MNPVA North Star Bullet - May 2024

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Minnesota Chapter

Board of Directors

Vicky Garrison (President)

Tim Valentin (Vice-President)

Seth Thomas (Secretary)

Karl Olson (Treasurer)

Todd Kemery (National Director)

Chapter Staff

Ginny Grabowski Office Assistant 612-467-2263

MS Contact

Rich Scott: 612-638-8418

Sarah Little Executive Assistant 612-699-8551

1 Veterans Drive SCI 238

Minneapolis, MN 55417

612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org

John Novicki

Ron James

Linda Hooker

Bruce Henderson

Jose Garcia

National Service Officers

Jason Stephenson Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive - SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022

jasonS@pva.org

Editor-in-Chief: Vicky Garrison

Editor: Sarah Little North Star Bullet

Volunteer Coordinator

Ginny Grabowski

Mission

Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheU.S.ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease.By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA.

Tami Anderson Sr National Service Officer Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 tamiA@pva.org

Jim Arndt Vocational Rehab Program Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111

202-416-6476 | 1-800-795-3609

jamesA@pva.org

Ellie Smith Administrative Assistant I Federal Building Room G915 ellieS@pva.org

Vicky Garrison Editorial

In this edition, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to each and every one of you who played a crucial role in making this year's PVA Convention in Minneapolis a resounding success. Your contributions, big or small, were instrumental in creating an awesome event with fantastic leadership from the National PVA and the incredible PVA team in Minnesota. It was truly inspiring to see so many participants, VA officials, and civic leaders. Well done, everyone!

After spending Memorial Day weekend with family, I heard many stories about people who faced tough times but pushed through. Attitude is everything! Benjamin Franklin once said, "While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us."

This world will always present its share of challenges, but those who keep going no matter what all share one powerful trait - they never give up. They might alter their plans, take a breather, or seek assistance, but they always keep pushing forward. They're not just survivors, they're overcomers, and that strength comes from within. Are you an overcomer? If so, I urge you to share your story and extend a helping hand to someone who needs a boost. Many people undergo a profound transformation once they realize they have the power within themselves to overcome, and you might be the one to ignite that spark of inspiration!

Lastly, as we head into summer, I hope everyone has a fantastic, healthy, and fun-filled time. Find something that lights you up, and go for it!

Like a child, be happy for no reason!

NSO Update

Jason Stephenson, Sr Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TIERS FROM THE PROGRAM OF COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS (PCAFC)

With the full implementation of the PCAFC program, many of you who have a single service connected disability of at least 70% have a caregiver who is in receipt of the benefit, have applied, or have inquired.

In addition to being 70% service connected for at least one disability; the veteran must be in need of in-person personal care services for a minimum of six months based on: -an inability to perform an activity of daily living. -a need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment. Or, -a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life, would be seriously impaired.

If it is determined after screening upon application that the veteran is able to self-sustain care in the community and the above requirements are met, their caregiver will receive a monthly stipend classified as Level or Tier #1. The stipend is based on the locality pay (where the veteran resides) of the annual rate of a GS 4 step 1. The annual rate is then divided by 12 and the caregiver will receive 62.5% of the monthly stipend rate based on the number of hours they get assigned per week. Typically, your caregiver will receive between $15.00 to $18.00 an hour.

The PCAFC also has a Level or Tier #2. The difference is if a veteran is determined to not be able to self-sustain care in the community. This is defined as requiring personal care services each time he or she completes three or more of the seven activities of daily living (ADL) and the veteran is fully dependent on a caregiver to complete such ADLs; or has a need for supervision, protection, or instruction on a continuous basis. If this is determined, the caregiver will receive 100% of the monthly stipend rate based on the number of hours they get assigned per week. Typically, this would be around $25.00 an hour

Please note I am not including the dollar amount for a GS 4 based on locality pay as I am aware a number of you do not reside in the Twin Cities area or are out of state; therefore, the rate of a GS 4 step 1 will vary from location to location. The dollar amount can be found on the internet, but be sure to put in your location when searching.

