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
I look out at the backyard and see the leaves start falling to the ground, knowing that September will soon end. This year, September, also signifies the close of my tenure as president of this wonderful organization. What a great honor it has been to serve in this role! I am grateful, and your ongoing dedication and support touched my heart. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve an organization that has profoundly impacted my life.
By working together, we have achieved much, making a difference in the lives of many veterans. Beginning in 2020, we navigated through a national health crisis that significantly affected our members. Our Chapter helped our members with many needs, restarted and reignited our sports programs, and assisted many veterans in preventing social isolation. The collective efforts, passion, and commitment of the MNPVA board to serve our members brought about meaningful change and positive impacts to the Chapter. I know our Chapter is heading toward a bright future. By building on our strength, resilience, and shared vision to enhance and assist veterans with SCI/D, MNPVA will continue to shine.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for entrusting me with this leadership role and inspiring me every day with your relentless perseverance. The many stories I heard from our members could fill a book - and be a bestseller!! I am immensely proud of our Chapter's accomplishments, and I know that under the capable guidance of Seth Thomas, our incoming president, along with a great board of directors, this organization will continue to thrive.
As I say farewell to the president's role, please know that my commitment to MNPVA remains steadfast. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue supporting this beautiful organization and am excited to witness the fantastic accomplishments that lie ahead. You can count on my support and dedication.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president. It has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to seeing all that the future of MNPVA holds.
Like a child, be happy for no reason!
NEW MINNESOTA STATE BENEFIT FOR PURCHASE OF
VEHICLES FOR THOSE 100% PERMANENT AND TOTAL TO INCLUDE THOSE ON INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY
Jason Stephenson
The following are what the state of Minnesota is now offering as fee exemptions when it comes to vehicle purchases and transactions for those that are 100% service connected and those eho are on Individual Unemployability. It is important to note this includes those who are 100% but may not be entitled to the VA’s auto grant benefit:
-Most title fees to include filing fees.
-Most title fees regarding transactions as long as the veteran is listed as the owner. Transactions include duplicate title, transfer of title, and additions to a title.
-Most registration fees for a total of two vehicles.
-All fees for any type of driver’s license to include RealID.
-Personalized plate fees.
-Sales tax in which there is no limit to the number of vehicles purchased.
You must provide an annual benefits letter or an ID Card that lists you are rated as 100% service connected. If you need a benefits letter and we hold your representation, you can contact either my office or Tami Anderson’s office for this document.
If you have specific questions. please reach out to dvs.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us or call 651-297-3298 given this is a state of Minnesota benefit.
VA DENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAM (VADIP)
Jason Stephenson
PVA Regional Training Coordinator
If you are enrolled in VA Health Care or you are a surviving spouse or dependent child and you are enrolled in CHAMPVA, the Department of Veterans Affairs now offers discounted private dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife. If you are eligible for free VA dental needs, you can also purchase VA Dental Insurance (VADIP). This will not affect your ability to get free dental care if you are eligible. VADIP is designed to help you buy private dental insurance at a reduced cost.
The following are common dental procedures that are covered under VADIP. The costs for your coverage will depend on the insurance company and plan you choose as you will be responsible for the full insurance premium as well as required copays:
-diagnostic services
-preventive dental care
-root canals and restorative services
-dental surgeries
-emergency dental care
You can get additional details, rates, and to enroll at the following websites:
Delta: https://feds.deltadentalins.com/vadip/ phone: 855-370-3303
Met Life: https://www.metlife.com/vadip/ phone: 888-310-1681
If you need assistance in obtaining the link to the above websites, please reach out to me at 612 629 7022.
All Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!
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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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 August puzzle winner William Wilson. 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
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: 10/30/2024
Midwest Fishing - Veterans on the Lake - Ely, MN
Sept 28
Calendar at a Glance
Oct 3
Annual Picnic - North
Oct 17
Oct 30
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
Adaptive Sports/Recreation
@ Northern Star Basecamp
SCI/D Education Night
MNPVA Members Sports Tickets
Includes two great accessible seats. Save your itemized parking, snack, and non-alcoholic 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 Vikings Games
las vegas raiders at cleveland browns at philadelphia eagles
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24
3
10
17
24
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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
St. Croix Lanes 1153 St Croix St, River Falls, WI
If you're near - let us know
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
MINNESOTA VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS DAY
Join the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and St. Louis County area community leaders as we discuss the tragedy of Veteran suicide. This session is open to anyone who has been impacted by or wants to learn more about this important public health issue.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 10 A.M.
