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
Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Little
Assistant Editor: Ginny Grabowski 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.
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
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
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
Chapter 35 (38 USC 35; 38 CFR 21.3030)
Tami Anderson
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) is a program of education and training opportunities for eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans. If training began after August 1, 2018, the educational assistance may not exceed 36 months or the equivalent in part-time training.
Eligibility for Chapter 35 educational benefits are children, a spouse or a surviving spouse of a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability; or a veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence; or a service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force; or a service member forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power; or a service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.
The period of eligibility for a child usually will begin on the child’s 18th birthday or on successful completion of secondary schooling. Eligibility will generally end on the child’s 26th birthday.There are some instances where the child may be eligible before their 18th birthday and extend past their 26th birthday.
If an individual is on active duty, you cannot receive DEA benefits; however, when you are released from active duty, the VA will restore the months of benefits for that period of training.
The period of eligibility for a spouse is the date the VA concludes you qualify or the date the veteran passed away, and last for 10 years. If the VA rated the veteran permanently and totally disabled with an effective date of 3 years from discharge, a spouse will remain eligible for 20 years from the effective date of the rating. The period of eligibility for a surviving spouse ends 20 years from the date of death.
If a spouse gets divorced from the veteran, the eligibility for DEA benefits ends on that date; however, if the spouse is in training, and the divorce occurs through no fault of his/hers, the VA can extend the eligibility to the end of the semester or quarter. (Be sure to notify the VA and the school to verify when they will stop the benefit.)
For current rates for all types of training, check www.GIBILL.VA.GOV. The basic monthly rates increase October 1 every year with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase. The rates can increase at other times by an act of Congress.
The educational benefit is a monthly payment to assist with the cost of degreed programs, careertraining certification programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and educational and career counseling.
For more information, please contact Tami Anderson, National Service Officer at 612-970-5668 or Jason Stephenson, Veterans Health & Benefit Specialist at 612-629-7022; or go to the VA website and put in Chapter 35 educational benefits. There is an exceptional pamphlet on the VA Education website, “Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)”.
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!
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PVA VETERANS CAREER PROGRAM UPDATE
PERSISTENCE PERSONIFIED MONTHLY IMPACT
Andrea Ruiz’s story can best be described as persistence personified. Andrea is a retired Army veteran, who joined the military in 2012 wanting to see the world. Her plan to pursue a life-long career in the military was cut
short after being diagnosed with Chiari malformation with an inoperable syrinx on her spine in 2017.
Andrea initially reached out to VCP vocational counselors looking for basic resources and peer support. Over time however, Andrea was able to get assistance in many different areas that can affect an individual’s quality of life. For example, accessible home design, academic accommodations, and help finding a remote position.
Since becoming a client of the Veterans Career Program in April 2022, Andrea has made use of every opportunity presented to her. In November 2023, she obtained a fulltime position as a peer support specialist. Andrea has also started her own business, Sowing Soothing Seeds, with the help of the VCP self-employment program. Her business allows her to utilize her experiences with chronic pain and mental health to help others.
Recently, Andrea was offered a fellowship with RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program. This program aims to train leaders who are committed to disability issues and plan to go into careers in public policy, advocacy, communications, diversity, equity and inclusion, fundraising, nonprofit management or faith-based inclusion.
16 Client Placements
• 13 Paid Employment
• 4 Education/Training
• 3 Volunteer
• 16 Veterans
• 0 Active Duty
• 0 Family Member
• 0 Caregiver
• 3 PVA Member
• The average salary for the 11 clients in full time employment was $71,622; and the average income for the 1 client in part time employment was $19,000.
DOG TAG FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The Dog Tag Fellowship Program equips veterans, military spouses, and caregivers with the tools and education to build resilience, find renewed purpose, and forge community beyond the military. Dog Tag provides a bridge from military
service to the civilian world and acts as a catalyst for finding direction and moving forward. Fellows earn a business certificate from Georgetown University (DC program) or Loyola University Chicago (Chicago program); bring their coursework to life by learning the ins and outs of running a successful business in the bakery; build community with each other; and enhance their well-being by committing time to introspection, storytelling, and personal growth.
