What an interesting and fulfilling trip. This was my first time to DC and it was well worth it. I got to meet people from across the US who help to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and industry representatives as well. Here is a picture of Congresswoman Lois Capps and myself and a picture of part of the group who was in DC.
The trip was sponsored by the industry to bring in consumer advocates to help educate those on the hill about the specialized needs of complex rehab medical equipment, like electric wheelchairs. I also emphasized my personal agenda, getting the old outdated concept that Social Security uses when looking at people with disabilities, the inside the four walls concept. It is used to suppress people with disabilities and to still keep them in their homes, it is only in getting rid of this, then all people with disabilities will be able to be productive members of society to the greatest extent possible. Otherwise, Social Security and Medicare, which carries over to many private insurers as well, only look at what a person with a disability needs in getting around inside the four walls of their home. An old and very outdated concept that perpetuates stereotypes and prejudices.
All of the people that I personally visited seem to be on board with the proposals and were very supportive of people with disabilities in general. So hopefully this will be changed so that people with complex rehab equipment needs, will be able to get what they need for inside and outside of their homes.
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