United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter is a 501© (3) organization and contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter provides information and support services for people who are paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions or have other physical disabilities. Other services include free injury prevention programs for school children and senior citizen groups and “Living with Paralysis” is presented to health professionals and students.  USAIC is dependent upon contributions to provide all services.

United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter is registered as an IRS 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization, Federal D 36-3149036.  Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Please help with your donation today!

Please send your tax-deductible contribution to:
United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter
P.O. Box 545,
Palos Heights, IL 60463

United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter is a 501© (3) organization and contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

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The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter is pleased to introduce its first Legislative Update! The purpose of the Update is to keep individuals informed of legislation and initiatives advanced on both the National and State levels that may affect those with spinal cord injuries and their loved ones.
(click on highlighted and underlined text to go to links)

LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES

Listed below are a number of resources that may be helpful to an individual or organization interested in participating in advocacy at the policy level. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but rather one we are hoping to continue to grow. Please send suggestions for additions to: info@sci-illinois.org. Thanks!

Who are my representatives?

Find your federal representatives at:

http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Find your Illinois representatives at:

http://www.ilga.gov/

(Click on “legislator lookup” under “additional resources.”)

How do I know what is happening in terms of legislation?

Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois frequently posts updates on legislation in Illinois:

http://capwiz.com/ccdionline/home/

How can I get involved in public policy advocacy?

There are several ways to get involved in public policy advocacy. These range from making a phone call to your representative’s office, writing a letter or email, or scheduling a visit. Here we have listed several resources from several organizations and agencies regarding policy and legislative advocacy. If the first link seems like it doesn’t answer the questions you’re asking, please try the next! While some may have repeat information we have included all here in order to offer a variety of perspectives and sources of information for our diverse range of interests and skills.

Able Data

The American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers offers an “Advocate’s Tool Kit”:
http://www.aascipsw.org/pages.php

The Council for Disability Rights offers information on voting:
http://www.disabilityrights.org/election.htm

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) offers a number of links to advocacy resources:
http://www.pva.org/

The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities provides information on a number of disability-related legislative issues: http://www.c-c-d.org/

Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) is an organization that encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofits to understand the enormous importance of lobbying and speaking out on behalf of their constituents, causes and communities. They provide a number of resources on their website:
http://clpi.org/advocacy_resources_hm.html

The David Suzuki Foundation is a Canadian environmental organization that has compiled a list of tips for contacting political representatives through various means:
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Take_Action/Politicians.asp

HR 620 Legislation

Here is some information on HR620.  This link below will direct you to the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD) and on their website you will find a Toolkit on HR620 all though it has all ready passed the House it does have important information on the bill.
https://www.aapd.com/urgent-action-dont-let-congress-chip-away-at-the-ada/
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