If you have questions about the PCAFC program, I encourage you to contact me at 612 629 7022.

Recent changes to PVA membership criteria have opened up our membership to all veterans with MS. Call us today to find out more information. If you know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them!

If you have MS (or know someone who does) and have any questions about MNPVA, please contact our office!

MSWalk (Twin Cities)

Walk MS held its annual walk at Minnehaha Falls Park in Minneapolis. What a wonderful turnout the event had!

Have an Unused Vehicle?

Consider supporting PVA by donating your unused vehicle! For wheelchair accessible vehicles, contact us at the MNPVA office at 612-467-2263. Your vehicle will be matched with one of our veterans in need of accessible transportation.

For all other vehicles, go to pva.careasy.org/home. Donations through National PVA also benefit our chapter.

Connect with Us!

We love hearing from our members. If you have a question, a need, or just want to say hi, please reach out. The chapter is you and you are the chapter!

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm

Friday 9am - 1:30pm

Phone or Voicemail

Office Phone

612-467-2263

Call or Text

Executive Assistant (Sarah)

612-699-8551

President (Vicky)

Office Assistant: ginnygrabowski@mnpva.org

Executive Assistant: sarahlittle@mnpva.org

President: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

507-273-5261 Social

Facebook: @MinnesotaPVA

Instagram: pva.mn

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mnpva X (formerly Twitter): @pvamn1993

Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.

MEMBER Corner

We would love to get to know our MNPVA members more! If you would like to be featured in our newsletter, please call the office or you may email office@mnpva.org.

Volunteer Coordinator

Please reach out to Ginny to find out how you can join the team of valuable volunteers serving SCI/D veterans.

Volunteer Opportunities

We always use volunteers in many different areas such as fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, mailing help, sewing, IT assistance or to provide support at events. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer team leader, please contact our office, and speak with Ginny.

We would like to thank everyone who helped us prepare for our 78th Annual National Convention these past couple of months. The combined efforts led to multiple praises during the convention.

Thank you to Old Dutch for their generous donation of chips for our goody bags. This year we wanted to encompass all things Minnesota including companies from Minnesota.

Thank you to the Twin City Sea Cadets for presenting the colors at our opening ceremony during the convention.

Puzzle Lovers!

Congratulations to our Mar/Apr puzzle winner Colton Cory. Could you use a $25 Gift Card? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of your completed puzzles for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month. Thanks to all for sending in your entries - participation is growing! Next drawing date: 06/30/2024

All members are invited to join us at our monthly board meetings. These meetings are hybrid (both in person and virtual) so you can choose what works for you!

Please call the office at 612-467-2263 for details. We'd love to see you!!

Stay tuned for upcoming details in the next edition (or special mailing) for our 2024 summer picnic! You won’t want to miss it!

Annual Summer Picnic

MNPVA is happy to announce the resumption of this popular event! Inpatients, outpatients, caregivers, and family are welcome! Come join us for an evening of fun, food, and learning! 4:00 PM 4:00 PM

Next Dates: 06/26/2024 07/31/2024

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Calendar at a Glance

June 6

June 26

July 1

July 2

July 25-30

Adaptive Sports/Recreation

@ Northern Star Basecamp

SCI/D Education Night

Nominations for board of directors due

Adaptive Sports/Recreation

@ Northern Star Basecamp

National Veterans Wheelchair Games - NOLA

July 31

Adaptive Sports/Recreation

@ Northern Star Basecamp

TRR North Central Regional Whitewater Park ClinicWausau,WI,July20-21. Free camping on site. Boats, gear, meals, and instruction provided. Thiseventisprovidedatnocostto veteransandtheirfamilies. If you are interested in this event, pleaseemailCohen.

