President Obama signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act that will improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause – stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and others.
The legislation authorizes Congress to fund $25,000,000 per fiscal year through 2011, as part of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act Title XIV of H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Land Management Bill 2009.
Among the dignitaries at the White House signing was Paul J. Tobin, president of United Spinal Association.
Tobin said, “With President Obama’s signature, Congress and the Administration have taken a significant step toward improving the lives of all paralyzed Americans. I encourage Congress to appropriate funds under this law, which will have an extensive impact on numerous disability initiatives that United Spinal Association has promoted for a long time.”
The Act’s three primary components will enhance paralysis research, rehabilitation and quality of life programs:
— Paralysis Research – Expands research on paralysis at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). This will encourage collaborative research
by connecting scientists conducting similar work to further enhance
understanding and speed discovery of better treatments and cures.
— Paralysis Rehabilitation and Care – Builds on research to enhance
daily function for people with paralysis, including a Clinical Trials
Network to measure effectiveness of certain rehabilitation tactics and
encouraging shared findings on paralysis to improve rehabilitation.
— Improving Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis and Other
Physical Disabilities – Works with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) to improve the quality of life and long-term health
status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities.
United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post polio. It has played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with spinal cord disorders.
Source: United Spinal Association
Web Site: http://www.unitedspinal.org/
