Accessible Vehicle Options Grow

PARAPLEGIA NEWS JULY 2020 Leading PVA 2020 virtual convention coverage Ensuring Access PVA’s role in the ADA

Cruise Control Accessible vehicle options grow

Disaster Relief Grant COVID-19 Request

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Disaster Relief Grant Program is available to PVA members suffering financial hardship resulting from natural disasters. During the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Paralyzed Veterans of America leadership has opened the Disaster Relief Grant Program to qualified applicants who are experiencing hardship directly related to the unex- pected impact of the COVID-19 virus.

Possible financial hardship resulting from the impact of COVID-19 includes funds needed to purchase medical supplies normally provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs but that are now limited as a result of supply rationing or any additional costs directly resulting from changes in your health care protocol because of the impact of COVID-19. Qualified applicants must provide documentation illustrating the direct financial burden resulting from COVID-19 and complete the Disaster Relief Grant Application on pages 7–8 of this issue of PN.

To assist requesters in the distribution of relief funds, members must comply with the following accountability procedures:

1. Funds will only be provided to PVA members.

2. A maximum of $1,500 per individual or family will be granted. Each application must be evaluated for need. Maximum disbursements will not be made in all cases.

3. Funds may be used for transportation, temporary shelter, food, modifications for accessibility, prosthetic appliances and medical supplies. The funds will not be provided if other assistance has been provided to pay for the items in the request (insurance, FEMA, etc.). Funds will also not be approved to clean up, fix or replace damages not related to the veteran’s primary dwelling.

Applications can be received by the PVA chapter or the national service office. Once an application is received, it is to be reviewed by the chapter president or designee and the national service officer (NSO). All applications require the approval of the chapter president or designee and the NSO.

After approval from the chapter and national service office, the application is to be faxed to the associate executive director of the Veterans Benefits Department for final approval. Include all estimates and receipts. Disbursements exceeding $1,000 must have verification that the assistance requested is valid (inspection by PVA, etc.).

In cases where the NSO and chapter disagree regarding approval, or either is not available, the application will be faxed to the attention of the associate executive director of the Veterans Benefits Department for final decision.

All original documentation will be forwarded to the associate executive director of Veterans Benefits for accounting and review purposes. Copies of applications are to be maintained in the PVA chapter offices.

A copy of the Disaster Relief Fund Application can be found on pages 7–8 or PVA.org/COVID-19. contents JULY 2020 VOL. 74 NO. 7

ON THE COVER Jose Hernandez of Texas is pictured with his Chevrolet Silverado Z71 conversion by ATC. Photo courtesy of ATC

22 2418 28 17

FEATURES

22 What A Ride 28 Advocating Accessibility Brittany Martin Paralyzed Veterans of America Options are opening up for drivers who want Government Relations staff more than the traditional accessible van. The ADA celebrates 30 years this month, and from its beginning to today, PVA has played a key role in ensuring access for people with disabilities.

DEPARTMENTS 6 Contributors 14 PVA Points 42 Classified Ads 6 Editor’s Desk 36 Newsbeat 42 Index of Advertisers 12 PVA Chapter Roster 39 Sports & Rec 13 You Said It … 40 PVA Service Office Roster Visit us online at pnonline.com

If you like wheelchair sports and recreation, you’ll love our sister publication — SPORTS ’N SPOKES! Preview online at sportsnspokes.com

“It’s outside, it’s healthy. It’s a forever learning hobby, and I feel like those are the ways to keep going.”

— Virginia Rose

17 22 32

COLUMNS Now in its 74th year and the official publication of Paralyzed Veterans of America, PN is a national, monthly magazine that covers news, health, research, lifestyle and issues of interest and concern to veterans and others with spinal-cord injury and disease. Anyone interested in submitting an 9 PVA From the Top article to PN should consult the Contributors Guidelines found on our website at pnonline.com. David Zurfluh PN neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised in the magazine. Readers should thoroughly investigate any product or service before making a purchase. 10 Reasons & Remarks PN STAFF Tom Fjerstad TOM FJERSTAD STEVE MAX Editor Advertising Representative 16 On The Hill Ext. 100 / [email protected] 215-284-8787 Lee Page [email protected] SHERRI SHEA Operations Manager ANN GARVEY Ext. 102 / [email protected] Art & Production Director 17 People Ext. 103 / [email protected] Brittany Martin ANDY NEMANN Assistant Editor KERRY RANDOLPH Ext. 112 / [email protected] Production and Graphics/Web Assistant 20 Research Update Ext. 104 / [email protected] JOHN GROTH Aston University Editorial Coordinator SUZI HUBBARD Ext. 105 / [email protected] Circulation Coordinator Ext. 109 / [email protected] 32 Innovations BRITTANY MARTIN Eric He Editorial Coordinator EDITORIAL, BUSINESS, AND Ext. 110 / [email protected] ADVERTISING OFFICE 2111 East Highland Avenue, Suite 180 CHRISTOPHER DI VIRGILIO Phoenix, AZ 85016-4702, USA 34 Caregiver Connection Web Content Manager Tel: 602-224-0500 Dewana Sue May Ext. 106 / [email protected] pnonline.com / [email protected]

41 Veteran Advisor PN (ISSN 0031-1766) is published monthly by Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc., 2111 East Highland Aaron Stevens, NSO Avenue, Suite 180, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4702. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, Ariz., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PN, 2111 East Highland Avenue, Suite 180, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4702. Subscription rates: $26 annually. Foreign orders: $38 (U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank). 43 And Finally Scoba Rhodes © 2020 Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without permission is prohibited. JULY PARALYZED VETERANS Editor’s OF AMERICA DESK NATIONAL OFFICE 801 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20006, USA 202-872-1300 • www.pva.org

PVA OFFICERS turns 30 this month. David Zurfluh The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) President (Gratitude, p. 10), I mentioned Paralyzed In my column last month Charles Brown who was injured in World pioneer Patterson Grissom, Senior Vice President Veterans of America he looked at me like I was clueless. War II, and how when we first met, Hack Albertson true to that was. Vice President This is another testament to how this landmark legislation was injured for nine months when Robert Thomas I had been life. It’s protections my entire disabled Vice President passed and have enjoyed the ADA’s the ADA passed, effort that went into getting Tammy Jones amazing to learn about the all needs more work. You can read Vice President what’s been accomplished and what on page 28. Kenneth Ness about that in Advocating Accessibility you’re looking for Vice President in this issue, we found some great ideas if Elsewhere the out there that are somewhat outside Tom Wheaton a new vehicle. There are options of as an accessibility market. I Treasurer what has traditionally been thought realm of excited in stirs your imagination and gets you Marcus Murray hope you find something that Secretary on page 22. What A Ride Al Kovach Jr. this month, and we hope you enjoy There’s plenty more to read about Immediate Past President

all the great content in this issue. PVA NATIONAL OFFICE Carl Blake Executive Director

Shaun Castle Deputy Executive Director

Len Selfon General Counsel

Cheryl Topping Chief Financial Officer

Peter Gaytan Associate Executive Director Veterans Benefits

Heather Ansley Associate Executive Director contributing to this issue… Government Relations Amanda Milisits Director: Medical Services

Mark Lichter Director: Architecture & Facilities

Cheryl Vines Director: Research & Education

Liz Deakin Director: Communications Dewana Sue May Lee Page Aaron Stevens, (p. 34) (p. 16) NSO Fabio Villarroel (p. 41) Director: Sports & Recreation

6 | PN July 2020 ()

July 2020 PN | 7 APPLICATION MUST BE SIGNED BY THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT AND NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICE. Chapter/President/Designee Approving:

National Service Officer Approving:

PVA OFFICIAL - Briefly describe how assistance was verified (i.e, pictures, visited applicant’s residence, etc.):

PVA OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Approved q Denied q Amount Approved q Date

Approved By Associate Executive Director, Veterans Benefits Department

Special inStructionS

1. Complete this form. 2. Tear out and submit to your PVA Chapter or PVA National Service Office (PVA Chapter roster can be found on page 12 and the National Service Office roster on page 40). 3. Upon approval from the Chapter and National Service Office, the application will be faxed to the Associate Executive Director of the Veterans Benefits Department for final approval.

Be sure to visit the Paralyzed Veterans of America website for more information on COVID-19 www.pva.org/covid-19/ Remember to contact your PVA chapter for information on what’s happening in your local area.

8 | PN July 2020 DAVID ZURFLUH NATIONAL PRESIDENT P VAfromtheTOP

masks, gloves and alcohol wipes carries on for Opening Up the foreseeable future. There’s one area during the last several July is upon us, and cooped up people months of this pandemic that gives me con- are ready to bust out of their lockdown situa- cern for SCI/D veterans — the hyperfocus on tions and re-enter their former lives before the the virus and the slow reopening of outpatient novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. and elective care within Department of Veter- While healthy, young people seem to be ans Affairs (VA) hospitals. growing less fearful and worried about the I fear health screenings for cancer, heart virus, the opposite is true about the spinal-cord disease and other serious health issues that injury and disease (SCI/D) population until a would have been caught during annual vaccine becomes available. We will need to be exams or other outpatient visits may have been overlooked during this shutdown. Pressure sores and Be your own infections may have worsened, too,

BILDBYRÅ and there may be some confusion best advocate about what to do.

MASKOT I can’t stress enough that if for your health you have a serious health issue,

IMAGES/ care needs in don’t wait for the VA to reopen. Be GETTY

© your best advocate and demand these uncertain to be seen somewhere, if not at a VA medical center. Make that call times. to your health care provider. Be adamant about your needs and work with your Paralyzed Veterans of America national service officer. Again, be your own best advocate for your health care needs in these uncertain times. If you don’t have a plan for COVID-19, I suggest you makew one no in case you, a family member or caregiver contracts the virus or even another illness. Make sure all involved understand what to do in that event. If you rely on caregivers, make sure a backup plan is aware of the risks and dangers of COVID-19 in the works and understood by all involved. and adjust on the fly, as our local areas and the Make sure you have enough PPE for every- world slowly or rapidly open more. one involved in your life and care. A vaccine is Remember, our SCI/D population will on the horizon, but we must remain vigilant not mirror the general population as it opens until it becomes available to us. again. Our compromised lungs and other I will end with three things I tell mem- health issues will cause our population’s open- bers, staff and the public when talking in ing to lag behind, quite possibly until we can webinars, meetings or to groups during this get vaccinated. COVID-19 pandemic we are all in: Think of people with asthma who are warned to stay indoors on a high-pollution 1) Think safety first day. Our population may have to do the same 2) Know your surroundings as COVID-19 flares up and the need for per- 3) Make smart and safe decisions n sonal protective equipment (PPE) such as face

July 2020 PN | 9 reasons remarks & TOM FJERSTAD, EDITOR

what has been the customary and normal PVA Convention personal interaction. Staring at a computer screen for hours Goes Virtual on end in a video conference certainly allows decisions to be made, resolutions to The Paralyzed Veterans of America’s be debated and voted upon, and important (PVA) 74th Annual Convention took place information to be disseminated. May 26–29, and for the first time in the However, what I, and I know others organization’s history, this meeting wasn’t missed, was the opportunity to lean over and held in a face-to-face format at a ask the person sitting next to you, “What do physical location. you think of that?” A virtual convention also A virtual convention Safety concerns for the PVA doesn’t allow for the incredible amount of Board of Directors, along with business that’s accomplished outside of the also doesn’t allow travel and other restrictions being formal meeting. Discussions in the hallways imposed because of the novel coro- or over dinner are truly where the bulk of deci- for the incredible navirus (COVID-19) pandemic, sion-making has traditionally taken place. amount of business forced the organization to hold this With all that being said, the PVA Executive essential meeting in a virtual for- Committee and members of our national staff that’s accomplished mat via Zoom video conference. delivered enlightening updates. I was particu- The Zoom meeting platform larly struck by our communications depart- outside of the was used to conduct basic essen- ment’s ingenuity in getting the word out about formal meeting. tial business, but it did present the unique challenges and dangers faced by limitations in comparison with the PVA membership during this pandemic. Resolutions TOM FJERSTAD The first order of business to be tackled by the board was the adoption of special rules of order to ensure fair and reasonable processes for everything from voting to what to do if you are disconnected from the meeting for some unforeseen reason. Once the ground rules were in place, it was off to the races. Seven resolutions were formally submitted for consideration during the convention, with the following five of them passing:

20-M-1 - Spouses/Caregivers Committee Submitted by the PVA Executive Committee This resolution expanded the eligibility of membership on the committee to include caregivers of chapter board members.

