Continued to meet with congressional offices following NCARTs annual Fly In. Met with members of Congress/staff on the following issues: Supported timely wheelchair repairs legislation that is currently being drafted in the Senate. Supported S.247 and H.R.1703, Improving access to lightweight carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs will allow individuals with mobility challenges to choose the wheelchair that is best suited for their medical, functional, and lifestyle needs and preferences, without increasing costs to the Medicare program. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1703/all-info Advocated for Medicare coverage of power wheelchairs standing systems. Advocated for restoring federal appropriations for the Department of Defenses Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP). United Spinal supported S.Res.440 - A resolution designating September 2025 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. United Spinal continued to advocate for H.R. 4206, the CONNECT for Health Act. United Spinal continues to advocate with members of Congress for increased federal funding for the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems as well as the Burn Model Systems and the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Increased funding at all three Model Systems, including the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center is needed to translate data, research, and clinical knowledge into resources to benefit the SCI, TBI and burn injury communities. United Spinal continues to advocate about the concerns we have about the major restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services programs. We want to make sure that critical programs, services, and funding for the disability and aging communities, such as the Centers for Independent Living, Home and Community-Based Services and the National Institute for Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) are not negatively impacted. Advocated for Congress extending the current telehealth provisions before the last deadline and also support H.R. 1614 to make physical therapists and occupational therapists permanently authorized providers of telehealth under Medicare. H.R. 1614, the Expand Practitioners Eligible to Furnish Telehealth Services Under the Medicare Program Act, introduced by Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Adrian Smith (R-NE) has bipartisan support to eliminate the need for continued extensions, instructing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to permanently adopt the temporary waiver of restrictions on payment for telehealth services delivered by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other qualified healthcare. United Spinal, as a member of the Disability Rehabilitation Research Coalition, along with numerous other disability organizations, signed onto a letter to the bipartisan Senate leadership. The letter read in part, The undersigned members of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC) write to express our strong support for passage of the bipartisan Senate Committee on Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (L-HHS) fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill that includes sustained investment in disability and medical rehabilitation research programs that greatly benefit Americans living with disabilities. We urge you to fully fund these programs for the remainder of FY 2026 to continue the research thatdrives innovation in assistive technologies, informs evidence-based policies, advances medical treatments, and improves quality of life for the more than 70 million Americans living with disabilities. The letter may be reviewed at: https://drrc-coalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/drrc-letter-11.25.2025.pdf United Spinal participated in and supported the Administration for Community Livings (ACLs) The Power of Caregivers for a Healthy America: Building a Better Future Together event on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Collins from the Department of Veterans Affairs also attended. As followup, United Spinal policy staff reached out to the Administration for Community Living staff to express our interest in collaborating with the Administration on its AI Caregiving Challenge that was announced at the event on how we can help involve our community in the challenge. United Spinal, along with numerous other organizations submitted a letter to the bipartisan leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate. United Spinal has been advocating for appropriations being restored and continued for the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program historically funded through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). The letter read in part, we urge you to work toward the enactment of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Defense Appropriations Act, to ensure full funding levels for the Defense Health Research Programs, including the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). We collectively represent millions of American veterans, military retirees, military families, and civilians who benefit from the ongoing research funded by the CDMRP. https://www.hematology.org/-/media/hematology/files/advocacy/testimony-and-correspondence/2025/ash-joins-coalition-of-150-groups-urging-congress-to-enact-the-fy26-defense-appropriations-act.pdf
United Spinal signed onto an October 14th Washington, D.C. press release as part of a broad coalition of national, state, and local disability, civil rights, and education organizations sounding the alarm over sweeping layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education. The release read in part: The undersigned organizations urge the Administration - and call on Congress to do the same - to reverse course immediately and restore staffing and transparency at the U.S. Department of Education. Strong federal leadership is not optional-its a moral and legal obligation for our nation's children with disabilities. The press release may be reviewed at: https://www.aapd.com/department-of-education-condemned-for-ending-support-for-students-with-disabilities/ United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, signed onto a letter to the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee requesting they conduct an oversight hearing of the Executive Branch as it actively seeks to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (Department) and decimate implementation of key education and disability laws. The letter, red in part, Actions taken to date are of great concern, have not been approved by Congress, and create immediate risks of harm to every qualifying individual with a disability and their families. There are 9.5 million children, youth, and young adults with disabilities (ages 0-21) and the adults eligible for vocational rehabilitation. RE: Executive violations of statutory requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act). United Spinal endorsed a letter led by Rep. McBath opposing a severe round of reduction in force termination s in the U.S. Department of Education submitted to the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The letter read in part, We write to you to share our deep opposition to your decision to lay off federal employees dedicated to the education and support of students with disabilities and their families. We demand that you immediately reverse course and rescind the termination notices that were sent to these workers. The press release may be reviewed at: https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EFA0256A-408F-4B2B-B13E-8C900EE8427A
