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.
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/S. 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.