most NYC taxi rides cost less than $66. An Access a Ride smart card would be given to eligible passengers who could use the card after paying the mass transit fare to the taxi driver.
3. The resale market for used accessible taxis will be enormous as rural, suburban and urbanized area taxi companies realize they can become Medicaid/paratransit carriers in their communities at the same time and with the same vehicles as they operate traditional taxi services.

NYC’s 13,000 vehicle taxi fleet will be replaced quickly and become an accessible taxi fleet. The word “taxi” would mean “accessible taxi”, the same way the word “bus” means “accessible bus” in NYC today. Last month there were 100,000 wheelchair user trips on lift equipped buses in NYC. Most of those trips were made at peak hours. They were work trips. Workers in NYC, even those who use transit, occasionally use taxis. Workers with disabilities will too.

The demand for accessible taxis will continue to increase as baby boomers age, desire to remain active, and live longer than any generation that preceded them.

Assemblyman Kellner’s bill will create a market for and force the development of affordable, reliable, road-worthy accessible taxis. United Spinal strongly supports A07842.

James Weisman, United Spinal’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel responded to Mr. Yassky with the following:

I read your article about the accessible taxi program which inappropriately used the word “incredibly” to characterize its failure.

Accessible taxis would substantially reduce the MTA’s staggering $450 million Access a Ride per year cost as trips could be made using taxis at far less cost to MTA than their current $66 fare. Last month 100,000 trips were made on lift equipped buses in NYC by wheelchair/motorized scooter users. Most of these trips were peak hour, i.e., work trips. There is a rapidly growing community of aging, active people who need access.

Years ago MTA made a poor choice – provide only minimal access to NYC’s subway system for those with mobility impairments and use Access a Ride as the workhorse for interborough transportation. MTA has steadily eliminated interborough bus service because ridership on those lines is lower than normal. Most able-bodied NYers use the subway for longer trips. Those that need lift equipped buses because of lack of subway access are forced to call Access a Ride. Access a Ride, because of The Americans with Disabilities Act’s mandate, must meet demand. It cannot just cut its budget and deny service to those who cannot use mass transit, the service must be available.

The MTA and the TLC did not jointly consider people with disabilities until this year despite Access a Ride’s costs.

TLC Commissioner Yassky inherited a doomed accessible taxi “pilot program” for all the reasons that, if you were at the hearing, you disregarded when you wrote your piece.

1. No marketing to people with disabilities
2. The ridiculous Blackberry system which required drivers to pull over to reply in writing to a request for an accessible cab within 2 minutes (impossible many times and hard to explain when already carrying a fare)
3. Requiring drivers to travel for free to a pickup which, because only 230, or so, taxis out of 13,000 are accessible, was rarely proximate

Moreover, the TLC’s Taxi of Tomorrow program doesn’t mandate accessibility, may result in a ten year deal to perpetuate inaccessibility if the Commissioner doesn’t choose wisely which will further burden Access a Ride, and will stifle creative design for a decade.

United Spinal trained these drivers for the TLC. Apparently, they want us to continue even though there is no plan to allow people with disabilities to do anything to find an accessible cab except to get out there and hail one like everyone else, accept unlike everyone else they can only access 230 out of 13,000 cabs. They can and will continue to call Access a Ride.

Sadly, MTA was not at the hearing. They are about to spend $45 million to renovate Dyckman Street Station and are not including elevators because the agency did not designate Dyckman a “key” station when it did its ADA compliance plan. The same ADA requires an amount equal to 20% of renovation costs to be spent on accessibility in non key stations renovated in the ordinary course of business, including level change mechanisms (ramps, elevators). MTA has ignored this requirement for years and it only increases Access a Ride costs.

MTA, TLC and people with disabilities must work together to solve problems because transportation planning without employing principles of universal design will burden government with unnecessarily “special needs” and dependency budgets for generations.

We are wild enough to have created a large number of focused websites so that you, our members and friends, can get focused information, casual reading, and answers. Having focused sites makes it easier for you to find what you want when you want it. Take a tour and let us introduce you to some of our web properties. We think they’ll interest you.

Action Online

Living well with a disability is what Action Online is all about. It’s the online version of United Spinal’s monthly magazine that offers up a trove of great reading and good information. You can find intriguing articles on a diverse mix of topics such as fashion, the arts, health, personal finances, employment, travel, and much more. Articles are updated regularly so there is always something new waiting for you at Action Online.

VetsFirst

Not just for veterans but also for their spouses and family members. The VetsFirst website offers visitors updates on veterans benefits, the doings in Washington, and insightful posts on issues that are important to vets and their families. While you’re there, check out Ask VetsFirst. Ask VetsFirst is a free online service staffed by trained benefits counsilors. You can ask them any questions regarding your veterans benefits and get an accurate quick answer, and some help if you need it. Also, be sure to sign up as a VetsFirst member. Membership in VetsFirst is free and open to all veterans with a disability, their spouses, dependent children, and surviving spouse or parents.