20-M-2 – Volunteer Award Presentation Changes Submitted by the PVA Executive Committee Paralyzed Veterans of America’s 74th Annual Convention took place via Zoom This resolution amended the Dwain Taylor video conference in May. Award for Voluntary Service in regard to the

10 | PN July 2020 TOM FJERSTAD

presentation of the award. Repeat recipients of the award who were presented their plaque in person at a previous PVA Annual Convention will now be presented the award by the chapter president or a national vice president at a chapter meeting or event.

20-M-4 – Clarifying Chapter Audit Sub- mission Verbiage Submitted by the PVA The newly elected Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Committee is, top row, from left, National Executive Committee President David Zurfluh, National Senior Vice President Charles Brown, National Vice President Hack This resolution amended Albertson; middle row, from left, National Vice President Robert Thomas, National Vice President Tammy the chapter reporting Jones, National Vice President Kenneth Ness; and bottom row, from left, National Secretary Marcus Murray, requirements to provide National Treasurer Tom Wheaton and Immediate Past President Al Kovach Jr. clarity on document spe- cifics and the manner of submission to the chief financial officer. n President: David Zurfluh was re- PVA, without whose help and support we elected to a fourth term could not have accomplished all we have 20-M-5 – Chapter Newsletters/ this week.” n Senior Vice President: Quarterly Reports Charles Brown Submitted by the PVA Budget Executive Committee n Vice Presidents: Hack Albertson, One really big piece of business that This resolution amended the delivery Robert Thomas, Tammy Jones, the board decided was too much to requirements for chapter newsletters. and Kenneth Ness handle in this virtual convention was the budget. n Treasurer: Tom Wheaton 20-M-7(S) – Chapter Sports Grants The board opted to steal a trick Submitted by the PVA Gateway Chapter n Secretary: Marcus Murray from Congress and passed a continu- This resolution amended the criteria Congratulations to all and as ing resolution of sorts to postpone for chapters to receive sports and editor, I look forward to working this hugely important task until they recreation grants. with each of you in the coming year. could meet face-to-face later this fall in Orlando, Fla. Elections The election of PVA national officers is Thank You, Next Year always a highlight of our annual con- Ladies & Friends Next year’s convention will be the 75th vention and is usually the culmination At the close of the meeting, PVA and is scheduled for May 18–22 at the of a week of politicking in the host Secretary Marcus Murray made the iconic Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas. hotel and surrounding restaurants. motion that we, the Board of Direc- I hope by then the only thing vir- The politicking surely took place, tors of PVA, direct the PN editor to tual about the convention will be in but it also had to adapt to a new and publish in a conspicuous place at an the casino gaming area. n different approach. appropriate time the following: The votes were cast into the “With sincere appreciation and virtual abyss and when the bytes gratitude of the Paralyzed Veterans of settled, the results were: America, to the ladies and the friends of

July 2020 PN | 11 pva chapter roster

ARIZONA GEORGIA MISSOURI SOUTH DAKOTA Arizona PVA Southeastern PVA Gateway PVA North Central PVA 5015 N. 7th Ave., Ste. 2 4010 Deans Bridge Rd. 1311 Lindbergh Plaza Center 209 N. Garfield Phoenix, AZ 85013 Hephzibah, GA 30815 St. Louis, MO 63132 Sioux Falls, SD 57104-5601 800-621-9217 706-796-6301 314-427-0393 800-505-4782 602-244-9168 706-796-6338 314-427-4183 (fax) 605-336-0494 www.azpva.org www.gatewaypva.org 605-332-8656 (fax) ILLINOIS CALIFORNIA Vaughan PVA NEBRASKA TENNESSEE Bay Area & Western PVA 2235 Enterprise Dr., Ste. 3501 Great Plains PVA Mid-South PVA 3801 Miranda Ave., Westchester, IL 60154 7612 Maple St. VAMC, Rm. 2D100 Bldg. 101, Rm. A1-219, 800-727-2234 Omaha, NE 68134-6502 1030 Jefferson Ave. Mail Code 816 708-947-9790 402-398-1422 Memphis, TN 38104 Palo Alto, CA 94304 708-947-9755 (fax) 901-527-3018 800-273-6789 www.vaughanpva.org NEVADA 650-858-3936 Nevada PVA TEXAS California PVA IOWA 704 S. Jones Blvd. Lone Star PVA 5901 E. Seventh St. Iowa PVA Las Vegas, NV 89107 3925 Forest Ln. Long Beach, CA 90822 7025 Hickman Rd. Ste. #1 702-646-0040 Garland, TX 75042 562-826-5713 Urbandale, IA 50322 702-646-3712 800-583-5252 pvacaliforniachapter.org 515-277-4782 www.nevadapva.org 972-276-5252 [email protected] Cal-Diego PVA www.iowapva.org OHIO VAMC, Rm. 1A-118 Texas PVA 3350 La Jolla Village Dr. KENTUCKY Buckeye PVA 6418 FM 2100 Rd. San Diego, CA 92161 Kentucky-Indiana PVA 26250 Euclid Ave., Ste. 115 Crosby, TX 77532 800-423-2778 2835 Holmans Lane Euclid, OH 44132 800-933-4261 858-450-1443 Jeffersonville, IN 47130 216-731-1017 713-520-8782 www.caldiegopva.org 502-635-6539 713-520-8217 (fax) www.kipva.org OKLAHOMA COLORADO Mid-America PVA VIRGINIA Mountain States PVA MASSACHUSETTS 6108 NW 63rd St., Ste. A Mid-Atlantic PVA 12200 E. Iliff Ave. #107 New England PVA Oklahoma City, OK 73132 11620 Busy St. Aurora, CO 80014-5376 1208 VFW Parkway, Ste. 301 405-721-7168 Richmond, VA 23236 303-597-0038 West Roxbury, MA 02132 800-852-7639 303-597-0039 (fax) 800-660-1181 OREGON 804-378-0017 www.mscpva.org 617-942-8678 Oregon PVA 804-378-0026 (fax) 857-203-9685 (fax) 3700 Silverton Rd., NE DELAWARE www.nepva.org Salem, OR 97305 WASHINGTON Colonial PVA 800-333-0782 Northwest PVA 700 Barksdale Rd. Unit 7 MICHIGAN 503-362-7998 616 SW 152nd St., Ste. B Newark, DE 19711 Michigan PVA 503-362-9837 (fax) Burien, WA 98166 888-963-6595 46701 Commerce Center Dr. www.oregonpva.org 800-336-9782 302-861-6675 (fax) Plymouth, MI 48170-2475 206-241-1843 www.colonialpva.org 248-476-9000 PENNSYLVANIA 206-433-0749 (fax) 248-476-9545 (fax) Keystone PVA FLORIDA 1113 Main St. WEST VIRGINIA Central Florida PVA MINNESOTA Pittsburgh, PA 15215-2407 West Virginia PVA 2711 S. Design Ct. Minnesota PVA 800-775-9323 336 Campbells Creek Dr. Sanford, FL 32773-8120 1 Veterans Dr. 412-781-2474 Charleston, WV 25306 407-328-7041 SCI-Room 238 412-781-2659 (fax) 304-925-9352 407-328-7139 Minneapolis, MN 55417 [email protected] 612-467-2263 WISCONSIN Florida PVA PUERTO RICO 3799 N. Andrews Ave. 612-726-9472 (fax) Wisconsin PVA Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 mnpva.org Puerto Rico PVA 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Ste. 306 954-565-8885 Urb. Country Club Milwaukee, WI 53202-4018 MISSISSIPPI 954-565-8843 (fax) 812 Moluca Street 800-875-9782 Bayou Gulf States PVA San Juan, PR 00924-1723 414-328-8910 Florida Gulf Coast PVA 15489 Dedeaux Rd. 787-757-6465 / 405-5551 414-328-8948 (fax) 15435 N. Florida Ave. Gulfport, MS 39503-2667 1-800-784-9502 (fax) Tampa, FL 33613 228-832-6864 [email protected] 800-397-6540 228-539-5494 (fax) 813-264-6285 (fax) [email protected] www.floridagulfcoastpva.org

12 | PN July 2020 you said it…

An Example tary mind this outstanding For Others couple will overcome any and Connect As a combat-wounded para- all obstacles before them. With Us plegic from the Vietnam War, It is a pleasure and my wife, Jackie, and I were honor to read of such heroes What stories in this month’s deeply touched from read- as the chief and Mrs. Stacy. issue of PN piqued your ing about caregiver Lindsey Our only wish for them interest? Let us know. Stacy in the May issue of PN Lindsey and Kenton Stacy, would be for us to be able to (Staying Strong, p. 31). from the May issue of PN. support them in a way other Email: [email protected] This retired lieutenant than a few words of “God facebook.com/pnmagazine of Marines salutes Senior bless your family.” Chief Petty Officer Ken- changing experience could Thanks for a job well ton Stacy for his courage, happen is an example for done, chief and Mrs. Stacy. endurance and service on others to learn from. Should there ever be a contact us (snobird2@ behalf of freedom. As a veteran who also desire to communicate with mchsi.com). Semper fi. The story of a couple has a caregiver, we have not another caregiver, a fellow John ”Jack” & Jackie Rine working as a team, facing had to endure all the difficul- veteran or just someone Ocean View, Del. the unknown together, ties that the Stacys face daily. concerned about a brother, n never dreaming such a life- There is no doubt in my mili- please do not hesitate to

INVACARE Ad HERE -New half page ad-

July 2020 PN | 13 pva points

Fox Parade the first person to serve four terms in that role. Almost two dozen vehi- Hilda was presented cles packed with well- with the 2007 Speedy Award wishers formed a parade (nonmember) for her years of in late May to pay honor to service to PVA, especially at former Paralyzed Veterans trapshooting events. Fox was of America (PVA) National honored with a Speedy Award President Joseph Fox Sr. (member) the next year. Minivans, motorcycles, Sadly, PN learned that fire trucks, sports cars and Fox passed away in early June just before press time. More on Fox’s life and service to PVA will be featured in PN’s

AMERICA other vehicles decked out with August issue. thank-you signs, American flags and PVA placards made VETERANS OF VETERANS two passes by Fox’s home May NVWG at Home 21 in Murrieta, Calif.

PARALYZED The “One Home Thank This month’s traditional OF You Parade” for Fox was National Veterans Wheel- organized by the PVA chair Games (NVWG) may COURTESY California and Cal-Diego have been called off, but that chapters to thank Fox for doesn’t mean the Games PHOTOS

ALL everything he has done aren’t taking place. for people with disabilities over the past 50 years. Vehicles were spaced out, and many people wore face masks to follow social dis- tancing guidelines amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A Marine Corps veteran, Fox was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in May. He opted to spend the remainder of his time in hospice care at home to be with his family and Hilda, his wife of 50 years. Sustaining a spinal- cord injury in combat during the Vietnam War, The 40th NVWG were set Fox has served PVA at the to take place July 3–8 in Port- chapter and national levels land, Ore., but the novel coro- for more than 40 years. He navirus (COVID-19) pandemic was elected PVA national forced organizers to cancel president in 2000 and was those plans earlier this year.