The Depot, Duluth, MN
9 a.m.
Coffee, donuts, fellowship and local Veteran organization information tables
10 a.m.
Program begins Speakers include:
Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert
The Armadillo Project Founder Shelly Hanson MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay
For more information, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Events or email SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us
Washington Update
Check out the PVAction Force page to view alerts and a list of key legislation.
HVACH H A VAL OLDS EARING ON EADERSHIP CCOUNTABILITY
On September 10, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) held a full committee oversight hearing to examine VA leadership accountability. HVAC Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) and Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) opened with passionate statements that set the tone for the hearing which sought to examine VA’s funding shortfalls and the role of VA’s leadership in the current state of affairs.
Testifying for the VA was the Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal and Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) Josh Jacobs. They were joined by Mr. Michael Missal, VA’s Inspector General, and Mr. Edward Murray, Acting Assistant Secretary for Management and the Chief Financial Officer for the VA.
Members of the Committee pushed the under secretaries for transparency about VA’s budget shortfalls and explanations for the miscalculations. Dr. Elnahal testified that because of VA’s decision to accelerate eligibility for all cohorts under the PACT Act who were approved on a ten-year eligibility timeline, VA ran the risk of encountering a budget shortfall as a byproduct of increased enrollment. Dr. Elnahal also noted that VA Secretary Dennis McDonough previously testified at a budget hearing where he made the
commitment to immediately alert Congress should VA have budget concerns, which the VA did in July.
USB Jacobs explained the need for the additional funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in his opening statement, highlighting that more than 34,000 VBA employees are delivering more benefits to more veterans than ever before. According to the USB, in fiscal year (FY) 2023, VA delivered $163 billion in earned benefits which included $150 billion in compensation and pension benefits to over six million veterans and survivors. Last year, VBA processed more than two million claims and this year they have processed 17 percent more claims and are projected to complete more than 2.5 million claims by the end of the FY. The VBA workforce has increased by more than 35 percent since October 2022, allowing VA to process more claims, but also increasing overall costs.
The USB further explained the complicated process of VA transferring a “pay file” to the Treasury who then delivers compensation to veterans. If the amount owed to veterans within that pay file is short by a single dollar, then Treasury would be required to hold all payments, impacting around seven million veterans. The supplemental funding that VBA requested is intended to ensure that all veterans are able to receive their compensation and pension payments on October 1.
VETERANS
ORGANIZATIONS OLD RESS ONFERENCE TO PUSH FUNDING FOR
P C VA
In response to VA’s budget shortfall, PVA leaders joined representatives from VFW, DAV, The American Legion, and other leading veterans organizations at a press conference on September 11 to raise concerns about the nearly $3 billion shortfall in VA’s benefits budget that would result in delay of veterans’ benefits on October 1 if not addressed by September 20. PVA National President Robert Thomas spoke at the press conference regarding the importance of VA benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans. He also raised concerns about the $12 billion shortfall for the Veterans Health Administration in fiscal year 2025, as well as the budgetary issues already causing staffing shortages and service reductions in the spinal cord injuries and disorders system of care. Following the press event, PVA announced the release of a letter signed by nearly 20 veterans organizations calling on Congress to address the funding shortfalls.
At this time, it appears the House and Senate have reached a compromise that would allow Congress to address the benefits shortfall prior to the September 20 deadline. We will continue to advocate for final passage of the benefits funding bill, as well as addressing shortfalls in the VA health care system.
PVA stressed that not all veterans get to experience the transition process as intended. When a servicemember experiences a catastrophic injury, or if they are diagnosed with a disease like MS, the transition is unexpected. These servicemembers are often required to prioritize medical appointments over transition courses, and they are more likely to struggle with feelings of isolation or loss of identity due to the abrupt and unexpected nature of their transition from the military.
TTENDS THE UADRENNIAL UMMIT OMEN V
ETERANS
At the beginning of September, PVA was invited to attend and participate in the VA’s Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit in Washington, D.C. Held every four years, the Women Veterans Summit is an opportunity for women veterans, veteran organizations, and other stakeholders to come together and highlight the various programs and supports VA offers for women veterans. Staff from PVA’s Research and Education program and Government Relations supported a table at the event’s expo. PVA National Senior Vice President Tammy Jones also attended.