Applications for the Winter 2025 cohort are open until September 23, 2024: www.dogtaginc.org/pages/application.
If you have questions or difficulty accessing the application, please contact them at fellowship@dogtaginc.org.
Learn more at pva.org/pave
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 hear stories and 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
We can always use volunteers! 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.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
-AuthorUnknown
Puzzle Lovers!
Congratulations to our June/July puzzle winner Michael Stoen. 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 entriesparticipation is growing! Next drawing date: 09/30/2024.
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!!
“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
DalaiLama
We hope to see you there!
CENTRAL PICNIC:
Where: VA Pavillion outside of SCI/D Building 1 Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417
When: September 5th 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
SOUTH PICNIC:
Where: North Alexander Park - Shelter 1 1820 Second Avenue Southwest Fairbault, MN 55021
When: September 21st 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
NORTH PICNIC:
Where: Gunn Park 4680 MN Hiway 38 Grand Rapids, MN 55744
When: September 28th 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Save the date! Our summer picnic is scheduled! Please call the MNPVA office to RSVP.
Come join us for an evening of fun, food, and learning! This popular event is open to inpatients, outpatients, family, and caregivers. 4:00 PM 4:00 PM
Next Date: 09/25/2024
Sept 5
Calendar at a Glance
Annual Picnic - Central
Sept 5
Sept 19
Sept 21
Sept 25
Sept 28
Oct 3
Oct 17
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
Annual Picnic - South
SCI/D Education Night
Annual Picnic - North
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
2024 2024
ROCKIN’ IT!!
WayToGo! WayToGo!
MINNESOTA TEAM
Air Pistol- Bruce Henderson-Gold, Doug Eckhoff-Bronze
Archery- Doug Eckhoff-Gold, Sandi Braunstein-Gold, Harlan Ebert-Gold, Scot Poehler-Bronze
Boccia – Bruce Henderson-Gold
Bowling- Karl Olson-Silver
Cycling- Christina Baurichter-Gold, Bruce Henderson-Silver, Mark Stulz-Bronze, Sandi Braunstein-Bronze
Discus- Ken Brookins-Silver, Harlan Ebert-Silver, Scot Poehler-Silver, Todd
Kemery-Bronze, Mike Raphael-Bronze
Javelin- Rob York-Gold, Scot Poehler- Silver, Matt Kurzhals-Bronze, Ken BrookinsBronze
Shot Put- Rob York-Gold, Mike Raphael-Gold, Matt Kurzhals-Silver, Todd KemeryBronze, Hank Ebert-Bronze
Motor Rally- Jose Garcia-Bronze
9 Ball- Mark Pocernich-Silver, Matt Kurzhals-Silver
Pickleball- Rob York-Gold
Powerlifting- Andrew Gunter-Bronze
Slalom- Ken Brookins-Bronze
Softball- Sandi Braunstein- Silver, Mike Raphael-Bronze, Mark Pocernich-Bronze
Swimming:
050 Backstroke- Ken Brookins-Gold
100 Backstroke- Christina Baurichter-Gold
050 Freestyle- Ken Brookins-Gold
100 Freestyle- Sandi Braunstein-Silver
100 Freestyle- Joe Mauricio–Gold
075 Ind Medely- Ken Brookins-Gold
Trap Shooting- Doug Eckhoff-Gold, Hank Ebert-Gold, Scot Poehler-Silver
MNPVA Members Sports Tickets
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.
Interested members should contact our Sports/Rec Director, Ron James, at 218-252-8035 or call the office at 612-467-2263
Upcoming Twins Games
9/1 1:10 PM Blue Jays
9/9 6:40 PM Angels
9/10 6:40 PM Angels
9/11 6:10 PM Angels
9/13 7:10 PM Reds
9/14 6:10 PM Reds
9/15 12:05 PM Reds
9/24 6:40 PM Marlins
9/25 6:40 PM Marlins
9/26 6:40 PM Marlins
9/27 7:10 PM Orioles
9/28 1:10 PM Orioles
9/29 2:10 PM Orioles
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. The FY 24-25 amount will be announced in next newsletter.
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.