14 | PN July 2020 senting PVA at the White AMERICA House, on Capitol Hill and across the country.

VETERANS OF VETERANS Because of his tireless advocacy on behalf of PVA and its members, he was PARALYZED

OF awarded the PVA Speedy Award (nonmember) in 2015.

COURTESY Commissioned in the Navy in May 1968, Vollmer went on to serve with the River Patrol Force and was However, in late Additionally, three a liaison to the Special May NVWG co-sponsors, online educational seminars Forces in Vietnam. He then Paralyzed Veterans of will be presented during Doug Vollmer spent 20 months serving America (PVA) and the the NVWGatHOME, includ-

Department of Veterans ing Outdoor Adventure DONNA Affairs, announced the 2020 Programs, Introduction of NVWGatHOME program. Adaptive Sports in a Seated MACLEAN Set to take place July Position for Veterans with 12–17, the NVWGatHOME is Vision Loss and Concus- a virtual form of the event, sion Management. A mobile where participants can take application has been cre- part in a limited number of ated, and registration was sports either at home or in to close on June 15. More their local neighborhood. information on the NVW- Normally, the NVWG GatHOME was set to be includes roughly 19 sports, announced after PN press but the NVWGatHOME time in early June. program has been pared For more information, down to seven. visit crowd.cc/nvwgathome. Events include the following individual com- petitions, as well as a team Vollmer Passes contest, with social dis- tancing guidelines strongly Longtime Paralyzed Vet- suggested: erans of America (PVA) Doug Vollmer, right, and then-Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) employee Doug Vollmer National President Victor S. McCoy Sr., during PVA’s 1991 testimony n Disc golf passed away in Washington, before the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. n E-sports (Rocket League) D.C., May 29. He was 74. Vollmer retired in 2014 n Cascade Cup (adaptive after serving more than 35 ordinates that encouraged on the staff of the assistant fitness) years as PVA’s national legis- creative thinking, individu- chief of staff for intelli- n Butler Cup (team event) lative director and associate alism and productive team- gence for the Pacific Fleet. n Air rifle executive director of Gov- work. He was the anchor for Originally from Toledo, ernment Relations. 15 national presidents over Ohio, Vollmer and his wife, n 30-day cycling As one of the senior the years and developed Scottie, were married for challenge leaders at PVA, he created hundreds of congressional nearly 50 years and have n 5K (cycle, walk or roll) an environment for his sub- testimonies while repre- one son, Zachary. n

July 2020 PN | 15 on the

hillLEE PAGE

Hotel Accessibility have a combination of disabilities. All of these barriers can result in Thus, the standards include architec- people with disabilities being unable to Must Be Improved tural requirements that cover a variety enjoy a hotel stay for work or vacation. Although the novel coronavirus of different disability-related needs. (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted Lodging facilities must comply Legislation the way Americans travel, many of us with all of the requirements in the Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) has intro- look forward to being able to once again applicable standards. And because a duced legislation (HR 5412) that hit the road for business or pleasure. difference of inches, or in some cases, would require the National Council For many people with disabilities, a difference of a fraction of an inch, on Disability (NCD) to conduct a travel is one of the greatest pleasures in can pose a serious safety hazard or review with respect to the travel, tour- life. Until the passage of the Americans ism and hospitality industries regard- with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, ing their ADA compliance. however, finding a comfortable, The bill would also call on the accessible place to stay on one’s NCD to produce a report on the journey wasn’t guaranteed. progress in implementing standards related to accessibility of public The Standards accommodations and commercial ©GETTY IMAGES/ RAWF8 Covered under the ADA’s Title facilities for people with a disability. III, the hotel industry represents Paralyzed Veterans of America one of the largest categories of public result in the denial of access for guests (PVA) has endorsed this legislation and accommodations in the United States. with disabilities, full compliance with is working to ensure its passage. These businesses can be global cor- the standards is essential. PVA also supports legislation porate organizations or small, local that would help businesses with their mom-and-pop-run motels. Barriers Still Found ADA compliance requirements. The The ADA doesn’t cover owner- Despite the ADA having been the law Disability Employment Incentive Act occupied bed and breakfasts with five of the land for 30 years and the stan- (HR 3992/S 255) would expand tax or fewer rooms to rent. However, if there dards being fairly specific, barriers credits and deductions that are avail- are four or more units on the ground can still be found in many hotels. able for employers who hire and retain floor, a property may be covered under Bed heights in wheelchair-acces- employees with disabilities and who the Fair Housing Act’s accessibility rules. sible rooms are often too tall to allow make their places of business more Under the ADA, hotels, motels, inns an independent transfer. Beds on box accessible, including their internet or and other places of lodging designed or frames prevent the use of Hoyer lifts to telecommunications services. constructed after Jan. 26, 1993, must be assist in transfers. The Disabled Access Credit usable by people with disabilities. Room temperature controls and Expansion Act (HR 4045/S 2290) would To meet this requirement, lodg- closet hangers are often placed too also increase the tax incentives that ing facilities must comply with cer- high, are outside of acceptable reach help businesses with ADA compliance. tain regulations published by the ranges or are blocked by other barri- In the meantime, if people with dis- Department of Justice. These regula- ers, such as a chair or other furniture. abilities encounter accessibility problems tions contain detailed architectural A new trend in hotels is to design at a hotel, motel or inn, they should try requirements called the ADA Stan- bathrooms without a tub. Instead, to negotiate with the hotel to remove the dards for Accessible Design. tubs have been replaced with one-step barrier to ensure their stay is possible. These standards aim to ensure showers. This limits access for wheel- In the longer term, a person with a accessibility for individuals with a chair users who need access to a tub. disability can file a complaint with the wide variety of disabilities, such as In addition, hotels aren’t always Department of Justice at ada.gov and/ people who are blind or have low mindful of door pull weights, the thick- or file a private lawsuit in connection vision, people who are deaf or hard ness of the carpet and the need to elim- with encountered ADA violations. of hearing, people with limited use of inate random slopes in the parking lot, Lee Page is PVA’s senior associate their hands or arms, people who have provide curb cuts at all entrances and director of advocacy and has been part mobility impairments and people who properly stripe parking spaces. of PVA since 1990. n

16 | PN July 2020 people BRITTANY MARTIN

Birdability ing can be great way to stay active, Taking Flight both mentally and physically. Birding, or birdwatching, isn’t just Getting Started a casual pastime for Virginia Rose. Although Rose says she’s a latecomer to For the 61-year-old Austin, Texas, birding, several of her family members, resident, who has a T10 level spinal- including her grandmother, Mary Pat- cord injury (SCI) from a horseback rid- erson Rose, and younger sister, Cathryn ing accident in Evergreen, Colo., when Rose, preceded her in the hobby. she was 14, it’s about empowerment, “My grandmother had watched challenging herself and being at peace birds for her whole life, and I do have surrounded by nature. very fond memories of her in her green But looking at the larger picture, leather jacket with her binoculars Rose is using her love for birding to help around her neck,” Rose says. “And when create awareness about the accessibility she died, she passed along her Peterson of community parks and trails. [Field] Guide to me with all her penciled ROSE Virginia Rose VIRGINIA OF

birding classes and field trips offered COURTESY by Travis Audubon in Austin and began

PHOTOS feeling more confident, physically stronger and independent. “Committing to a field trip with 12 other people and not knowing if I can really do it is a little daunting. But time and time again, I would commit, I would go and I would figure things out,” she says. “And I think that’s so key as a person with mobility challenges, to continue to challenge yourself with things that may end up so empowering. If you don’t put yourself in a situation that may be difficult, you’re not going to achieve that accomplishment.” The retired high school Advanced Virginia Rose, seated in blue jacket, leads one of her monthly Birdability events in 2019. Placement English teacher is now on the Rose has been birding for about 18 years and has led bird tours for seven years. Travis Audubon board of directors and has led bird walks for seven years. How- ever, she often goes birding alone and To that end, Rose and her two- comments in it, and of course that’s a has identified 35 sites in Austin where year-old initiative called Birdability treasure for me still.” she can bird independently. are gaining support from Audubon Rose started getting serious about In April 2018, the seed for Bird- groups nationally, and she hopes to birding at age 43 after attending a ability was planted when Rose decided spread the message to other people lecture she’d heard advertised on the to do her own version of a birdathon, with mobility impairments that bird- radio. From there, she took all of the an annual fundraiser for Audubon

July 2020 PN | 17 chapters where participants see how two geographic information system “These are not always perfect many birds they can “get” in a certain (GIS) experts, Elizabeth Todd and Ryan ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] number of hours. From dawn to dusk, Hobbs with National Audubon Society’s measurements. I really didn’t want to she visited five accessible parks around Enterprise GIS team. Together, they built have to abide by those for a couple of Austin, wheeled 10 miles and counted https://gis.audubon.org/Birdability, reasons,” she says. “I’m so happy that about 52 bird species. a crowdsourced and curated map of we have these ADA guidelines, but if “I decided rather than try to keep accessible birding locations, which we are too dependent on them, then we up, and I will say some birders are really hardcore, OK, they’re like gunners, and I didn’t want to try to keep up with gunners because I bird differently,” she says. “I’m a slower birder. I’m very much more methodical, and I study when I observe. I don’t just see the bird and go. I study the bird so that I learn it. So, I decided I’m going to do my own darn birdathon.” With the support of Travis Audu- bon, she’s been leading Birdability walks for people of all abilities once a month and is in the process of making it a 501c3 nonprofit. “On one of my very first Bird- ability walks, where I had three other people in wheelchairs walking with me, they didn’t know each other, of course,” she says. “And so, I’m listening to them. I may be in front of them looking for birds, but also secretly listening, and I can hear them behind me discussing their various mobility challenges. I hear them talking about the clothes Virginia Rose, front row, far left, is pictured with some of her Birdability event participants they have on. I hear them talking in 2019 in Austin, Texas. The events are for people of all abilities. about the way to carry a coffee cup full of coffee. I hear them talking about their shoes. I hear them talking launched March 12. wThey no have over are restricting ourselves with a tool that about ways to keep their feet on the 100 sites across the country and one in was meant to free us.” foot pedals. I hear them talking about South America pinned on the map. Thanks to Rose’s blog (birdability. different kinds of backpacks. And my The site includes a survey loosely com) and National Audubon’s publicity, heart just lifted. I was like, ‘Oh my God, based on Rose’s list of access consider- people from across the country have this is so much bigger than birds.’” ations for determining whether a bird- reached out to her about how they can ing site is accessible. The survey asks start similar efforts in their local area. Birding Access for information about the length, slope She’s dubbed 15 Birdability captains and The National Audubon Society heard and surface of trails, accessible park- communicates with them through regu- what Rose was doing and invited her to ing and curb cuts, ramps, gates, railing lar emails and phone calls. present at their convention in Milwau- heights on boardwalks or bridges, steps, One co-captain is Bob Roarke, kee last July, where she connected with benches, viewing blinds and restrooms. a 69-year-old retired physician who

18 | PN July 2020 sustained a T12 level SCI in a climb- younger people who have impairments In the meantime, she’s learning ing accident in Colorado at age 29. The that keep them from doing anything.” how to bird by ear and spends at least Denver resident volunteers with Denver 10 hours a week researching the finer Audubon and is using some of Rose’s Forever Learning points of identification in her bird books. access considerations to assess bird- In addition to connecting Birdability While she’s seen at least 500 species, ing hotspots in the metro Denver area walks with occupational and physical one bird she’d love to see is the elegant for their own project, Birding Without therapy departments at rehabilitation trogon, which lives in the mountains of Barriers. They’ve pinned four sites in hospitals, Rose hopes to offer Birdability southeast Arizona. She likens birding to Colorado so far and have a list of at least programming at camps for children fishing and finds joy in the mystery and 30 other places for assessment. with disabilities all over the country. not knowing exactly what she’s going to “We’re just trying to carry on her Her ultimate dream is to create see on a particular day. [Rose’s] vision,” Roarke says. “She’s mobility-challenged birding teams in “It’s outside, it’s healthy. It’s a for- patient, persistent and positive. A real each city across the country. ever learning hobby, and I feel like those trailblazer, committed to inclusion and “Once we have those, then I can are the ways to keep going. Those are independence and very resourceful. invite [for example] the Seattle team the reasons to get up,” she says. “If you This is like a full-time job she doesn’t down to Austin for three nights. You have a forever learning hobby that you get paid for. It’s just her thing. She’s guys can bird all of the places I’ve can practice every day without a ton of really broken new ground, I think, for already found, and then you guys can money and without af ton o travel, why anyone, including vets, older people, reciprocate,” she says. would you not want that?” n