Julie Howell, Associate Legislative Director, participated in a panel discussion focused on the unique needs of
The settlement requires Washington State Parks propose new policies and procedures for maintaining women servicemembers who are transitioning out of the military. In addition to PVA, the transition panel included representatives from a wide variety of services and supports, including the Acting Chief of the Office of Women’s Health; a mental health expert from the National Center for PTSD; and Academy Women, a nonprofit dedicated to the professional development of women veterans. The conversation covered the need for increased mental health support for women veterans during their transition process, common barriers that women veterans encounter when deciding whether or not to engage with the VA, and how independent organizations can work with the VA to ensure that women veterans receive the health care and benefits they’ve earned.
On September 5, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Washington State Parks) resolving allegations that the park facilities violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the original complaint, it was alleged that a camping space for people with disabilities did not have conforming conditions and resulted in injury to a camper with mobility issues. The ADA requires that structures and improvements in public facilities, such as state parks, constructed after 1992 meet certain requirements in order to allow access to people with disabilities.
accessible features and ensuring ADA compliance of new construction and alterations in 90 days. Additionally, in a year, Washington State Parks must provide remediation plans and timelines for compliance for building and facilities that are not compliant with the ADA at that time. Washington State Parks must also establish procedures to receive complaints and use their website to post information on ADA policies. The Washington State Parks will work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) by logging all inspections, complaints and repairs of accessible features to be reviewed by the USAO. The USAO will receive progress reports from the Washington State Parks every six months for the sevenyear term of the settlement.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to adopt the Access Board’s standards on public rights-of-way (PROW). The Access Board published the standards in August 2023, but the standards are not enforceable until they are adopted by DOT and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Notably, DOT’s enforcement authority only covers transit facilities and services. DOJ must adopt standards to enforce them on all other PROW.
If adopted, DOT's standards will apply to new construction and alterations of transit stops in the PROW. The proposed standards would be enforceable under Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act – meaning transportation facilities owned and operated by private companies used by the general public or by cities, counties, or states. The proposed definition of a “transit stop” is a facility or area used for boarding and deboarding buses, rail cars, and other transportation vehicles that operate on a fixed or scheduled route. This definition does not include intercity rail except where a stop is located in the PROW.
Beyond the adoption of the Access Board’s standards, DOT requests comments on standards for transit stops that are located in places where there are also bicycle or vehicular lanes. An example is where a bicycle lane is located between the bus stop and the sidewalk, and the boarding and deboarding area of the bus stop extends
into the bicycle lane. Since the Access Board standards do not address this specific issue, DOT requests comments and solutions. Comments can be submitted online through September 23, 2024.
On September 10, the Economic Opportunity (EO) Subcommittee for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing evaluating mental health support programs for separating servicemembers. Several employees of the VA testified as well as representatives from the Department of Defense (DOD), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
Discussed several times in the hearing was the new offbase transition program which was established to be a virtual resource for veterans who may not have been able to attend Transition Assistance Programs at the time of their separation and for veterans who separated years ago. Additionally, VA shared that they plan to implement a new outreach strategy in coordination with all 56 regional offices, that will be data driven and that will meet the needs of those unique communities. In 2025, targeted outreach will focus on women veterans, rural veterans, veterans experiencing homelessness, and counties that have never been engaged. VA hopes that this new outreach strategy will help inform veterans of their health care and benefits, providing additional resources to ensure that veterans understand they have support, especially for mental health care.
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL) asked an especially relevant question to DOD and VA: what are both departments doing to ensure the success of servicemembers who transition out of military service unexpectedly, particularly due to an injury or illness? DOD stressed that each transitioning servicemember is unique in their needs and experiences and therefore they need to ensure that the training and education provided isn’t treated as a one size fits all but rather that different modules are tailored for the dynamic needs of those leaving the military. Both DOD and VA mentioned
DOTI
the need for continued and increased collaboration between the departments to guarantee that servicemembers are able to access information that makes sense for their needs.
You can watch the hearing here.
R A
In 2017, the U.S. Government intervened in a whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act. The U.S alleged a decade long failure by the City of Los Angeles (LA) to follow federal accessibility laws. The case was originally initiated by an LA resident and wheelchair user and nonprofit disability rights advocacy group, the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley. As a recipient of grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for multifamily affordable housing, the city must comply with federal accessibility laws. These laws prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and under them LA must implement housing-related accessibility requirements.