United Spinal continues to advocate for H.R. 4116 Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA) Paratransit one stop and data collection pilot program. The bill would establish an extra stop per trip program for passengers using paratransit serves and enhance data collection for paratransit programs to increase accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4116/text?s=3&r=1 United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations as members of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force and fellow advocates in a letter urged the bipartisan leadership of the bicameral committees with jurisdiction in vehicle safety to consider and prioritize the safety and access needs of disabled passengers and pedestrians in any stand-alone autonomous vehicle (AV) legislation or surface transportation provisions. Recommendations in this letter reference Congressman Lattas 2023 SELF DRIVE Act discussion draft (SELF DRIVE Act Draft) and Congresswoman Dingells AV framework proposal (AV Framework Proposal). We recognize Representative Dingell and Lattas leadership of the Congressional Autonomous Vehicle Caucus and are grateful for their acknowledgement that disability rights advocates must be at the table as AV frameworks are developed. We are also providing Disability Access in AVs and Motor Vehicles draft bill text (Access in AVs Draft) for your consideration. The letter may be reviewed at: https://www.c-c-d.org/fichiers/Disability-AV-Leg-Priorities-Hill-Letter-122325.pdf United Spinal policy staff participated in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSAs) Safety Research Portfolio Public Meeting in Washington, D. C. in November. Discussed the research opportunities for the United Spinal Associations SecureRide Coalitions automated wheelchair securement system. Policy staff followed up with NHTSA and Department of Transportation officials after the meetings. United Spinal policy staff provided feedback to members of Congress on potential legislation that would improve access to parking lots, especially for wheelchair users through data collection and an accessible parking standards analysis by the Government Accountability Office. United Spinal staff discussed potential legislative options to provide federal research with congressional staff to further develop automated securement for wheelchairs in motor vehicles. This would significantly improve the safety and independence of wheelchair users. United Spinal policy staff discussed highlighting United Spinals SecureRide automated wheelchair securement system initiative with National Council on Disability (NCD) staff to advance safer more independent wheelchair securement across all modes of transportation at a forthcoming autonomous vehicle industry meeting. United Spinals SecureRide initiative was highlighted in the NCDs recent report on ground transportation as a potential accessibility solution for automated vehicles. Currently most wheelchair users must rely on additional human assistance to secure their wheelchairs. The Report can be accessed here: https://www.ncd.gov/report/ground-transportation-for-people-with-mobility-disabilities-2025-challenges-and-progress/. United Spinal submitted comments in response to the Department of Transportations Request for Information: Research Ideas to Support Nationwide Automated Vehicle Deployment (DOT-OST-2025-1029-0038). The letter addressed safe wheelchair securement in motor vehicles and infrastructure needs. The letter read in part, For the nations 5.5 million wheelchair users, autonomous vehicles will be a game-changer, not only in meeting daily transportation needs but in vastly improving quality of lives. That includes fulfilling employment or education needs, healthcare and fitness needs but also civic and recreational opportunities. It will enrich families and social activities. The comments may be reviewed at: https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-2025-1029-0038/attachment_1.pdf United Spinal supported comments submitted by the the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) in response to the U.S.Department of Transportations (USDOT) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technologys (OST-R) Request for Information (RFI) on Research Ideas To Support Nationwide Automated Vehicle (AV) Deployment. As the leading organization focused on the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs), AVIA appreciates the USDOTs interest in coordinating research to support the nationwide deployment of automated driving system- (ADS) equipped transportation technology. AVs are a key emerging transportation technology, and the United States continues to lead the world on AV advancement. Further research and development of AV technologies-while simultaneously accelerating safe AV deployment across the country-can help ensure the United States maintains this leadership in the years and decades to come. The comments may be reviewed at: https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-2025-1029-0026/attachment_1.pdf United Spinal supported comments submitted by the co-chairs of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation on the proposed questions regarding research ideas to support nationwide automated vehicle deployment in response to the request for information (DOT-OST-2025-1029).The comments read part, further research is especially needed on developing independent, automated wheelchair and mobility device securement and activation of ramps or lifts. One area of research entails expanding the use of universal docking systems, such as a deployable anchor that automatically attaches to a users wheelchair or mobility device. Such restraint and securement standards could be expanded to personal vehicles for wheelchair users who drive, as well as to paratransit and rideshare service vans. This research ultimately could influence the development of independent securement standards across a wide range of transportation modes, including rail, air travel, or shuttles, in which people who use mobility devices currently have less access and safety than people without disabilities. The comments may be reviewed at: https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-2025-1029-0037/attachment_1.pdf United Spinal supported comments submitted by the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) which submitted comments in response to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technologys request for information regarding research ideas to support nationwide automated vehicle (AV) deployment. United Spinals SecureRide Coalitions automated wheelchair securement system research needs are reflected in DREDFs AV research priorities. The comments may be reviewed at: https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-2025-1029-0044/attachment_1.pdf United Spinal policy staff connected with a Department of Transportation official about our SecureRide Coalitions interest in providing the Department an informational update on the Coalitions automated wheelchair securement system initiative.
