Paralyzed Veterans of America
Minnesota Chapter
Board of Directors
Seth Thomas (President)
Tim Valentin (Vice-President)
Linda Hooker (Secretary)
Karl Olson (Treasurer)
Vicky Garrison (Immediate Past President)
1 Veterans Drive SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-467-2263 office@mnpva.org
John Novicki Ron James
Bruce Henderson Jose Garcia
National Service Officers Chapter Staff
Ginny Grabowski Office Assistant 612-467-2263
MS Contact
Rich Scott: 612-467-2263
Sarah Little Executive Assistant 612-699-8551
Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Little
Assistant Editor: Ginny Grabowski North Star Bullet
Ginny Grabowski Volunteer Coordinator
Mission
Foundedin1946,theParalyzedVeterans ofAmerica(PVA)isanational organizationdedicatedtoservingformer membersoftheU.S.ArmedForceswho havesufferedcatastrophicparalysisasa resultofspinalcordinjuryordisease.By Publiclaw92-93(1971),theU.S. CongresscharteredPVA.
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
Todd Kemery National Director 612-467-2263 toddkemery@mnpva.org
Ellie Smith Administrative Assistant I Federal Building Room G915 ellieS@pva.org
Tis the season for the holidays! As we reach the end of 2024 it marks the time where everyone can reflect back on not just how fast the time seems to pass, but the trials and tribulations we individually overcame. No matter how big or small, the obstacle is what builds our resilience. Everyone has a choice to decide if any given obstacle will make or break our values and character. For all of us veterans, we must not forget that we have a leg up in that choice for we all have been taught to adapt and overcome.
In this beautifully crazy world we live in (especially during the holidays) it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For as lost as we may end up finding ourselves, the opportunity to become a better person is forever present. Therefore, in light of the holidays and the art of self-reflection, give thanks, express gratitude, and remain weary of the temptations the holidays may taunt you with. Thanksgiving being a chance to restrain from gluttony and Christmas giving the opportunity to resist greed. So, as we close out the year of 2024, let us all take on the world and put our best foot forward.
"IF YOU'RE GOING TO DO IT TO IT, YOU BETTER DO IT TO IT BEFORE YOU NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO EVER DO IT TO IT AGAIN."
-Author Unknown
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE VA’S AUTOMOBILE AND ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT BENEFIT
Jason Stephenson
Effective October 1st of this calendar year, the Veterans Affairs implemented changes that impacts those that have entitlement established under the VA’s Automobile and Adaptive Equipment program. For those that may be uncertain, eligibility and entitlement are established if you have service-connected loss of use of an extremity, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and have an authorized 21-4502 Automobile Grant signed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The most significant change is veterans must have prescribed equipment on a vehicle for an entirety of a four-year period. Eligible persons are still entitled to adaptive equipment on two vehicles in a four-year period but the most significant change is the prescribed adaptive equipment must remain on the veteran’s record for at least four years unless there are extenuating circumstances. In cases where a veteran has one vehicle on record, the prescribed adaptive equipment must remain on the veteran’s record for at least four years unless there are extenuating circumstances.
A veteran cannot trade in or dispose of the vehicle with the adaptive equipment prescribed on record unless the date approved meets or exceeds four years.
Circumstances beyond the control of the eligible person are those where the automobile or other conveyance was lost due to fire, theft, accident, or court action. It also includes when repairs are so costly as to be prohibitive or a different automobile or other conveyance is required due to a change in the eligible person's physical condition.
It is also very important to note the VA is changing the payment and authorization structure of adaptive equipment. Many of you in the past have utilized the 10-1394 Reimbursement of standard equipment form where Prosthetics had established what it considered standard adaptive equipment. The 10-1394 has been amended as the VA has now gone to a universal schedule for what it will authorize to include the dollar amounts for those items and packages.
The schedule with the dollar amount can be found by going to the following link:
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/AAE_Schedule.asp
It is extremely important to note that any adaptive equipment to be paid directly to a vendor or reimbursed to the veteran must be prescribed and preauthorized by Prosthetics prior to any purchase of adaptive equipment. Items such as automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, power windows, power seat, and cruise control are no longer automatic reimbursable items. The VA may reimburse on a case-by-case basis for these items but each item listed in this paragraph must be prescribed in advance of any purchase and must be preapproved by Prosthetics for reimbursement.
