United Spinal Appoints James Weisman President and CEO

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Jul 09, 2015, 08:50 ET

NEW YORK, July 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association today announced James Weisman, current vice president and general counsel, as its new president and CEO.

Weisman is a dedicated advocate who for over 38 years has helped expand disability rights and ensure access to transportation for wheelchair users in New York City and across the country.

He will replace Joseph Gaskins, who will take on the role of Vice President for Strategic Development.

"We are very fortunate to have an individual with the experience and reputation of Jim Weisman; someone with a long history and track record of success, who can lead the organization and build upon the solid foundation we have established," said Gaskins.

"It is my honor to accept this new challenge and follow in the footsteps, or tread marks, of those dynamic, skilled and dedicated leaders that have come before me," said Weisman.

"It has been my privilege to have worked for and with many creative and committed individuals who taught me that inclusion and integration of people with disabilities into the societal mainstream is a worthy personal and organizational goal," Weisman added.

Weisman has worked for United Spinal Association, formerly Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA) since June 1979. He played a role in framing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and partaking in the signing ceremony.

Weisman helped craft United Spinal's lawsuits against the New York MTA and the Philadelphia transit authority, leading to improvements to bus and subway accessibility and the creation of a paratransit program.

Weisman was also central in the negations that have led to more wheelchair accessible New York City Taxis.

The settlements he helped achieve in New York and Philadelphia served as the model for the ADA's transportation regulations, opening transportation options for millions of Americans with disabilities.

As the general counsel for United Spinal, Weisman has continued to fight for equal rights for all people with disabilities.

About United Spinal Association

United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Media contact:
Ahvi Spindell
Spindell Media Relations, LLC
United Spinal Association
(212) 580-4567
[email protected]
Twitter @ahvispin

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SOURCE United Spinal Association