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
“RESEARCH: THE QUEST FOR IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM.” -Lailah Gifty Akita
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 Dr. Byron Eddy. 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
Washington Update
Check out the PVAction Force page to view alerts and a list of key legislation
VA FUNDING SHORTFALL UPDATE
Last month, we reported that Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) had introduced legislation seeking to cover a $2.883 billion shortage in VA’s fiscal year (FY) 2024 mandatory accounts that fund disability compensation, survivor, and education benefits. The Veterans Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 would not only provide the needed funding, but would also require VA to report on potential cost savings measures within VA Central Office, direct the Government Accountability Office to review the circumstances that led to the budget shortfall, and instruct the VA to submit a revised budget for FY 2025.
Efforts to fast track the bill through the upper chamber before the August recess ended when a handful of Senators objected to considering the bill, prior to examining why the shortfall existed in the first place. As a result, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee will likely hold a hearing in early September to assess the cause of the shortfall and identify potential corrective actions. Congress needs to pass legislation addressing the funding gap before September 20. Take action now to let your members of Congress know that this shortfall must be addressed as soon as possible.
ADVOCACY DURING THE AUGUST CONGRESSIONAL RECESS
The House and Senate are only holding pro forma sessions during the month of August, so lawmakers are home working in state and local district offices. A pro forma session is a brief meeting of the chamber (e.g., a few minutes) where no formal legislative business is conducted. As a general rule, your elected officials are usually more accessible when they are in their states and districts and we encourage members to take advantage of that. Plan to attend town hall meetings or meet with them in their local offices. They may also be attending parades and other community celebrations so be sure to keep an eye out for these opportunities as well. Each of these venues offer great opportunities for you to introduce yourself to your elected officials and share your concerns with them. As a reminder, check out PVA’s policy priorities for the August recess.
SVAC CHAIRMAN PUSHES DOD AND VA LEADERSHIP TO IMPROVE MST CLAIMS PROCESS
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), recently sent letters to leadership of the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) urging them to take immediate action to improve support for servicemembers and veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST).
The Chairman shared concerns that in the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military there was no mention of the policies implemented to improve awareness of services offered to MST survivors. A similar letter was sent to VA and DOD leadership last year after a scathing report issued by the Government Accountability Office highlighting the need to improve communication, outreach, and support for servicemembers who experienced MST.
In response to last year’s letter, department leadership committed to increasing resources for survivors, but those improvements were missing from the latest Annual Report, which led to the most recent letter. One of the new policies implemented at DOD provides free and confidential counseling services to servicemembers through VA Vet Centers; however, there is no mention of this new benefit in the annual report.
MST claims processed by the VA have been a battle ground for veterans service organizations (VSO) who are frustrated with the Veterans Benefits Administration’s (VBA) handling of these claims. The average wait time for an MST claim is currently more than 300 days and VSOs believe that VBA has the staff and resources to decrease that timeline.
PVA supports S. 1028/H.R. 2441, the Servicemember and Veteran Empowerment and Support Act (SAVES) of 2023, which would greatly expand and improve access to benefits for MST survivors by lessening the burden of evidence required for related disability claims. If you would like to send a message to your member of Congress urging them to support the SAVES Act, you can send it through PVAction Force
LOUISIANA FACES LAWSUIT OVER NEW ABSENTEE BALLOT LAWS
On July 10, Disability Rights Louisiana filed a lawsuit alleging Louisiana’s new voting laws violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). The complaint claims that Act No. 380 and Act No. 317 violate the VRA by prohibiting anyone from assisting delivery of more than one absentee ballot. The complaint also alleges that Act No. 712 and Act No. 302 violate the VRA by prohibiting
anyone from serving as a witness and assisting on more than one ballot. All four laws impose criminal penalties on perpetrators. Section 208 of the VRA gives voters with disabilities the right to receive assistance by a person of their choice. In the complaint, Disability Rights Louisiana requests that the judge issue a statewide injunction to stop the implementation and enforcement of the law to protect the voting rights of people with disabilities.
