Executive Director’s Report

3

Bylaw Changes4

Service Officer’s Report

5

Sports & Recreation6

WashingtonUpdate

8

Flu Vaccine9

PVA News12

Tennis & Hockey15

InsideWhat’s

continued on page 6

By Mike Guilbault, Sports Director

Vol. LXVI, #3 The NewsleTTer of The New eNglaNd ChapTer paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCaMarch 2016

a member ChapTer of The paralyzed VeTeraNs of ameriCa – CharTered by The CoNgress of The uNiTed sTaTes

CORD WORDWORDCORD 2016 Winter Sports Clinic

On January 11-15th the 19th Annual

WSC was held at Mount Sunapee

in New Hampshire. After a lack of

winter and snow, Mother Nature decided it was

time to get cold and cover the slopes with snow

for our veteran’s week! Just the week before the

slopes looked more like a golf course than ski

runs. Once the weather turned, the amazing

Mount Sunapee Resort Mountain Ops crew

made and groomed snow all over the mountain

so it would be another very successful clinic.

This year we had 58 veterans plus some family

members and over 120 volunteers.

All the participants arrived on Monday to

register, get fitted for equipment, and get room

and team assignments. Some headed out to play

sled hockey once registered thanks to the help

of Northeast Passage, Dartmouth Athletics and

the Ice Vets! The opening ceremonies were that

evening where a good meal and team meetings

completed the day. Any questions got answered

by the team leaders and skiing times were decid-

ed on. Once again, when not skiing there were

plenty of other activities for the veterans to

try and enjoy and the information about all

these options was covered. Then it was time

to rest up for Tuesday’s activities.

On Tuesday the ski lessons began; however,

those not on their ski lesson had the op-

portunity to kayak, shoot the air rifle, get

a massage, do some yoga or have a group

meeting and discussion with the chaplain.

Even with the lack of snow this winter,

there was the opportunity to try Nordic skiing

i.e. cross country. There was a cross country ski

ergometer for those who were interested to get

a taste of what cross country skiing is like and

how it’s done. Once the day’s activities were

concluded the calories spent were replaced at

the pizza party. Buses now loaded up and off

we went to the annual wheelchair basketball

game fundraiser. The Sunapee Fire Department

has been playing the veterans for years now

and it shows; their skill level in both shooting

and chair maneuvering made for a close game.

It’s always a very entertaining evening with the

game, wisecracking announcers, cheer leaders

and raffles; this year comedienne Jody Sloane

also entertained the crowd.

Wednesday continued like Tuesday with every-

one skiing and trying alternate activities. Once

the day was done we were treated to a fantastic

meal at Colby-Sawyer College in the evening

and live music and dancing followed conclud-

ing the day. Hopefully everyone ate well at the

Vietnam Vet Ed Evans on a dual-ski with Instructor

Nathan Fox.

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org

PARALYZED VETERANS of AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTERNEPVA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

1600 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY-SUITE 143WALPOLE, MA 02081

TEL: (508) 660-1181, 1-(800) 660-1181FAX: (508) 668-9412; e-mail: info@nepva.org

web: www.nepva.orgOffice Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

NEPVA OFFICERSPresident, Wayne RossVice President, Mike GuilbaultSecretary, Peter MooreTreasurer, Charles SchenaNational Director, Neal Williams ADA Coordinator, Neal Williams

EXECUTIVE BOARD John BrakoBrad CarlsonWalter FarringtonMark Sanders Jim Wallack

Cord Word is published twelve times a year by the New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081 in the interest of Chapter members. Membership in NEPVA entitles you to a free subscription to Cord Word. Articles published in Cord Word do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, New England Chapter. NEPVA neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised herein. Postmaster: send changes of address to NEPVA, 1600 Providence Hwy., Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081

Monthly meetings are held every first Wednesday of the month at the NEPVA office in Walpole, Ma. The executive board meets at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the regular membership meeting at 1:00 p.m.

PROGRAM DIRECTORSDevelopment Director, Wayne RossMembership Officer, Judy GoldsteinMS Liaison, John BrakoCommunity Outreach, Mike GuilbaultNEPVA Peer Mentor Rep., Mike GuilbaultScholarship Chairman, Wayne RossSports Director, Mike GuilbaultAssistant Sports Director, Brad CarlsonBass Trail Liaison, Jim WallackWomen Veterans’ Liaison, Debra FreedVolunteer Coordinator, Judy Goldstein

Hospital Liaisons Brockton, MA VAMC, Mike GuilbaultWest Roxbury, MA VAMC, Wayne RossNorthampton, MA VAMC, Tim KellyProvidence, RI VAMC, Bruce BowenManchester, NH VAMC, Walter Farrington West Haven, CT VAMC, VacantWhite River Jct, VT VAMC, Jim WallackTogus, ME VAMC, Neal Williams