MNPVA Members Sports Tickets

Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Includes two great accessible seats. Save your parking, snack, and nonalcoholic beverage receipts to request reimbursement from us. Bring a family member, friend, or caregiver for the second seat! For ticket recipients who want to say thanks, share a photo with us! Tickets are drawn and awarded about ten days before each game.

Upcoming Twins Games

6/10 6:40 PM Rockies

6/11 6:40 PM Rockies

6/12 12:10 PM Rockies

6/13 6:40 PM Athletics

6/14 7:10 PM Athletics

6/15 1:10 PM Athletics

6/16 1:10 PM Athletics

6/18 6:40 PM Rays

6/19 6:40 PM Rays

6/20 12:10 PM Rays

7/2 6:40 PM Tigers

7/3 7:10 PM Tigers

7/4 1:10 PM Tigers

7/5 7:10 PM Astros

7/6 1:10 PM Astros

7/7 1:10 PM Astros

7/20 6:10 PM Brewers

7/21 12:05 PM Brewers

7/22 6:40 PM Phillies

7/23 6:40 PM Phillies

7/24 12:10 PM Phillies

las vegas raiders at cleveland browns at philadelphia eagles

8

15

22

29

6

13

20

24

3

10

17

24

1

8

16

22

at new york giants san francisco 49ers

houston texans at green bay packers new york jets (london) bye

detroit lions at los angeles rams (tnf) indianapolis colts at jacksonville jaguars at tennessee titans at chicago bears arizona cardinals

atlanta falcons chicago bears (mnf) at seattle seahawks green bay packers at detroit lions

Vikings home games in bold // Select game times subject to change due to flexible scheduling

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follow the vikings

Stay Active! Activity Reimbursement Activity

MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their MNPVA wants to make it easier for members to attend activities in their communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities communities and just for fun! Reimbursement is available for activities like concerts, sporting events, and theater! like concerts, sporting events, and theater!

Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, Reimbursement may include the cost of admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for transportation, meals/food, non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has MNPVA members. Reimbursements cannot be made until event date has passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. passed and attendance confirmed by signature on form. Contact the Contact the office for a more information or reimbursment form. office for a more information or reimbursment form.

Please note: FY23-24 shall not exceed $1000/member. Availability of funds are subject to change at anytime. Reimbursement amount is set each year in October by the Board of Directors based on budget.

Itemized receipts required and must be accompanied by a signed reimbursement request form. Some restrictions apply. Participation as an athlete may be covered differently. Please contact the office ahead of time to request assistance and information.

If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.

MNPVA BOWLING

Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Bowling once a week has many benefits for both the body and mind. Current locations include:

Thursdays at 11am

McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes 590 Humboldt Dr Big Lake, MN

Fridays at 11:30am Split Rocks Bowling 5063 273rd St Wyoming, MN 55092

As we grow our bowling groups, we have many ideas for events, competitions, and gatherings. Our chapter's own famous "Minnesota" Bowling Ramps are available for those desiring to bowl regularly.

If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and would like to join a more local bowling group, let us know! We're looking into starting a group in the Bloomington area.

Please contact the office at 612-467-2263 if you’re interested in joining; and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one.

DON'T

MISSDON'TIT! MISSIT!

The Iowa and Minnesota Chapters of Paralyzed Veterans of America would like to invite you to participate in the 2024 Midwest PVA Fishing Event.

This week-long event will be held at the Veterans on the Lake Resort in Ely, Minnesota. Veterans on the Lake Resort was formed to create a recreational facility for disabled veterans to enjoy and continues to be a non-profit facility. It is nestled in the Superior National Forest adjacent to Fall Lake and has over 2,700 feet of shoreline. It offers fishing from boats, pontoons, and off the dock. (www.veteransonthelakeresort.org)

Other fun activities include Fish-fry, campfires, bags (corn hole), boccia, cards/games, swimming, and access to the local attractions. This event promotes rehabilitation by assisting physically challenged veterans with the chance to experience the sport of fishing along with networking and camaraderie. Fishing assistance is available to anyone who needs it. Participation in the Midwest PVA Fishing Event is open to all PVA members in good standing.

