[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 278 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 278

   Recognizing the 75th anniversary of United Spinal Association, a 
 leading national advocacy organization that is dedicated to promoting 
the independence and enhancing the quality of life of all people living 
    with spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders, including 
 veterans, and providing support and information to their loved ones, 
             care providers, and personal support networks.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 17, 2021

     Mr. Casey (for himself and Mr. Moran) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Recognizing the 75th anniversary of United Spinal Association, a 
 leading national advocacy organization that is dedicated to promoting 
the independence and enhancing the quality of life of all people living 
    with spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders, including 
 veterans, and providing support and information to their loved ones, 
             care providers, and personal support networks.

Whereas, in 1946, a group of returning veterans from World War II in New York, 
        New York, formed the organization now known as United Spinal Association 
        to address the needs of paralyzed veterans;
Whereas, in 1948, members of this organization advocated for and secured the 
        first accessible housing bill in the United States (the Act of June 19, 
        1948 (62 Stat. 500; Public Law 80-702)), which provided Federal funds 
        for the building of accessible homes for paralyzed veterans;
Whereas, in 1968, members of this organization advocated for the passage of the 
        Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.), which 
        guarantees equal access to federally funded buildings and facilities for 
        wheelchair users and all people of the United States with disabilities;
Whereas, in 1970, James J. Peters, who would later lead United Spinal 
        Association, exposed the deplorable conditions that paralyzed Vietnam 
        veterans faced at the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital with an 
        article in LIFE magazine, leading the Veterans Administration to 
        establish a national spinal cord injury service office to address the 
        needs of paralyzed veterans and the renovation of the Bronx Veterans 
        Administration Hospital, which was later named for Peters;
Whereas, in 1985, New York City settled a lawsuit initiated by United Spinal 
        Association, agreeing to make all city buses, key subway stations and 
        commuter rail stations, and all new transit stations accessible to 
        wheelchair users, and New York City established a paratransit system for 
        people unable to use mass transit, leading to a model that would be 
        incorporated as part of the transportation provisions of the landmark 
        Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);
Whereas, regardless of a person's level of abilities, United Spinal Association 
        seeks to build an inclusive world that--

    (1) removes barriers, particularly for wheelchair users;

    (2) embraces the talents of all people with disabilities to achieve 
their full potential; and

    (3) provides people with disabilities equal opportunities to pursue 
their interests and dreams;

Whereas United Spinal Association continues to support and advocate on behalf of 
        more than 2,000,000 people in the United States living with spinal cord 
        injuries or neurological disorders, as well as veterans, through--

    (1) proven programs and services, and nurturing innovative self-
reliance, advocacy, and leadership;

    (2) empowering its members, their loved ones, care providers, and 
stakeholders with resources, one-on-one assistance, and peer support;

    (3) promoting independence through employment opportunities and 
inclusion into mainstream society; and

    (4) advocating for greater disability rights, including access to 
health care, rehabilitation, mobility equipment, transportation, community 
services, and the built environment; and

Whereas the legacy of James J. Peters, who once described the straightforward 
        strategy in advocating for people in the United States with disabilities 
        as simply refusing to accept no for an answer, is alive and well 
        throughout United Spinal Association: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes that throughout 75 years of service, United 
        Spinal Association has made significant contributions to the 
        lives of people in the United States with disabilities, 
        including veterans;
            (2) honors United Spinal Association for its continued role 
        in supporting and advocating for people with spinal cord 
        injuries and neurological disorders, as well as all veterans; 
        and
            (3) commemorates 2021 as the 75th anniversary of the 
        founding of United Spinal Association.
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