STAFFExecutive Director, Debra FreedCord Word Editor, Judy GoldsteinGovernment Relations Director, Debra FreedAdministrative Assistant, Judy GoldsteinBookkeeper, Jeri FarinellaCord Word Design & Web Master, Harley Freedman

2

of our Chapter MemberWilliam A. Sullivan

&Homer S. Townsend, Jr.,

PVA National Past President and Former Executive Director

We deeply regret the passing

NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEPARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

BOSTON VA REGIONAL OFFICEJ.F.K. FEDERAL BUILDING - Room - 1575 C

BOSTON, MA 02203TEL: (617) 303-1395 & 1-800-795-3607

FAX: (617) 723-7467Eastern Region Director, Joseph E. Badzmierowski

Senior Secretary, Ann Marie Wallace

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICETOGUS, VARO, 1 VA CENTER

BLDG 248, ROOM 112AUGUSTA, ME 04330

Serving maine, new HampSHire and vermont

TEL: (207) 621-7394, FAX: (207) 621-4829TOLL FREE: 866-795-1911

Senior National Service Officer, John StansburySecretary, Violet Bates

PVA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICEBROCKTON VAMC

940 BELMONT ST., BLDG. 3 ROOM 207BROCKTON, MA 02301

TEL: (774) 826-2219FAX: (774) 826-3167

Veteran Health & Benefits Specialist III, Heather CherniackEast-North Area Manager

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org 3

Executive Director’s Report By Debra FreedExecutive Director

Neal Williams and his service dog Dieter, Senator Angus King - Maine and Debra Freed. Senator King met with several VSOs after a tour of Togus VA hospitalized veterans.

It is with great sadness that I pass

along the news that former New

England member, PVA member,

and recently retired Executive Director

to PVA Mr. Homer Townsend passed

away on Saturday Feb 20th, 2016. I

had the privilege of seeing him while he

was rehabing at West Roxbury. Many

people and I myself asked why West

Roxbury? Mr. Townsend was originally

from Maine and upon his injury was

sent to West Roxbury so his family

could visit more often. He recalled

the good care he received then. Mr.

Townsend rose through the ranks of

the National PVA and was President of

PVA from 1998 to 2000. He was asked

to return as PVA’s Executive Director.

I asked him if he was looking forward

to retirement. He said he wasn’t really

retiring. How could he stop after giving

41 years? Please check out PVA’s web-

site and upcoming PNs as I am sure

the next several editions will have more

details of Homer’s long and storied

career (41 years) between the Chapter

and PVA.

On a lighter note, the week of Feb

15th was Veterans Appreciation Week.

Many VAs across the country held nu-

merous events for both outpatient and

long term care veterans. Feb 17, the bi-

monthly pizza party was at West Rox-

bury and the event was well attended.

Feb 18th, found me at the West Haven

VA and celebrating with the MS/SCI

group. We shared pizza, soda, and dis-

cussed issues important to them. I let

them know about the Veterans Games

and other sporting events as well as the

positives of being a Chapter member.

Some thanked us for supporting them

in various events. A couple of issues

that were brought to my attention were:

1: one VA will issue a larger amount of

a much needed item – catheters, while

another VA limits them to 25 for the

month. 2: Two of the attendees stated

they were diagnosed with MS, but after

the 15 year time limit. Even though

they served during different periods on

naval ships, the question was should

they file claims for MS?

On Friday, Feb 19th, I finished the

week at Togus VA. I had to apologize

for being late. I hadn’t been there in a

year and forgot it is a three hour ride

one way. However, it wasn’t an issue

because Mr. Neal Williams and his

service dog Dieter were there as well.

We met up at 11:30 and continued the

visits with our guide Jonathan Barczyk.

Then after lunch, Neal, Dieter, and I

went to the Direc-

tor’s Conference

room to take part

in the Veterans

Service Organi-

zation’s meeting

with Senator

Angus King.

Senator King was

returning from

touring parts of

Togus’s long term

care areas. Those

in attendance

told Senator King

about a couple

of issues: 1:

That women

veterans in

the Maine

area are wait-

ing many,

many months

to be seen by a

Women Veterans Center care pro-

vider – which by the way, Togus has

a beautiful Women’s Center. 2: The

issue of payment of bills. The veterans

who are allowed to use CHOICE OR

ARCH are being saddled with bills that

are affecting their credit ratings with

many receiving harassing collection

calls. Senator King asked his aide to be

sure and set up an appointment with

VA Secretary Bob McDonald to discuss

these issues. We hope to learn about

that meeting during our visits next

week while in D.C.

Tributes: Homer Townsend & Veterans Appreciation Week

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org4continued on page 11

There were no changes made to Article

II – Purposes or Article IX

Article 1: Name, Section 3 Affilia-

tion and Duties of Chapter: Line 4

added word “directives”; Line 7 remove

word Corporate from Administrative

Manual.