The Iowa and Minnesota Chapters will make all the arrangements at the resort for lodging and meals provided at no cost to you!

Applications were mailed to all members. Spots are limited so apply early!!

Research Corner

Opportunities for Participation in Research

Discover ongoing research in our community aimed at enhancing life quality for individuals with spinal cord injury or disease. Each study includes contact info, inclusion criteria, and status. MNPVA invites you to review these opportunities, contact the researchers with queries, and discuss with your physician if they suit you. Thanks to the amazing local researchers for their vital work in the SCI/D field!

Bone as Regulator of Energy Balance and Male Fertility after SCI: A Pilot Study

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants with or without a spinal cord injury for a clinical trial. We are interested in how bone health affects insulin sensitivity and sperm health in adult males with spinal cord injuries. Participation in the research will take approximately 5 hours over 3-4 visits. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation.

Investigator: Dr. Leslie Morse, morsel@umn.edu, 612-301-3072

Coordinator: Liza Nowlin, rehablab@umn.edu, 612-301-3072

Researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN) are conducting an anonymous online survey to gather information about individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) who have used psychedelic drugs after their SCI. Participation involves completing an online survey. This survey will take about 20-40 minutes to complete, depending on how you respond.

https://tinyurl.com/SCI-Injury-survey

RESEARCH STUDY on how to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury...

The Brain Body Mind Lab is recruiting participants with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury to compare the effect of Remotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation versus Remotely-delivered Exercise to improve sensation and movement after a spinal cord injury.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

•Be18-75yearsofage

•Beabletohearandcomprehend theEnglishinstructionsgiveninthestudy

•Haveacompleteorincompletespinal cord injury(>1year)

•Beabletoself-transferwithsome assistanceandpushacall button

•Haveanavailablecare-partnertoassist withtheinterventions

•Notbepregnant

•BemedicallystableandnoMRI contraindicationsParticipantswill:

•Eitherreceive12weeksofphysical therapywithRemotely-delivered Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation OR Remotely-delivered exercise, 3x/week, 45min/sessionfor12weeks

•Have2MRI scansofthebrain+3clinical assessments

•Fill inquestionnairesrelatedtofunction, qualityoflife, andbodyawareness

Dr. Ann Van de Winckel, PhD, MSPT, PT avandewi@umn.edu (preferred) 612-406-2500 or 612-625-1191

"This is not VA research. It will not be conducted by VA, has not been reviewed by VA's Institutional Review Board, and is not endorsed by VA. VA is not responsible for any costs incurred by a Veteran if the Veteran enters the study as a research subject. The announcement is being provided for information only." - expiration date 10/16/2024

VA Research Study seeking veterans with spinal cord injuries who use wheelchairs and who use a lift to transfer to their wheelchair.

The purpose of this research study is to assess and refine our CMAP system (Comprehensive Mobile Assessment of Pressure), a seated pressure mapping system. Participation will last about 4 weeks.

Participants must have a smart phone and a home wifi connection.

Participants will use a pressure mapping device in their wheelchairs at home – this device sends seating information to a research therapist who will monitor activity and make recommendations for pressure injury prevention.

Participants will complete surveys and participate in interviews. The study provides up to $100 compensation to participants.

The principal investigator of this study is Christine Olney, PhD, RN. Anyone interested can call the study coordinator at 612-467-4806.

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

78th Annual National Convention

The Annual PVA Convention, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Hotel in May, received fantastic support and was a resounding success! A big thank you to everyone who joined in and made valuable contributions!

We extend a special thank you to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Senator Amy Klobuchar for their support and wonderful words given to our delegates.

A big shout out to the Minnesota Twins for stepping up the the plate once again to show their support for PVA & veterans!

The spouses and caregivers attended many activities including Minnehaha Falls, Top Golf, a wreck-it room, and a self-defense class.

