2025 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 paralysis community. Programs are designed to not only help individuals advocate for themselves, but also advance important issues for the greater community of individuals with disabilities.
The Reeve Foundation will continue to advocate for paralysis research, access to care, and quality and affordable treatments for all. In partnership with disability coalitions, the Reeve Foundation is also committed to ensuring the protection of laws and policies which protect civil rights for people with disabilities. These federal advocacy priorities are informed by a biennial community needs assessment survey.
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) 2026.
- 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).
- Ensure the long-term stability and funding of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to safeguard health care and financial security for people with disabilities.
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.
- Urge federal policymakers to prioritize identifying and adequately funding caregiving solutions for the paralysis community.
- 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 caregivers.
- Urge federal policymakers to maximize employment opportunities for current and future disability beneficiaries while also maintaining critical income supports.
- 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].
The Reeve Foundation engages in advocacy efforts to advance policies that promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life for people living with paralysis. These activities are conducted in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. No federal funds are used to support the Foundation’s lobbying efforts. All lobbying activities are funded exclusively through non-governmental sources to ensure a clear distinction between our federally funded programs and our advocacy initiatives.