Section 4, Line 2: added words “other

intellectual property.”

Article III Membership: Section 4:

remove word or between Suspension

and Expulsion;

Line 3 added “justifiable and proven

reason. Added the following: “The

member shall be provided written

notice of the Board of Directors’ intent

to suspend or expel is based, by certified

mail, return receipt requested, and shall

be afforded the opportunity to submit

a written response or to appear before

the Board of Directors to challenge the

suspension or expulsion. The Board of

Directors shall have the power to tem-

porarily suspend membership pending

its final decision.” Section 5: Subsec-

tion B: added the word “Lifetime.”

Article IV – Officers: Line 2 added

words “and their respective roles and

responsibilities.”;

Line 8: his/her; New paragraph under

Treasurer, It shall be the general policy

of the Chapter that NO member of the

Board of Directors may be elected to

more than one office position at a time.

Section 2: Terms and Elections: “. . .

for a period of one (1) year.” Section

3: line 3: changed word from same to

aforesaid. Section 6: Stipend: The

word Compensation is replaced with

term stipend throughout paragraph.

Article V: Director to PVA: Section

4, Line 1 add “to PVA after National

Director;

Line 3: add “ the PVA as a whole. . . .”

Section 5: Line 1: “. . . at any time. . . .”

Article VI – Meetings: Section 1: An-

nual “Membership” Meeting.

Section 2: change from 9 to 1 regular

meeting: Section 4: Quorum – “. . . at

least 1 member. . . “

Section 6, Part 1 add the terms “Waiv-

ing the Reading.”

Article VII – Board of Directors: Sec-

tion 1, Line 1: change from 9 to 7;

Section 2: Add word Term to “Term

and Elections.”

Section 4, Line 8 add word fiscal; Line

11 added words Board of Directors,

remove word “their.”

Section 5, added “. . . certified mail,

return receipt requested. . . “

Article VII – Board of Directors: Sec-

tion 7: “. . . shall hold office. . . (re-

move word) “legally”

Section 8: Line 2: Change term follow-

ing to preceding; Line 6 change from

9 to 7

Article VII– Board of Directors: Section

9: change number from 3 to 6;

Section 11, Line 4 adds word “Incorpo-

ration.”

Section 13, Part 2, Sec (a) remove words

Board of Directors

Article VIII – Executive Director: Sec-

tion 1: The Hiring: rewritten to read

as follows:

“ The Board of Directors may authorize

the position of Executive Director upon

a two-thirds (2/3) vote. The Executive

Director shall be hired by the President

and ratified by the Chapter Board of

Directors in accordance with Section 5

of this Article.

Section 4: Line 2: removed the follow-

ing words: “. . . while participating in

this program.” (this was a reference to

PVA’s responsibility for paying ½ the

salary of the Exec Dir).

Section 5: Line 3 change word from

confirm to “ratify.” Also remove words

“for justifiable and probable cause.”

Section 7: Line 2 change from: to carry

out the operations of the Executive

Director’s position to “in support of the

Executive Director’s duties.”

Section 8, Part 1: remove words: “under

that authority.”

Part B Section 1: reword to read: “. . .

are within the person’s professional or

expert. . . .”

Section D: reword to read: “. . . or

failure to take any action. . . “

Article X – Responsibilities to PVA:

Section 1, Line 3 reword to read:

The Changes from the 2012/2013 Chapter Bylaws to the PVA mandated 2016 Changes:The following is a list of by-law changes that were approved by PVA. Please review.

If there have been no comments at the end of the review period – 30 days from is-

sue of newsletter to the membership, then the by-law changes will stand as written

and approved by PVA & the Chapter Board of Directors:

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org 5

Service Officer’s Report By Heather CherniackVeteran Health & Benefits Specialist III

East-North Area ManagerWest Roxbury/Brockton SCI

Getting What You Need at the VA Pharmacy

In many VA Pharmacies around the country the terms

“Formulary” and “Non-formulary” can often be heard.

Some veterans may wonder what exactly these terms

mean. In VA terms, this is covered by VHA Handbook

1108.08. The VA National Formulary (VANF) defines it

as “A listing of products (drugs and supplies) that must be

available for prescription at all VA facilities, and cannot be

made non-formulary by a VISN or individual medical center.

Regarding chemical or biological entities that by law must

be submitted to the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Ad-

ministration (FDA) for pre-marketing approval, only those

entities that have been approved by FDA using New Drug

Application (NDA), Abbreviated New Drug Application

(ANDA), or biologics license, may be added to the VANF.”

Non-Formulary defines it as “Commercially available

products, but are not included on the VANF.” So an SCI/D

veteran may ask what these terms may mean to them.

