Last week, U.S. Sens. Bob Casey, D-Penn., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., showcased a proposal to “ensure that VA complies with federal disability laws and makes its programs accessible for people with disabilities, including facilities and technology.”
At the end of last month, Casey, the chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, introduced the “Veterans Accessibility Act.” Scott, who is a member of the special committee, is co-sponsoring the proposal.
“The bill would establish a 15-person Advisory Committee on Equal Access, which would consist of veterans with disabilities, disability experts, and representatives of advocacy organizations. The committee would be responsible for evaluating and reporting on VA’s compliance with federal disability laws and would issue recommendations for how VA can improve its accessibility for people with disabilities,” Scott’s office noted.
“By federal law, VA is required to make its physical services and electronic resources accessible to veterans with disabilities. As chairman of the Aging Committee, I have investigated VA’s efforts and found that they often fall short. This legislation is an important step towards ensuring that veterans with disabilities and their families can access the VA resources they rely on for health care and other essential benefits. We must continue working to make sure that our nation meets its obligation to every veteran, including those who are blind or have other disabilities,” said Casey.
“It’s absolutely unacceptable that any federal programs designed to support and assist our nation’s veterans would be inaccessible to so many who are living with disabilities and in need of critical resources. Our veterans deserve better and our government must do better. I’m proud to join my colleague on the Senate Aging Committee, Chairman Bob Casey, to introduce this important legislation and make sure the VA stands ready to provide every single one of our nation’s veterans with the care they need. Our men and women who served have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms and way of life—we should do everything we can to give back,” said Scott.
A host of groups, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Blinded Veterans Association, the Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Association of the Deaf, the National Disability Rights Network, the United Spinal Association/VetsFirst, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Wounded Warrior Project, are backing the proposal.
Casey’s bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. House.
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