Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has reintroduced the Veterans Accessibility Act with bipartisan support, aiming to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) complies fully with federal disability laws. The legislation proposes forming a 15-member Advisory Committee on Equal Access. This committee will comprise veterans with disabilities, disability experts, and representatives from advocacy organizations. The committee's main tasks include evaluating the VA's compliance with these laws and suggesting enhancements for accessibility across its facilities and services.

Supporting Scott in the Senate are Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Jerry Moran, and Richard Blumenthal, while Congressman David Valadao champions the companion bill in the House. The legislation has garnered backing from several organizations, including Paralyzed Veterans of America, Blinded Veterans Association, and Wounded Warrior Project, among others.

When announcing the effort, Senator Rick Scott expressed concern over the lack of accessibility to federal programs for veterans. "It is unthinkable that federal programs intended to support our veterans would be inaccessible to so many who live with disabilities and rely on these essential services... I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this vital bipartisan legislation to ensure the VA is fully prepared to meet the needs of every veteran, who have made countless sacrifices to defend and protect the freedoms of our nation."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand emphasized the importance of the act, acknowledging all veterans deserve "access to VA services, facilities, and benefits." Senator Jerry Moran highlighted the challenges veterans, particularly in rural Kansas, face in accessing VA facilities and services. Senator Richard Blumenthal stressed the need to eliminate accessibility barriers, especially as demand for VA services grows.

Supporting statements also came from figureheads of the organizations backing the legislation. Heather Ansley, from Paralyzed Veterans of America, remarked on the physical barriers experienced by veterans with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Vernon Humphrey of the Blinded Veterans Association noted the historical non-compliance of the VA with accessibility laws, while Jose Ramos from the Wounded Warrior Project highlighted the intimate knowledge veterans have of the VA system's accessibility issues. All expressed gratitude for Senator Scott's leadership and the bill's potential benefits to veterans.

The Veterans Accessibility Act outlines that the advisory committee would advise the VA on improving access, review compliance with disability laws, and produce biennial reports examining access barriers and progress.