2024 Advocacy Roundup: Celebrating a Year of Impact

As we begin the new year, we reflect on the tremendous strides we’ve made together in advocating for individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. 2024 exemplified the power of collaboration and the dedication of our advocates and Regional Champions.

Our Online Advocates for Change community grew by 8.5%, reaching nearly 11,900, while our Regional Champions network expanded by 39.7%, growing to 109 champions. These milestones underscore the collective impact of our advocacy community.

Advocacy Highlights

Preserving NPRC Funding
When proposed cuts threatened nearly 50% of the National Paralysis Resource Center’s (NPRC) funding, our advocates rallied. Congress responded, preserving the full $10.7 million in funding for FY2024.

Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit
With the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Advocacy Collaboration Grant, we launched the Grassroots Advocacy Digital Toolkit, supporting initiatives like caregiver solutions, accessibility, air travel, and affordable housing. Available digitally in early 2025, it will empower more advocates to make meaningful change.

Regional Advocacy Trainings & Virtual Advocacy Day
This year’s trainings in Michigan and New Jersey equipped advocates with tools to drive change locally. Nearly 70 advocates participated in Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day, holding nearly 100 meetings with congressional offices to champion NPRC funding, caregiver support, and research priorities.

Section 504 Regulations
With the recent 50th anniversary of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Department of Health and Human Services released final regulations strengthening nondiscrimination protections for individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs. These updates enhance opportunities for access in education, employment, and public spaces.

Regulatory Wins

We celebrated the Department of Transportation’s final rule on safe air travel for wheelchair users, effective January 16, 2025. The rule mandates better training, assistance, and handling of assistive devices. Additionally, the Department of Justice updated Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE) requirements under the ADA, ensuring greater access in healthcare.

Coalition Leadership & Collaboration

In 2024, we proudly participated in a number of disability led coalitions and advisory groups, including:

• Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD): Active in task forces such as Transportation, Housing, and Paid Family Leave (Chair).
• ITEM Coalition: Steering Committee Member, focusing on enhancing Medicare and Medicaid for individuals with disabilities.
• Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation: Steering Committee Member, advocating for rehabilitation funding and services.
• Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Workgroup: Driving efforts to improve air travel accessibility.

These partnerships amplify our collective voice and advance critical disability policies.

Thank You

From preserving funding to expanding advocacy programs, these achievements were possible because of you. To our advocates, champions, and partners—thank you for your unwavering support.

In 2025, we’re excited to build on this year’s momentum. Sign up to become an advocate or join our upcoming Regional Champions Webinar for updates on FY2025 and grassroots initiatives. Contact Gerard Arnum at garnum@reeve.org to learn more.