Tag: United Spinal Association

WASHINGTON – The United Spinal Association has been awarded a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to support the immediate relief and recovery efforts for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders following natural and human-caused disasters, including hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. With support provided by foundation, United Spinal is offering disaster relief grants to its 53,000 members across the country who have been impacted by disasters through the loss or damage of mobility...

NEW YORK – It wasn’t until Chris Pangilinan was in college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and started using a wheelchair instead of crutches that he saw his interests in public transportation, which he was studying, and disabilities collide. Pangilinan, who has cerebral palsy and who is now the head of global policy, public transportation at Uber, recently joined the board of the United Spinal Association. He talked with HME News about advancements in wheelchair-accessible...

KEW GARDENS, N.Y. – The United Spinal Association is urging members to reach out to their members of Congress to ask them to co-sponsor a resolution, introduced by Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., supporting National Spinal Cord Injury Month, which takes place in September. The average lifespan for people with SCI has not improved significantly since the 1980s. Increased education and investment in research are key factors in improving outcomes and enhancing the quality...

TAMPA, Fla. – The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association and the United Spinal Association will kick off their Automotive Mobility Awareness Tour on Aug. 26 at the Moss Rehabilitation Center in Elkins Park, Pa. At the event, the two associations will highlight accessibility solutions and showcase how hospital administrators, case managers, physical and occupational therapists, automotive mobility dealers and manufacturers are all working together to improve the lives of their clients....

KEW GARDENS, N.Y. – United Spinal Association has appointed four new members to its board of directors. They are Javier Robles, adjunct professor at Rutgers University; Dr. David Mann, senior researcher at Mathematica; Christopher Pangilinan, head of global policy, public transportation, at Uber; and Keaston White, attorney-advisor, Office of the Solicitor, at the U.S. Department of Interior. “We are excited to welcome four new board members this year, as we celebrate United Spinal’s...

WASHINGTON – VGM has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expedite its approval process for a replacement foam for respiratory devices affected by the Philips recall.  “We are requesting accelerated approval from the FDA for this critical replacement component for approved technicians to rapidly start the process of replacing/repairing all recalled units,” states VGM in a letter to the agency.  Philips on June 14 announced a voluntary recall of certain...

KEW GARDENS, N.Y. – The U.S. Senate has formally recognized the United Spinal Association on its 75th anniversary by passing a resolution, S. Res. 278, highlighting key moments in the organization’s history. One such moment: In 1948, United Spinal members advocated for and helped pass the first accessible housing bill in the United States, which helped to build homes for paralyzed veterans. “The resolution formally honors United Spinal’s continued role in supporting and advocating...

KEW GARDENS, N.Y. – The United Spinal Association has launched a campaign, “Voices United,” to amplify the strengths and talents of its membership community as part of the group’s celebrations of its 75th anniversary. “The success of our diverse membership base in overcoming the challenges of living with spinal cord injuries and disorders and, ultimately, regaining their independence, propels United Spinal’s mission,” said Brook McCall, senior director of...

WASHINGTON – Natalie Barnhard was named the recipient of the Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year Award at this year’s United Spinal Association Roll on Capitol Hill event, which took place virtually June 14-16. Barnhard is the chapter leader of the Western New York Chapter of United Spinal and the founder and president of Motion Project Foundation. She has been a wheelchair user for 16 years, following a spinal cord injury while at work as a physical therapy assistant (PTA).  In September,...

KEW GARDENS, N.Y. – The United Spinal Association has acquired AbleThrive to ensure people with spinal cord injuries and disorders have greater access to resources and support. In the coming months, United Spinal and AbleThrive will combine their resources, information and technology on United Spinal’s website, creating an online support network for wheelchair users and other individuals with mobility disabilities and further enhancing outreach to the organization’s growing membership...