July 2020 PN | 19 researchupdate ASTON UNIVERSITY

“Cell Pores” 2013, Schumacher developed swelling of electrical signals from the brain to on his brain from water rushing into the the body and vice versa. Discovery affected cells. He spent six months in a But the scientists discovered that Scientists have discovered a new medically induced coma and underwent TFP can stop this from happening. treatment to dramatically reduce swell- complex surgery, but his rehabilitation Focusing their efforts on important ing after brain and spinal-cord injuries continues to this day. star-shaped brain and spinal-cord (SCI), offering hope to 75 million people The new treatment, developed by cells called astrocytes, they found TFP worldwide each year. an international team of scientists work- prevents a protein called calmodulin The breakthrough in treating such ing at Aston University (United King- from binding with the aquaporins. injuries — referred to as central ner- dom), Harvard Medical School (United Normally, this binding effect sends the vous system (CNS) edema — is thought States), University of Birmingham aquaporins shooting to the surface of (United Kingdom), University the cell, letting in more water. By halt- of Calgary (Canada), Lund Uni- ing this action, the permeability of the versity (Sweden), Copenhagen cells is reduced. University (Denmark) and Traditionally, TFP has been used UNIVERSITY University of Wolverhampton to treat patients with schizophrenia

ASTON (United Kingdom), is featured and other mental health conditions. Its OF in the May edition of the scien- long-term use is associated with adverse tific journal Cell. side effects, but the researchers say their COURTESY experiments suggested that just a single Counteracting dose could have a significant long-last- Swelling ing impact for CNS edema patients. The researchers used an Since TFP is already licensed for use already-licensed antipsychotic in humans by the Federal Drug Admin- medicine — trifluoperazine istration and the United Kingdom’s (TFP) — to alter the behavior of National Institute for Health and Care tiny water channel “pores” in Excellence, it could be rapidly deployed cells known as aquaporins. as a treatment for brain injuries. But the Roslyn Bill Testing the treatment on researchers stressed that further work injured rats, they found those would allow them to develop new, even animals given a single dose of better medicines based on their under- to be hugely significant because cur- the drug at the trauma site recovered full standing of TFP’s properties. rent options are limited to putting movement and sensitivity in as little as patients in an induced coma or per- two weeks, compared to an untreated New Hope forming risky surgery. group that continued to show motor and According to the World Health Organi- SCI and brain injuries affect all age sensory impairment beyond six weeks zation, each year around 60 million peo- groups. Older people are more at risk of after the injury. ple sustain a traumatic brain injury or sustaining them from strokes or falls, The treatment works by counteract- SCI, and 15 million people have strokes. while for younger age groups, major ing the cells’ normal reaction to a loss These injuries can be fatal or lead to causes include road traffic accidents and of oxygen in the CNS — the brain and long-term disability, psychiatric disor- injuries from rugby, football and other spinal cord — caused by trauma. ders, substance abuse or self-harm. contact sports. Under such conditions, cells “Every year, millions of people of The high-profile example of quickly become “saltier” because of a all ages suffer brain and spinal injuries, retired Formula 1 racing driver build-up of ions, causing a rush of water whether from falls, accidents, road traf- Michael Schumacher demonstrates through the aquaporins, which makes fic collisions, sports injuries or stroke. the difficulties physicians currently the cells swell and exerts pressure on To date, their treatment options have face in treating such injuries. the skull and spine. This build-up of been very limited and, in many cases, After falling and hitting his head pressure damages fragile brain and very risky,” says professor Roslyn Bill on a rock while skiing in Switzerland in spinal-cord tissues, disrupting the flow of the Biosciences Research Group

20 | PN July 2020 RESCHKE IMAGES/ED GETTY ©

Astrocytes, the star-shaped supporting cells that have numerous functions in the central nervous system, were the targets for a recent experiment designed to treat swelling in the brain and spinal cord following an injury or stroke.

at Aston University. “This discovery, based on a new understanding of how our cells work at the molecular level, gives injury victims and their doctors hope. By using a drug already licensed for human use, we have shown how it is possible to stop the swelling and pressure build-up in the CNS that is responsible for long-term harm. “While further research will help us to refine our understanding, the exciting thing is that doctors could soon have an effective, noninvasive way of helping brain and spinal-cord injury patients at their disposal.” Zubair Ahmed, PhD, of the Uni- versity of Birmingham’s Institute of Inflammation and Ageing added that “this is a significant advance from current therapies, which only treat the symptoms of brain and spinal injuries but do nothing to prevent the neuro- logical deficits that usually occur as a result of swelling. The repurposed drug offers a real solution to these patients and can be fast-tracked to the clinic.” Mootaz Salman, PhD, a research fellow in cell biology at Harvard Medical School says this novel treatment offers new hope for patients with CNS injuries and has huge therapeutic potential. “Our findings suggest it could be ready for clinical application at a low cost in the very near future,” he says. n

July 2020 PN | 21 Options are opening up for drivers who want more than the traditional accessible van.

Purchasing a new vehicle isn’t an easy choice for anyone, but for a long time, people with severe mobility impairments by Brittany Martin had very limited options — typically a choice between a couple of minivans. That’s no longer the case, as accessible vehicle manufacturers have answered con- sumer demand for more freedom and choices, broadening their conversions to include an ATC conversion company array of SUVs, trucks and crossovers. converted this 2020 Chevrolet “There’s need and there’s want,” says Silverado 1500 Trail Boss for company Trevor Jennings, director of partner relations founder Steve Kitchin, who sustained a for the National Mobility Equipment Deal- C6-7 spinal-cord injury in 1999. ers Association. “People need to be able to get around. They need to be able to live their life. They need to be able to go places on a daily Sporty Style basis and continue to be functioning members Steve Kitchin, who sustained a C6-7 level of society like anyone else, and I think what spinal-cord injury as a passenger in a car we’re seeing now is we’re starting to see this accident in 1999, helms one of those acces- market get into more of the want. I think we’re sible vehicle manufacturers that’s working to seeing this market kind of start to get into how effect that change. can we make our clients happier? How can we He founded ATC conversion company kind of polish off this industry in general and (atconversions.com) in Raleigh, N.C., in 2009, provide the things that people want, not just the and the company now does conversions and things that they need, which I think is going to custom jobs on at least 50 different models, be really interesting to see that happen.” including half-ton, ¾-ton and 1-ton pickup

22 | PN July 2020 IMAGES/SUPERPOPOV GETTY © RANDOLPH KERRY BY ILLUSTRATION

COURTESY OF STEVE KITCHIN

The trucks and larger SUVs can be equipped with heavy-duty lift systems that allow some- trucks in two-wheel and one to transfer into the original four-wheel drive, full-size SUVs, seat or stay seated in his or her wheelchair such as the Cadillac Escalade, Chevy while being lifted into either the driver’s or Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, and mid-size front passenger’s side. SUVs, such as the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, The mid-size SUVs, such as the Traverse, Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave. combine a ramp and a lift inside the vehicle, All of their vehicles are side-entry, and allowing people to park in tighter spaces. The their trademark is a gull-wing door. floor drops down and becomes a ramp, which “Initially, we started doing that just to then closes up again and becomes part of stay out of the rain,” Kitchin says. “Our guys the floor. with loading into their vehicles, and it was “It’s the same size or a little bit bigger than really led by people in the northwestern part most of the minivans, and then you can drive of the United States, were wanting something into either the driver’s seat area or the passenger that would provide a cover over them while seat or you can be locked down in the middle, they were loading into their vehicle, so we so it gives you the option similar to a minivan developed our own gull-wing system.” on where you can ride,” Kitchin says. “That’s

July 2020 PN | 23 COURTESY OF BRAUNABILITY BraunAbility’s Chevrolet Traverse is the company’s second a real handy feature for people who want to conversion with an automatic ramp in March, SUV conversion model. switch from driver to passenger. The seats are which Monique McGivney, director of corpo- on wheels, and they would come in and out, so it rate marketing for mobility equipment supplier provides a lot of the same function the minivan Ability Center, says offers more interior space does in that regard, but you still have a nice SUV than the company’s 2017-2019 Ford Explorers. that is probably a little more capable of going off “Braun brought out the Ford Explorer road and stuff like that, and obviously people like conversion, but it was a smaller conversion the sporty design of an SUV versus a minivan.” and not a lot of people fit in it. So, it had a lot Kitchin says while trucks and SUVs may of excitement, but it had some flaws in it,” she offer more power and versatility than vans, says. “So, now that they’ve had a couple years there are some trade-offs. to retool on the Chevy Traverse, they’ve made a “Depending on the model of their wheel- lot of improvements. More people are going to chair, they may not fit in every vehicle, so we be able to fit in it, so we’re really excited about have to look at specifically what size chair that, to try and bridge that gap for people who they’re in and what size they are,” he says. are newly injured or just don’t want to drive “Then, we can offer them different vehicles or a minivan and don’t have another option for variations of vehicles. Some of them we may adaptive equipment.” have to modify a little bit more to get them For those who’d prefer a rear-entry in, but we do some extra customization to get SUV, Michigan-based Freedom Motors USA people in exactly what they want to be in.” (freedommotors.com) offers a wide variety, including the Buick Enclave, Hyundai Pali- Expanding Options sade, Kia Telluride, Soul and Sorento, as well Two other accessible vehicle manufacturers, as the Chevy Traverse in rear- or side-entry. Vantage Mobility International (vantagemobility. At February’s Los Angeles Abilities Expo, the com, VMI) and BraunAbility (braunability.com/ company also debuted a spec model rear- us/en.html), have also entered the SUV market. entry Honda HR-V that garnered a great deal VMI sells the side-entry Honda Pilot with of interest, says Marketing Manager Rob a manual, in-floor ramp, and BraunAbility Armstrong. He says the Telluride also has unveiled its own side-entry Chevy Traverse been very popular.

24 | PN July 2020 “It seemed like for a long time vehicles were very basic, and now it’s every year they’re trying to come up with better ways to make vehicles safer, assist the driver in basically driving itself.” — Steve Kitchin

“We haven’t been able to sell a lot after-market customizations, too, such as the because we haven’t been able to source them, BraunAbility Turny Evo rotating transfer seat. but they sell as soon as we get them ready, “It can be put on a number of vehicles basically,” he says. — SUVs, trucks, driver, passenger,” she says. While rear-entry vehicles have the benefit “And it comes out of the vehicle and goes of being less expensive because there are fewer down to the ground, so somebody can just cuts that have to be made in the chassis, for the transfer on it, and then it lifts them back up most part, they are meant only for transport into the vehicle. But somebody has to have because the driver and front passenger seats the upper body strength to be able to transfer aren’t removable. There can be fewer seating for them to be independent in that solution. options, although Freedom Motors’ conver- And then we can put hand controls and then sions can be equipped with flip-down benches a lift in the bed of the truck that lifts the for additional passengers. wheelchair or scooter into “With ours, we don’t touch the drivetrain the bed of the truck.” or the power train or any of the electronic system, so for our vehicles, when you buy them, you’re actually getting the original mechanics of the car and the electronic systems that Kia or Chevrolet or whoever the make is, actually developed. We’re not mov- ing those around or anything like that,” Arm- strong says. But beyond manufacturers’ adaptive equipment, McGivney says dealers can provide a variety of

COURTESY OF BRAUNABILITY

The BraunAbility Turny Evo seat and chair topper can be added to many types of vehicles to make them accessible.

