Tag: united spinal
United Spinal equips wheelchair users to better weather disasters
October 28, 2020HME News Staff
KEW GARDENS, N.Y. - The United Spinal Association has launched a disaster preparedness initiative for individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders designed to lessen the effects and risks associated with natural or human-caused disasters. “Read to Roll” addresses the significant challenges individuals living with disabilities face when disasters strike, especially those who rely on power wheelchairs, ventilators and other medical equipment and supplies. “Our goal is to help...
Mayor's Office honors 'relentless' disability advocate
September 20, 2019HME News Staff
NEW YORK - James Weisman, president and CEO of United Spinal Association, was awarded a certificate of recognition from the Mayor's Office for People With Disabilities during the recent Disability Awareness Night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y. Weisman received the certificate for his advocacy to expand disability rights and access to transportation for wheelchair users in New York City and across the country. “When Jim is at the table, he is vocal and relentless in the pursuit of equality,”...
United Spinal, Permobil Foundation increase access to seat elevation
June 4, 2019HME News Staff
NEW YORK - Members of the United Spinal Association now have the opportunity to apply for a Roll Forward Grant for a SmartDrive or active-height seat elevator on a new Permobil wheelchair thanks to a new partnership between the two organizations. “We're thankful for the support of Permobil Foundation to empower our members to attain greater independence,” said James Weisman, president and CEO of United Spinal. “Their partnership has helped us expand our mission to improve the quality...
CRT stakeholders follow up on manual accessories
June 29, 2018Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - Complex rehab technology stakeholders had another shot at advocating for accessories for complex manual wheelchairs during the United Spinal Association's Roll on Capitol Hill June 24-June 27.The association had about 150 wheelchair users, member advocates and partners on hand, raising awareness of critical issues during 216 visits with lawmakers—a record, said Alexandra Bennewith, vice president, government relations, for United Spinal.Among the issues discussed: H.R. 3730 and...
United Spinal hosts outdoor enthusiast at Roll on Capitol Hill
May 25, 2018HME News Staff
NEW YORK - The United Spinal Association will host power wheelchair user Ian Mackay at its 7th Annual Roll on Capitol Hill, June 24-27 in Washington, D.C. Mackay, a California native, avid outdoor enthusiast and peer group leader, will attend the event for the first time to speak with legislators on issues that affect the independence and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders and other pre-existing conditions. In 2016, he rode his wheelchair across the state to advocate...
United Spinal exec named humanitarian of the year
March 2, 2018HME News Staff
NEW YORK - The president and CEO of the United Spinal Association has been named the 2018 “Peter Zarba Humanitarian of the Year” by the association's New York City Chapter. Weisman has spent more than 35 years working to protect the rights of people with disabilities and to advocate for inclusion and accessibility. Prior to being named president and CEO, he was vice president and general counsel for the association. In all, Weisman has worked for the association, formerly Eastern Paralyzed...
United Spinal logs 200 congressional visits with ROCH
June 16, 2017HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - United Spinal Association and more than 150 wheelchair users, clinicians, partners and disability advocates from 35 states gathered in Washington, D.C., June 11-14 for the 6th annual Roll on Capitol Hill to discuss improving disability policies with key congressional leaders. During the event, attendees took part in more than 200 congressional office visits, meeting face to face with their representatives and other key contacts to discuss their unique challenges living with a disability...
United Spinal names award winners
June 6, 2017HME News Staff
NEW YORK - United Spinal Association will host a Congressional Awards Reception on June 13 as part of its Roll on Capitol Hill to recognize members of Congress for their outstanding service to people with disabilities and veterans. The association will recognize Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., with its James J. Peters Disability Rights Champion Award; Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., with its VetsFirst Congressional Bronze Star Award; and Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., with its Junius A. Kellogg Congressional Outstanding...
Mobility short takes: United Spinal, ElDorado Mobility
December 2, 2016HME News Staff
The United Spinal Association hosted its National Chapter Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas recently, bringing together chapter leaders from across the U.S. to discuss a multitude of topics that affect the spinal cord injury and disorder community. Hollister was the Titanium Level Corporate Sponsor of the event. United Spinal currently has 48 chapters in 28 states, and six regional coordinators. The strategies they develop at the annual meeting help to galvanize the association to provide a clear path...
In brief: Stakeholders enlist Sen. Heitkamp, MedCare makes buy
November 13, 2015HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., has agreed to be an original co-sponsor, along with Sen. John Thune, R-S.D, on a bill that would soften the blow of the nationwide rollout of competitive bidding pricing on Jan. 1, according to AAHomecare.“When the South Dakota providers met with Sen. Thune earlier this year and he agreed to work with Rep. Price, the industry needed a Democratic lead, and Sen. Heitkamp seemed like the logical fit,” said Barb Stockert of Jamestown, N.D.-based Sanford...