United Spinal to Honor U.S. Senator John McCain for His Commitment to Strengthen Disability Rights

Sen. McCain to be honored by @UnitedSpinal w/ @Vets_First Congressional Bronze Award http://ow.ly/l3t0U #ROCH2013

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May 16, 2013, 09:05 ET

NEW YORK, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association's VetsFirst program will present U.S. Senator John McCain with the VetsFirst Congressional Bronze Star Award for his extraordinary efforts to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which is the first treaty to address disability rights globally.

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VetsFirst directly assists veterans and their eligible family members in obtaining the benefits they are entitled to, deserve and need.

"We are honored to present Senator McCain with this award, as he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensure that disabled veterans, and all people with disabilities the world over, are able to work, live, and participate in their communities," said Heather Ansley, Esq., MSW, VP of Veterans Policy for VetsFirst.

The award will be presented as part of United Spinal's 2^nd annual Roll on Capitol Hill (June 16-19), a legislative advocacy event in Washington, D.C. that offers wheelchair users and other Americans living with disabilities the opportunity to visit Congressional offices to speak directly with the legislators who make decisions that affect their daily independence and quality of life.

Senator McCain will be on hand to receive the VetsFirst Congressional Bronze Star Award, Tuesday, June 18, during an evening awards reception on Capitol Hill, hosted by United Spinal to honor Congressional champions of the disability community.

While serving in the United States Senate, Senator McCain has supported disability rights by cosponsoring the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act.

Senator McCain has been the lead Republican champion for ratification of the CRPD––a human rights treaty that establishes the obligations of countries that ratify it to promote, protect, fulfill, and ensure the rights of people with disabilities, including access to rehabilitation, employment, and educational opportunities.

Senator McCain has expressed support for U.S. ratification of the treaty because it seeks to advance the ADA's fundamental values of equality and human dignity around the world. It will also help remove barriers and allow American service members and veterans with disabilities to work, serve, study, and live abroad.

Twenty-two national veterans and military organizations support the CRPD including VetsFirst. Senator McCain has pledged to continue the fight to ensure ratification of this treaty.

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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Alexandra Bennewith, MPA
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SOURCE United Spinal Association