Tag: United Spinal Association

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...

VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y. – National Ramp, a manufacturer of modular ramps, is a premier sponsor of United Spinal Association’s Roll on Capitol Hill. Roll on Capitol Hill is United Spinal’s annual policy event to support key advocacy priorities for its membership and the broader disability community and to ensure that legislators include wheelchair users and all people with disabilities in policy debates on Capitol Hill. “The United Spinal Association is...

NEW YORK – Seventy-five years ago, a small support group of paralyzed World War II veterans banded together to advocate for themselves and others in New York City. Today that small support group has 57,000 members and goes by the name of United Spinal Association. HME News spoke with Vincenzo Piscopo, president and CEO, about how the organization is celebrating its year-long anniversary campaign and where the next 75 years will take them. HME News: Who are some of the advocates United Spinal...

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would extend the moratorium on the 2% Medicare sequestration cuts from March 31, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021.  H.R. 1868, which passed 246-175, would also exempt the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan from the statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, eliminating an additional 4% Medicare cut that would amount to about $36 billion in 2022.  On March 15, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.,...

NEW YORK – United Spinal Association has named Kleo J. King senior director of accessibility operations and counsel. King previously served as deputy commissioner and general counsel for the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities from 2014-21. “During her impressive career, Kleo’s steadfast work has helped to achieve unprecedented legal victories providing accessibility in transportation and the built environment for people with disabilities,” said...

NEW YORK – United Spinal Association celebrates 75 years of providing people with spinal cord injuries and disorders valuable programs and services that maximize their independence and quality of life. “As we reflect on United Spinal’s impact to advance disability rights throughout its history, we look forward to future progress in building an inclusive world that offers people with SCI/D new opportunities to become leaders, advocates and innovators,” said Vincent Piscopo,...