United Spinal Association Praises Historic Signing of the Christopher and Dana Reeve...

United Spinal Association Praises Historic Signing of the Christopher and Dana
Reeve Paralysis Act

WASHINGTON, March 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Obama signed the
Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act that will improve the quality of life
for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause -
stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and others.

The legislation authorizes Congress to fund $25,000,000 per fiscal year
through 2011, as part of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act Title
XIV of H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Land Management Bill 2009.

Among the dignitaries at the White House signing was Paul J. Tobin, president
of United Spinal Association.

Tobin said, "With President Obama's signature, Congress and the Administration
have taken a significant step toward improving the lives of all paralyzed
Americans. I encourage Congress to appropriate funds under this law, which
will have an extensive impact on numerous disability initiatives that United
Spinal Association has promoted for a long time."

The Act's three primary components will enhance paralysis research,
rehabilitation and quality of life programs:

-- Paralysis Research - Expands research on paralysis at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). This will encourage collaborative research
by connecting scientists conducting similar work to further enhance
understanding and speed discovery of better treatments and cures.
-- Paralysis Rehabilitation and Care - Builds on research to enhance
daily
function for people with paralysis, including a Clinical Trials
Network
to measure effectiveness of certain rehabilitation tactics and
encouraging shared findings on paralysis to improve rehabilitation.

-- Improving Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis and Other
Physical
Disabilities - Works with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
(CDC) to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of
persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization
formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality
of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina
bifida, ALS and post polio. It has played a significant role in writing the
Americans with Disabilities Act, made important contributions to the Fair
Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and
is open to all individuals with spinal cord disorders.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Paul Tobin
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=83457

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Jim Weisman
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=84382

SOURCE United Spinal Association

Ahvi Spindell, Media Relations Services, +1-212-580-4567,
aspin4eiscom@aol.com, for United Spinal Association; or Cary Castle of United
Spinal Association, +1-718-803-3782, ext. 205, ccastle@unitedspinal.org