When choosing a vendor, you will have to ask if they are registered with the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). This will impact your approval process with adaptive equipment as the VA will need to know if the vendor is registered or not. If a veteran decides to use a non-registered vendor; the VA will only provide reimbursement to the veteran with a finalized invoice and will not make payment to the vendor. Where-as with a registered vendor, the VA can make a direct payment.
Lastly, if you purchase a van that has adaptive equipment installed that is more than one year old from date of manufacturer, the VA will depreciate 20% per year from the time the equipment was pre-installed or installed as new on a vehicle to the time of its reinstallation for which reimbursement or payment is being sought for a period up to five years.
For those that trade in vehicles every two years, this is a significant change with now having to keep a vehicle on record for a minimum of four years. When you go to purchase a different vehicle and you are 4502 approved, please reach out to Prosthetics before any purchase is made. My recommendation is if you are planning on getting a new vehicle, please reach out to Prosthetics well in advance of the planned date of purchase.
Please reach out to me if you have questions regarding the above. 612-6297022.
“DO NOT TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY, YOU WILL NEVER GET OUT OF IT ALIVE.”
-Elbert Hubbard
All Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis qualify for PVA membership!
PVA membership criteria have opened up our membership to all veterans with MS. If you have MS or know of a veteran with MS, share this information with them! Have questions about MNPVA? Contact our office!
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.
“THE SMALLEST ACT OF KINDNESS IS WORTH MORE THAN THE GRANDEST INTENTION.” -Oscar Wilde
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, a humble, heartfelt thank you to all our donors, sponsors, and volunteers who have helped further the missions of the MNPVA this year. Without your hard work, dedication, and passion, we would be unable to support our veterans as we do. Please accept our greatest gratitude!
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
Office Assistant: ginnygrabowski@mnpva.org
Executive Assistant: sarahlittle@mnpva.org
President: seththomas@mnpva.org
Call or Text
Executive Assistant (Sarah)
612-699-8551
President (Seth) 320-390-0219
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.
MNPVA Products
Kelly Leg Bands with Covers
Leg Band $40 + shipping
Leg Band Cover $8
Available in X-Small (13.5"), Small (15"), Medium (16"), Large (17"), and X-Large(19")
MNPVA Bowling Ramp
Great for league play and alleys! Very sturdy and well built. MNPVA designed. All ramps are new and come disassembled for transport. Assembly is easy!
$350 + shipping (pick-up available)
EksoIndego®Gets VeteransWalkingAgain
EligibleveteranscanreceiveanEkso Indegoexoskeletonat
EksoIndegoPersonal
WhatisEksoIndego? GettingVeteranswithSCI BackonTheirFeet
EksoIndegoisanFDA-cleared,powered exoskeletonwornaroundthewaistand legsthatenablesindividualsparalyzed fromspinalcordinjuries(levelT3-L5)*to standandwalk,offeringanewlevelof independence.
Scanwithyourphone formoreinformation onhowyoucould receiveyourownEkso IndegoPersonal.
ArecentlyrevisedVApolicyallowsEkso Indegotobeissuedtoqualifiedveterans atnocost.**
Walkathomeandinyourcommunity Improveyourcardio&bonedensity
Enjoyeye-levelconversationsagain
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Puzzle Lovers!
Congratulations to our October puzzle winner Richard Evans. 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: 12/31/2024.
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!!
“HARD THINGS WILL HAPPEN TO US. WE WILL RECOVER. WE WILL LEARN FROM IT.
-Taylor Swift
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: 01/29/2025
Calendar at a Glance
Nov 28Nov 29 Thanksgiving - Office Closed
Dec 10
Adaptive Sports/Recreation @ Northern Star Basecamp
Dec 23-27 Christmas - Office Closed
Jan 1
Jan 16
New Year’s Day - Office Closed
Adaptive Sports/Recreation @ Northern Star Basecamp
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: FY24-25 shall not exceed $750/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.
“NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE WORD ITSELF SAYS ‘I’M POSSIBLE!’”
-Audrey Hepburn
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 Wild Games
Canucks Dec 3 at 7 PM
Upcoming Vikings Games
Arizona Cardinals Dec 1 at 12 PM
Atlanta Falcons Dec 8 at 12 PM
Chicago Bears Dec 16 at 7 PM
Green Bay Packers Dec 29 at 12 PM
Oilers Dec 12 at 7:30 PM
Flyers Dec 14 at 1 PM
Golden Knights Dec 15 at 5 PM
Panthers Dec 18 at 8:30 PM
Utah HC Dec 20 at 7 PM
Blackhawks Dec 23 at 7 PM
Senators Dec 29 at7 PM
Predators Dec 31 at 7 PM
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
“SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL; IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.”
