Photos by Gabriela Isabel Photography

In June, more than 100 advocates from 29 states and the District of Columbia attended United Spinal Association’s 10th annual Roll on Capitol Hill. After canceling the event in 2020 and hosting a fully virtual event last year due to COVID, leaders were delighted to see wheelchair users rolling through the halls of Congress again, completing more than 150 visits to lobby for the SCI/D community. “It was so nice to reconnect with everyone and see our United Spinal family in person again after three long years,” says Alexandra Bennewith, vice president, government relations at United Spinal.

“Roll on Capitol Hill exemplifies our passion for the empowerment and advancement of people with disabilities. Everyone who has gathered with us — from member advocates to dedicated partners — shares a vision of a future where people with disabilities can live independently and pursue their dreams. And that vision begins here in Washington, as we ensure future generations of wheelchair users have a seat at the table when policies are created that impact our lives,” says Vincenzo Piscopo, president and CEO of United Spinal.

This year, the event highlighted these important issues:

• Supporting more funding for SCI Model Systems to ensure that newly injured individuals receive necessary healthcare and services.

• Ensuring passage of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act and advocating for other protections for travelers with disabilities.

• Emphasizing the importance of personal care services to pursuing economic independence and mobility, including elimination of subminimum wages for people with disabilities.

• Advocating for Department of Veterans Affairs funding of automobile grants for disabled veterans, that are necessary for community living.

• Action on outdated and restrictive federal regulations that prevent wheelchair users from having access to the wheelchair that’s right for them.

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“Wherever you find yourself, in whichever space, you are bringing that disability lens to the conversation,” said Emily Voorde, assistant director, White House Office of Public Engagement, in her keynote address. She is pictured with Vincenzo Piscopo, president and CEO of United Spinal Association.

“This was my fourth Roll on Capitol Hill,” says Adam Lane, a United Spinal member from Oklahoma. “One of the things I really enjoyed was that my rep­resentatives remembered talking to me in the past, so having that rapport makes a huge impact and keeps policymakers engaged with you. I encourage my fellow advocates to follow up, keep attending these events, and make your voice heard.”