July 2020 PN | 25 Freedom Motors USA converts the Hyundai Palisade with a rear- entry option.

MOTORS USA DEREK KETCHUM/FREEDOM

electric vehicles,” Jennings says. “So, then the issue when you want to do a conversion The Future is you’ve got to figure out how to safely move Jennings says, overall, accessible vans and relocate those batteries, which is very remain popular because of their interior challenging when you think of how much space and simply because they’ve been they weigh. Where is safe placement?” around longer. And with Toyota’s decision to make all of “There are so many things that go into its 2020 minivans hybrids, conversion com- the interior room of folks being able to navi- panies now must face that engineering chal- gate around internally, and the SUVs are lenge. McGivney says Toyota provided VMI just newer. We’re not there yet,” he says. and BraunAbility with 2020 vans and wants “The manufacturers in that space are work- both manufacturers to launch their conver- ing on it, and I promise whatever they come sions at the same time. out with next, they’re going to be working to “That is what a lot of people have been make that their top priority, I’m sure.” asking for, but it comes at a price tag,” she Electric and hybrid technology hasn’t says. “And with Fiat Chrysler [Automobiles] quite hit the truck and SUV market yet, but discontinuing the Dodge Grand Caravan, Kitchin says it’s coming. there really is no lower price point minivan “One of the things we’ll have to adjust to or accessible vehicle options from a new per- is the amount of power, electrical power, that spective, so that could be a barrier to entry. runs through those is a lot higher when you There’s just no low-cost minivans really have a gas engine, so we’ll have to learn to going to be converted after 2020.” deal with that power as they start to come out Kitchin says the biggest challenge for with those more and more,” he says. accessible vehicle manufacturers, though, is In November 2017, Revability, which was keeping up with all of the changes in the new acquired by VMI, announced it was making a vehicle market. rear-entry hybrid on the Chrysler Pacifica, the “One of the obstacles we had recently first of its kind in the mobility van market. was the addition of aluminum to vehicles,” “So, typically, the battery placements he says. “… The GM trucks we do on the are under the floor on the hybrid and on the assembly line, they changed their doors to

26 | PN July 2020 aluminum to help lower the weight in the folks in chairs,” he says. “It’ll provide vehicles. And so, working with aluminum in more accessibility. I think they will have addition to working with steel, that took us more vehicles that are available to them, so a little time to figure out how we were going I think that’s an industry that is certainly of to weld those doors together, because it’s a interest to us.” totally different process, and still have the McGivney hopes in the future there will strength. Aluminum bends a lot easier than be a tipping point from a cost perspective. steel, so we had to overcome that using the “With the new technology in the vehicles, aluminum doors.” that adds costs to the converters to convert Kitchin says the number of computer the vehicles because you’re putting technol- systems and electrical components, includ- ogy on technology,” she says. “And the cost ing new airbag systems and driving tech- of vehicles are going up and then the cost of nology, such as lane change alerts, backup the conversions are going up, so my hope for cameras and forward crash avoidance, adds the future is whatever we’re doing that we another layer of complexity. have some options for costs for consumers “It seemed like for a long time vehicles because we don’t want to be an industry that’s were very basic, and now it’s every year cost-prohibitive or barrier to entry and people they’re trying to come up with better ways can’t get our products. The good thing is with to make vehicles safer, assist the driver in the industry being around for so long, there’s basically driving itself,” he says. “So, with all a lot of used options for consumers.” n these little add-ons that they do, we’ve got to figure out ways to continue making it work. And so, I think the future is just going to be more and more of that.” Jennings says it’s going to be fascinating to see what happens with autonomous vehicles. “As that comes to fruition, I think it’s going to provide more options for

DEREK KETCHUM/FREEDOM

MOTORS USA

Freedom Motors USA converts the Kia Soul as a rear-entry vehicle.

July 2020 PN | 27 The ADA celebrates 30 years this month, and from its beginning to today, PVA has played a key role in ensuring access for people with disabilities.

by Paralyzed Veterans of America Government Relations staff

This month marks a major historic milestone for the Americans with Disabili- ties Act (ADA) — its 30th anniversary. Signed on July 26, 1990, the ADA ensures the civil rights of people with disabilities to fully reintegrate into their communities and workplaces after acquir-

© ing a life-altering disability. This year, Paralyzed GETTY Veterans of America (PVA) celebrates the positive IMAGES/MAGLYVI impact the ADA has had on society and people with disabilities, while also acknowledging that more remains to be done to fully realize the ADA’s purpose. In keeping with PVA’s mission to advocate for the rights of its members as people with disabilities, the organization was an early supporter of the ADA when it was first introduced. In 1988, the ADA sought to provide a clear and comprehensive mandate for the elimination of discrimination against people with disabilities. PVA joined more than 80 other members of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in endorsing the act. Their joint message stated, “The Americans with Disabilities Act is a declaration that this country opposes unfair biases and unnecessary barriers restricting the opportunities of 43 million Americans in our land of opportunity.”

28 | PN July 2020 The House & Senate

Under the sponsorship of then-Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who © GETTY reintroduced the legislation in 1989, the bill made its way through

the Senate during the first part of the 101st Congress. It passed the IMAGES/CHIP Senate in September 1989 after a fierce lobbying effort by PVA and other advocates. SOMODEVILLA Then-Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) threatened to offer an amend- ment to exempt all small businesses with 25 or fewer employees from the ADA. If accepted, this would have absolved 90% of small businesses from the law ’s accessibility requirements. The late- Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) also threatened a filibuster. PVA fired off the late-20th century equivalent of an email alert to its leadership via Western Union Mailgram to encourage advocates to urge Senate cosponsors to hold firm to their commitment to the ADA Former Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and not weaken the bill with negative amendments.

Several PVA members also testified before a © GETTY IMAGES/DREW GETTY number of congressional committees about their lives as people with disabilities and the need for the ADA. Then-PVA National Vice President Perry Tillman III testified before the Senate Labor Committee about return- ANGERER ing from the Vietnam War with a spinal-cord injury (SCI). “I went to Vietnam like a lot of other young men to fight for our country’s ideals — freedom and the ability to become whatever we dreamed of becom- ing … when I came home, I found out that what I fought for applied to everyone but me and other handi- Former Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) capped people,” Tillman testified.

what it is like to be denied access to theaters, IMAGES/SUSAN restaurants, buses and places of business and employment simply because a doorway

is too narrow or an entrance has steps ... I GONZALES have fought since my injury to regain my rightful place in society. I ask that you now join me in ending this fight and give quick and favorable consideration to the Ameri- cans with Disabilities Act in order to allow all Americans, disabled or not, to take part equally in American life.” Late-Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.)

July 2020 PN | 29 Action Award and Vietnamese Cross of Gal- lantry. Although I am very proud of these hon- ors, they are no substitute for the freedoms that I lost to achieve them.” Resistance The turn of the decade dawned and saw the push for the ADA heat up in the House. The legislation had already passed the Senate and was stuck in four House committees — the Judi- ciary, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Ways and Means. PVA’s lobby effort coincided with the work and guidance of the CCD Rights Task Force. There was almost unanimous participation among the CCD member organizations. The Rights Task Force convened a meeting once a week on Capitol Hill to update the members and outline the advocacy strategy. Afterwards, the lobbying committee went on Capitol Hill visits with the coordinated message and dropped off relevant materials. Getting the legislation through the House was quite a challenge, even with the backing of major groups like the Chamber of Com- merce, which had endorsed the ADA and was actively lobbying for it. COURTESY The National Federation of Independent Business was opposed to it. Many Republicans OF

DAVID were also wary of the ADA as an “unfunded mandate” and had concerns that the law CAPOZZI would provide protections for individuals such as alcoholics and people with HIV/AIDS. Members of the A common refrain against including the latter Washington, D.C.- group under the ADA was how could they be based lobbying group Meanwhile, in the House, PVA member employed as waiters (food handlers) on the that worked to get Peter Adesso spoke of the indignities he assumption that customers would catch the the Americans with suffered as a veteran with a SCI before the disease. Helms sent a letter to PVA in Septem- Disabilities Act passed Judiciary Committee. bern 1989 i which he noted, “The sponsors in 1990 gather outside Adesso told the committee that when he would not provide the Senate with comment the Capitol. went to use a public swimming pool, the parks on the budgetary impact of the bill, nor could commissioner barred him from the facility, say- they assure the Senate that the bill was not a ing, “It’s not my fault you went to Vietnam and vehicle to get AIDS legislation and homosex- got crippled.” He also told the committee about ual rights in the back door.” a time he tried to dine out at a local restaurant The transportation industry balked, too. and was asked to leave because he presented Greyhound fought the requirements that “a fire hazard.” buses would have to be fitted with lifts, and Adesso concluded by telling the commit- Amtrak was given 20 years to comply with the tee that “I received a Purple Heart, a Combat ADA, which it ultimately failed to meet.

When the legislation finally passed out of the committee and came up for debate in the House, PVA and other advocacy organizations went and camped out in the Capitol and lined the hallways to make sure the representatives saw disability advocates before they voted. In the end, the House passed the ADA with 403 members in favor and only 20 opposed. A conference committee quickly addressed the differences between the House and Senate versions, and the bill was Then-President passed by both the House and Sen- ple with disabilities from fully participating in George W. Bush, ate and sent to the White House. their communities have been removed. seated, signs the PVA has continued to be an active ADA Americans with Passage supporter. It has been involved in efforts to Disabilities Act PVA staff and members were at the White both strengthen the ADA and to safeguard Amendments House signing ceremony on July 26, 1990. it from those who would seek to dismantle Act of 2008. its protections. Most recently, PVA helped lead efforts to prevent passage of legislation that would

AMERICA have required a person with a disability to notify a business with architectural barriers about the specific section of the law violated

VETERANS OF VETERANS before the person could file a lawsuit enforc- ing his or her civil rights.