Co-Presented by:

Washington Update

Check out the PVAction Force page to view alerts and a list of key legislation

VETERANS FUNDING BILL ADVANCES IN THE HOUSE

Recently, the House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Their draft measure provides a total of $369.3 billion for the department, including $112.6 billion for veteran’s health care. Roughly $34 billion would go toward care in the community, another $1.3 billion is allocated for women veterans’ gender specific care, while $925 million goes toward medical and prosthetics research. House appropriators also apportioned $894 million for the department’s ongoing electronic health record (EHR) modernization project with the caveat that 25 percent of these funds would not be available until July 1, 2025, and their release is contingent upon the VA reporting to Congress on the EHR’s stability, usability, and other related issues.

Additionally, the bill includes $131 billion in advance FY 2026 funding for the Veterans Medical Care account –equal to the President’s budget request in discretionary resources, and $22.8 billion in advance for medical care through the Toxic Exposures Fund, for a total of $154 billion in FY 2026. Also, the bill provides $2.4 billion for VA construction programs which is equal to the budget request and $796 million above the enacted level. Within this amount, $2.1 billion is for major construction projects while $380 million goes toward minor construction projects. Another $307 million in funds

made available from the Recurring Expenses

Transformational Fund will support additional VA construction projects, for a total funding level of $2.8 billion in FY 2025. Language in the bill will continue to allow VA to provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies, like IVF, to covered veterans or their spouses or for adoption reimbursement. Several provisions included in the bill focused on controversial social issues and threaten its approval by the Senate. At last report, the bill could be brought to the House floor for consideration the week of June 3.

Earlier this month, we reported on the introduction of a comprehensive legislative package of veterans-related bills. H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, contains the language of the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542/S. 141), which raises the cap on how much the VA can pay for the cost of home care and directs the department to make home and community-based services like Veteran Directed Care available at all of its medical centers. It also incorporated language from the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act (H.R. 1815/S. 495) to test the viability of allowing the VA to directly pay for care provided by assisted living

OMNIBUS BILL STALLS, VSOS UNITE TO TRY TO GET IT MOVING AGAIN

facilities. The bill, which was introduced on May 14 with strong support from veterans service organizations (VSO), is facing opposition over some of its contents from members on both sides of the aisle. As a result, the bill was pulled from floor consideration in the House, where it remains in limbo.

Prior to Memorial Day, PVA and other organizations came together to ask Congress to put politics aside and work together to find a path forward to enact this critical legislation before the Fourth of July. You can read our letter here. The path forward for this bill remains unclear, but we are continuing to work with stakeholders to overcome opposition, so that this vital legislation can be passed as quickly as possible.

HOUSE DEFENSE POLICY BILL TAKES SHAPE

The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has advanced out of the House Armed Services Committee. This measure typically focuses on defense programs and personnel issues, but in recent years, lawmakers have used the bill to advance some veteransrelated provisions. This year’s initial draft version looks pretty lean in terms of language regarding veterans issues. There is a provision extending authorities for funding and management of the Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund for the Captain James A. Lovell Health Care Center in Illinois. Another section of the bill seeks to improve the VA’s portion of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). It also includes a provision that would allow accredited veterans service organizations to participate in TAP, so they can present information on how they can assist in filing claims for benefits. The NDAA is often heavily amended when the bill comes to the floor, so there is a possibility that other veterans-related provisions could be added. That’s likely to occur soon, but the exact date is unclear.

UPDATE ON VA HOME LOAN PROGRAM MORATORIUM

The VA recently issued guidance to strongly encourage mortgage servicers to implement a targeted moratorium on foreclosures and provide time to help veterans at risk

of losing their homes to access a new, last-resort tool, the Veteran Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) Program. Eligibility for the VASP program will be determined by the VA in cooperation with a veteran’s mortgage servicer, and only when all other home retention efforts have been exhausted. The targeted moratorium will only apply to a VA-guaranteed home under certain circumstances.

