Friday, April 24, 2026

United Spinal Newsletter | Apr 2026

 

United Spinal Association

Our Story. Our Fight. Our Future.
Vintage photo of man in wheelchair watching another man measure step height
NYC’s Local Law 58 required building accessibility before federal law did. United Spinal — then known as EPVA — helped shape that law, providing a model for accessibility codes that would become standard across the country.

Our Accessibility Services team continues to craft the standards that define accessible design, serving on the International Code Council, the U.S. Access Board and state-level code committees. We bring that expertise directly to builders, developers and architects, translating codes into real-world access.

For our 80th Anniversary we’re expanding our work to Make Accessibility Part of Good Design. Visit accessibility-services.com to learn how ACS helps create spaces that work for everyone. 

How to Advocate for Better Accessibility at Festivals

For wheelchair users, showing up to a concert to find sloped seating, no path to the bathroom or a view of the backs of people’s heads instead of the stage is all too common. Marsha Mazz, an expert on our Accessibility Services team, breaks down what the ADA requires for wheelchair seating at public venues, how to document a violation and where to file a complaint when a venue falls short.
Young woman in wheelchait on the grass at an outdoor concert
Read More

For 14 years, Roll on Capitol Hill has brought the voices of wheelchair users and disability advocates directly to Congress. This June, United Spinal Association's conference goes virtual: reaching more advocates than ever at a moment when the stakes couldn't be higher. Home and Community Based Services are under attack, and lawmakers need to hear the truth from the people who depend on them.

Your donation makes that possible. Give today and help ensure every voice is heard.
Donate today

Newly Injured SCI Support Group
Newly Injured SCI Support Group Apr 20 @ 6PM ET
This group is a safe and supportive space for individuals who are navigating life after a new spinal cord injury — within the first three years of their journey. Here, you can connect with others who understand the early stages of adjustment, share your experiences, ask questions and find encouragement.

Join us for the first meeting on April 20 @ 6 pm ET.

Lawsuit to Challenge Florida Law Impacting Parking Access
man in wheelchair navigating between two parked cars in a parking lot
United Spinal Association and others filed a complaint in the Northern District of Florida federal court challenging a Florida law that impacts access to disability parking spaces. The case is called United Spinal Association v. Florida Dep’t of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 

Under the Florida law that went into effect on July 1, 2025, the only requirement to receive a pregnancy parking permit is pregnancy. The applicant does not need to show any mobility impairment or other disability. As a result, thousands of Floridians without disabilities are parking in accessible spaces that, under federal law, are reserved for people with disabilities. The complaint alleges that this violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which trumps state law. 

“Most people with disabilities have difficulty finding accessible parking spaces in their communities – and many skip medical, professional, and social outings because they are worried they will not be able to find parking,” said Steve Lieberman, senior director of advocacy & policy for United Spinal Association. “Accessible parking is essential to the independence and well-being of people with disabilities.” 
Learn More

Sponsored Content
Laughing woman in wheelchair being shown an accessible room
Airbnb Accessibility Academy
Homes with accessibility features like step-free access are already in high demand on Airbnb — and that demand will only grow during major global events. Join us for a special session focused on accessibility ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a host, this is a great place to start. 

🏡 Accessibility Academy — Intro to Hosting with Accessibility Features 
🗓  Wednesday, April 22, 2026 
🕚 11:00 AM PDT 
📍 Online (free webinar) 

Register 

Events
Woman in wheelchair looking at a laptop.
Get connected with our free virtual events! Join the conversation — there's something for everyone. Click for more information and to register:

 Active Project Live
 Advocacy Live
 Empowering Parental Caregivers
 Resource Center Live
 Aging with a Disability
 Rolling With Pride
 Social Hour
 Walking Rollers
 Work Readiness Program
 Women with MS Connect 
 
View All Events
United Spinal Association Logo

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Today is National AT Awareness Day

A man in a wheelchair uses a computer
  
Assistive technology is about far more than basic needs; it is the foundation for participation, independence, safety, and dignity. It is the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving.
As we work toward a more all-encompassing future, consider these three questions:
  • Personal Tech: Have you explored the built-in accessibility features on your daily devices?
  • The Workplace: Does your organization actively prioritize accessible technology for all employees?
  • Community: Are your public events and digital spaces fully accessible to every participant?
National AT Awareness Day reminds us that assistive technology is not a luxury—it is a necessity that opens doors to education, employment, and community life. This day is also an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals, educators, and advocates who work to connect individuals with the technology that best supports their goals, helping to promote dignity, independence, and opportunity for all.
At the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, Center for Disability Resources, School of Medicine, Columbia, we reaffirm our commitment to increasing awareness of assistive technology and supporting students in accessing the tools they need to succeed. This year’s theme reminds us of “Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone.”—AT impacts all of us, and awareness today helps ensure access tomorrow.
We encourage our community to learn more about assistive technology, explore available resources, and continue working together to build a more accessible and inclusive environment.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Reminder! Adapted Book Workshop-Thursday and Friday

You’re invited to an engaging and hands-on Adapted Book Workshop designed to support children with disabilities through creative, accessible literacy tools.
Hosted by the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, this free training opportunity brings together families, educators, and professionals for an inspiring learning experience.
Participants will leave with completed adapted book kits ready to use at home, in the classroom, or to donate to a school library.
📅 Event Details
Dates: April 23–24, 2026
Session Options:
  • Morning: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location:
SC Assistive Technology Program
Center for Disability Resources
8301 Farrow Road, Poplar Building
Columbia, SC 29203
📌 Important Notes
  • Registration is required (spaces are limited) sign up for 1 day and choose a time to attend.
  • This training is free of charge
  • Participants should bring books from the provided Wish List 
    Cover of the book Waiting Is Not Easy!  By Mo Willems; cover pictures an elephant with glasses    Book Cover for Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed; cover features a black girl wearing an astronaut uniform

👉 Reserve your spot today



Friday, April 17, 2026

Spring Forward with AAIDD Membership!

 

AAIDD FYI

April AAIDD Highlights

Benefits AAIDD members are enjoying this month

Let Your Professional Growth Bloom This April!

Unlock exclusive access to professional webinars, leading IDD journals, networking opportunities and more. Discover all the membership benefits waiting for you this month.

AAIDD 150th Annual Meeting 

AAIDD Members receive discounted conference registration 

Register today for the AAIDD 150th Annual Meeting!

Don’t miss this historic sesquicentennial event bringing together leaders across the IDD field. Become an AAIDD member to take advantage of discounted registration rates.

AAIDD Webinars 

Ongoing professional education 

Why pay $10? Members receive registration at no cost for all AAIDD webinars

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Identifying Suicide Risk in Youth with IDD

AAIDD Webinar

May 13, 2026 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern 

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Building Key Skills for People with IDD Through Improvisation

AAIDD Webinar

May 27, 2026 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern 

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AAIDD Journals

Leading Peer-Reviewed Journals in the IDD Field

Access articles at no cost for AAIDD Members 

The April 2026 Issue of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is Available Now! 

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join AAIDD and enjoy all these member benefits and more!

AAIDD's mission is to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Become a member today!