PARALYZED PVA was concerned about this legislation OF because it would have removed any incentive for businesses to proactively comply with the COURTESY law. Instead, businesses could have avoided compliance, knowing that they would face no legal consequences. The anniversary of the ADA’s passage provides an important opportunity to highlight the work that remains to be done to fulfill the ADA’s promise. Looking to the next 30 years, PVA wants to see increased compliance with the law. Despite the threat of a lawsuit, too many businesses continue to ignore the ADA’s physical access requirements. PVA members report The ADA’s promise was encapsulated in regularly encountering barriers in hotels, President George H.W. Bush’s statement — “Let transportation and other aspects of society. the shameful wall of exclusion finally come As PVA has for nearly 75 years, the orga- tumbling down” — as he prepared to sign the nization will continue to be fierce advocates historic civil rights legislation. Since that time, for accessibility to ensure the civil rights of its many barriers that previously prohibited peo- members are protected and enforced. n

July 2020 PN | 31 ERIC HE innovations

It’s Your Break A Big Hit bly and the wheel base too narrow, Shuman, an adaptive sports recre- limiting the stability of the roll. When the Paralyzed Veterans of ational therapist who works with vet- “We didn’t realize it was going to America and National Wheelchair erans in peer groups to help integrate be such a big hit at first,” Hills says. Poolplayers Association Billiards Tour- them back into the community, came “She [Shuman] had maybe two or three nament Series hopefully returns later up with the original prototype — patients at first, at the time.” this year, participants could be getting meant for veterans who have paralysis So, Shuman came to Hills for help. some big help from a tiny device. on one side of their body or the use of They worked together to simplify the Seth Hills and Nicole Shuman, only of one arm. materials, using nylon and carbon fiber two rehabilitation experts at the She made the bridge out of a little instead. They changed the design to Hunter Holmes McGuire VA (Depart- wooden toy train and a strap of leather accommodate cheaper hardware and make it easier to assemble. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELISSA OLIVER They also found that in some of the earlier designs, the wheel didn’t quite clip onto the cue as easily as they would have liked. “It was an iterative process,” Hills says. Making Adjustments Hills and Shuman also made product adaptations to allow users to shoot from close to the table or from a longer range. In billiards, there are some cases when players want to get a closer shot, requiring the cue and bridge to be on the other side of the table. The initial design didn’t have enough clearance for a billiard ball. With that in mind, Hills and Shuman made other versions to accommodate specific situations. They also made a tackier wheel surface, allowing users to run the wheel along the upper outside edge Navy veteran Malik Jones, 22, shows how to balance a pool cue with the rolling bridge device. of the table. And perhaps the most helpful improvement of all was using a 3D printer to replicate the ment of Veterans Affairs) Medical and placed it on a pool cue. This rolling bridge, so they didn’t have to Center in Richmond, Va., have devel- allowed the user to roll in a straight make each one individually. oped a rolling bridge device that helps direction and hit the ball steadily. “We didn’t want to have to fabri- those with disabilities play billiards. The invention helped and became cate a bunch of toy trains with leather The VA has applied for a patent, which popular, with more and more veterans straps,” Hills says. “We had design soft- was filed Dec. 26, 2019. requesting pool bridges. ware to be able to model up a replace- “It’s basically a wheel that you can However, it was time-consuming ment. Once you have a design that works attach to your pool stick, so you can to create, and Shuman ran into an well, you just hit print. It’s nice because shoot pool one-handed,” Hills says. issue where the leather strap was wob- it’s hands-off production. We can use

32 | PN July 2020 of the Servicemember Transitional Advanced Rehabilitation Program at Hunter Holmes McGuire, the 22-year- old says he regained the confidence to climb and do other activities by using the bridge to play billiards. “It was the first thing that made me realize that there’s more than one way to do things,” Jones says. “It was pretty big for me.” This rolling bridge device costs For Jones, billiards is a way he and approximately $10 and helps people with other veterans at the facility can pass the disabilities play billiards. time with an activity that’s therapeutic.

our time better elsewhere while it’s being printed. It also has better materials than if we could do the arts-and- crafts approach.” Each device costs approximately $10. More than 20 veterans at the medical center are currently using the product. “It doesn’t seem like a huge number, but for what we do here Seth Hills and Nicole Shuman, two rehabilitation experts at the for assistive tech, that’s Hunter Holmes McGuire VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) one of the higher-use Medical Center in Richmond, Va., developed this rolling bridge devices,” Hills says. device to help those with disabilities play billiards. Regained Confidence “It’s like a math game on the The small device has had a powerful table,” Jones says. “It’s a strategy game. effect on veterans like Malik Jones. It looks simple, but it’s a lot harder. It’s An accident during his U.S. Navy a challenge. And I get to beat people. deployment in 2017 in Virginia Beach, I’m competitive.” Va., left him paralyzed on the left side Hills and Shuman have shared of his body and with a traumatic brain the invention with other VA facilities injury. Jones was told he wouldn’t be in hopes it will catch on beyond Rich- able to walk again and couldn’t do many mond and even to the everyday user. of the activities that he used to enjoy “We would love to have this avail- with his active lifestyle, such as CrossFit, able for folks who are outside of the VA,” lifting weights and snowboarding. Hills says. “Hopefully, somebody will However, three years later, Jones is be able to pick it up and market it to the walking and rock climbing again. Part general public.” n

July 2020 PN | 33 DEWANA SUE MAY caregiverconnection

Every Day Is cal training to join the service. Glenn Affairs (VA), and Glenn became a life- went to boot camp and served at Fort time member of PVA. The articles in PN A New Normal Meade in Maryland. However, when he magazine were most educational and I just realized that I’m a widow. was sent to Fort Lewis (Joint Base Lewis- supportive of his disease. I’ve felt like two people for 42 years. McChord) in Washington, he literally We began dating after his dis- My husband, Glenn, was diagnosed missed the boat to Vietnam. charge. He bought a 1969 Chevrolet with multiple sclerosis (MS) when our Glenn served as a finance clerk Chevelle SS, which I still have, so I could son, Jack, was a baby. Now, our son is there until being discharged in 1969. I sit beside him on the bench seat. We 42. Glenn could never carry Jack, teach say that because his MS was connected married in 1971. Glenn was a journey- man electrician, and I taught junior high and

MAY high school math. He had

SUE to retire in the early 1980s, but I continued to teach. Jack was born in 1978 OF DEWANA OF and didn’t think of his father as disabled. That COURTESY was natural to him.

PHOTOS Glenn’s diagnosis was hard to pinpoint since there weren’t MRIs at that time. He had advice, including from doctors, to take vitamins and build up strength. His strength would first give out when his legs would cause him to stagger and fall. Later, he had to get a wheelchair, even though he just looked at it, hoping it wasn’t needed. Within four years, both legs were useless, and that was a diagnosis Glenn May, right, Dewana Sue May, their grandson, Grant, and the 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. the VA recognized. Glenn got a power wheelchair with a joystick, but the him to play ball or take him hunting. to his military service, even though his joystick eventually had to be moved Everything, it seems, was and has been symptoms were sometimes far between to the nondominant hand. His my job. As a result, I’m able to care for and undiagnosable. Those episodes MS had become primary progres- myself, and that has made me strong. were recorded and determined to be sive, meaning there were no acute service-related. relapses or remissions. The Beginning He was recognized by a Paralyzed A few years later, Glenn started The Army called on Glenn in 1967. It was Veterans of America (PVA) national using a sip-and-puff wheelchair, the Vietnam War, and all young men service officer (NSO) when he was first which I think made him look like late were being drafted. diagnosed with MS. The NSO assisted actor Christopher Reeve, who played He was one of those willing to serve in getting Glenn information and ben- Superman, and he really was super in his country and suspended his electri- efits from the Department of Veterans my book.

34 | PN July 2020 He stayed alert in helping almost every hour. It was a good raise Jack and gave me pointers thing I had retired from teaching. on how to fix anything. Glenn He lost the strength to talk once talked me through putting much, so I interpreted his conversa- in ceiling fans and running some tions. I always knew what he was wiring. I balked when he encour- thinking, so that was easy. I read lips aged me to change the oil in the a lot in his last days. Chevelle. But I tried it — once. What He Asked For Friends & Family Glenn enrolled in the hospice pro- Our home was made accessible with gram in late 2019 when he was 72. He a grant from the VA. We had a pri- seemed like his old self, just needing mary care VA team who would come constant oxygen. to our home. Home-based primary He enjoyed a wonderful care was wonderful with doctors, Christmas with Jack and his fam- nurses, therapists, social workers, ily. Watching the four grandkids dietitians and a psychologist. seemed to be a closure for him in They became friends who his mind. New Year’s Eve came kept Glenn out of the hospital with watching the ball drop in unless necessary. His hospital New York City on television. stays were few and were usually Then this past March, Glenn for respiratory infections. helped celebrate my birthday with Glenn’s time in his wheelchair a cowboy skit my sister, Nedra, and gave him a chance to meditate, I put together. She was so helpful in record lists for me to do, talk on his caregiving and loved doing this the phone, plan our everyday life for family and friends. and watch TV. Glenn died peacefully March He didn’t get out much but Glenn and Dewana Sue May 28 with lung failure from late- was content staying home. Our stage MS. Because of the novel friends didn’t have accessible coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- housing, so people would visit us. Glenn could control the thermostat, demic, we were glad he was at home TV, phone, radio, lights and the door and not in a hospital. opener with a sip-and-puff device. Family and community friends He enjoyed watching birds, squir- did a drive-by memorial at our house rels and an occasional critter that would the day before his service. About 50 come close to the window. His main cars drove by and overwhelmed us enjoyment was listening to audiobooks. with signs of love and comfort. Only Glenn’s greatest achievement a graveside service with social dis- was making sure our son grew up tancing was allowed. with a good education and knowl- But that was what he always asked edge of our Lord. He would talk to for, and he got what he wanted. The anyone who came by about his rela- service was simple, humble and with tionship with Jesus Christ. his loving family and close friends. I did everything for Glenn, I plan to move forward and rely on including shaving, feeding, dress- my faith and the love and support of ing and bowel and bladder care. The family and friends. I will be strong and last 12 years were the most difficult live with God’s grace. Dewana Sue May as Wonder Woman and in that he had a tracheostomy and a Now, I’m ready for another her “Superman,” Glenn May. feeding tube that required attention new normal. n

July 2020 PN | 35 newsbeat

Abilities Expo For updates, visit disorders in this patient abilities.com. population,” Peterson says. Postponed Contributor: Kylie Abilities Expo organizers Urban, Michigan Medicine, announced in mid-May that SCI & Mental University of Michigan the Chicago Abilites Expo scheduled for July 10–12 has Health been postponed until next In a new study, published Rehab Guide year because of the novel in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, coronavirus (COVID-19). researchers from Michigan Booklet Originally scheduled Medicine at the University of The Christopher & Dana to take place in June, the Michigan found adults with Reeve Foundation, in col- ©GETTY IMAGES/LJUBAPHOTO spinal-cord injury (SCI) are laboration with Shepherd at a higher risk of develop- Center in Atlanta, recently ing mental health disorders, disorders,” says Mark Peter- published Restoring Hope: including depression and son, PhD, MS, FACSM, the Preparing for Rehabilitation anxiety, compared to adults Charles E. Lytle Jr. Research After Spinal Cord Injury. without the condition. Professor in physical medi- The booklet aims to help The research team cine and rehabilitation at patients and families learn

COURTESY OF ABILITIES EXPO examined insurance claims Michigan Medicine and the about spinal-cord injury data for adults, both with lead author of the study. (SCI), organize information, expo was pushed back a traumatic SCI and those “Which makes sense, as chart a path and choose a month as a result of the without the condition, patients with spinal-cord rehabilitation program. state’s stay-at-home orders. enrolled in a health insur- injuries have extreme However, the continuing ance plan for at least three sedentary behavior crisis forced organizers to consecutive years and including prolonged bed postpone the event until their diagnosis of a mental rest after injury.” June 25 –27, 2021. health disorder. In particu- Denise Tate, PhD, They had previously lar, they found adults with A BPP, FACRM, a professor postponed both the New York SCI had a higher incidence of physical medicine and Metro and Toronto events of anxiety disorders (19.3% rehabilitation at Michigan from May to Aug. 14–16 and versus 14.1%), depressive Medicine and the senior Oct. 2–4, respectively. disorders (29.3% versus author of the study, notes “As we consider the 9.3%) and psychological that much of the past safety and well-being of our multimorbidity, mean- research regarding SCI attendees, exhibitors, staff ing more than two mental focuses on physical health and hotel personnel, we are health conditions (37.4% outcomes. She says this forced to follow the gover- versus 23.9%), as compared study highlights the need nor’s order and postpone the to adults without SCI. for understanding this OF THE REEVE FOUNDATION Chicago Abilities Expo to “We also found patient population’s mental COURTESY June 25 –27, 2021,” the orga- that individuals with health and clinical care nizers say in a press release. spinal-cord injury had an needs, as they’re critical to The 44-page booklet “We know how much the increased risk of develop- overall quality of life and includes sections with Chicagoland disability coming other chronic diseases, well-being. education on SCI, tips munity looks forward to including cardiovascular “Clinicians caring for for getting organized for and depends on the annual and pulmonary diseases, adults with spinal-cord rehabilitation, informa- Abilities Expo to bring you diabetes, liver disease, can- injury need to be aware tion on how to compare the latest products, services cer, arthritis, circulatory of the increased risk of and choose a rehabilitation and information.” conditions and electrolyte developing mental health center and a glossary of

