The disability community was outraged and United Spinal worked hard to educate the Congress about how seriously the health and well being of people with disabilities was being damaged by Bush Administration policies. Physicians and their Medicare recipient patients were further outraged by a 10% pay cut to be imposed on physician reimbursement, making it harder for doctors to provide quality care.

United Spinal’s year long grassroots effort culminated in the 383 to 41 vote in the house and a 70 to 26 vote in the Senate to override the presidential veto.

Paul Tobin, CEO of United Spinal Association, stated “I’m proud of United Spinal Association’s involvement in this victory for the disability community and senior citizens and especially proud of those who took action. When the people speak loudly and clearly elected officials hear them and respond. The issue, of course, will be back but new competitive bidding should not force people to use poor and inappropriate equipment or make them jump through hoops to qualify for it.”

The fact that this is an election year definitely helped. That is, not only will there be a presidential election but 1/3 of the United States Senate and every member of the House of Representatives is running in November. Advocacy by citizen groups, coupled with physicians and dealers and manufacturers of durable medical equipment all pushed for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 in order to delay the “competitive bidding” process and provide time to rethink the program.

Dear Friend:

For more than one year, my colleagues and I at United Spinal Association have been working with bipartisan members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to reform proposed Medicare policies that will have disastrous consequences for paralyzed Americans and others who are reliant upon Medicare.

Last week, the House and the Senate both passed a new Medicare bill that would address our concerns on wheelchair purchasing, complex rehab wheelchairs, physician reimbursement rates and access to psychiatric services.

The bill, H.R. 6331, passed both the House and the Senate by a remarkable margin.

Now, the President has vowed to veto the bill altogether. Please help us stop this injustice by telling your Representative and Senators to override the President’s veto.

Follow this link to tell your Senators and Representative that you support United Spinal Association’s efforts on H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.

Thank you for support in this effort to improve the quality of lives of all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

Sincerely,

Paul J. Tobin
President
United Spinal Association

United Spinal organized its members and 23 national veterans groups to implore Congress to remedy ADA problems created by US Supreme Court interpretations of the law. The Court created a perfect defense for employers – “We’re not hiring you because of your disability but you’re not disabled enough to sue us using the ADA.”

The House, led by Congressman Steny Hoyer, (D) Maryland, voted 402 to 17 to overturn devastating Court decisions limiting who was protected by the ADA. Hoyer was the prime sponsor of the ADA in the House eighteen years ago.

James Weisman, United Spinal’s General Counsel, and a drafter of the ADA, leads United Spinal’s advocacy efforts. Weisman said “as we celebrate our House victory, we look forward to a win in the Senate next month to coincide with the 18th anniversary of the ADA – July 26th.

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The Americans with Disabilities Act needs to be amended so people with disabilities – including veterans with disabilities — have a fair chance to have a job.

Disability, business, veterans and civil rights advocates reached agreement on a bill to override court decisions that have undermined the ADA. United Spinal Association and over 100 other disabilities groups have endorsed the compromise so far.

Last week, HR 3195, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, sailed through the House Judiciary and Education & Labor Committees. The momentum to pass this bill is mounting, and a vote of the full House of Representatives is expected on June 25th (or possibly 26th).

United Spinal Association believes HR 3195 deserves support. It helps fix major problems that have been caused by the courts – which have interpreted the meaning of disability so that practically no one with a disability could be protected by the ADA.

Why do we need a bill to restore the Americans with Disabilities Act?

The problem is that the courts have gutted the employment protections of the ADA. They have created an absurd “Catch-22” whereby a person is “too disabled” to do the job – but not “disabled enough” to be protected by the ADA. This is not right.

An employer may not hire, not promote or fire someone because of a disability and get away with it. Even when employers have told a person that the decision was because of the person’s disability, the same employers have often turned around and successfully argued in court that the person is not disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This was not the intent of Congress in 1990 when the ADA was enacted – with strong support from both parties — and signed by President George H.W. Bush. Congress included specific language to prohibit employers from discriminating against people with disabilities. As long as a person with disabilities is qualified for the job, he or she deserves an equal opportunity to do the job.