In its complaint, the U.S. alleged that the city failed to build and rehabilitate affordable multifamily housing units and maintain a publicly available list of accessible units and their accessibility features. The U.S. also alleged that on an annual basis, LA knowingly and falsely certified to HUD that it complied with grant requirements. In June, HUD and the city reached a settlement where the city agreed to pay $38.2 million to resolve allegations. The False Claims Act allows private parties to sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Therefore, the parties that initiated the lawsuit may be awarded a portion of the settlement.
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The Access Board issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the accessibility of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. In July 2022, the Access Board published, “Design Recommendations for Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations,” which
included recommendations, but not specific enforceable requirements. In releasing the NPRM, the Access Board seeks to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act –which applies to places of public accommodation and state and local entities – and the Architectural Barriers Act – which applies to EV charging stations owned or managed by or on behalf of the federal government. However, enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice, must adopt the standards for them to be enforceable.
The proposed specifications will address the accessibility of EV charging stations, including: scoping (accessible routes, signs, and EV charging stations); EV chargers; EV charging spaces associated with the accessible EV charger; and communication elements and features. These guidelines cover new construction and alterations of existing chargers. The purpose of this proposed rule is to set minimum guidelines to ensure that EV charging stations are readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, including both physical access to the EV charging station and access to the interface to operate and pay for the charging session.
Comments can be submitted online through November 4, 2024. PVA is requesting stories from wheelchair users who own, use, or experienced accessibility issues with EVs and charging stations. If you or another wheelchair user you know owns, uses an EV, or was deterred from using an EV because of accessibility issues, please contact Danica Gonzalves, PVA Senior Advocacy Attorney, at DanicaG@PVA.org.
NEWS OF NOTE
PVA Participates in Forum on Accessible Air Travel
On September 11, Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer, presented at the All Wheels Up Global Forum on Wheelchair Accessible Air Travel at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Volpe Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The form included leaders from the U.S. and Canadian governments, as well as the air travel industry, medical professionals, and the disability community. Ansley discussed the disability provisions
included in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act and participated in a question and answer session with U.S. DOT officials. PVA was also a sponsor of the event.
National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) is September 17.This nonpartisan civic holiday is the country’s largest single-day voter registration drive. It is devoted to getting every eligible citizen registered to vote. Organizations all over the country join in a coordinated effort to register eligible voters. To learn more about NVRD, find or become a partner organization, please visit https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/
VA Health Care Outperforms Non-VA Care
On September 3, the VA announced that the department’s hospitals outperformed non-VA hospitals in two major independent, nationwide reviews for patient satisfaction and care quality. More information is available here.
Court Action on Case Involving Homeless Veterans
In early September, the VA was ordered to establish 750 emergency shelter beds and 1,800 subsidized apartments by 2030 at the VA’s west Los Angeles campus by the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California. A class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of disabled veterans experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles county and veterans at imminent risk of losing their housing.
Upcoming Webinar—Facets of Advocacy Series: Using the Judicial System to Protect Disability Civil Rights
On September 17 at 3:00 PM ET, join our Government Relations Advocacy Attorneys as they dive into advocacy through the justice system. We will be having a special guest, Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, join us to speak on his efforts to work through the judicial system to increase transportation access for
people with disabilities. Please register for 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.
Daniel Anderson
Robert Anderson
Ellen Austin
Matthew Bachman
Richard Banton
Tim Barton
Lawrence Becker
Ken Bucher
Suzanne Byrne
John Christensen
Rickie Dahn
Steve Despiegelaere
Michael Diedelich
Walter Dochow
Dennis Engel
Robert Flattum
Zachary Frizzell
Mark Garrison
Andrew Gunter
Robert Hanson
Nicky Hofland
Michael Holter
John Hutterer
William Lafferty
Daniel Latham
Scott Little
Shannon Matthews
Mark McGarvey
Sean Nichols
Cecil Noggle
Edward Palmer
Barry Pockrandt
Gregory Schleifer
Bruce Scott
Richard Scott
Cynthia Sjoberg
Richard Stang
Monica Stanton
Dale Tyson
David Vetter
Richard Ybarra
3 5 2 1 2 6 5 3 3 9 3 5 4 7 4 6 9 8 5 1 6 4 2 8 6 7 4 1 2 3
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.
