United Spinal Assembles Supporters & Leaders for Upcoming 'Roll on Capitol Hill'

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Jan 29, 2014, 09:10 ET

Nation's Largest Gathering of People with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders Influencing Public Policy in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association assembled key corporate sponsors for a leadership meeting this past Tuesday in preparation for the 2014 Roll on Capitol Hill, its annual legislative advocacy event that addresses issues that affect the health, independence and quality of life of individuals living with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D).

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The 3rd Annual Roll on Capitol Hill, which takes place June 22-25, brings United Spinal's members and advocates to the nation's capital to speak directly with the legislators who make decisions that affect their daily independence and quality of life.

The meeting included a review of the issues and policies impacting the disability community as well as the launch of a new leadership committee for the event.

The sponsors' financial support and advocacy is critical to ensure that legislators hear from wheelchair users and other people with disabilities as they address their rights and attempt to meet their needs.

"We are very thankful for the support we receive from our partners for our annual Roll-on-Capitol Hill, without whose backing, we wouldn't be able to host this event. The influence this assemblage brings to Capitol Hill goes a long way to improving the quality of life for all people living with SCI/D," said Joseph Gaskins, United Spinal President and CEO.

The United Spinal policy and advocacy issues that will be the backbone of its advocacy efforts at Roll on Capitol Hill are:

Access to Quality Affordable Healthcare
Employment Opportunities, Self-Sufficiency and Independent Living
Consumer-Directed Quality Health Care and Community Integration
Preservation of Social Security Benefits
Protect the Rights of People with Disabilities

During this year's Roll on Capitol Hill, attendees will participate in valuable educational sessions tailored to their lobbying experience. The sessions, which take place on Monday, June 23^rd, will provide an overview of the key legislative issues and strategies for attendees to effectively communicate their concerns with legislators.

On Tuesday, June 24^th, attendees will visit one-on-one with members of Congress, followed by an evening awards reception honoring legislators who have dedicated their careers to serving the disability community.

Members of the leadership committee include representatives from AdvaMed, Allergan, AT&T, Auxilium, Eli Lilly, Hollister Inc., Invacare, Medtronic, Inc., Merck, Inc., National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, National Seating & Mobility, Inc., Permobil, PhRMA, Pride Mobility, US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®), and US Rehab.

For more information about Roll on Capitol Hill, visit http://www.unitedspinal.org/events/roll-on-capitol-hill/.

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.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Alexandra Bennewith, MPA
http://www.profnetconnect.com/Alexandra_BennewithMPA

SOURCE United Spinal Association