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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Inner City Patriotism

In late January, I had the opportunity to give three lectures to three 11th grade history classes at the Transit Technology School in Brooklyn, New York. My lectures were about my personal experiences in the Battle of Hue City. The students’ interest in that particular time in our nation’s history had been sparked by their teacher, who is passionate about the trials and experiences of those who fought in the Vietnam War. Unlike prior lectures where I have spoken to younger students (5th and 6th graders), this time my audience consisted of young men and women who will be of military age [...]

DIRECTOR’S NOTES: Welcome, New Members!

Last month, I had the honor of introducing you to the five new members who signed up on January 5, 2004-the date of the official launching of United Spinal Association. It would be great to continue this in-depth introduction of new members, but during the first month alone close to 100 new members were added! We anticipate this growth in membership to continue at the same pace for the foreseeable future, making it impossible to continue this practice. I would, however, like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our new members.

This rapid growth in membership is a [...]

Big Changes in Medicare: How Will It Affect You?

by Kim Ruff-Wilbert, Carolyn Hubbard, and Crystal Powder

United Spinal Association analysts explain the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.

On Saturday, November 22, 2003, the United States House of Representatives passed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, and the Senate followed suit voting in favor of the bill on Tuesday, November 25. President Bush officially signed this Medicare legislation into law on December 8, 2003. The signing of this bill ushers in the biggest reform within the Medicare Program since its inception in 1965 by including the option of prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Part D-The [...]

HAVA Update: Voting Access and Election Integrity

by John Rooney and Rochelle Haynes

Voting rights advocates weigh the costs of ensuring election security against implementing universal access.

On October 29, 2002, President Bush signed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The law provides federal funding to states over the next three years to assist in the upgrading of each state’s voting equipment and to provide for the implementation of procedures that will protect each citizen’s right to vote, while maintaining confidence in the integrity of a state’s election system. A portion of the funding has been designated for voters with disabilities for the purpose of polling place accessibility, equal [...]

New York City Subways Get More Wheelchair User Friendly

by Terry Moakley

The number of accessible subway stations in the Big Apple has risen, making it easier for New Yorkers and tourists with disabilities to speed around the five boroughs underground.

The time is at hand when we update New Yorkers, and those who plan to visit the Big Apple soon, concerning progress in making subway stations more accessible. As of this writing, there are 55 wheelchair accessible stations, with 40 considered accessible key stations (required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and included in a plan approved by the federal government), and another 15 labeled accessible non-key stations. All 55 [...]

Broadway Raises Curtains for People with Disabilities

by Lisa Gesson

Going to the theater has often been a challenge for people with disabilities. Concerns about getting in the door, reaching the ticket window, being able to reach and enjoy your seat, use the bathroom and purchase concessions have not made theater trips the relaxing and fun events they should be for people with disabilities. The Shubert Organization, Inc., which owns many of the most popular theaters on New York City’s Broadway and around the country, is committed to welcoming theatergoers with disabilities.

The Shubert Organization offers several seating areas for people who use wheelchairs and scooters in locations throughout their theaters. [...]

SELF-ADVOCACY: Easy Advocacy Complaint: Use the Five W’s

by Lisa Gesson

You know there’s a problem. You live in the United States, you are a contributing member of society and your rights are being violated. You’re at the end of your patience and you’re ready to speak out and rock the boat. You are about to call in or visit an office and make a verbal complaint, and you want to be taken seriously. You don’t need to use fancy words, but you need to stick to the point and say it all clearly.

I recommend five simple words for you to use as a guide. They will help you and the [...]

EMPLOYMENT: Disability = Diversity

by Jessica B. Mayer

Employment is a vital issue for people with disabilities. There are an estimated 54 million persons with disabilities in the United States. The unemployment rate for this population who are of work age is around 60%. Additionally, 55% of college graduates with disabilities are unemployed. The government saves $3 billion for every 1% of people with disabilities who get off the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rolls.

People often define themselves by their careers. The need to work and to feel productive is essential to the human experience. When I started my training and consulting business, it was enormously [...]

United Spinal Association Nets Regain EWBC Crown

by Danny Perry

In the 1990s, the United Spinal Association Nets, a wheelchair basketball team co-sponsored by the New Jersey Nets and the Association, dominated the Eastern Wheelchair Basketball Conference (EWBC). That dominance continued through 2001 until the New York Rollin’ Knicks stepped up and captured consecutive conference crowns. Going into the 2003-2004 season, it appeared that the Nets would fall to the middle of the pack in the EWBC, but the team had a strong run throughout conference play, going 7-1. They topped it off by winning the EWBC Championship Tournament, which was played on January 31 and February 1. The [...]

New York Rangers and United Spinal Co-Sponsor New Sled Hockey Team

by Danny Perry

Over the past few years, United Spinal Association has been working hard at obtaining sponsorship from professional sports franchises for its adaptive sports teams. Already onboard are the New York Mets, New York Jets, New York Islanders and the New Jersey Nets. The New York Rangers are the newest franchise to step up, as they will be sponsoring one of the Association’s two sled hockey teams. The arrangement, like the ones the Association has with the other franchises, will allow the adaptive team to use the Rangers name and logo.

Back in August, the Association approached the Rangers [...]

Spinal Cord Lexicon

Disabilities Lexicon is focused on common words and terms related to Spinal Cord [...]

Medical Abbreviations

Medical professionals often speak in jargon, or write in shorthand, that is unfamiliar to patients with spinal cord disabilities and their families. Understanding what they are talking about is critical. [...]

What is Lou Gehrig’s Disease?

An introduction to Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s [...]

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

An introduction to Multiple Sclerosis [...]

What is Polio?

An introduction to Polio (also know as [...]

What is Spina Bifida?

An intrdoction to Spina [...]

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

Introduction to Spinal Cord Injury series includes various aspects of the disability that range from Understanding SCI to Sexuality and Reproductive [...]