36 | PN July 2020 commonly used terms in Wheelchairs SCI rehabilitation. Clinical experts, including physi- On Planes cians, nurses and physical The U.S. Access Board’s therapists, among others, Committee for a Study of from the Reeve Foundation, the Technical Feasibility of Shepherd Center and Geis- Wheelchair Restraint Sys- inger Health contributed tems in Passenger Aircraft and reviewed the booklet. held its second meeting in Booklets are being dis- April via Zoom conference. tributed nationwide to case Meeting sessions managers, social workers and explored the technical, others at trauma centers. The engineering and certifica- booklet is also available on tion challenges in the use of Shepherd Center’s website

(shepherd.org/patient-pro- ©GETTY grams/spinal-cord-injury/ choosing-a-facility) and on IMAGES/ the Reeve Foundation’s web- IZUSEK site (s3.amazonaws.com/ ©GETTY IMAGES/ METAMORWORKS reeve-assets-production/ Transition-To-Rehab-Book- enable people with physi- the remaining prize purse let-4-10-20-FINAL.pdf). cal, sensory and cognitive by developing prototype The booklet is dedicated disabilities to use AVs to demonstrations of their in memory of James H. Shep- access jobs, health care and concepts. DOT anticipates herd Jr., Shepherd Center other critical destinations. awarding Stage II prizes in cofounder and longtime During two stages of com- summer 2022. chairman of the board of petition, teams will com- As part of the chal- directors and chief of staff. pete to earn a portion of a lenge, DOT is also encour- $5 million prize purse. aging teams to seek input Teams from academic from the disability, indus- Inclusive and research institutions, try and research communi- the business sector and ties. Understanding user Design Contest technology companies are needs and industry dynam- The U.S. Department of invited to submit entries. ics is critical to developing Transportation (DOT) has Solutions may include designs with the greatest opened Stage I of the Inclu- hardware or software potential for future impact. sive Design Challenge, a ideas intended to enable By ensuring that AVs are national prize competition independent use of AVs by designed to be inclusive, seeking design solutions to people with disabilities. DOT expects the challenge make future automated vehi- Stage I of the challenge will help enhance future cles (AVs) more accessible to requests written proposals access to critical services, personal wheelchairs (man- people with disabilities. describing the design solu- including medical care, for ual and motorized) as a seat Stage I of the challenge tion. Up to 10 semifinalists people with disabilities. in passenger aircraft and is open for submissions will be selected and awarded For more information the feasibility of addressing through Oct. 30. $300,000 each based on their on the challenge and these challenges. The Inclusive Design proof-of-concept ideas. In how to participate, visit Speakers covered tech- Challenge seeks innovative Stage II, semifinalists will transportation.gov/access nical and engineering issues design solutions that can compete for a portion of ibility/inclusivedesign. related to wheelchairs,

July 2020 PN | 37 aircraft and wheelchair erans and their allow the board to decide restraint systems. Each ses- representatives an appeal faster. sion consisted of question- to have their Virtual hearings became and-answer periods with board hear- a permanent option for vet- committee members. ing held from a erans on April 10, when U.S. Any technically feasible location of their President Donald Trump solution would have opera- choosing. signed the VA Tele-Hearing tional implications. And the The board Modernization Act into law. committee will explore those moved quickly To date, the board has ©GETTY IMAGES/FISKES implications as warranted in to put this held more than 640 virtual a subsequent meeting. expanded access to virtual option into hearings and has the capac- hearings to all veterans place in response to the ity to hold 250 per week. awaiting their board hear- novel coronavirus (COVID- There are many openings VA Virtual ing after successfully test- 19) pandemic and the on the virtual hearing ing the capabilities during temporary suspension of docket for veterans and Hearings the last year. in-person hearings. their representatives con- The U.S. Department of Virtual hearings are For veterans who opted sidering this option. n Veterans Affairs (VA) Board a secure, confidential and to have a hearing, choos- of Veterans’ Appeals has convenient option for vet- ing the virtual hearing will

38 | PN July 2020 sports & rec

Move United formed by Los Angeles (Angel military vet- City Sports) and Forms erans during Phoenix (Ability360 Two major nonprofit the Korean and Adaptive Sports & adaptive sports organiza- Vietnam wars. Fitness Center) — tions are joining forces to Now that they’re this summer. unite as one. combining, “We believe Adaptive Sports USA Move United will that sports has and Disabled Sports USA be the largest the unique power have merged to become nonprofit pro- to bring people Move United, which was vider of adaptive together and to announced in early May. sports to injured FACEBOOK.COM/PVASPORTS push them beyond veterans, what is possible, offering redefining their adaptive sports PVA’s Sports & Recre- ability,” says Move United opportunities to ation Department Facebook Executive Director Glenn 2,000 injured vet- page, facebook.com/pvas- Merry in a press release. erans and family ports, has offered a handful U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. members annually of online and video activi- Bart Salgado helped build COURTESY OF MOVE UNITED at no cost through ties, including adaptive yoga the Wheelchair Football its Move United and meditation, handcycling League and will serve as Move United’s goal is Warfighters program, events via Zoom with the Angel City’s coach in Los to fully include people with according to a press release. PVA Racing team, cooking Angeles. Salgado helped disabilities in American Exercise is a priority, as demonstrations and bowl- organize the Blister Bowl society, using sport to chal- well. In March, Move United ing, 9-ball billiards, golf, wheelchair football tourna- lenge perceptions and rede- started an #AdaptatHome handcycling, workout, air ment in the early 2000s and fine ability for youth and program, encouraging rifle/pistol and chess tips or served served on its rules adults with disabilities. adaptive athletes and local online instruction. The organization plans member organizations to to offer more than 50 com- work out at home with free, petitive sports for 100,000 live and on-demand online Wheelchair

O adaptive athletes in 200 com- adaptive fitness classes. T O H Football League P munities across the United For more information, LE com- FI S N IO States before 2020 ends. visit moveunitedsport.org. Are you ready for some AT mittee. BLIC Additionally, as a mem- wheelchair football? It PVA PU ber of the U.S. Olympic & could be coming to a city Paralympic Committee, PVA Offering near you this fall. He helped structure the Move United hopes to have With the help of the rules and guidelines for the 90% of the U.S. population Virtual National Football League– Wheelchair Football League. within a short drive of one Activities Bob Woodruff Foundation “It’s unbelievable to see of its local adaptive sports Healthy Lifestyles and Creat- how far I’ve come. I’m grate- programs by 2028, when the Although Paralyzed Vet- ing Community grant, Move ful to have a hand in start- Olympics and Paralympics erans of America (PVA) United announced the launch ing this league, and I can’t are held in Los Angeles. canceled its sports and recre- of the USA Wheelchair Foot- wait to see it highlighted Move United will be ation activities through June, ball league, which it plans to during the NFL Draft,” Sal- involved with military ath- the organization has contin- start in four cities — Chicago gado says in a press release. letes, too. Both Adaptive ued to offer PVA members (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports For more information, Sports USA and Disabled the chance to get involved Association), Kansas City visit moveunitedsport.org. n Sports were originally with them — virtually. (Midwest Adaptive Sports),

July 2020 PN | 39 pva service office roster

ALABAMA Vocational Rehabilitation Office MISSOURI PUERTO RICO VARO, Montgomery Augusta VAMC, Kansas City VACHS, San Juan 800-795-3581 706-733-0188, ext. 2875 800-795-3612 / 816-922-2882 787-641-7582 ext. 11566 334-213-3433 ILLINOIS VAMC, St. Louis VARO, San Juan ARIZONA VARO, Chicago 866-328-2670 / 314-894-6467 888-795-6550 / 787-772-7384 VARO, Phoenix 800-795-3598 / 312-980-4278 VARO, St. Louis SOUTH CAROLINA 800-795-3582 / 602- 627-3311 VAMC, Hines 800-795-3614 / 314-253-4480 VA RO, Columbia ARKANSAS 800-795-3599 / 708-202-5623 NEBRASKA 800-795-3631 / 803-647-2432 VARO, North Little Rock Vocational Rehabilitation Office VARO, Lincoln SOUTH DAKOTA (North Dakota) 800-795-9236 / 501-370-3757 Hines 800-795-3615 / 402-420-4017 VAMROC, Sioux Falls 708-202-5832 800-795-3632 / 605-333-6801 CALIFORNIA (Hawaii, Manila) NEVADA (Utah) VAMC, Long Beach INDIANA VARO, Las Vegas TENNESSEE 800-795-3584 VARO, Indianapolis 800-795-3583 VAMC, Memphis 562-826-8000, ext. 23774 800-795-3601 / 317-916-3626 702-791-9000, ext. 14458 800-795-3568 VARO, Los Angeles IOWA VAMC, Reno 901-523-8990, ext. 7795 310-235-7796 VARO, Des Moines 775-321-4789 VARO, Nashville VAMC, Mather 800-795-3602 / 515-323-7544 NEW JERSEY 800-795-3569 / 615-695-6383 916-843-2602 KANSAS VARO, Newark TEXAS VAMC, Palo Alto VAMROC, Wichita 800-795-3617 / 973-297-3228 VAMC, Dallas 650-493-5000, ext. 65046 800-795-3603 / 316-688-6875 NEW MEXICO 800-795-3570 / 214-857-0105 VARO, Rancho Cordova KENTUCKY VAMC, Albuquerque VAMC, Houston 800-795-3587 / 916-364-6791 VARO, Louisville 505-265-1711, ext. 5046 713-794-7993 VAMC, San Diego 800-795-3604 VARO, Albuquerque VARO, Houston 858-552-7519 502-566-4430 / 4431 800-795-3618 / 505-346-4896 800-795-3571 / 713-383-2727 VARO, San Diego LOUISIANA NEW YORK VAMC, San Antonio 800-795-3586 / 619-400-5320 VARO, New Orleans VAMC, Bronx 800-795-3572 Vocational Rehabilitation Office 800-795-3605 / 504-619-4380 866-297-1319 210-617-5300, ext. 16819 Long Beach 718-584-9000, ext. 6272 VARO, Waco 888-771-8387, ext. 24607, MAINE (Vermont, New Hampshire) VARO, Buffalo 800-795-3573 / 254-299-9944 562-826-8000, ext. 24607 VAMROC, Augusta 866 -795 -1911 / 207-621-7394 800-795-3619 / 716-857-3353 Vocational Rehabilitation Office COLORADO (Wyoming) San Antonio MARYLAND VARO, New York VARO, Denver 800-795-3620 / 212-807-3114 877-469-5300, ext. 10148 800-795-3588 / 303-914-5590 VARO, Baltimore 210-617-5300, ext. 10148 800-795-3606 VAMC, Syracuse DELAWARE 410-230-4470, ext. 1020 315-425-4400, ext. 53317 VIRGINIA VARO, Wilmington VAMC, Hampton MASSACHUSETTS (Connecticut, RDAA, Syracuse 800-795-3589 / 302-993-7252 315-423-5013 800-795-1350 Rhode Island) 757-722-9961, ext. 2943 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA VARO, Boston NORTH CAROLINA PVA National Office 800-795-3607 / 617-303-1395 VAMC, Richmond VARO, Winston-Salem 800-795-3574 / 804-675-5316 800-424-8200 / 202-872-1300 VAMC, Brockton 800-795-3622 VARO, Roanoke FLORIDA 774-826-2219 336-251-0836 800-795-3575 / 540-597-1707 VAMC, Lake City Vocational Rehabilitation Office OHIO Vocational Rehabilitation Office 386-755-3016, ext. 2236 West Roxbury VAMC, Cleveland Richmond VAMC, Miami 857-203-6091 216-791-3800, ext. 4159 866-752-8105 / 804-675-5155 800-795-3587 / 305-575-7180 MICHIGAN VARO, Cleveland VAMC, Orlando VARO, Detroit 800-795-3623 / 216-522-3214 WASHINGTON (Alaska, Montana) 800-795-3593 800-795-3608 / 313-471-3996 VAMC, Seattle 407-631-1000, ext. 11835 OKLAHOMA (Arkansas) 206-768-5415 MINNESOTA VARO, Muskogee VARO, Seattle VARO, St. Petersburg VAMC, Minneapolis 800-795-3624 / 918-781-7768 800-795-3594 / 727-319-7470 800-795-3576 / 206-220-6149 612-629-7022 VAMC, Oklahoma City VAMC, Tampa VARO, St. Paul 800-795-3625 / 405-456-5483 WEST VIRGINIA 800-795-3595 / 813-978-5841 800-795-3609 / 612-970-5668 VARO, Huntington OREGON (Idaho) Vocational Rehabilitation Office 800-795-3577 / 304-399-9393 Vocational Rehabilitation Office VARO, Portland Tampa Minneapolis 800-795-3627 / 503-412-4762 WISCONSIN 813-972-2000 , ext. 5681 612-629-7021 VARO, Milwaukee PENNSYLVANIA GEORGIA 800-795-3580 / 414-902-5655 MISSISSIPPI (Louisiana) VARO, Philadelphia VARO, Atlanta VARO, Jackson 800-795-3628 / 215-381-3057 800-795-3596 / 404-929-5333 800-795-3610 / 601-364-7188 VARO, Pittsburgh VAMC, Augusta 800-795-3629 / 412-395-6255 800-795-3597 / 706-823-2219