While Formularies do serve a few purposes in the non-SCI/D

population including but not limited to greater patient safety,

better access to pharmaceuticals, lower cost in some cases,

and more consistent use; more individuality is needed in

prescribing medications and surgical supplies to the SCI/D

population. This is why currently SCI/D veterans can count

on VHA Directive 2011-032: Availability of Medical and

Surgical Supply Products for Veterans with Spinal Cord In-

jury/Disorder. Veterans with SCI/D often will use the same

brand of supply for years or in some cases decades. In these

cases, veterans develop an affinity for that product. Due to

this directive, the SCI/D veteran can receive a product which

they have been using for years or a product which meets the

veteran’s specific needs regardless of whether or not it is on

the formulary.

In accordance with VHA Handbook 1176.01 the SCI/D

system of care is based on a “Hub and Spoke” model. Many

SCI/D veterans will seek an annual exam and more special-

ized care at the Hub while receiving more routine care at

a Spoke closer to his or her residence in accordance with

both VHA Handbook 1176.01 and PVA recommendations.

Sometimes veterans may find resistance at the Spokes to

filling non-formulary consults. When this happens, it is an

important matter to address with either a PVA National Ser-

vice Officer or Veteran Health and Benefits Specialist. This

is because VHA Directive 2011-032 explicitly states that,

“When patient care is being transferred between VA facilities,

non-formulary products are to be provided without requiring

a second non-formulary request.” What this means is that the

request that is honored at the HUB should be honored at the

Spoke.

PVA has worked to advocate for a number years with the VA

to ensure that the SCI/D veterans who use the SCI/D system

of care have access to what they need. If you find that you

are unable to receive the medications and supplies that you

and your provider feel are appropriate, you should contact

your National Service Officer or Veteran Health and Benefits

Specialist.

…the SCI/D veteran can receive a prod-

uct which they have been using for

years or a product which meets the

veteran’s specific needs regardless of

whether or not it is on the formulary.

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org6

Sports & Recreation

college and was plenty fueled up for

Thursday race day! Each participant

gets two runs through the race course

and then proceeds to the lodge with

their Instructors to be presented a med-

al from the WSC Co-Founders Ralph

Marche and Tony Santilli along with

a VA dignitary. We are very lucky our

New England VA Medical Centers are

so supportive of adaptive sports. Many

of the recreation therapists as well

as nurses, physical and occupational

therapists and other VA staff make up

some of the volunteer force. Rehabilita-

tion through Recreation is certainly

proven to be evident during this week

every year. The week is to introduce the

veterans to some of the sports they can

participate in. Each VAMC has recre-

ation programs which run all year, the

activity depending on the season. These

activity include sled hockey, hand

cycling, kayaking, shooting and soon to

come Boccia and archery.

The week ended with the closing ban-

quet where many of the sponsors were

recognized since this event wouldn’t

be possible without their support. The

Awards were given out to the partici-

pants and volunteers who’ve won, and

the highlight was the slideshow of

the week’s activities which ended the

banquet. It’s amazing what a great job

the team does putting it together, even

photos taken that day at the race are

included and put to music.

The banquet may have finished but the

party hasn’t. Most everyone heads to

the Salt Hill Pub adjacent to the hotel

to socialize and dance to the live music.

On Friday it’s time to pack up and head

home with many great stories to tell.

Each year we miss some of our fellow

veterans who have come in previous

years; however, that makes room for

new participants. The good news is that

those who are missed usually are not

there because of other commitments.

They may not be able to attend because

they have Paralympic team conflicts or

other events. This fact just goes to show

the value that the introduction to adap-

tive sports has on those who attend.

Not everyone will go on to the elite

level of sports; yet, if never exposed to

them at this clinic, they may never have

even had the chance to play and get to

that level. Some of us are happy to just

stay at the recreational level and doing

so just helps maintain good health and

AWARD WINNERS:Rookie of the Year

Alejandro Ocampo

Top Gun-leader & helps other Vets

William Sturges

Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Matt Morollo

Support Award

Jimmy Dalelio

Most Improved On and Off the Hill

James Tynan

Human Snowplow

Michael Donlon

Most Dangerous

David Santamore

Don Cantlin/Best Instructor

Greg Marche

Give me a chance, I’ll make you Proud

Mark Kline

Veteran’s Choice Award

Jenny McLaughlin

Ken Medieros, Phoenix Award

Joyce Ralph

Tony Santilli Founders Award

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Ralph Marche Leadership

Mount Sunapee Mountain Ops

Winter Sportscontined from page 1

Left: One of the Sunapee FD players passing the ball up court in the game against the veterans. Above: The Ice Vets sled hockey clinic play-ers and volunteers.

