United Spinal's VetsFirst Hails Sen. Tom Harkin's Report On Ensuring Student Success: Safeguarding Disabled Veterans' Educational Assistance

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Jul 31, 2012, 11:40 ET

NEW YORK, July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal's VetsFirst program announced support of Senator Tom Harkin's (D-IA) efforts to protect the educational benefits of the nation's disabled veterans. Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Harkin's issuance of a report titled, "For Profit Higher Education: The Failure to Safeguard the Federal Investment and Ensure Student Success," underscores his commitment.

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"Educational benefits are important in helping disabled veterans reintegrate into their communities. Every effort must be made to ensure that veterans who receive educational assistance due to their military service are provided both the education and supportive assistance they need to succeed," said Heather Ansley, Vice President of Veterans Policy for VetsFirst.

"Institutions of higher learning must provide academic advising, tutoring, career and placement counseling services and other supports that help to ensure that disabled veterans are able to succeed in accomplishing their educational goals," she added.

With this report, Chairman Harkin continues his ongoing effort to support disabled veterans as they seek to succeed in their future careers. The report helps, in part, to bring attention to the fact that veterans must have access to the information they need in order to make an informed decision in selecting an institution of higher learning.

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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Heather L. Ansley
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SOURCE United Spinal Association