Throughout our history, people with disabilities have faced barriers of all kinds. While our physical world is now more accessible than ever and the civil rights of people with disabilities are more protected under law than ever before, it is a constant battle to ensure that everyone with a disability has the same opportunities as anyone else. Each instance where a disabled person faces discrimination requires someone to speak up in order to make change — and United Spinal Association wants to make sure that we have an army of advocates across this country ready to fight for it.

As United Spinal celebrates our 75th anniversary in 2021, the Advocacy and Policy team continues to push on many issues of importance to the disability community. From ensuring equal treatment in the provision of medical care related to COVID-19 and getting our community vaccinated against this virus, to fighting for accessible housing and transportation, to pushing for equal opportunities in the workplace, United Spinal is committed to building an inclusive world where all people with disabilities can thrive.

Here in Washington, D.C., we have had very positive engagement with the Biden administration so far. We believe that Congress will include critical additional funding for Medicaid home and community-based services as part of another COVID-19 recovery bill. The Biden administration has committed to including caregiving for people with disabilities, alongside childcare and care for older adults. Also, there is a lot of discussion in Congress about an increase in the minimum wage, which would include phasing out the discriminatory subminimum wage for people with disabilities. None of this would have happened had it not been for all of the advocates who raised their voices and made their elected officials listen to our community’s concerns. There remains much to do but see below for how you can help.

To ensure that our message is being heard by all 435 U.S. Representatives and 100 U.S. Senators, United Spinal needs dedicated advocates registered as part of our District Mobilization Initiative. To register, please visit unitedspinal.org/grassroots-advocacy-network.

There’s never been a better time to join us. As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, we are holding a year-long Advocacy Challenge that includes several significant prizes, including one for a lucky winner picked at random from our registered advocates!

The goal is to have registered advocates in all 435 congressional districts, so that when a critical issue to the disability community is being considered in D.C., every single member of Congress knows that they have constituents back home who want them to take United Spinal’s position.

Since this program was launched in the summer of 2020, we now have over 300 registered advocates in over 200 congressional districts across the country. The map shows districts where United Spinal has at least one registered advocate. Anyone, anywhere can participate — a person with a disability, a caregiver, a family member, or anyone who cares about our issues.

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We are also holding a Recognition Challenge for chapters and advocates to get state legislatures and mayors around the country to recognize United Spinal’s 75th anniversary through official resolutions or proclamations. Please join us today (and bring a friend!) to help us advocate for a truly inclusive world for all.

Email or send questions at advocacy@unitedspinal.org and keep your eyes peeled for updates to our social media accounts, newsletters and website. As always, check our Action Center for the latest action alert messages to Congress: unitedspinal.org/action-center.

— Stephen Lieberman, Director, Policy & Advocacy