40 | PN FebruaryJuly 2020 2019 veteranadvisor AARON STEVENS, NSO

Inpatient Voting because of their medical condition. If you find yourself in a VA facility as So, this policy ensures that they’ll be a resident or patient during an election, Summer may just be getting provided with the necessary informa- reach out to a staff member who should warmed up, but it won’t be long before tion so they’re capable of participat- be able to contact the Voluntary Service it’s fall and time to vote. ing in the election process. Department on your behalf. Voting in November is a crucial This could be a VA staff member or a part of our democracy. But it takes on Management volunteer at that facility. This person will extra significance this year. Besides The authority to ensure this policy be able to assist you in several ways. voting on various issues and electing is enforced starts with the under If you’re already registered to vote, local and state leaders, you’ll be helping secretary for health. Additionally, the the VA staff member or facility volun- to decide the president of United States. Voluntary Service program manager teer can provide you with an absentee Your right to vote is a solemn or designee is responsible for ballot. You may not be able to complete CX KKI part of our Constitution, so HO the ballot yourself. If this is the case, / C S E G even if you happen to be an A that person will be able to complete M I

Y the ballot for you. If you’re not reg- inpatient at a Department T

of Veterans Affairs (VA) G istered to vote, the VA staff member © Medical Center, you’re or facility volunteer should be able still afforded the opportu- to assist in completing and mailing nity to cast your ballot. forms to register you for voting. Policy No Politics The VA has an established policy What staff members and vol- in Veterans Health Administration unteers are not allowed to do is (VHA) Directive 1060, which provides discuss partisan politics. No staff veterans with information regarding member or volunteer is permitted ©GETTY IMAGES/ BILL OXFORD voter registration and voting. to promote a particular candidate The policy also instructs VA or urge you to vote one way or staff on how to assist veterans who assuring that this is carried out at each another on a certain issue. wish to exercise their right to vote respective medical facility. And he or In fact, it’s impermissible for staff while at a VA medical facility. Voting she has three primary obligations. members or volunteers to provide their is a right recognized by the VA and is The first is to ensure information own opinions on such matters while supported by the United States Code about voter registration and assistance assisting you. Staff members and volun- and the Code of Federal Regulations. is posted throughout the medical facil- teers are there to help you exercise your As stated in VHA Directive 1060, ity and to make sure all patients and/or right, and they should do so in a nonpar- “VHA is committed to assisting residents receive this information. tisan and respectful way. patients who wish to exercise these The second is to ensure that all The importance of voting cannot rights.” Information about voting VA Voluntary Service personnel com- be overstated, and the VA has estab- should be posted in each VA medical plete VA Form 10-0462, Political Activ- lished a way for you to do so if you find facility. The directive guarantees that ities Fact Sheet and Certification. This yourself in one of its facilities at the a veteran wanting more information VA form describes what the person time of an election. while an inpatient will receive it. assisting the patient or resident can If you have any questions or are This policy specifically states that and cannot do. having difficulty with this process, patients or residents, whether they’re The last of the three primary obliga- contact your local Paralyzed Veterans of a hospital inpatient, reside in a VHA tions states that the Voluntary Service America (PVA) national service officer Community Living Center or a VA program manager must keep all the (NSO) from the roster on page 40. domiciliary, will be assisted with regis- necessary materials to assist veterans A Marine Corps veteran, Aaron Ste- tration and voting if they want it. in that respective state. This is set forth vens has served as a PVA NSO at the Louis These veterans may not have because no single form for absentee vot- Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in access to their local voting facilities ing is used in every state. Cleveland for the last 12 years. n

July 2020 PN | 41 classifieds classifieds

Classified ads are printed at the editor’s discretion. PN neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised.

MISCELLANEOUS REAL ESTATE

FLORIDA JACK KELLER, INC., REALTORS 2440 West Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770 727-586-1497 www.WheelchairAccessibleHomes.com (LEGEND = BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS/GARAGE SIZE)

NEW! VALRICO: 3/2/2, roll-in shwr., 1,894 sq. ft. w/POOL $275.9k. NEW! ARCADIA: 3/3/3, 2 x roll- in shwr., 3,863 sq. ft. w/ POOL $1.45mil. OVIEDO: 4/2/2, roll-in shwr. & sink, 2,101 sq. ft. $349.9k. THE VILLAGES: 2/2/2, roll-in shwr., 1,999 sq. ft. w/Community POOL $299.9k. PORT ST LUCIE: 3/3/2, roll-in shwr. & sink, 2,487 sq. ft. $349.9k. +PHOTOS & MORE ON OUR WEBSITE!

TRAVEL

WHEELCHAIR ESCAPES ATTENTION VETERANS AND KIDS also Caregivers and Parents! Over 27 years of hands-on wheelchair travel experience. Personalized service. Discounts available when purchasing either our visit www.wheelchairescapes.com Deluxe Version or our or call Kristy at 866-382-3596 Latex Free Base Edition of our Exciting Inclusive Why not have the benefit of a Certified Wheelchair Workout Strength Training Gym! Accessible Travel Specialist and the power of Please go to: www.workoutandrecovery.com and mention Veteran or Kid when ordering to working for you? get your discount! Only a few in stock so order today! VEHICLES

2005-2020 10" LOWERED-FLOOR MINI-VANS: INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 50% off delivery. Call 866-869-0808. PAGE 2013 FORD E350 VAN: wheelchair acces- Abilities Expo ...... 2 sible/wheelchair ready. Photos/info. Call Jim 213-705-4669 (MI). Concepts In Confidence ...... 21 2008 FORD E350 VAN: wheelchair acces- DIESTCO Manufacturing Corp . . . . . 38 sible/wheelchair ready. Photos/info. Call Jim Invacare ...... 13 213-705-4669 (MI). YOUR AD COULD BE HERE: Classified Nuprodx Inc ...... 19 ads must be prepaid and are not com- Orion Medical Group Inc ...... 33 missionable ($1/word—personal, $1.50/ word—business, bold lead-in no extra Stealth ...... 44 charge). Classified ads must be prepaid. Contact [email protected].

42 | PN July 2020 SCOBA RHODES andfinally...

Familiar Phrases immune function. A 2018 study from As we age, our bodies produce fewer the University of Michigan School of immune cells and become subject to During my recovery in a Depart- Public Health published in the Jour- higher amounts of internal inflamma- ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital nal of Infectious Diseases found obese tion. A body with any type of paralysis almost 11 years ago, my doctor gave me patients took 42% longer to fight off the already has the above secondary condi- advice that I took to heart, and now that flu than non-obese people. tion, but as we age, it gets worse. suggestion is more crucial than ever. Diabetes. High blood sugar Basically, I had to realize that not (hyperglycemia) is an inflammatory Our Best Weapons only did I have a spinal-cord injury to condition that can inhibit the body’s I never believed I would utter the follow- deal with for the rest of my life, but every natural immune response and raise ing words in my lifetime, but it looks like other medical issue would have an the risk of infection. This is my per- for 2020 and 2021, having SCI/D isn’t our added complication to my health. sonal battle, being prediabetic. So far, primary health concern when it comes I’ve been reading articles by well- I’ve controlled it with proper diet and to COVID-19. known doctors such as Sanjay Gupta, a desire for a tall glass of Coca-Cola, But if you’ve been reading the Mehmet Oz and Drew Pinsky, as well which frequently gets denied. recent issues of PN and watching PVA’s as updates from Anthony Fauci. Heck, I Cancer. If you’ve experienced a webinars, PVA is intently looking at the would even look at an opinion written by bout with cancer, then it’s wreaked research and issuing guidelines to keep Dr. Seuss and Dr. Doolittle. Considering havoc on your immune system. Any us healthy and alive. Also, pva.org has the times, that may not be too crazy. PVA member who is also a cancer sur- all the latest COVID-19 information rel- One article I particularly like is vivor should have a conversation with evant to PVA members. Coronavirus Immunity: How Does Your his or her VA physician and cancer spe- With the newly established VA Age Play a Factor? by Mike Zimmer- cialist. They’ll probably provide some telehealth network and the 24-hour man in May’s AARP Bulletin (aarp.org/ extra precautions. nursing helpline, we can contact the VA health/conditions-treatments/info- Heart disease. The American Col- and request information on the latest 2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk. lege of Cardiology reports as many as 40% COVID-19 precautions and recommen- html). It covers a common message that of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients dations. Our best weapon right now is I’m gleaning from all the advice and who required hospitalization had under- knowledge and understanding. warnings, and it’s a phrase we’re all too lying heart disease or hypertension. Individually, we’ve experienced dif- familiar with — preexisting conditions. Other respiratory diseases. ferent secondary issues because of our We’ve learned that COVID-19 attacks injuries, but collectively, we’ve dealt with Significant Impact the lungs in a major way. Patients with them all. The VA and PVA have been on When I first started reading about these asthma, bronchitis or any other disease top of this since the beginning, and they conditions, I thought spinal-cord injury associated with the lungs have an addi- are keeping us informed on the latest and disease (SCI/D) would be at the top tional battle when contracting this virus. information and recommendations. of the list. But it didn’t even make the top Autoimmune diseases. Some Just remember, set a telehealth six. However, Zimmerman’s list still has people may think that means HIV/AIDS. appointment or go to pva.org for answers a significant impact on our Paralyzed But many of us in PVA are aware this can and information. In the meantime, stay Veterans of America (PVA) population. also include rheumatoid arthritis, mul- inside. If you must venture out, wear a Here are some brief highlights from the tiple sclerosis or even psoriasis. Along mask, and as always, wash your hands. article and my thoughts. with the complications of the disease, Yes, I realize I sound just like my Obesity. Our inability to engage in the treatment of these conditions may mother. Stay healthy, everyone. regular exercise can lead to an increase involve immunosuppressive drugs that Scoba Rhodes is a U.S. Navy veteran in weight, so we need to watch our diet. can raise infection risk. and author of Rules of Engagement: A Additionally, a proper diet can have Age. We can attribute our longer Self-Help Guide for Those Overcoming many other positive effects, specifically lifespan to the medical treatments and Major Personal Trauma. on our immune systems. research that have occurred over the The opinions of the author do not Fat tissue has been recognized as past 74 years thanks to PVA’s advocacy. necessarily reflect the position of Para- an active endocrine and immune organ We must remember that with increased lyzed Veterans of America. n that can directly inhibit metabolic age comes weaker immune systems.

July 2020 PN | 43