Fight for access 'rolls on' at conference
By HME News Staff
Updated Thu June 11, 2015
WASHINGTON - Mobility advocates met with 200 congressional offices to discuss complex rehab, Medicaid and other issues during United Spinal's fourth-annual Roll on Capitol Hill.
“Your courage to speak out and shed light on the issues that affect your quality of life is something that should be commended, said Tom Aiello, a United Spinal Association board member, during welcome remarks. “There's no question, your voice will make a difference for our entire community."
More than 100 attendees gathered in Washington, D.C., for the conference, which was held June 7-10, to shape policies affecting those living with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
The conference also outlined legislative initiatives and policies designed to improve members' lives, including bills H.R. 1516 and S. 1013, which would create a separate recognition for complex rehab wheelchairs under Medicare.
The conference also touched on the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 5th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.
“It's important to remember that the Affordable Care Act and the (ADA) have a very important relationship, as you think about the work you're doing here in D.C. at Roll on Capitol Hill and the importance of access to health care and health related services as a civil right," said keynote speaker Sharon Lewis, principal deputy administrator for the Administration for Community Living and HHS' senior adviser on disability.
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