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org 7

Phot

os: H

iliar

y C

ole

& R

andi

Woo

drow

self-confidence. So if you’ve never tried

attending the clinic it is worth check-

ing out. Never think you can’t do it, the

folks at NEHSA and all the capable vol-

unteers will always find a way to make

it possible for you. I can recall a 75 year

old double amputee who had never

Double Diamond

Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 1

Diamond

Mount Sunapee Resort

New England Healing Sports Association

VA Boston Healthcare

White River Junction VAMC

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation

Ray and Maria Stata Foundation

Sodexo Services

Columbia Sportswear Co.

Atomic Ski Company

BVARI

Blue

Kevin Fitzpatrick and Friends Golf Tournament

New England Chapter PVA

National Amputation Foundation

Veterans Canteen Service

Ride-Away

Mike Reilly and Boston Duck Boat Tours

United Prosthetics, Inc.

Royal Arcanum Grand Council of MA.

Sunapee Fire Department

Pheonix Fitness

In Memory of Stephen C. Moffitt Sr.

Norumbega Fraternity Lodge A.F. & A.M.

Disabled American Veterans

Westcott Houghton Chapter 58

Green

Sunapee Lake Lodge

Massachusetts Elks Association

Thermacare

Colby-Sawyer College

Northeast Passage

James W. Campion Rink

Dartmouth Athletics

Ice Vets Sled Hockey

SPONSORSskied a day in his life coming to the 3rd

WSC and he had a fantastic time and

another favorite of mine is the elderly

veteran on a ventilator who was out ski-

ing along with his vent. They can make

it possible that’s why the national slogan

is “Miracles on the Mountain!”

Top: A veteran shooting the air rifle while a volunteer helps spotting his hits.

Above: VP/Sports Director Mike Guilbault on his race run.

Above right: Instructor Kathi Brown with NEPVA member Roland Fillion.

Right: Thumbs up from a happy NEPVA member, Al Fenton, surrounded by his In-structors and other volunteers.

Far right: NEPVA member Paul Nyerick in the pool with the kayak crew.

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org8

Vets Day

Washington Update

On February 10, 2016, the

House Committee on Vet-

erans’ Affairs, Subcommit-

tee on Economic Opportunity held a

hearing regarding VA’s Loan Guaranty

and Specially Adaptive Housing Grant

Programs. Heather Ansley, Associate

General Counsel for Corporate and

Government Relations, testified on

behalf of PVA.

VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)

grant program allows veterans and ser-

vice members who are permanently and

totally disabled as a result of their mili-

tary service, and who have a disability

such as loss or loss of use of both legs,

with assistance to remodel an existing

home or build or purchase a home that

will accommodate their disability-relat-

ed needs. Accommodations may include

wider doorways, ramps, roll-in show-

ers, and other modifications that allow

individuals with catastrophic disabilities

greater independence. In fiscal year

2015, VA approved 1,648 SAH grants

for a total amount of $94,449,587.

PVA’s testimony detailed areas of con-

cern that must be addressed to ensure

that the program is able to meet the

needs of all eligible veterans, including

those with diseases such as amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis (ALS).

One of the biggest challenges PVA

encounters in the SAH program is the

length of time it takes for grants to be

processed and approved. The difficulties

that these delays create are especially

concerning for veterans living with

ALS. These veterans are critical users

of the SAH grant program; however,

the grant process is not well suited to

veterans with rapidly changing diseases.

Ultimately, the SAH program must be

flexible enough to assist veterans who

have relatively static disabilities, such as

spinal cord injuries, and those who have

progressive diseases.

In many parts of the country, inad-

equate staffing also contributes to

delays in processing grants and results

in poor customer service for veterans.

According to PVA’s service officers,

many veterans are having a difficult

time contacting their SAH agents as

phone calls and emails are not returned

in a timely manner. Insufficient staff-

ing also leads to retention problems as

agents leave their positions due to the

excessive workload and extensive travel

requirements.

Investments in staffing and streamlined

and expedited grant processing for

veterans with terminal diseases, along

with increased benefits and improved

program outreach, will lead to a stron-

ger SAH program. We look forward to

working with Congress and the Admin-

istration to address the critical issues

raised.

To read PVA’s statement, please visit

www.pva.org.

PVA Testifies on VA’s Specially Adapted Housing Grant Program

Selling The Dodge: The Chapter is selling the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. It currently has a little

over 126,000 miles. The van does have 6-way power seats but they do not go

back and

forth enough

to allow

someone

to transfer

directly from

wheelchair

to driver’s

seat. How-

ever, the front seats can be removed and replaced with a wheelchair. It has the

Darios Hand-Control driving system. It has a ramp system that is both hydrau-

lic and manual if needed.

Kelly Blue Book states that in fair condition the van may be worth between

$5,000 & $6,000. Kelly Blue Book does not take into consideration the acces-

sibility of the vehicle or that it already has hand controls. Value of Darios hand

controls $7,000. Accessibility value $15,000. If you are interested in purchasing

the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, no reasonable offer will be refused. Closing

date for offers is 3/31/16.

