Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page

9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report

LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code HCR

16. Specific lobbying issues

Administration for Community Living - Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Programs
RRTC programs conduct coordinated, integrated, and advanced programs of research, training, and information dissemination in topical areas that are specified by the Department of Health and Human Services National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). RRTCs conduct research to improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery systems; improve health and functioning; and promote employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.

United Spinal is subcontracting with Medstar Washington Hospital on an educational grant on the issue of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD) which is a term used for neurogenic bladder.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration - Public Workshop - Evolving Role of Artificial Intelligence in Radiological Imaging
United Spinal was asked to participate in a consumer panel representing the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium to discuss the challenges manual and power wheelchair users face when using medical devices at home.

United Spinal has been fully engaged in Congressional and grassroots advocacy related to COVID-19 relief for the disability community, with continual discussions with Congressional offices, and Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities advocacy, highlighting United Spinal priorities, engaging in adding Congressional signatories to letters to Vice President Mike Pence, head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force on the needs of the disability community regarding accessible communications, caregiving and supplies.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the CARES Act, S. 3548/H.R. 748. The SCI/D community achieved important priorities in this bill including: increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Administration for Community Living Aging and Disability Services Programs, and an extension of Money Follows the Person funding through November 30, 2020 and other provisions

Support S.3544/H.R. 6305 - Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020

H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, provided the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with limited waiver authority over Medicare telehealth restrictions during the 2019 Coronavirus public health emergency. While we applaud your efforts to bring these safe and cost-effective services to additional Medicare beneficiaries who are otherwise ineligible to receive telehealth benefits, we believe additional changes are needed to further reduce barriers to timely care, decrease risk of transmission for health care workers and patients, and maximize the benefits of a connected health ecosystem during this public health emergency.
1)Modify the qualified provider section of the to remove administratively cumbersome and overly restrictive barriers to telehealth delivery of care.
2)Provide secretarial authority to add Medicare Part B coverage for remote physiological monitoring for those testing positive for COVID-19 during the public health emergency.

Lifespan Respite Care Program Action Alert
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff created and distributed an action alert in support of a Congressional appropriations letter seeking $10 million in funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Program in fiscal year 2021.

Support the Accessible Voting Act (S. 3206).

Congressional Disability Policy Accountability Project
United Spinal formally proposed and received support from other disability organizations for the Congressional Disability Policy Accountability Project. The goal of this project is to increase competency in disability policy issues among Congressional staff by ensuring that each Congressional office assigns disability issues to the issues portfolio of at least one policy staffer in that office. Engaged with Congressional House offices on this issue.

Support "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3369)/(H.R. 6045).

Worked with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on the Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion (REAADI), and Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA); access to MS medications and increased funding for Congressionally-Directed Medical Research Programs focused on MS research.

Brain Injury Awareness Day - Congressional Briefing
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff attended a Brain Injury Awareness Day Congressional Briefing. The SCI/D community and the traumatic brain injury (TBI) community are working together on reviewing avenues of funding and the provision of rehab and program expertise.

Health Innovation Alliance
United Spinal signed onto a letter to Congress in support of an updated Federal Data framework to allow for interoperability with health IT, artificial intelligence and portable medical devices.

Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters
As a Steering Committee member of CPR, United Spinal signed onto a comment letter in response to HHS proposed rule focusing on benefit and payment provisions focusing on Rehabilitative Services and Devices protections under the ACA; Changes to the Automatic Enrollment Process under the Proposed Rule and Expanding Special Enrollment Periods under the Proposed Rule.

As a member of the Disability Rehabilitation and Research Coalition, United Spinal commented on NIHs framework for the strategic plan, which identifies cross-cutting themes and three major objectives for the agency - specifically related to disability and rehabilitation research.

Signed onto a CPR/ITEM Coalition letter to Congress for the exemption for non-invasive ventilators (NIVs) in the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program scheduled to begin on January 1, 2021. United Spinal also send a similar letter to Congress on behalf of our own Access and Care Coalition as well as onto a ResMed and ALS Association facilitated letter to Congress.

Signed onto an AAPD letter to Congress on the priorities of the disability community during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Comments on Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021
(RIN 0938-AT98, CMS-9916-P)
United Spinal, as a member of the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR) commented on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed rule, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 20211 (the Proposed Rule).
CPR is a coalition of national consumer, clinician, and membership organizations that advocate for policies to ensure access to rehabilitative care so that individuals with injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and chronic conditions may regain and/or maintain their maximum level of health and independent function.
The Proposed Rule sets forth benefit and payment parameters, changes the automatic enrollment process, expands special enrollment periods, and sets out many other policies implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). This comment letter will focus on key proposed provisions that specifically impact enrollees in need of medical rehabilitation and post-acute care.