James Weisman
Sr. Vice President and General Counsel
United Spinal Association

United Spinal is a national disability rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). United Spinal’s Sports Outreach program is an initiative designed to encourage children with SCI/D to learn more about the wide variety of adaptive sports.

“The Kids Sports Spectacular is a terrific opportunity for patrons with disabilities to gather and share in fun and entertaining experiences,” said Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer John Page. “In addition, it’s a very educational experience for us on the arena-operating side as these types of events help us further learn how to better service the disability community.” Comcast-Spectacor hopes to bring similar Kids Sports Spectacular events to its other Global Spectrum-managed public assembly facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“The thrill we see in the eyes of these kids inspires us over and over again and all of us at United Spinal are proud to partner with Comcast Spectacor and Global Spectrum for this important event,” said United Spinal Association President Paul Tobin.

In addition to Comcast Spectacor, this year’s sponsors also include Bayada Nurses – Pediatric Services (www.bayada.com) and CVS Caremark (www.cvsallkidscan.com).

“Bayada Nurses is proud to support the spirit of competition and camaraderie with the 2008 Kid’s Sports Spectacular,” said Darien Zimmerman, Area Director for Bayada Nurses. “The children’s enthusiastic participation and heartwarming smiles are an inspiration to us all.”

United Spinal Association is a 2008 CVS Caremark Community Grant recipient. Further, in-kind donations were provided by: Pepsi Bottling Group – Philadelphia; Campbell Soup; Modell’s Sporting Goods; Wegman’s Supermarket; The Philadelphia Zoo; The Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and the National Constitution Center.

Participating kids will take part in wheelchair softball, basketball, tennis, power soccer and handcycling—many for the first time. In addition to giveaways prizes, lunch will be provided to those who attend and parking is free.

This year’s event will feature keynote remarks from International Motivational speaker, Scott Chesney and US Paralympian, Laura Schwanger, both members of United Spinal Association.

To find out more about Kids Sports Spectacular (register or Volunteer) or United Spinal’s adaptive sports program, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call United Spinal Association at 1-800-807-0190 or (215) 381-3037.

ABOUT COMCAST-SPECTACOR
Comcast-Spectacor (www.comcast-spectacor.com) is the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment company which owns the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL), the two arenas in which their teams play, the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum, four Flyers Skate Zone community ice skating and hockey rinks and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. In addition, Comcast-Spectacor is also the principal owner of Global Spectrum, the fastest growing firm in the public assembly management field with more than 70 facilities throughout the United States and Canada; Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage service provider; New Era Tickets, a ticketing and marketing company for public assembly facilities; Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company; and 3601 Creative Group, a full-service in-house advertising agency. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.

United Spinal is a national disability rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). United Spinal’s Sports Outreach program is an initiative designed to encourage children with SCI/D to learn more about the wide variety of adaptive sports. “The thrill we see in the eyes of these kids inspires us over and over again and all of us at United Spinal are proud to partner with CVS Caremark for this important event,” said United Spinal Association President Paul Tobin.

“CVS Caremark Community Grants are an effective way for us to contribute to the success of communities where we do business,” said Jenifer Veilleux, Director of CVS Caremark Corporation. “We are proud to support the work that United Spinal Association does in the community.”

The CVS Caremark Community Grant to United Spinal Association is part of CVS Caremark’s commitment to its communities throughout the country. United Spinal Association was selected to receive a grant through the CVS Caremark Community Grants 2008 grant application process. Grants were awarded to organizations that share a common vision with CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can program, which strives to make life easier for children with disabilities. The goal of the program is to create more inclusive environments for children with and without disabilities to build self-esteem, lasting friendships and social skills, and to help children with disabilities learn diversity and tolerance.

