COVID-19 Advocacy Resources & Guidance Via Zoom
United Spinal Association held a 3-part Virtual Advocacy Series in May, June and July to discuss the challenges of, lessons learned from and disability rights impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Spinal Association Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July 15, 2020
Spend some time with United Spinal Association celebrating 30 years of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act and see what more we can do for the disability community in the years ahead. Along with our distinguished guest speakers below hear from United Spinal advocates from across the country.
Guest Speakers
Sen. Tom Harkin
Former Senator from Iowa
David Capozzi
United Spinal Board Member; Former Executive Director U.S. Access Board
James Weisman
President and CEO, United Spinal Association
Lessoned Learned in the Age of COVID
June 24, 2020
Telework/assistive technology; telehealth/rehabilitation; and accessible and autonomous transportation in the age of COVID.
Guest Speakers
Finch Fulton
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation
Katherine Lee
Legislative Counsel, Office of Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI)
Mark Schmeler
PhD, OTR/L, ATP, Vice Chair for Education & Training & Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology, University of Pittsburgh
COVID-19 Challenges
May 21, 2020
This Zoom meeting focused on the challenges the disability community faces related to caregiving, personal protective equipment (PPE), medications and supplies issues as well as home and community-based services. You will get updates from United Spinal advocacy and policy staff on what has been accomplished so far and where we go next. Press play to hear from our own state advocates and find out what they have been up to in the states. And get the very latest news from our guest speakers from Capitol Hill and what is upcoming.
Guest Speakers
Michael-Gamel McCormick
Disability Policy Director, Office of Senator Bob Casey, PA
Susannah Savage
Health Policy Adviser, Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren
Jose Hernández
NYC Advocacy Coordinator, United Spinal Association; President and Advocacy Representative, New York City Chapter. He was recently appointed Civic Engagement Commissioner, New York City. He drives a highly modified van and uses it to travel around the States, including a recent trip to Niagara Falls, NY as well as Toronto, Canada. Jose is a tech wiz and recently completed Assassin’s Creed.
Chris Hoeh
Advocacy Representative, Greater Boston Chapter, United Spinal Association. Chris is an innovator, teacher, activist, who is well-known in the Boston community. Prior to his accident, Chris was an avid skier and athlete, and elementary school teacher, where he received national recognition including the Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year (National Council for Social Studies) and the Teaching Tolerance Award for Excellence in Teaching (Southern Poverty Law Center). Chris is also the Founder and Director of the Jamaica Plain Youth Soccer Academy.
Vicki Landers
President & CEO of Disability Pride Philadelphia Inc.; Strategic Planner for United Spinal Greater Philadelphia Chapter; Outreach Specialist for Disability Equality in Education
Jenn Wolff
United Spinal Chapter of Iowa Board Member and Iowa Chapter Advocacy Representative, 2017 United Spinal Advocate of the Year, Occupational Therapist and a member of the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association, Backbones Leadership Program Manager and former Grassroots Advocacy Manager for United Spinal. Jenn is busy advocating on behalf of our community in Iowa and doing a great job. She has been leading the charge on the #Upgrade Medicaid Campaign in Iowa.
Barb Zablotney
Chapter Leader for South Central Pennsylvania Chapter, United Spinal Association; Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2018; Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania State Coordinator; Driving Safety & Disability Awareness Speaker