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org 9

The VA recommends that ev-

ery veteran with a Spinal Cord

Injury, regardless of age, get a

seasonal flu shot every year.

Flu Vaccine 2016: Get Your Vaccine!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Depart-

ment of Health and Human Services have identified the top three

reasons to get your Flu Vaccine.

1. The Flu Vaccination prevents influenza-related death.

• Morepeopledieannuallyfromfluthanfromanyother

vaccine-preventable disease

• Eachyearabout36,000peopleintheUSdiebecause

oftheflu,mostage65orolder

2. The Flu Vaccine prevents severe illness.

• Influenzaputsabout114,000peopleintheUSinthe

hospital annually

• Childrenyoungerthanage2andadultsolderthan65

are most affected

3. Vaccinating yourself against influenza protects

other people.

• Influenzavaccinationprotectsfamilymembersfrom

contractingthefluvirus

• Youshouldgetvaccinatedifyoulivewithorcarefor

otherswhoareathighriskofcomplicationsfromtheflu

• Protectyourself.Protectyourlovedones.

TheSCIServicestronglyurgesallSCIpatientstogettheirfluvac-

cine.TheSCIClinicisopenMondaythroughFriday8a-4p.Please

contacttheclinic(857-203-6455)tomakearrangementsforyour

annual Flu Vaccine today. Pneumovax is available as well.

Please note, if you live a great distance from the clinic, contact

yourlocalVAorcheckyourlocalpaperforflushotsavailablein

your community. Please let us know if you have received

the vaccine in the community so that we can update

your medical record.

FREE TO MEMBER

for contact info on these itemsCALL THE NEPVA OFFICE

Quickie Iris Manuel Tilt- in- space Wheelchair

Reclining wheel chair has both adjustable foot rests and a head rest.

Pick up in Orange, CT

PVA Launches AirAccess30.org and Air Carrier Ac-cess Advocacy Initiative

At the end of January, PVA’s Government Relations

program formally launched its initiative to amend

the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to better ben-

efit people with disabilities who travel by air. The ACAA,

signed on Oct. 2, 1986, by then-President Ronald Reagan,

guarantees that people with disabilities receive consistent and

nondiscriminatory treatment during air travel and requires air

carriers to accommodate the needs of passengers with disabili-

ties. PVA played a leading role in the passage of the ACAA.

The ACAA along with the Fair Housing Amendments Act of

1988 were two laws that laid the groundwork for the land-

mark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

Now, PVA is working with the broader disability community

to bring attention to the successes and failures in air travel

for passengers with disabilities. As a part of this initiative,

individuals with disabilities now have a platform for sharing

their stories, photos, videos and graphics about their air travel

experiences. PVA needs all members to actively engage with

us in this effort. AirAccess30.org, launched in January 2016,

by PVA, enables passengers with disabilities who utilize air

travel to share positive and negative stories about their experi-

ences. The new website seeks the input of passengers with

disabilities in showing the progress that has been made as well

as the work that remains to accomplish the true spirit of the

ACAA.

Please share the www.AirAccess30.org website and encour-

age all people with disabilities to share their stories. We will

be using these stories to increase advocacy around the ACAA

and improve air travel for passengers with disabilities.

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org10

Your DME

Choose to Reuse

REquipment is an innovative durable medical equipment (DME) reuse program that gives a second life to un-needed medical equipment.

REquipment accepts donations of good condition DME, repairs and cleans it, and reassigns it to people in need at no cost.

REquipment provides free refurbished equipment to adults, children and seniors without the paperwork and delay.

REquipment can be used short or long term and insuranceis not needed. Pick up and delivery is available in the

Greater Boston and Central MA areas.

www.dmeREquipment.org

IN NEED OF DME?Search our inventory of available items to �nd what you need atwww.dmeREquipment.org :

• Manual wheelchairs • Power wheelchairs & scooters• Shower chairs • Sling lifts• Strollers & standers • Rollator walkers & more!

HAVE DME TO DONATE? REquipment accepts donations of gently used DME that is not older than 5-6 years. Learn more about donating at dmerequipment.org or call toll-free1-866-244-6156. Pick up is free in the Greater Boston/Central MA areas.

REquipment is managed by The Boston Home and the MassachusettsRehabilitation Commission (MRC) thanks to funding from MRC’s MassMATCHProgram, MA Dept of Developmental Services (DDS) and The Boston Foundation.  

www.dmeREquipment.org1-866-244-6156 Toll Freeinfo@dmerequipment.orgFacebook.com/requipmentMRC, 600 Washington Street, 2nd �oor , Boston MA 02111

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

MobilityAdaptive

Equipment

VOTED #1IN CUSTOMER

SERVICE

LARGEST RAMPVANINVENTORY AT ONE

LOCATION IN SOUTHERNNEW ENGLAND!