Signed on to ACLU Coalition letter to HHS OCR re: Withholding of Life-Sustaining Treatment.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Vice President of the U.S., U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Institutes of Health (NIH)

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code VET

16. Specific lobbying issues

Support H.R. 4870/S. 2629, United States Public Health Service Modernization Act of 2019, to ensure full support and timely deployment of the Ready Reserve of the Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and amends the Commissioned Corps and Ready Reserve Corps through providing a technical fix to an existing authorization.

Signed onto letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission strongly discouraging the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) from proceeding with its proposed rule affecting the system for regulating market dominant postal rates and classifications. As proposed, this rule would significantly impair the ability of our member organizations to meet the challenges faced by communities that have served and sacrificed for our national security (Docket RM2017-3).

Supporting S.2981 and H.R. 2406, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2019.

Support Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act (H.R. 5701).

Signed on to letters of support to both Senate and House Committees on Appropriations requesting that the Vision Research Program (VRP) be funded at $30 million for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21).

Signed on to letter to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations in support of securing the necessary resources to support the continued work by the treatment-focused Gulf War Illness Research Program (GWIRP), part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) funded within the Department of Defense (DoD).

Submitted letter to House and Senate Armed Service Committees in support of S.3503, which provides VA with the authority it needs to administer VA education benefits without disruption as schools across the nation respond to COVID-19.

Signed letter of support for the Major Richard Star Act H.R. 5995, and the Senate companion bill S.3393.

Signed letter of support to House and Senate for waiving co-payments for Tricare mail-order prescriptions.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Postal Regulatory Commission, Education - Dept of

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code MMM

16. Specific lobbying issues

United Spinal supports H.R. 2293 introduced by Representatives John Larson and Lee Zeldin. Protecting Access to Wheelchairs Act.Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - standing features and seat elevation in wheelchairs
United Spinal Association, as a member of the ITEM Coalition's Steering Committee, engaging with Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on ensuring Medicare coverage for seat elevation and standing feature components of wheelchairs.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. SENATE

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code TRA

16. Specific lobbying issues

United Spinal continues dialogue with Congressional offices and with members of other disability advocacy organizations as we work together to agree on legislative language that would both advance accessibility in transportation and protect the hard-won gains of the ADA.

United Spinal responded to the Congressional request for continued feedback on the bicameral, bipartisan self-driving car legislation. United Spinal noted that automakers need to include information on their accessibility features as part of their consumer education; include accessibility and universal design expertise in their personnel and staffing hiring; include a process for taking preventative and corrective actions to mitigate against vulnerabilities, including cybersecurity incident response plans which must address accessibility; and, we must make certain that the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria address disability and accessibility matters.
United Spinal also supported similar comments to Congress, drafted by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Transportation Task Force.

United Spinal has provided input to the U.S. Access Board on:
A Study Initiated on Equipping Passenger Aircraft with Wheelchair Restraint Systems on January 13, 2020. The Access Board is undertaking a study that has the potential to advance access to air travel for passengers who use wheelchairs. As directed by Congress, this project will assess the feasibility of equipping passenger planes with restraint systems so that passengers can remain in their wheelchairs on flights. Having to transfer out of wheelchairs makes air travel very difficult, if not impossible, for many people with disabilities.

Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force
United Spinal, as a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force, supported a letter in response to a rulemaking on Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft; Part 1. While the ability to access an aircraft lavatory inflight is an opportunity most air travelers take for granted, people with disabilities often face barriers to the use of the aircraft lavatory that requires changes to their ability and willingness to fly. The Department of Transportation must support further defining accessible with respect to call buttons and door locks.

Transportation Access and Safety for People with Disabilities During and After COVID-19
As a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force along with numerous other disability organizations, United Spinal signed on to a letter to urge US Department of Transportation Secretary Chao to ensure that transportation service responses to COVID-19 do not discriminate based on disability, that service is maintained in line with public health and social distancing standards, and the needs of workers and passengers with disabilities are met.

Transportation for America
United Spinal, along with numerous other organizations, signed on to a letter to Congress requesting additional funding to ensure access to public transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) introduced the Disability Access to Transportation Act (H.R. 6248) on March 12, 2020, along with Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV-1) and John Katko (R-NY-24). This bill is the result of months of discussions initiated by United Spinal staff with Rep. Langevins staff about the disability communitys transportation accessibility needs and what improvements can be included in the next 5-year surface transportation bill that is due to be considered this year. Provisions include a paratransit pilot program to allow for one stop during a paratransit trip; finalizing public rights of way, Proposed Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way from July 2011; an improved accessibility complaints process and an accessibility data collection system on transportation modes.

