The United Spinal Association and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association gathered recently for the third annual Roll on Capitol Hill event, where they addressed polices that impact quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Attendees took part in congressional office visits and meetings with representatives to discuss the need for better access to health care, disability rights, social security benefits, employment opportunities and accessible transportation for wheelchair users and individuals with spinal cord injuries.
“It is important to understand that individuals living with disabilities want the same thing everyone else wants – that is access and equality,” Claudia Gordon, special assistant, Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and keynote speaker at the event stated in a press release. “We have to ensure diversity in the workplace and that includes wheelchair users and others with significant disabilities.”
Roll on Capitol Hill (ROCH) also featured a Congressional Awards Reception to recognize certain members of Congress for their service to the disabled and veteran communities.
Sen. Bob Casey received the 2014 James J. Peters Disability Rights Champion award; Rep. Al Green received the 2014 VetsFirst Congressional Bronze Star award and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers received the 2014 Junius A. Kellogg Outstanding Congressional Leadership award.
“This event is a tribute to the tremendous commitment of our members to get involved in policy change,” James Weisman, United Spinal senior vice president and general counsel stated in the release. “We are extremely thankful to all attendees and sponsors for making ROCH 2014 a resounding success.”