Welcome To

Free Veterans Maintenance Program*

We work with the VA for you. New van upgrades every 2 years saving

you $25,000 on average and sometimes very little out of pocket.

-VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS--VETERAN SPECIALS-

www.amemobility.com1551 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771

*Please call for details and qualifi cations

1-800-311-2849

If you can’t come to uswe’ll come to you

LIFETIMEWARRANTY(Call or visit us for

more information)

Make a Donation to NEPVA Programs Today!

100% of your tax deductible donation will go to Chapter programs.

Mail your check payable to:

NEPVA

1600 Providence Hwy., Ste 143

Walpole, MA 02081

Cord Word March 2016

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It’s more than just a car.It’s a difference you can make by donating your ve-hicle to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Scheduling a pickup is FREE. Regardless of the condition, all donat-ed vehicles will be sold at auction and proceeds will benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America. Through your vehicle donation, you’ll make a difference to veterans suffering from spinal cord injury or disease. You may even earn a tax break, too!

One Car One Difference is IAA’s public awarenesscampaign promoting the benefits of vehicle donation.© 2013 Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Donate today!Call or visit us online to donate your vehicle today:

855-744-0782

wheelshelpingwarriors.org

I am a donated vehicle.I am a new beginningfor america’s veterans.

“

”

By Lawscontinued from page 4

“Chapter Operations and Programs.”

Article XIV – add: “. . . .in consultation with PVA General

Counsel, and approval by the PVA National Executive Com-

mittee, and then sent to all voting members of the Chapter at

least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting date and requires a

majority vote during the meeting of the membership where a

quorum is present.

Article XV: Rewritten to read: “In the event of dissolution

of the Chapter or in the event that it shall cease to carry out

the objectives and purposes herein set forth, all the business,

assets, and properties of the Chapter shall be distributed to

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) in accordance with the

IRS Regulations on 501(c)3, per each state statute.

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org12continued on page 13

”

“ The provision in the budget

regarding a simplified VA ap-

peals process, however, raises

many questions and calls for

deeper discussions so we can

ensure we protect the rights

of every veteran who seeks

and receives the benefits he

or she deserves.

PVA NEWS

On February 12, 2016, DAV (Disabled American Vet-erans), Paralyzed Veterans

of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) released The Independent Budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs: Budget Recommendations for FY 2017 and FY 2018. The annual report, which outlines funding requirements for the programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), proposes $84.4 billion in total for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Administration’s FY 2017 budget request for the VA is $78.7 billion. However, VA proposes to spend an additional $5.7 billion for community medical care previously appropriated by the 2014 “Choice Act”, bringing total spending in FY 2017 to $84.2 billion.

The Independent Budget report also in-cludes the following recommendations:

• $72.8billionfortotalmedicalcare

• $3.1billionfortheVeteransBenefits

Administration

• $2.5billionforallconstructionpro-

grams

• $740millionformedicalandpros-

thetic research

The Independent Budget (IB) veterans service organizations (IBVSOs) be-lieve that adequate resources should be provided through the medical services account to ensure timely delivery of high quality health care. The groups are pleased with the Administration’s overall medical care funding level for FY 2017 and the overall discretionary funding level, but believe the advance

Leading Veterans Groups Release FY 2017/FY 2018 Independent Budget Recommending $84.4 Billion for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

appropriations proposal for medical ser-vices in FY 2018, approximately $54.3 billion, would be woefully inadequate to meet continually growing demand for VA health care services. For FY 2018, the IBVSOs recommend $64 billion in advance appro-priations for medical services. The veterans groups are also concerned about the massive growth in community care spending in FY 2017, totaling $12.2 billion. “While the IBVSOs under-stand the need for leveraging community care to expand access to health care for many veterans, we are troubled by the rapid growth in this area of out-side health care spending,” explained Paralyzed Veterans National President Al Kovach, Jr. “VA needs to ensure that it devotes critical resources to expand internal capacity, and increase staff-ing in the existing health care system, particularly for specialized services such as spinal cord injury or disease.”

Regarding General Operating Ex-penses, The Independent Budget recommends significant increases in FY 2017 funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)—approximately $3.5 billion, an increase of more than $380 million over FY 2016—and for the Board of Veterans Appeals, approxi-mately $25 million more than FY 2016. The Administration has recommended approximately $2.8 billion for VBA. The IBVSOs are particularly pleased

with the substantial increase proposed for the Board of Veterans Appeals. One related concern within the budget is a provision calling for a simplified appeals process to expedite adjudica-tion of veterans’ appeals, which could potentially hinder due process rights for claimants.

