Category: Advocacy Opportunities
United Spinal is calling on disability advocates. For years, Medicare rules have forced wheelchair users to pay the full cost of a carbon fiber or titanium frame out of pocket. But on July 20, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a fix.
The Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703/S. 247) requires Medicare to create billing codes so you pay only the difference for an ultralight frame. It costs taxpayers nothing. The bill moved because of advocates like you, who put it in front of their representatives at this year’s Roll on Capitol Hill.
This is a bipartisan sponsored that know needs the Senate to approve it next. Your Senators need to hear from you today!
You can use this link – Advocacy Action created by United Spinal to contact your senators for this issue.
The new legislative session has begun and continued advocacy for smart policies that will help New Jersey build a safer, more accessible transportation future is needed. The list below includes some bills which are important for safe and accessible outdoor passive recreation. Stay tuned for updates!
• H.R.9041 – America Bikes Act establishes programs to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and incentivize the use of bicycles in transit.
• H.R.7751 – Parks to People Active Transportation Act, requires the DOT to establish a grant program for community greenways.
Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. At the Spina Bifida Resource Network (SBRN), they believe that advocacy is one of the most powerful ways to improve the lives of individuals with Spina Bifida and other disabilities. Yet many people aren’t sure what advocacy really means, how public policy affects their daily lives, or how they can become involved.
That’s why SBRN is launching a new program, Advocacy in Action. Designed to educate, empower, and inspire members of our community to become effective advocates.
Beginning in mid-August, they’ll offer a series of four weekly educational sessions designed to provide a strong foundation in advocacy. Sessions are expected to be held in the early evening and will be offered both in person and virtually. Final dates and locations will be announced soon.
Whether you’ve never contacted an elected official or have years of experience sharing your story, these sessions are for you.
Sessions explore topics such as:
– The basics of government. Our first session will include an introduction to basics of government and how decisions are made. Including the roles of local, state, and federal officials, and how advocacy efforts can help influence policies that impact our community.
– How to effectively communicate with legislators and decision-makers.
– The power of sharing your personal story
– Ways to get involved with SBRN’s advocacy efforts throughout the year.
You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to learn and a desire to help create positive change.
By participating, you’ll become part of a growing network of advocates working to ensure that the voices of individuals with Spina Bifida and their families are heard. Every conversation, every email, every meeting, and every story shared has the potential to make a lasting impact.
If you’re interested in learning more or participating in this exciting new initiative please complete the attached interest form here and email back to SBRN at info@thesbrn.org Questions? Email them at info@thesbrn.org or call the office at 908-782-7475
Did you know that Blindness Awareness Month started in October 2009, here in New Jersey?
Blindness Awareness Month seeks to accomplish many things. Among them are:
Education, Inspiration, and Advocacy.
CBVI’s Annual Blindness Awareness Month (BAM) event is held every October in recognition of Blindness Awareness Month and is CBVI’s own Community Resource Fair.
At this Resource Fair, people of all ages can come and learn about the services provided by CBVI through conversations and interactive demonstrations with CBVI employees.
In addition, organizations that assist in providing services and resources are featured at the event and ready to share information on how they too provide support to the blind, deafblind, and visually impaired community.
If you would like more information about BAM, please e-mail: Bryan.McClain@dhs.nj.gov
Location:
Cheesequake State Park
Hooks Creek Lake Pavilion
300 Gordon Rd., Matawan, NJ 07747
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
United Spinal offers numerous community engagement opportunities, this group is a safe and supportive space for individuals who are navigating life after a new spinal cord injury—within the first three years of their journey. Here, you can connect with others who truly understand the early stages of adjustment, share your experiences, ask questions, and find encouragement.
Conversations cover the emotional, physical, and day-to-day challenges that come with a new injury, helping you build confidence, learn from others, and feel part of a caring community.
This group meets every 3rd Monday of the month, 6pm ET.
Those interested can use this link to register – Newly Injured Spinal Cord Injury Support Group – United Spinal Association
Join United Spinal for this discussion group series on aging with a disability. This series will be held every 4th Wednesday of the month from 7-8pm ET.
Participation is free but those interested must register for the group talks.
Those interested can register using this link – Rolling Through Life: Aging with a Disability – United Spinal Association