USA TechGuide

Putting it mildly, this website is a cornucopia of information on wheelchairs and assistive devices. USA TechGuide is about choices and knowing what is out there and available. Be sure to stop by the wheelchair review section or the mobility scooter review section. These sections contain reviews of hundreds of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Not by our United Spinal staff but by real users of these products. USA TechGuide is a great reference and information resource that can help you make the right equipment choices. Take a minute to enter a wheelchair or scooter review of your own. It’s quick and easy, and not technical at all. Your input may help others in making the right choice.

Able to Travel

This United Spinal website is dedicated to easing the travel pains for travelers with disabilities. There are always really great deals on accessible trips and cruises listed on the site. If you have concerns or questions about traveling with a disability just contact the staff and ask away. ABLE to Travel provides knowledgeable travel agents that have dealt with all types of issues that a traveler using a wheelchair or who has limited mobility may encounter during his or her trip, including accessible transportation to and from the airport, stowage of wheelchairs or other mobility equipment on board an aircraft, accessible hotel accommodations, and access to medical equipment.

Spinal Cord Advocates

Our advocacy website, Spinal Cord Advocates, is obviously dedicated to advocacy and public policy but not like you’re used to getting it. It’s geared for the "grassroots" crowd and offers up information on important legislative issues that affect all people with disabilities in a way that makes this complex subject understandable. Be sure to check out the "My Issues" section. This is a super section where visitors to the site can enter issues that are of concern to them and share them with everyone. Yep, they get posted on the website for all to read. If you have something on your mind or just want to find out what is gnawing on other visitors, this is the perfect place.

Spinal Cord Central

This website is where you can get the answers to your questions about Spinal Cord Injury & Disease. The Spinal Cord Central website has a free help service where you can contact the expert staff and get answers and information. It’s quick and easy and the answers are archived in your own personal account for future reference. There are a large number of online "Knowledge Books" that you can browse for information. If you still need help, all it takes is a quick submission and anwers will be on their way to you.

Accessibility Services

This is one of United Spinal’s hidden treasures. It is homebase to our Accessibility Services program. As their staff says and the website confirms, their top mission is "Making our built environment accessible". Accessibility Services is the cutting edge of United Spinal Association’s commitment to guaranteeing the civil rights of all citizens to fully participate in our culture and our society, and these folks are the best at it. Just look at this sampling of projects that they have worked on. While the the site caters to design professionals and code enforcement officials, it still has much to offer everyone. Stop by the site and view the online Fire Safety For Wheelchair Users Training Program, or take a moment to read their newsletter. Their newsletter offers great behind the scenes insights into accessiblity.

MS Scene

Dedicated soley to topics concerning Multiple Sclerosis, our newspaper styled MS Scene covers the latest in new pharmaceuticals and therapeutic treatments with sidetrips to topics such as excercise, lifestyle, clinical trials, and more. It’s the place to go for keeping up with the latest regarding Multiple Sclerosis.

Wheelchair Medic

The Wheelchair Medic website is our virtual service stop for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. This is the place to go if you are considering purchasing a wheelchair or scooter or looking for a wheelchair or scooter part (especially a hard to find one). If you live in the greater New York City area you can arrange a repair to your wheelchair or scooter.  Just fill in the short online form and they’ll get right back to you.

Wheelchair Diffusion

This is our laid back wheelchair and assistive technology blog but on any given day you might see almost any subject posted here. New innovations from futuristic wheelchair concepts to smart faucets will usually show up on these pages. It’s light reading with lots of what’s new.

That covers most of our websites, and as you can see we are wild about web. Please take some time to visit these websites. They’re there for you.

Ziggi Landsman
VP of Online Relations
United Spinal Association

Due to the barriers, individuals with disabilities are less likely to get routine preventative medical care than people without disabilities. Accessibility is not only legally required, it is important medically so that minor problems can be detected and treated before turning into major and possibly life-threatening problems.

If you have ever had difficulty accessing examination tables and chairs, weight scales, radiological equipment, mammography equipment, and other types of medical diagnostic equipment, make note that the United States Access Board is holding a meeting on July 29, 2010 to get input from the public.

The meeting starts at 9:00 AM and will be held at 1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C.

United Spinal Association will be sending Kleo King to the meeting so anyone who cannot attend the meeting but would like to share a story or offer suggestions, email kking@unitedspinal.org.

Visit http://www.access-board.gov/medical-equipment.htm to sign up for email updates on the pending rule.

In the meantime, The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued new guidance on accessible medical care since access for people with disabilities to medical care has been problematic and the subject of Department of Justice investigations. The 19-page guide, “Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities (PDF)”, can be downloaded or view by clicking here.

Print out a copy and give it to your doctor or other medical provider to assist them in making positive changes in their facilities. The booklet contains best practices for achieving access and covers exam rooms, including entry and circulation, exam tables and chairs, radiologic and mammography equipment, scales, available lift devices, transfer techniques, staff training, and common questions.

Kleo King
Senior VP Accessibility Services
United Spinal Association