FEDERAL COURT STRIKES DOWN RESTRICTIONS
CRIMINALIZING VOTER ASSISTANCE IN OHIO BILL
On July 22, Judge Bridget Brennan of the United States District Court Northern District of Ohio filed a ruling striking down a portion of Ohio House Bill 458 The bill made it a felony for anyone other than a select few members of a voter’s family to assist them in submitting their absentee ballot. The American Civil Liberties Union argued that the bill blocked voters with disabilities from receiving assistance from personal caregivers, neighbors, grandchildren, and other trusted people in their lives.
Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) gives people with disabilities the right to receive assistance by a person of the voter’s choice. In the ruling, the judge stated that there is a clear violation of a federally guaranteed voting right in the case. The order permanently enjoins the state from implementing and enforcing the bill against voters with disabilities and those who assist them with absentee ballot return to the extent enforcement contradicts Section 208 of the VRA.
DOT REQUESTS COMMENTS ON ITS EQUITY PLAN
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently sought comments on its update to the agency’s 2022 Equity Plan. The Equity Plan was developed to ensure equal access to transportation for underserved communities, including people with disabilities. In 2023, DOT published the Equity Plan Update, outlining steps the department took to increase transportation equity and future goals. These actions included increasing
access to safe and accessible air travel for wheelchair and scooter users. DOT also awarded grants to increase the accessibility of legacy rail public transportation systems. In the request for comments, DOT asked what activities would be most meaningful to advance transportation equity, what activities should be expanded, and what new activities can DOT consider for the future. PVA submitted comments in response to the request.
DOJ REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY ENSURING VOTING ACCESSIBILITY
On August 1, the Department of Justice announced it reached a settlement agreement with the County of Los Angeles, the largest election jurisdiction in the country, following an investigation finding that individuals with disabilities were excluded from the county’s in-person voting program. Surveys of hundreds of California polling places, going back to June 2016, revealed that an overwhelming amount had architectural barriers and prevented safe access for in-person voting. Under the settlement, the county has agreed to work with an accessibility expert to ensure voting centers are accessible or can be made accessible by implementing temporary remedial measures.
ACCESS BOARD ISSUES FINAL RULE ON MDE LOW-TRANSFER HEIGHT
On July 25, the Access Board issued a final rule on the low-transfer height for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE). MDE includes equipment like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, x-ray machines, mammography equipment, and other imaging equipment. The Access Board’s final rule requires exam tables and chairs to lower to a height of 17 inches so wheelchair users can independently transfer from their wheelchair to the exam table or chair.
In 2017, the Access Board published standards for accessible MDE. However, the standards did not include a specified low-transfer height. The Board determined
more research was necessary prior to finalizing this standard.
Notably, this rule is not enforceable until it is adopted by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Although both agencies recently published new MDE standards under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 17-inch requirement was not adopted. The agencies will need to proceed with the rulemaking process to adopt this new standard. The final rule is effective September 23, 2024.
DOJ PUBLISHES TITLE II ADA FINAL RULE ON ACCESSIBLE MDE
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently published a final rule on accessible medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MDE includes equipment like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, x-ray machines, and mammography and other imaging equipment. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination in health care services, programs, and activities of state and local governments. The final rule outlines specific scoping standards and technical requirements. The requirements are based on the standards published by the U.S. Access Board in 2017.
DOJ’s final rule did not adopt the Access Board’s recently passed final rule requiring some MDE to lower to 17 inches. Instead, entities’ have the option of acquiring MDE with a low-transfer height between 17 inches and 19 inches.
Under DOJ’s final rule, at least 10 percent, but no fewer than one, of an entity’s MDE must be accessible for wheelchair users. Any MDE acquired after October 8, 2024, must be accessible until the entity reaches the 10 percent requirement. Each entity must also have at least one accessible weight scale and exam table by August 9, 2026. Until the entity acquires accessible MDE, they must provide accommodations. Accommodations could include offering home visits or accessible transportation to another facility. Furthermore, staff must be trained
on how to safely operate the accessible MDE. The final rule is effective October 8, 2024.
POLICY CHANGES TO EXPAND ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
Recently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made changes to longstanding agency policy that created barriers for disabled veterans when accessing VA Supportive Housing Vouchers, or HUD-VASH. With this policy change, HUD will no longer consider disability benefits as earned income when determining eligibility for rental assistance. This shift means thousands of disabled homeless veterans who were previously ineligible for rental assistance through the VA will now be able to find housing using the HUDVASH program.
