Last week, I had the privilege of joining the United Spinal Association at their annual Roll on Capitol Hill—a powerful advocacy event that brings wheelchair users from across the country face-to-face with lawmakers. As accessiBe’s Community Relations Manager and a United Spinal board member, I’ve seen firsthand how technology and policy can work hand-in-hand to advance accessibility.
A powerful presence on the Hill
This year’s Roll on Capitol Hill brought together 160 advocates, PCAs, family members, and supporters. These passionate leaders came from 37 states, united by a shared mission: pushing forward the rights and access people with disabilities need and deserve.
We held over 124 meetings with members of Congress to address urgent policy priorities, such as:
- Protecting Medicaid from proposed cuts
- Reforming the wheelchair repair system, which continues to leave people stranded for weeks
- Improving accessible transportation infrastructure
- Safeguarding disability rights in today’s evolving policy landscape
A personal highlight
At the kick-off reception, I was joined by Sapir Yarden, who leads nonprofit partnerships at accessiBe. Together, we had the chance to meet Vincenzo Piscopo, United Spinal’s President, as well as Kelly Simenoux, the powerhouse attorney who is a guest speaker on accessiBe’s webinars. We also connected with longtime leaders and new voices in the accessibility space—people working across tech, law, healthcare, and advocacy.
The night began with powerful words from Rebecca Cokley, disability rights leader and Ford Foundation program officer, who gave the keynote that set the tone for the entire event: direct, empowering, and focused on building equity through collective action.
These in-person moments reminded me how deeply connected our work is—across industries, across expertise, and across lived experience.
Tech, travel, and trusted partnerships
accessiBe’s partnership with United Spinal through the Tech Access Council, where we explore the role of digital accessibility in public and private life. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about enabling access to the tools, platforms, and services people use every day.
Last year, we had the honor of partnering with United Spinal on anair travel accessibility panel, featuring leaders from United Airlines, Airbnb, and other stakeholders. It was a unique opportunity to spark real conversations between travelers with disabilities and the companies shaping the future of travel. That session—and events like Roll on Capitol Hill—continue to reinforce the same truth: accessibility is everyone’s responsibility.
Whether it’s physical access to reliable transportation, or digital access to the platforms that book those rides, the work is never done—but collaboration gets us closer.
The power of recognition
As aC4-5 quadriplegic, trial attorney, and public policy advocate, I’ve spent nearly two decades working to create a more inclusive world—one that sees accessibility not as a feature, but as a right. I was deeply honored to be named to the inaugural Forbes Accessibility Awards 100list this year, which recognizes changemakers advancing access across tech, design, education, and more.
Visibility like this matters. It helps shift narratives, inspire others, and remind the world that accessibility is leadership. I'm proud to bring that lens to everything I do—at United Spinal, at accessiBe, and everywhere in between.
Rolling forward
Roll on Capitol Hill is a reminder of what’s possible when the disability community shows up—with facts, stories, and strength. It’s also a reminder that real change comes from the ground up and the inside out.
To everyone who made this event possible: thank you. Let’s keep rolling forward. Together.
