2024 Federal Advocacy Priorities
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy.
We believe that legislative, regulatory, and scientific advancements must be complemented by sound public policy and advocacy. Through government investments and action, systemic change can be made in the mobility impaired community.
Educating lawmakers and other policymakers about the impact of paralysis and the promise of our work ensures disability rights and the needs and concerns of our community remain a priority. Our programs are designed to not only help individuals advocate for themselves, but also to advance important issues for the greater community of individuals with paralysis.
The Reeve Foundation will continue to advocate for paralysis research, access to care, and quality and affordable treatment for all. The Reeve Foundation is also committed to ensuring the protection of laws and policies, which protect civil rights. These are our 2024 federal advocacy priorities:
Federal Asks
- Support federal funding for the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) of at least $10.7 million dollars for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.
- Support increased federal funding for all SCI Model Systems sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR); and funding for paralysis research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD).
- Urge federal policymakers to prioritize identifying and adequately funding caregiving solutions for the paralysis community.
- Support the inclusion of critical Air Carrier Access Amendments Act provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act, which will help create more equity in air travel.
In Partnership with Disability Coalitions
- Advocate for policies to improve insurance coverage of treatments, devices, rehabilitation, and home health care for those impacted by paralysis or mobility impairments.
- Advocate for the preservation, protection and improvement of accessibility policies and statutes and of civil rights for those impacted by paralysis or mobility impairments and their family caregivers.
- Advocate for policies that ensure safe, accessible, and affordable housing for the paralysis community.
Visit act.reeve.org if you are interested in becoming an online advocate. To learn more about additional advocacy opportunities, including participation in our Regional Champions program, please contact Gerard Arnum at [email protected].
About the National Paralysis Resource Center
Supported by a federal investment from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) the PRC is a free, comprehensive, national source of informational support for people living with paralysis and their caregivers. The PRC’s primary goals are to foster involvement in the community, promote health and improve quality of life. To date, the PRC has served over 125,000 individuals and families. The Reeve Foundation has operated the Paralysis Resource Center for over 20 years, competing in a rigorous, competitive application process every five years for renewal of this grant.
