--- title: The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Inaugural Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day description: "Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation hosted its first-ever Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day event for #VoicesForReeve advocates." image: https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Copy%20of%20490x590%20portrait%20new%20website%20(300%20%C3%97%20175%20px)%20(7).png --- [Community](https://www.christopherreeve.org/community) [Voices from the Community](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en) [The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Inaugural Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/inaugural-virtual-congressional-advocacy-day) # The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Inaugural Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day On Wednesday May 10, 2023, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation hosted its first-ever Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day. The event provided a great opportunity for #VoicesForReeve advocates from across the nation to connect with their federal elected officials, share personal stories and advocate for three vital priorities affecting the paralysis community on behalf of the Reeve Foundation. With **over 40 dedicated advocates participating**—whom most were **wheelchair users** or **caregivers**—the day was filled with impactful discussions aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. ![Virtual Advocacy Day Attendees on Zoom Call ](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hs-fs/hubfs/State%20Breakout%20Pratice%20Session%20Picture%20050823.png?width=620&height=366&name=State%20Breakout%20Pratice%20Session%20Picture%20050823.png)The first priority was the significance of the [Paralysis Resource Center (PRC)](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/paralysis-help-overview/). #VoicesForReeve advocates emphasized the **vital** role played by the PRC in providing information, free resources, and support to anyone affected by paralysis. Our advocates underscored the necessity of Congress **to continue level funding of $10.7 million in FY2024 for the PRC** so it can continue the crucial services provided to paralyzed Americans. Any reduction to federal funding would jeopardize these supports. Another key priority brought virtually to members’ offices was the dire need for improved airline travel for people with disabilities. Our #VoicesForReeve advocates shared their personal experiences and challenges faced when traveling by air. By emphasizing the importance of making air travel more accessible, **our** **advocates urged their legislators to cosponsor the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (ACAAA) (**[**H.R. 1267**](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1267)**/**[**S. 545**](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/545)**) and support its inclusion in the 2023 FAA Reauthorization later this year.** Lastly, the third priority discussed was caregiving in the United States. Caregivers play a crucial role in the lives of individuals living with paralysis. Many of the attendees **voiced their personal caregiving experiences** and advocated for Congress **to prioritize identifying and adequately funding caregiving solutions for the paralysis community.** They also asked if their legislator would be interested in **hosting a town hall or listening session on the topic of caregiving** in their district or state. ####    Join Our Movement ### What started as an idea has become a national movement. With your support, we can influence policy and inspire lasting change. [Become an Advocate](https://www.votervoice.net/REEVE/Register) ![](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/themes/reeve/assets/images/fpo/blog-dc.png) The Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day left a lasting impression in the virtual Halls of Congress. The day consisted of 35 Senate meetings and 31 House meetings, with advocates meeting with Representatives and Senators from across the political spectrum, including 40 Democrat offices, 25 Republican offices, and 1 Independent office. The **Reeve Foundation** **expresses its deepest gratitude** to all the #VoicesForReeve advocates who **generously** **devoted their time and efforts to making a difference in the lives of individuals living with paralysis**. Their commitment and willingness in lending their voice to advocate on behalf of the community was truly remarkable. The Reeve Foundation extends a special thanks to the incredible individuals who were State Team Leads and to Reeve staff members whose invaluable assistance made this event possible. Looking ahead, if you couldn’t participate this year, we hope and encourage everyone to sign up for next year’s Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day, **details will be announced in the future**. By participating in this annual event, we can continue to make a difference in the paralysis community. For those who are interested in becoming an [online Advocate for Change](https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-involved/advocate-for-change/), please sign up [here](https://act.reeve.org/QEUiGkm). Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about becoming a Reeve Foundation Regional Champion, please contact Gerard Arnum, our Grassroots Advocacy Manager at [garnum@christopherreeve.org](mailto:garnum@christopherreeve.org). ### About the Author - Reeve Staff This blog was written by the Reeve Foundation for educational purposes. For more information please reach out to information@christopherreeve.org [![Twitter](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Icon-twitter-square.svg)](https://twitter.com/reevefoundation) [![Facebook](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Icon-facebook-square.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/ReeveFoundation) [![LinkedIn](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/Icon-linkedin-square.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/christopher-and-dana-reeve-foundation) ![Reeve Staff](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/hubfs/blog-authors/reeve-blog-author-default.png) The opinions expressed in these blogs are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. [Back to top](https://blog.christopherreeve.org/en/inaugural-virtual-congressional-advocacy-day#top)