INTRODUCTION:

My name is Samantha Twining and I’m creating this petition, but I’m just one of thousands that this bill would effect. At 21 years old, my life changed in just one minute - when I was paralyzed from the waist down after a traumatic car accident. Throughout my 15 years of paralysis, the lessons I’ve learned, and the education I’ve received about community and policy is a bonus. I have recognized the flaws in our system and it’s time we work on changing them. Today, I am a housing commissioner for my local housing authority, and I am an active Registered Advocate for United Spinal Association (Greater Philly Chapter). 

United Spinal Association focuses on advancing opportunities, social equity, and disability rights for all people living with a spinal cord injury or disease, including Veterans. Our Advocates serve as ambassadors for the SCI/D community with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

WHAT WE’RE ASKING YOU TO SUPPORT:

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, and as it comes to an end, we call for public support on HR547 and SB367. Please take a minute to read and Sign the petition! 

WHAT WE’RE FIGHTING FOR:

At this current moment in Pennsylvania - there is no “ONE” department to funnel all Disability Related inquiries through. Almost always, when families seek OPTIONS, they are in dire need to find resources and assistance. These resources are buried within different departments, in all levels of government  - Federal,  State,  County,  Municipality and  School Board. 

Unless you are an Individual living with a Disability, or a family member of - it is very difficult to understand the depth of support one may need to reach Independence. It IS possible to live a fully functioning life, but  - in order to reach those goals, a strategically developed plan with resources and transparent access IS required to get there.

“BUT I THOUGHT THE ADA COVERS THIS STUFF” - says the majority of Americans. 

When The ADA was signed into law in 1990, individuals with disabilities were granted the “right” to be treated equally. Discrimination became law - but the existing world built around us, was certinly not built for us. As local communities begin to redevelop and design new buildings, new homes, new activities, outdoor spaces, etc - we need to work together to ensure that all individuals have access to these spaces. It will take the perspective of all abilities, to reach this goal. Public Perception is that The ADA affords Individuals with Disabilities access to equal opportunity - but that is far from reality. ADA was the opportunity. What we need now, is to set forth a system. A Department of Disability Inclusion at the State level, is what we are missing. 

WHERE WE’RE AT:

In March of 2021, Both Pennsylvania House of Representatives and State Senators worked seperatly, drafting two completely different pieces of Legislation, per request of MANY Pennsylvanians across The Commonwealth. The call for this is urgent. Unfortunately, after being assigned to “State Government Committee '' in both Houses - they have yet to bring forth either for discussion. What this loudly says, is that constituents are not being heard. Moms are not being heard. Organizations are not being heard. The most vulnerable are not being heard. Come November, both Bills will be declared “dead” - and we will need to start the process all over again. 

Disability does not discriminate. These things can happen to anyone, at any moment, at any time. There is no one answer to fix all problems, but little by little we can put forth the effort. This Bill would drastically benefit All ages of Disabled Pennsylvanians, Our Seniors, and Veterans now, and for Generations to come.