-Winston S. Churchill
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.
“REAL CHANGE, ENDURING CHANGE, HAPPENS ONE STEP AT A TIME.”
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Washington Update
Check out the PVAction Force page to view alerts and a list of key legislation
DOT LEVIES $50 MILLION FINE AGAINST AMERICAN AIRLINES FOR ACAA VIOLATIONS
On October 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) levied a $50 million fine against American Airlines for systemic violations of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The ACAA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in commercial air travel. The fine was one of the largest ever levied against an airline for ACAA violations. PVA filed three formal DOT complaints alleging violations of the ACAA starting in 2022. DOT cited PVA’s complaints as one of the primary reasons for the enforcement action against American.
As a result of the settlement agreement, American will be forced to pay a penalty of $25 million to the U.S. Treasury. Separately, American must also invest in efforts to improve the safety and dignity of wheelchair users in air travel. Specifically, the airline must: (1) invest in equipment to reduce incidents of wheelchair damage, including wheelchair lifts at 24 or more airports and wheelchair movers at 43 or more airports; (2) invest in a systemwide wheelchair tagging system to reduce incidents of wheelchair delay; and (3) deploy hub control center employees in 2024, 2025, and 2026, to coordinate wheelchair handling on a centralized, systemwide basis at large airports.
In its news release announcing the settlement, DOT stated that it was also reviewing disability-related
complaints alleged against other airlines. DOT’s actions are a significant victory for passengers with disabilities. We hope that these enforcement efforts will lead to safer and more dignified air travel for passengers with disabilities in the near future.
Recently, National Legislative Director Morgan Brown joined representatives from fellow veterans organizations and key congressional staffers in a panel discussion on legislative priorities and critical issues affecting VA health care and benefits for veterans, their families, and caregivers. The event, which was part of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs’ (NOVA) 44th annual conference, focused on many of the same concerns PVA has raised in recent years about the status of VA’s health care system. These include funding shortfalls, staffing shortages, VA’s aging infrastructure, dwindling training opportunities, and the need for competitive salaries for the department’s nursing corps. Attendees and panel members alike agreed that insufficient funding for the system must be a principal advocacy focus moving forward, because funding deficiencies adversely affect the department’s ability to provide effective care.
PVA PARTICIPATES IN NOVA CONFERENCE PANEL ON VA HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS
2025 COLA ANNOUNCED FOR VETERANS AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
The Social Security Administration announced on October 10 that Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase starting in 2025. The increase is reflective of the effects of inflation. Prior to departing for the current congressional recess, House and Senate lawmakers approved legislation to ensure certain VA compensation programs will receive the same COLA.
NEW REPORT ON MILITARY AND VETERAN CAREGIVERS RELEASED
More than 14 million Americans now provide daily care to wounded, ill, or injured military servicemembers or veterans, with the heaviest burden falling on the 26 percent who assist people aged 60 and under, according to a new report commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. That’s one of many findings in the RAND Corporation’s report titled, "America's Military and Veteran Caregivers: Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows." It builds upon the impactful findings of their original 2014 caregiver study and spotlights some of the most pressing needs of the military and veteran caregiver communities. Not surprisingly, that includes financial concerns.
Military and veteran caregivers reported spending nearly $8,600 of their own money each year towards the care of their veteran while forgoing another $4,500 in annual income. Roughly one-third of them reported incomes below 130 percent of the federal poverty level while upwards of 70 percent of caregivers said they faced difficulty paying bills. Between 22 to 40 percent reported food insecurity. Each of these problems are clear indicators that additional resources are needed.
The study also found that more than 40 percent of caregivers for those 60 and under met criteria for probable depression. About one-third of them thought they needed mental health care but don't receive it, primarily because they don't have the time. In addition to increased financial support and access to mental health and substance use treatment for caregivers and
their children, the report also made the following recommendations:
• Tailor caregiver support programs to reflect caregivers' diverse preferences and needs.
• Expand and promote home health care considering how caregivers will be affected.
• Focus programmatic and social support within the context of local conditions in which military and veteran caregivers live.
• Encourage health care systems to better integrate caregivers into health care teams.
• Promote work environments that are supportive of caregivers.
• Continue to conduct rigorous evaluations of those initiatives designed to support military and veteran caregivers.
• Continue to conduct research that fully captures the breadth of caregiving and those who serve as caregivers.
The full report is available here.
