Oct. 2017
FALL 2017 CONNECTIONS
5
I had the opportunity (again!) to travel to Washington D.C. on behalf of the Northeast Ohio United Spinal Chapter to take part in an event called Roll on Capitol Hill (Roll) in June 2017. Roll allows participants to talk to congressional leaders about different legislation that affects them on a personal level. This was the 6th annual Roll and I made my second appearance. I attended this event six years ago, at the very first one. My has this event grown! I remember there being maybe 100 people total at the inaugural Roll. This year, there were over 100 wheelchair users, some with loved ones and caretakers, and United Spinal staff, representing 32 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico! WOW!
Roll on Capitol Hill (Roll) June 2017
Article by Megan Hammond
The event is kicked off by a welcome reception. This year, I had the privilege of seeing The Rollettes perform. This is a dance group of six members (however only four could make this event) whom all use wheelchairs from either a spinal cord injury or a spinal disease from birth. Chelsie Hill is the leader and organizer of this group, and I have to admit I was a little star struck as I do follow her on social media. This was a fun way to start off the night and we spent the rest of the evening catching up with friends, as well as meeting new friends.
For the first full day, participants spend it in the classroom. United Spinal staff and keynote speakers address the legislation issues that they want us to address and the reasons why we want Congress to either support or oppose each issue. This was especially helpful to someone like me, who does not completely understand politics. Other keynote speakers discussed other programs that are offered throughout the United States. During our breaks, we had time to visit with some vendors. Some that were represented include Permobil, Numotion, Coloplast, Hollister, and Teledoc. United Spinal was even encouraging us to do so by promoting some give-away items for those that turned in a stamped “passport” by the end of the day. This items included Starbucks gift cards (who doesn’t want those!), Amazon gift cards, and even a Round Trip Airfare package! Sadly, although I participated, I did not win anything.