A coalition of national disability organizations and industry shirt-tailers have developed a wheelchair user survey.
The survey is aimed at helping politicos better understand the needs of wheelchair users and maybe, just maybe, get them to lighten up on some nasty restrictions that they are working on. Take the survey and you can enter a drawing for a flat-screen tv or 500 bucks (US coin of the realm).
Here’s the word:
An online survey at www.spinalcord.org/survey gives wheelchair users the chance to help consumer groups and policy makers better understand and document the wheelchair selection and purchase experience. And if you complete the full survey by November 15th, you could win a brand new flat panel TV or $500!
Your participation will help partnering consumer groups advocate most effectively on behalf of all wheelchair users so that we receive properly fitted wheelchairs, and all necessary accessories and related services to fully participate in an active, healthy, community lifestyle.
Survey responses will be strictly confidential and data from this research will be reported only in the aggregate to the partnering consumer groups. Information will be coded and will remain confidential. Participants will have the opportunity to request further contact, but names and contact information will never be shared or included with the results of the survey.
The survey is being conducted by National Spinal Cord Injury Association in partnership with United Spinal Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), National Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Spinal Association, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and The ALS Association. The initiative has also sought and accepted input from respected clinicians and from members of industry groups including American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART).
The group intends to present this information to policymakers on Capitol Hill and at CMS, in an effort to address the fact that Medicare has limited or no coverage and payment for many such items impedes consumers’ abilities to fully engage in their communities and realize the highest possible quality of life.
If you have questions about the survey, contact info@spinalcord.org.