United Spinal submitted comments in strong support of U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBPs) proposal to revoke rulings that currently allow certain portable aluminum ramps from China to enter the United States duty-free under subheading 9817.00.96 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule pursuant to the Nairobi Protocol. Re: Customs Bulletin Vol 59, November 26, 2025, No. 41, Notice of proposed modification of nineteen (19) ruling letters and proposed revocation of treatment relating to the applicability of subheading 9817.00.96, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to certain ramps. United Spinal, along with other members of the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition (https://itemcoalition.org/), sent comments in response to the Department of Commerces Section 232 investigation into imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, medical equipment, and medical devices. Re: Comments in Response to Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Personal Protective Equipment, Medical Consumables, and Medical Equipment and Devices (BIS-2025-0258; XRIN 0694-XC134). The comments may be reviewed at: ITEM Coalition Steering Committee Comment Letter in Response to Section 232 National Security Investigation into Medical Equipment and Devices.
United Spinal, along with other members of the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) submitted a letter of concern to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requesting it reverse its decisions to: (1) discontinue the use of CARF International (CARF) accreditation for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) rehabilitation programs; and (2) terminate the uSPEQ veteran experience survey within CARF-accredited VHA rehabilitation programs.
The undersigned members of the Rights, Health, and Long-Term Services and Supports Task Forces of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) write to express our strong opposition to the proposed public charge ground of inadmissibility regulation, DHS Docket No. USCIS-2025-0304. CCD is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society. The letter may be reviewed at: https://www.c-c-d.org/fichiers/CCD-Rights-Health-LTSS-comment-on-public-charge-NPRM2025-12-19.pdf United Spinal, along with numerous other organizations, signed onto a letter, led by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) expressing our strong opposition to the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The letter addressed to the Secretary of Homeland Security read in part, AAPD strongly urges the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw the proposed rule, which would remove the current well-grounded regulations on public charge without replacing them. Most notably, it would replace the current clear guidelines with a void of information about what programs can and cannot be considered in a public charge assessment. Such a void invites discrimination against people with disabilities and their families. The NPRM would remove the clarity the current regulations provide on which public benefits can be considered in the public charge assessment. It suggests that the Administration proposes to consider any type of public benefits received or applied forby noncitizens at any time and for any duration, even on behalf of U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) family members, as relevant to the public charge determination.
