United Spinal Association Hosts Disability Leadership and Policy Summit on Future of National Disability Rights

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May 20, 2010, 07:00 ET

NEW YORK, May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association will host its 3rd Annual Disability Leadership and Policy Summit commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on June 2nd at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

The Disability Leadership and Policy Summit will focus on ways to ensure that future generations of people with disabilities have access to improved rights and independence. The event is free and open to the public and co-sponsored by Hofstra University's School of Medicine.

It will bring together disability advocates, community leaders, healthcare professionals, concerned citizens and United Spinal members and partners to discuss the progress made in the first 20 years of the ADA, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990 and prohibits discrimination based on disability.

The United Spinal summit is unique in providing a personal setting, where everyone feels comfortable expressing opinions on disability issues that matter most to them.

According to Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association, it's one reason why so many individuals greatly benefit from this event and return year after year.

"All attendees will have an opportunity to exchange stimulating and innovative ideas with some of the best minds in the disability community. And most importantly, they will play an active role in ensuring the ADA empowers future generations of people with disabilities to reach their potential as members of their communities, our nation and the world," Tobin added.

Featured presenters will speak about the ADA, past and future, including Kleo King, Esq., Senior Vice President of Accessibility Services at United Spinal Association; Terence J. Moakley, Chairman of the Board, VetsFirst; Lawrence Carter-Long, Executive Director, Disabilities Network of New York City; Lynnae M. Ruttledge, Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education; and Susan Gordon Ryan, Disability Rights Advocate and Activist.

During a reception following the summit, United Spinal will honor Charles D. Hammerman, President & CEO, The Disability Opportunity Fund; Angela Melledy, Founder & Publisher, Able Newspaper; and PepsiCo EnAble with this year's 2010 Visionary Award, for their leadership, extraordinary service, and outstanding commitment to advancing the lives of people with disabilities.

For more information on attending United Spinal's Disability Leadership and Policy Summit, please visit http://www.unitedspinal.org/disabilitysummit.

About United Spinal Association

United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post polio. It has played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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 spinal cord disorders.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Paul Tobin

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=83457

Marlene Harmon-Perkins

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=94189

SOURCE United Spinal Association