Last year, PVA signed on in support of the VA extending a foreclosure moratorium for veterans who were struggling to pay their mortgage following the pandemic. Recently, we signed on to an additional letter that urged VA to extend the moratorium through December 31, 2024. If you used a VA home loan to purchase your home and are finding it difficult to pay your mortgage in part, or in full, check out the VA home loan site here.

PVA SUBMITS COMMENTS ON SERVICE ANIMAL AIR TRAVEL FORMS

On April 29, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published their second notice seeking public comment to renew the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation and Service Animal Relief Attestation Forms, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. PVA submitted comments reemphasizing our position that paperwork requirements create additional barriers and burdens for people with disabilities who use service animals to travel and should be eliminated. PVA also made suggestions on how DOT can make the forms more accessible for people with disabilities, including requiring training for air carrier staff and consistency of the forms across the industry.

NEWS OF NOTE

27th Annual VA Psychology Leadership Conference

On May 9, the VA Psychology Leadership Conference held its annual event. The theme of this year’s conference was “Psychologist Voices Advancing Veteran Mental Health.” VA Secretary Denis McDonough was the keynote speaker. PVA’s Senior Health Policy Advisor, Roscoe Butler, served on a panel of veterans service

organizations where he discussed PVA’s 2024 policy priorities and steps PVA is taking to address veteran suicide. He mentioned PVA is an active member of FACE THE FIGHT, which is a coalition of corporations, foundations, and non-profit and veteran-focused organizations joined together to raise awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention.

You can read more about FACE THE FIGHT here

DOJ Publishes Web Accessibility Compliance Guide

In April, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published their final rule, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities. The rule ensures the accessibility of web content and mobile applications for people with disabilities. On May 22, the DOJ published a Small Entity Compliance Guide to assist those who work for or with state or local governments to help them understand the new web content and mobile app accessibility requirements. The guide provides examples to clarify specific details about the requirements.

REMINDER: Comment Period Extended for DOT Proposal on Improving the Air Travel Experience for Wheelchair and Scooter Users

WHO: PVA needs you to help us keep #PushingAccessForward.

WHAT: Send your comments in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposed changes to the Air Carrier Access Act rules that would improve the air travel experience for wheelchair and scooter users.

WHEN: Previously due May 13. Now open until June 12, 2024.

WHERE: Federal Register : Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs.

WHY: The disability community needs to let the DOT know why better training is needed to stop injuries and wheelchair damage, and why you need your assistive

device fixed or replaced as soon as possible if it’s damaged or lost.

HOW: Leave comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and post on social media to share stories about your #Flightmares and why air travel must improve for wheelchair and scooter users.

SURVEYS & HEARINGS

Community Survey on Transportation Needs of People with Disabilities

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is collaborating with Smart Growth America and the International Parking & Mobility Institute on an Accessible Streetscape Project to learn more about the needs of and challenges faced by people with disabilities when walking and rolling in their community. As part of the project, they have developed a survey to receive feedback from the community. The results of the survey will result in the creation of an Accessible Streetscape Design Guide. This effort will cover best practices and serve as an initial conversation piece where entities such as the National Association of City Transportation Officials and other transportation organizations, alongside the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Access Board, can dive deeper into engineering and planning semantics.

Upcoming Veterans’ Committee Activities

Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on upcoming hearings and markups.

Robert Ahlberg

John Althaus

Gerald Bartels

Richard Bollig

Roxanne Brown

Timothy Cannon

Terry Crosgrove

James Dahlin

Tracey Digatono

Lexlane Dunn

Jerry Emblom

Kenneth Erickson

John Ford

Ronnie Goelz

Troy Houde

Alan Ilstrup

David Ingebritson

Ronald James

Williams Jefferson

Dennis LaVoie

Dale LeGrand

Aloys Maleska

Alex Mallett

Thomas Martinson

Gerald Nordgren

Scott Rice

Michael Stoen

James Stoltz

Duane Thorsvik

Rosemarie Ulven

Play here