PVA HOLDS FIFTH ANNUAL WVER
Early in October, PVA hosted the fifth Women Veteran Empowerment Retreat (WVER) This year’s theme focused on grassroots efforts, building local community, and resiliency in advocacy. Thirty-five women representing 24 chapters attended the event. Participants learned about leveraging digital resources to spread messages and awareness, the history of PVA, and several other areas all highlighting skills and resources to help our women members find their voices as veterans.
Lisa Elijah, Grassroots Advocacy Manager, and Julie Howell, Associate Legislative Director, combined forces to teach a session on advocacy and strategic thinking around local concerns. The presentation touched on many of the themes presented in the Government Relations webinar series held last summer around the fundamentals of government. The women thought of several concerns that they could each relate to despite being located in different areas of the country and presented their ideas and solutions to address them. The session was well-received by attendees.
PVA APPOINTED TO CO-CHAIR ACAA ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On September 20, Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley was appointed to co-chair the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee. The committee was established for a fiveyear period pursuant to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and was extended until September 30, 2028, by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. It is tasked with assessing the existing and emerging disability-related access barriers for passengers with disabilities; evaluating the extent to which DOT’s programs and activities are eliminating disability-related access barriers; and recommending actions to improve the air travel experience of passengers with disabilities. The committee will report its assessment and recommendations to the DOT Secretary. More information is available here
PVA PARTICIPATES IN BRIEFING ON CAPITOL HILL ON THE STATUS OF ADA DROP OFF/PICK UP ZONES
In 2021, Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley provided testimony before the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress in a hearing titled, “Making the House More Accessible to the Disability Community.” PVA’s testimony provided many examples of accessibility barriers on Capitol Hill for people with disabilities. One such barrier is a lack of accessible drop off/pick up zones.
Since the hearing, the committee has been working to adopt a variety of recommendations to improve accessibility. As a result, on September 26, the committee held a briefing at the location of Capitol Hill’s first accessible drop off/pick up zone on the House side. PVA’s role in the creation of the zone was reiterated during the curb-side briefing that included Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI), Subcommittee on Modernization Chairwoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Subcommittee on Modernization Ranking Member Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and leaders from the office of the Architect of the Capitol. CEO Carl Blake and Chief Policy Officer Ansley participated in the event.
The committee plans to hold a formal event once the zone is ready for use.
On September 24, PVA was honored with a 2024 TSA Coalition Partner award. PVA was selected for its significant collaboration and input to TSA during the past year. TSA noted that PVA is not only a TSA Coalition partner organization, but is also a valued partner on the Aviation Security Advisory Council Persons with Disabilities Working Group. TSA Administrator David Pekoske presented the award to Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley during the 22nd Annual TSA Disability and Multicultural Coalition Conference in Arlington, Virginia.
NEWS OF NOTE
Progress Report Released on Federal Implementation of Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Administration for Community Living delivered a 2024 progress report to Congress on federal actions that have taken place since its 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The 2022 strategy presented commitments from 15 federal agencies to approximately 350 actions to implement recommendations made to ensure family caregivers receive the support and resources they need.
The report states that nearly all of the 350 federal actions have been completed or are in progress. Additionally, agencies have added 40 new actions. It is reported that the VA has completed 15 of its 21 actions. The remaining six are in process. The report details some of the specific actions the VA is taking, including conducting training programs directed to the caregiver community and expanding telehealth mental health services to caregivers of veterans.
PVA HONORED WITH TSA COALITION PARTNER AWARD
NDRN Documentary on Challenges of Voters with Disabilities Now Available
The National Disability Rights Network’s (NDRN) documentary, “Accessing Democracy” is now available to the public. This interview style, short documentary follows NDRN as staff travel the East Coast to listen to the experiences of voters with disabilities. Interviewees discuss how the barriers they face prevent them from accessing everyday conveniences, receiving services, and participating in their communities. They highlight that there is no inclusion without access and the backlash the disability community experiences when requesting accommodations that ensure access. Voters also provide insight to the barriers they have and continue to face when expressing their right to participate in elections. The documentary ends with voters sharing what they think the next administration should focus on as it relates to people with disabilities. NDRN has also released a version with ASL and Audio Description. A recording of a panel discussion from the film’s premiere, which features the voters highlighted in the film, is also available.