United Spinal signed onto a press release, spearheaded by American Association for Justice along with Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Access Living and others highlighting the need to remove forced arbitration from litigation options which can negatively impact the rights of people with disabilities and others if there are any accessibility standards violated. AAJ and others met with Congress on this issue.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Transportation - Dept of (DOT)

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code CIV

16. Specific lobbying issues

Support reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020, H.R. 4334

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code DOC

16. Specific lobbying issues

DC Government Homeland Security and Management Agency
As one of two plaintiffs, (United Spinal Association and the DC Center for Independent Living) to the lawsuit against the District Government for failing to provide adequate emergency management and preparedness services for people with disabilities. In the month of January, United Spinal provided comments to the attorneys who filed our case, Disability Rights Advocates, on sheltering needs and wayfinding analysis and submitted comments on their biannual report.

Disability Community Advisory Group (DCAG) - 3rd quarterly meeting
As co-plaintiffs in the United Spinal Association, et al. v. District of Columbia litigation settlement with the District Government, the 3rd quarterly meeting took place to address: the Districts COVID-19 response as well as components of the settlement including: Emergency Public Communications; High-Rise Task Force progress (gap analysis due August 3, 2020); PECO plan progress (PECO plan due August 3, 2020); Emergency Sheltering and Power and Accessible Transportation for Evacuation.
Also beginning in March, there have been weekly COVID-19 check-in conference calls with the District Government.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code DEF

16. Specific lobbying issues

United Spinal submitted a request to Congress to protect DOD SCIRP funding, at $40 million yearly.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code INS

16. Specific lobbying issues

Social Security Administration - Continuing Disability Reviews
We agree that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is required by Congress to perform periodic Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR) on recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Title II Social Security benefits awarded on the basis of disability. We also agree with SSA that no changes to the current Medical Improvement Review Standard are appropriate.
However, we have significant concerns about SSAs proposal to perform more CDRs, more frequently. Given a lack of data or evidence to change the CDR process, we found the proposed rule so vague commenters cannot do so in a meaningful way. We urge SSA to withdraw this rule since it fails to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act.
United Spinal submitted its own comments and endorsed comments of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Social Security Task Force.

Support SSI Restoration Act - H.R. 4280/S. 2753.
Support the Disability Employment Incentive Act, H.R 3992/S. 255.
Support the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. - S. 651/H.R. 1814.
Support H.R 4280/S. 2753 - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act.
Support Senior Care Act - H.R. 5429/S. 3010.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Social Security Administration (SSA)

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code TEC

16. Specific lobbying issues

Support Sec. 9 of the CONNECT for Health Act of 2019 (S. 2741/H.R. 4932) in the upcoming COVID-19 supplemental legislation

Supported submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission regarding Docket Nos. 11-42, 09-197, 96-45, 17-287 EMERGENCY REQUEST FOR INCREASED LIFELINE SUPPORT DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS. The Chairmans Keep Americans Connected Pledge and Federal Communications Commissions (FCC or Commission) decision to temporarily waive recertification and reverification requirements for existing Lifeline customers were laudable first steps in the early days of the crisis, but more is needed as the extent and length of the emergency becomes evident.

United Spinal provided edits to a Health Innovation Alliance letter to Congress on interoperability; medical devices and access to care for people with disabilities. The letter outlined a mechanism to create a modern regulatory framework that governs health data privacy and interoperability.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code ENV

16. Specific lobbying issues

After initial engagement with the offices of Senator Udall (D-NM) and Representative Lowenthal (D-CA) on their proposed legislation that would ban single-use plastic bags and make it prohibitively difficult to obtain single-use plastic straws, United Spinal staff sent a follow-up letter with formal comments on a revised version. United Spinal staff continues to engage with these offices on the negative effects their legislation would have on the disability community.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.

15. General issue area code CPI

16. Specific lobbying issues

National Assistive Technology Awareness Day House and Senate Briefings
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Technology and Telecommunications Task Force, of which United Spinal is a member, invited members of Congress and their staffs to attend a March 4, 2020 briefing, in light of it being the National Assistive Technology Awareness Day, to learn about the benefits of assistive technology in people with disability or the aging community at the briefing.

17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None

U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area

19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None

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Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.

20. Client new address

21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)

22. New General description of client’s business or activities

LOBBYIST UPDATE

23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client

ISSUE UPDATE

24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)

Internet Address:

26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client

FOREIGN ENTITIES

27. Add the following foreign entities:

28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization

CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE

29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery, extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
No Yes