United Spinal to Host Free Webinars in July for Wheelchair Users: Access to Public Transportation and Mobility Equipment

NEW YORK, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association's membership division, National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA), will host two free webinars for people living with disabilities in the month of July that will focus on improving access to taxicabs across the country and selecting the right manual wheelchair.

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The webinars are being offered in recognition of the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects the civil rights of people with disabilities.

"Access to public transportation and choosing proper mobility equipment are two critical components to ensuring that the promise of the ADA becomes a reality to all it protects," said Marlene Perkins, VP of Corporate and Community Relations at United Spinal.

"In the spirit of the ADA, which has helped level the playing field for wheelchair users, these webinars will provide people with the knowledge and tools necessary to pursue active and rewarding lives," she added.

The first webinar, The Ins and Outs of Manual Wheelchairs: Matching the Wheelchair to Your Life –– July 10th at 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. EDT, will offer an overview of the manual wheelchair: the different types, sizes, weights, wheel sizes, backs, seats, wheel positions, and the best way to push a wheelchair. A wheelchair expert will also answer all participants' questions relating to their mobility equipment.

Speaker: Lois Brown, MPT, ATP/SMS. Ms. Brown is a Rehab Clinical Education Manager with Invacare.

The second webinar, Taxicabs and the ADA –– July 24th at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT, will discuss the state of accessible taxis nationwide. You will learn how accessible taxis are not only good for New York City, but cities across the country.

Speaker: James Weisman, SVP and General Counsel, United Spinal Association. Mr. Weisman was a key negotiator with members of Congress in drafting and supporting the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This year, United Spinal has hosted webinars on a variety of disability-related topics––including healthcare, mobility, research, public policy, and veterans issues. You can access all of United Spinal's previous webinars by visiting its online webinar archive.

United Spinal played a significant role in drafting portions of the ADA and advocated for amendments signed into law in 2008 that expanded the ADA's definition of disability.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

James Weisman

http://www.profnetconnect.com/jim_weisman

Paul Tobin

http://www.profnetconnect.com/paul_tobin

Ann Eubank

http://www.profnetconnect.com/Anne_Eubank

SOURCE United Spinal Association