This change will be particularly impactful for homeless veterans who find themselves in areas with a high cost of living. Nearly 11,000 homeless veterans live in California, notoriously one of the most expensive states in the country. The shift in HUD policy will help many of them get off the streets and connect them to a case worker who can help with employment services and other VA benefits. Congress had been urging HUD to make the change, but HUD was hesitant to do so for fear that it would prohibit the most vulnerable from accessing HUD-VASH vouchers.
NEWS OF NOTE
Celebration of Social Security’s 89th Anniversary
On August 14, Jeremy Villanueva, Associate Legislative Director, and Anthonya James, Advocacy Attorney, attended the White House Social Security Act Anniversary event celebrating Social Security’s 89th anniversary.
The invite only event was hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement and featured Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley; Representative John Larson (D-CT); Theo Braddy, National Council on Independent Living Executive Director; Economist
Kathryn Edwards; and Managing Director for Justice in Aging’s Economic Security team Tracey Gronniger The event featured discussions about Social Security and its importance to older Americans and those with disabilities.
Senator Casey Introduces Bills to Expand Access to ABLE Accounts
On August 1, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced three bills that increase access to the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program. The ABLE Act of 2014 created ABLE accounts, tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities to cover qualified disabilityrelated expenses. The funds in ABLE accounts are disregarded when determining eligibility for public assistance programs. Senator Casey’s bills aim to increase awareness of ABLE accounts and allow employers to directly contribute to them.
VA Launches Updated Burn Pit Registry
Earlier this month, VA announced the launch of the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The Burn Pit Registry is a database that combines veteran and servicemember data to help VA better understand, research, and ultimately improve treatment for the health challenges facing veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during their military service. To learn more about the registry and the relaunch, click here
Senate Approves Resolution on GI Bill Anniversary
Prior to the August recess, the Senate passed a resolution recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill. Since being signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, the GI Bill has provided critical education and housing benefits to millions of veterans and helped ease their transition from military to civilian life. You can find the text of the resolution here.
WEBINARS, SURVEYS, & HEARINGS
Webinar Recording Now Available: Protecting Disability Rights Through Regulation
On July 23, Senior Advocacy Attorney Danica Gonzalves and Advocacy Attorney Anthonya James dove into administrative advocacy and the importance of reviewing and responding to proposed regulations. The webinar titled, “Protecting Disability Rights Through Regulation,” covered ways to use administrative advocacy when it comes to the federal rulemaking process and how groups and individuals can participate in it. You can watch a recording of the webinar here
Accessible Air Travel: Survey
The Human Engineering Research Laboratories in Pittsburgh is conducting a national survey about accessible air travel The study aims to estimate the pent-up demand for air travel among mobility device users and identify the specific needs and pain points experienced during their travel. Your participation will provide valuable insights that can help improve the accessibility and overall travel experience for mobility device users. The survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. To take the survey, please click here.
Veterans’ Committee Activities
Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on previous and upcoming hearings and markups.
John Albert
David Anderson
Richard Anderson
Francis Augustson
Paul Bloomstrand
Gerald Bremer
Karlyle Brings Plenty
Richard Docksteader
Dale Dordal
Michael Fosnot
David Globe
Paul Hanks
Aaron Hilde
John Jensen
Todd Kemery
David Larson
John Lewerke
Nicholis Martin
Robert Melberg
Donald Meyer
Charles Myers
Kurt Nordwall
Jacob Olson
Darryl Palmquist
David Pedersen
Jeffery Porter
Brandon Price
Philip Rolfe
Daryl Rudquist
Patricia Schaniel
Donald Simons
Cooper Tenney
Brian Warzecha
Bret Webb
Scott White
David Williams
Sudoku
5 2 7 9 2 7 5 9 1 3 1 7 6 8 4 4 2 3 6 9 4 3 2 5 4 6 7 5 8 3 1
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.
Mail completed copy to office to enter drawing for $25gift card.