“CVS Caremark is committed to helping children with disabilities learn, play and succeed in life,” said Rick Ford, area vice president, Philadelphia, CVS/pharmacy. “Through this grant, we are proud to be able to help make an impact on the lives of children in the Philadelphia community.”

ABOUT CVS CAREMARK ALL KIDS CAN
All Kids Can, a program of CVS Caremark Charitable Trust and CVS Caremark, is a five-year, $25 million commitment to support children with disabilities. The goals of All Kids Can are to support children with disabilities by raising awareness in schools and in the local communities about the importance of inclusion, creating greater opportunities for physical activity and play, and providing access to medical rehabilitation and related services. CVS Caremark and its more than 190,000 employees plan to help children with disabilities learn, play and succeed through partnerships with leading local and national non-profit organizations such as Easter Seals and many others across the country. For more information, visit http://www.cvsallkidscan.com

Wheelchair Medic’s expert and experienced mechanics will be available to complete free tune-ups for all attendees. Information on how to maintain your wheelchair or scooter will also be provided. If a major repair is needed, it can be done at our shop in Fort Totten. Although there is no obligation for us to do any repairs, clinic attendees get a coupon good for a 10% discount on parts or new sales that is good for 3 months.

Bay Terrace shopping center is located at Bell Boulevard and 26th Ave, just southeast of the Throgs Neck Bridge. It can be reached by the Q13 and the Q28 bus lines. Click here for directions to Bay Terrace Shopping Center. For more information, please visit www.UnitedSpinal.org or call 718 803 3782 x 233.

“Aetna and the Aetna Foundation are pleased and proud to help bring this important safety inspection and repair clinic to area residents,” said Steven Logan, President of Aetna;s Northeast Region. “We urge our members and others to take advantage of these free services to help ensure their own safety and mobility, or that of their loved ones.”

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.”

County Executive Tom Suozzi’s vision of full and equal opportunity for people with disabilities is reflected in an array of accomplishments seen throughout county facilities and programs over the past six years. A few of these accomplishments include, the launching of an accessible Health & Human Services Facility bringing services and advocacy for people with disabilities; creating a wheelchair softball field in a section of Einsenhower Park; and the development of an accessible Traffic Signal Working Group that allows consumers with disabilities to assist the Department of Public Works in planning efforts. These are only to name a few, as Suozzi has truly dedicated his time to hear the voices of the disability community and take action.

“Mr. Suozzi has supported the disability community for years, and we are honored to present him with the 2008 Visionary Award. He has done a fine job as an advocate and county executive to serve the community” stated Paul Tobin, CEO of United Spinal Association.

Registration for the Summit is free, by emailing SummitInfo@unitedspinal.org,
or by calling 718 – 803 – 3782, ext. 233 or visit www.unitedspinal.org.
Reservations are required for the reception at the University Club.

The Disability Leadership & Policy Summit provides an unprecedented opportunity for individuals with disabilities to share their insights and suggestions with some of the best minds in the disability community. The Summit is sponsored by United Spinal Association, the Nassau County Office for the Physically Challenged, and Hofstra University’s School of Education.

Helena Williams’ vitae includes top-level experience in transportation management and Long Island public service that began in 1985. A lawyer by training, she held two key positions at Long Island Bus where she oversaw an array of innovations and improvements to customer service. These included implementation of Metrocard, transition to a fleet of clean, eco friendly wheelchair accessible buses, and implementation and expansion of paratransit services. Ms. Williams is also an inductee of the New York Public Transportation Hall of Fame.

“Ms. Williams has been a knowledgeable transportation advocate for years. Her interaction with the disability community at the Disability Policy Summit “will generate new ideas for accessibility and service improvements” according to Paul Tobin, CEO of United Spinal Association.

Registration for the Summit is free, by emailing SummitInfo@unitedspinal.org, or by calling 718 – 803 – 3782, ext. 233 or visit www.unitedspinal.org