United Spinal, as a member of the Health and Long-Term Services and Supports Task force of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD), the Disability and Aging Collaborative (DAC), and allied organizations wrote to the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide feedback on implementation of the new community engagement requirements enacted by the budget reconciliation act of 2025 (H.R. 1). The comments read in part, Congress intended to exempt people with disabilities and their caregivers from the community engagement requirements. With that in mind, we urge the Administration to use guidance and rulemaking to provide maximum protection for people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers from coverage loss or disruption. The letter may be reviewed at: https://www.c-c-d.org/fichiers/Letter-from-Aging-and-Disability-Organizations-on-Medicaid-Community-Engagement-Requirements.pdf United Spinal supported and urged members of Congress to sign on to a letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with concerns about expanding the agencys Competive Bidding Program. The letter read in part, As Members of Congress committed to advancing President Trumps America First agenda, we write to express serious concern that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed rule (CMS-1828-P) to expand and redesign the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Competitive Bidding Program may conflict with thePresidents directives on deregulation, trade, and domestic industrial strength. We respectfully urge CMS to pause and re-evaluate these provisions to ensure that they fully align with the Administrations goal of rebuilding American manufacturing, protecting Main Street businesses, and fostering innovation. United Spinal supported and advocated for members of Congress to sign onto a letter submitted țo the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The letter read in part, We write to express our concerns regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed Calendar Year (CY) Home Health proposed rules inclusion of ostomy, urological, and tracheostomy supplies in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. We respectfully request that the proposal for inclusion of these products be withdrawn as we believe it would conflict with the Administrations goals to strengthen American manufacturing, secure our medical supply chains from foreign adversaries, and protect the health and well-being of our nations most vulnerable citizens. United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations and as members of the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, wrote to the bipartisan leadership of the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees as well as the Senate Finance Committee to encourage the leadership of the Senate and House committees of jurisdiction over the Medicare program to continue working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to enable Medicare beneficiaries living with disabilities and chronic obesity to access anti-obesity medications (AOMs) through the Medicare Part D program. The ITEM Coalition firmly believes that Medicare beneficiaries living with obesity, especially individuals with mobility impairments, should have equal access to the full continuum of obesity treatment options available to those living with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, conditions where AOMs are already covered. The House letter may be reviewed at: https://itemcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/item-letter-to-congressional-committee-leadership-on-anti-obesity-medications-final.pdf United Spinal, along with other members of the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition (https://itemcoalition.org/), supported a Coalitions press statement that expressed deep disappointment with a final rule that exposes Medicare patients to the lowest bidder for ostomy and urological supplies, as well as certain orthotic braces, under the Medicare program. To make matters worse, CMS accelerated the timeline and some of the changes go into effect as early as next year. The full statement may be reviewed at: https://itemcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/item-coalition-competitive-bidding-program-expansion-press-statement-final.pdf United Spinal, as a member of the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, wrote to express our strong support for S. 2329, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Patient-Centered Care Act, and thank you for sponsoring this important bill. As you know, this bipartisan and bicameral legislation would help Medicare beneficiaries who use orthoses and prostheses to be as functional and independent-as possible while limiting waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare orthotic and prosthetic benefit. We applaud your leadership in sponsoring this bill and hope to work with you and your colleagues in the relevant committees of jurisdiction and leadership to enact this bill into law as soon as practicable. Letter to Senate Sponsors: ITEM Coalition Letter of Support for S. 2329, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Patient-Centered Care Act. United Spinal, as a member of the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition, wrote to the House sponsors of H.R. 4475, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Patient-Centered Care Act, to express our strong support and thank you for sponsoring this important bill. As you know, this bipartisan and bicameral legislation would help Medicare beneficiaries who use orthoses and prostheses to be as functional and independent as possible while limiting waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare orthotic and prosthetic benefit. We applaud your leadership in sponsoring this bill and hope to work with you and your colleagues in the relevant committees of jurisdiction and leadership to enact this bill into law as soon as practicable. Letter to House Sponsors: ITEM Coalition Letter of Support for H.R. 4475, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Patient-Centered Care Act. United Spinal, as a member of the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition strongly supported the expansion of Medicare coverage of sterile intermittent catheter kits for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) regardless of the level of injury and submitted comments to the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors that read in part, While we support the proposed changes to the Local Coverage Determination (LCD, specifically, DL33803), we respectfully urge the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) to go further in the final LCD or in future LCDs to consider evidence demonstrating that coverage should be expanded to all individuals with neurogenic bladder regardless of etiology, including congenital conditions. United Spinal provided comments to the DME MACs (Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors) who had proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for urological supplies. The comments read in part, United Spinal has long sought the physical and mental relief your proposed LCD will provide to those living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) by not requiring an individual to acquire two urinary tract infections (UTIs) within a 12-month period. Therefore, we are most pleased to comment on the proposal and to suggest how it could be expanded to further lower Americans health risks and further lower Americas healthcare costs. United Spinals policy fellow verbally commented to the DME MACs (Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors) who had proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for urological supplies. The comments, in part read: United Spinal has long objected to the truly barbaric requirement that if you have a spinal cord injury, an SCI, you must have two urinary tract infections within twelve months before closed system Intermittent catheters will be covered. So, on behalf of those with SCIs across America, thank you for your proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD). We do ask please that in the final LCD you clarify that having a SCI equates to immunosuppression. That will save America and countless Americans a lot of time and money. Thank you also for considering and acting favorably on the clinical evidence about the immunosuppression of those of us with a SCI. But most respectfully, there is also more you must do. We urge you to please go further in the final LCD to consider clinical evidence demonstrating that coverage should be expanded to all individuals with neurogenic bladder regardless of cause, including congenital conditions.