6
FALL 2017 CONNECTIONS
Oct. 2017
The second day was when we went to work. We traveled to Capitol Hill via the Metro, and this was the part I was most anxious about. I have never ridden any sort of subway or train before. The closest thing that I have ridden before would be a shuttle at an airport. We traveled in groups, based on what time our meetings were. United Spinal set up some volunteers through a local college that were studying to be either physical or occupational therapists. They were familiar with the Metro, and with wheelchairs, and were a big, big help. After the ride there, I decided that it was not so bad and I would ride it again. In fact, I had to, that’s how I was getting back to my hotel.
My group met with five offices that day, our two Senators and three members of the house. First up was Senator Sherrod Brown. He has cosponsored a couple of bills that we were wanting support on, so our visit with him was more of a thank you for his support and providing reasons why he should continue to support our community. His staffers were very present and responsive with us, and his office is the only office that I received an e-mail from after I sent a follow up message, thanking them for their time. After this meeting, we met with Senator Rob Portman’s office. He has supported us before, so we wanted to remind his office of why he should support our community, and give thanks.
After these two meetings, we were off to the House side of Capitol Hill, and managed to grab a quick bit to eat in the process. And by quick, I literally mean like 10-15 minutes quick. Capitol Hill was a very busy place that day. The Senate was meeting and voting for a couple different issues and media was all over the place. Not to mention all the normal chaos that occurs with tours and such. We eventually made it to Representative Tim Walberg’s office (MI-07). We had to meet out in the hallway of the office because it was not big enough for four wheelchairs, a veteran, and a caretaker. This often happens on the House side due to the antiquity of the building. United Spinal did their best to warn us of this occurrence and to not take it personally. I must admit I was quite distracted during this meeting because of my surroundings, but tried my best to give it my all. Our last two visits were to Representative Jim Jordan (OH-04) and Representative Mike Turner (OH-10). All offices seemed receptive to what we were asking of them, and with recent news about the Complex Rehabilitation Technology “win,” I think we made a difference.