“We’re proud to be a part of this inspiring and historic competition, the first time the best wheelchair softball athletes in the country are competing at a Major League Baseball venue,” said Jeff Wilpon, Mets COO. “The Mets throughout the year support wheelchair softball in New York as part of our ongoing community outreach efforts, and we salute the Wheelchair Sports Federation and United Spinal Association for their efforts in our hometown and nationally.”

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The Taxi & Limousine Commission thought it was doing New Yorkers a favor when it authorized dollar vans to drive along five bus routes eliminated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority earlier this summer. But if those vans aren’t equipped with wheelchair lifts, advocates for the disabled plan to sue the commission to stop them from putting the vans on the road.

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“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 point of the Kids Sports Spectacular is introduce kids to adapted sports so that every child has the opportunity to play as any of their peers would want to,” said Paul Tobin, president of the United Spinal Association.

See the news report video and read the story from 6 ABC in Philadelphia.

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.

The court has given VA an additional 30 days to publish the compensation rule. When the department decides to actually publish could make a difference for veterans, Stichman said. If the rules are published by Aug. 31, veterans may begin receiving benefits at the start of the following month — the next day, Sept. 1. But if VA publishes the rules Sept. 1, then veterans will have to wait until Oct. 1 to begin receiving benefits.

Stichman said the court can’t make VA publish its rule retroactively.

Joining Stichman’s group in the appeal were Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Non-Commissioned Officers Association and the United Spinal Association/VetsFirst.

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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

Filed by Disabled in Action and United Spinal Association against the city’s Board of Elections, it seeks an order forcing the city to change the selection and operation of polling places.
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