United Spinal Association

In 1948, 70 members of Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA) held a public demonstration in New York’s Grand Central Station to gather signatures supporting the nation’s first accessible housing bill (Public Law 702) to get federal funds to build accessible homes for paralyzed veterans.

[2] In 1968, EPVA advocates for equal access to federally-funded buildings and facilities for wheelchair users and all Americans living with disabilities, leading to the passage of Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.

[3] In 1970, Executive Director James J. Peters set out to expose the deplorable conditions on the spinal cord injury units at the Bronx Veterans Hospital,[4] culminating in a Life magazine expose, the creation of the US Department of Veterans Affairs's dedicated Spinal Cord Injury Service.

Among the group's past and present members are Lex Frieden, Junius Kellogg and Frank Genese.

[citation needed] United Spinal offers members access to local chapter and peer support groups that promote inclusion and independence, organize local events and projects, advocate for rights and accessibility, and offer information and support.

United Spinal Association staff and members at the 2019 Roll on Capitol Hill annual disability advocacy event