Judge Rules Lyft Does Not Need to Provide WAV Services Under the ADA
On September 30, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, ruled that Lyft is not required to provide wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) for mobility device users to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 2017, the plaintiffs sued Lyft under Title III of the ADA arguing Lyft discriminates against people with disabilities by failing to provide WAV services. The plaintiffs sued to require the court to provide WAVs and Access mode, which allows riders to request WAVs, in its operating areas. In March 2023, the court granted class certification for three classes: nationwide, the Westchester County, and New York state, with the exception for where Lyft already offers WAVs. Despite granting class certification, after trial, the judge ruled that the ADA does not require rideshare services to provide WAVs. PVA was highly involved in this case by filing and joining two amicus briefs and will seek to support any appeals.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Key Provisions in Texas Voting Law
On September 28, a Texas federal judge ruled against key provisions of Senate Bill 1 that modify the oath of assistance, ban compensated assistance, and restrict inperson canvassing. In the order, the court agrees with the plaintiff’s allegations that the provisions undermine the protections of Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) by narrowing the class of eligible assistors, requiring voters to take additional steps as a prerequisite to receiving assistance, and deterring voters from requesting assistance in the voting process. Section 208 prohibits states from limiting voter’s rights to assistance and preempts conflicting state laws. In the order, the court also emphasizes that nothing in the text of Section 208 of the VRA allows states to impose additional limitations or exceptions to voter assistance not stated in the statute.
DOJ Files Complaint Against Wisconsin and Certain Towns to Ensure Accessible Voting
On September 20, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it filed suit against the Wisconsin towns of Thornapple and Lawrence and the state of Wisconsin for violations of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The complaint alleges that the two towns violated Section 301 of HAVA by deliberately failing to provide accessible voting machines to voters in specific 2024 federal elections. Under Section 301 of HAVA, polling places used for federal elections are required to provide at least one voting system that is accessible for individuals with disabilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation as for other voters. In 2023, both towns voted to stop using the accessible voting machines they utilized up until that point. The complaint also alleges that the state failed to ensure accessibility to voters with disabilities at every polling place within the state. The DOJ has come to an agreement with Lawrence that is pending court approval. Litigation against Thornapple and the state will continue.
DOJ Sues LA Fitness for ADA Violations
On October 8, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sued LA Fitness for violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title III of the ADA prohibits places of public accommodation, including fitness facilities, from discriminating against people with disabilities. LA Fitness is the largest chain of owner-operated gyms and fitness clubs in the U.S., with nearly 700 locations. The lawsuit alleges LA Fitness discriminates against people with disabilities by failing to make its facilities accessible. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that LA Fitness fails to maintain pool and spa lifts and elevators in working condition; fails to remove physical barriers; fails to provide accessible facilities; fails to provide accessible showers and locker rooms; fails to provide physical access to fitness equipment; and charges patrons for caregivers to accompany them. If you or someone you know had trouble accessing an LA Fitness gym because of a disability or were charged an extra fee to have someone help you access the gym’s equipment, DOJ requests you call 1-888-392-5417 (toll-free), or email Claims.LAFitness@usdoj.gov.
WEBINARS & COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
October 29 Webinar – Register Today!
Join us on October 29 at 2:00 PM ET for our webinar titled, “Improving Disability Access in Air Travel: Updates on Policy Developments.” Hear from PVA Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley as she discusses the positive developments in PVA’s efforts to improve access to air travel for people with disabilities. The webinar will cover passed legislation and pending regulations, along with other developments focused on pushing to make the future of air travel safer and more dignified for passengers with disabilities. Please register here
Veterans’ Committee Activities
Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on previous and upcoming hearings and markups.
Christina Baurichter
Orie Beltz
Norma Blankenship
Sandi Braunstein
John Conner
Harry Davis
Richard Evans
David Funk
Brett Gipson
Aaron Gould
Bruce Hochstetler
John Ivens
Allen Kingsley
Jeffrey Kittock
Gene Kube
Mark Lattin
James Moriarty
Karl Olson
Richard Petron
Mark Pocernich
James Salisbury
Ken Schindele
Matthew Sjoquist
Michael Wair
Brian Walstad
Gary Winter
Neil Altenhofen
Bruce Andrzejeski
Dale Berven
Bruce Brockopp
Chris Butterfield
Jessica Cook
Robert Coulomb
Odell Frank
Victoria Garrison
Ernest Grabowski
Timothy Guiosky
James Hallas
Christian Hatleli
Bruce Hooker
Linda Hooker
Alexander Horned Eagle
Eugene Jax
Jay Johnson
David Kane
Thomas Klis
Craig Leaf
William Massie
John McCormack
Robert McIlema
Joseph Novotny
David Sherman
James Williams
David Wyman
Mail completed copy to office to enter drawing for $25 gift card.
