According to the CDC, in the United States alone 61 million adults live with a disability which is equivalent to 1 in every 4 individuals (Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic, 2019). Currently, individuals with severe disabilities and complex medical conditions are facing challenges to accessing complex rehabilitation technology (CRT). In general CRT items/devices are very expensive since they are individually configured and made to fit the unique needs of the specific individual.

Within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), its goal is to set forth a promise for individuals with disabilities to have equal rights as every individual does (National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology, 2020). However, by these individuals not having access to medical services and devices they require there is an unfilled promise that is not being met. So, I encourage not only federal and state policymakers to acknowledge the ADA’s purpose but also to uphold the full intent of the ADA. It is also important for health care workers, caregivers, family members, and individuals with disabilities to advocate to their legislators about this important issue.

Passing this bill will have a positive life-changing effect on individuals living with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Traumatic Brain Injury, and Spina Bifida. CRT allows individuals to gain independence, be an active member of society, compete in sports, and so much more. Without these items’ individuals with disabilities are being denied the opportunity to participate in everyday social and individual activities.

Please take the time to watch, read, and sign this petition to help individuals with severe disabilities gain access and increased coverage to obtain CRT items that are necessary for their overall health.

Click here to read the Bill H.R. 2408: Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2019

References

Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic. (2019). Retrieved July 02, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html

National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology. (2020). Retrieved July 2, 2020, from https://www.ncart.us/

Sensenbrenner, J. F. (2019, May 1). H.R.2408 – 116th Congress (2019-2020) Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2019. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2408/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.+2408%22%5D%7D&r=1&s=2