United Spinal Hosts Disability Leadership and Policy Summit to Advance Employment of People with Disabilities and Veterans

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Apr 13, 2011, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association will present the 2nd Annual Disability Leadership and Policy Summit on April 21st in Philadelphia, focusing on employment as the gateway to empowerment and independence.

The Summit, co-hosted by Temple University, will feature a panel of national leading experts discussing programs and policies that will lead to new employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans.

A variety of exhibitors will be in attendance––including local businesses and agencies––providing job resources and one-on-one career counseling.

VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association, will also be hosting a job resource fair during the Summit, to provide career counseling and tips on obtaining VA benefits from organizations and governmental agencies that assist veterans and their families.

Following the event, there will be a Visionary Awards Reception to honor leaders within the disability community that have demonstrated extraordinary service and outstanding commitment to people with disabilities. Admission is free and hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks will be served.

The Summit is to be held at Temple University's Student Center, 1755 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA.

For more information, please visit http://www.unitedspinal.org/events/summit or call 800-404-2898.

Presenters will include Lynnae M. Ruttledge, Commissioner Rehabilitation Services Administration with the U.S. Department of Education; Christine M. Griffin, Deputy Director U.S. Office of Personnel Management; Ted Daywalt, President and CEO of VetJobs; Ronald W. Benson, Deputy Regional Administrator, Veterans' Employment and Training Service Philadelphia Region; Sara Mahoney, Business Development Specialist, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP); Renee Kirby, Assistant Director, Disability Resources and Services, Temple University.

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.

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Paul Tobin

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SOURCE United Spinal Association