“Both the VBA and the BVA have significant financial needs in order to properly adjudicate claimed benefits and services for veterans, and while still below the IBVSO recommendations, the Administration’s budget proposal is a good start toward maintaining the functionality of these two crucial areas,” said DAV Washington Head-quarters Executive Director Garry Augustine. “The provision in the bud-get regarding a simplified VA appeals process, however, raises many questions and calls for deeper discussions so we can ensure we protect the rights of ev-ery veteran who seeks and receives the benefits he or she deserves.” The IBVSOs are also pleased to see the Administration’s commitment of significant new resources for the Medical and Prosthetic Research ap-

Cord Word March 2016

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YOUR FUTURE AWAITSParalyzed Veterans’ scholarship program now accepting applicationsParalyzed Veterans of America invests in our members and their families.

Our Educational Scholarship Program assists members and their immediate family members by providing scholarship funds to help with a post-secondary education.

We will award scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to full-time students and $500 to part-time students for an academic year.

APPLICANT MUST BE: • A Paralyzed Veterans of America member, spouse of a member, or an unmarried child (under 24 years of age) who is dependent (as defined by the IRS) on the member for principal support

• A United States citizen

• Accepted and enrolled as a full- or part-time student in an accredited U.S. college or university

Previous award recipients may apply.

Download an application at pva.org, or for more information contact Christi Hillman at 800.424.8200, ext. 776; ChristiH@pva.org. Applications must be completed in full and postmarked no later than June 17, 2016.

to support the VA’s main task of caring for veterans,” said VFW National Commander John A. Biedrzycki Jr. “Re-gardless of how many doctors you may have on staff, if they don’t have examination rooms, they can’t see patients, and that snowballs into tremendous wait times that destroy the confidence of veterans in their VA. This budget submission does nothing except put a temporary patch on a festering problem that cannot be ignored by the Administration.”

For 30 years, the co-authors of The Independent Budget—DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)—have presented their collective budget and policy recommendations to Congress and the Administra-tion. The recommendations are meant to inform Congress and the Administration of the needs of its members and all veterans, and to offer substantive solutions to address the many health care and benefits challenges they face. This budget serves as the veterans groups’ benchmark for prop-erly funding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to en-sure the delivery of timely, quality health care and accurate and appropriate benefits.

propriation, requesting $663 million, contrasted with the IB’s recommended level of $740 million. The veterans groups are disappointed, however, that the Administration has decided to shift funds from the Medical and Prosthetic Research baseline instead of committing new resources to the Million Veteran Program, as the IBVSOs are proposing.

One budget area of grave concern to the veterans groups is Major and Minor Construction. While the IB recommends $2.5 billion for all construction programs, the Administra-tion’s budget request is just $1 billion. Currently, VA has more than 30 major construction projects that are either partially funded or funded through completion, but in which actual construction is still underway. The IBVSOs believe that a concerted effort must be made to address the monumental problems within the infrastructure and construction management programs, because the only people to suffer the consequences of these failures are veterans needing VA care.

“A primary contributing factor to the VA’s crisis in care over the past two years is the lack of the necessary infrastructure

Cord Word March 2016

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Enjoyboth hands on the wheel !

KEMPF is a NMEDA member.

Visit: www.kempf-usa.com to find videos and com-ments from users and to request a quotation.

Call Toll-free: 1-888-4-KEMPF-US (453-6738) for a free DVD and free brochure.

DARIOS is VA accepted.KEMPF features nationwide free at-home pick-up and delivery and at-home service.

Digital Accelerator Ringoptimized for speed

Cord Word March 2016

www.nepva.org 15

Being there makes a di� erenceVeterans have unique needs so we treat each of them as individuals. First of all, we listen. Then, we work together to find the best solution. MobilityWorks considers it a privilege to help our nation’s veterans. Every day we work with local VISNs and service organizations to make the process of securing accessible vehicles, lifts and driving equipment for veterans as easy as possible.

For more information, call toll free 1-888-608-1659 or visit www.mobilityworks.com.

Being there makes a di� erence

Connect With What Matters

MW New Eng-VA ad.indd 1 2/15/16 9:02 AM

ADAPTIVE HOCKEY SCHEDULECHARLESTOWN – SASCEmmons Horrigan O’Neil Memorial Rink150RutherfordAvenueWednesdays,1:00PM–3:00PMMarch 9

BROCKTON – SASCAsiafArena,702BelmontStreetThursdays,5:00PM–7:00PMMarch10,17,24,31,April7

VETERAN CLINICS AT BROCKTON – SASCThursdays,2:40PM–3:40PMMarch10,24,April7

EVERETT – SASCAlliedVeteransMemorialRink65ElmStreetSaturdays,4:00PMto6:00PMMarch5,12,19,26

REGISTRATIONS:SASC–SpauldingAdaptiveSportsCentersToregistercall877-976-7272.NEP–NortheastPassageToregistercall603-862-0070

COST: Nocosttoparticipantsin2015-16thanksto a generous gift from Dr. Bernard R. and Edna M. Sears.

Winter Sled HockeyVA Boston Adaptive Sports Program with Northeast Passage and Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center is proud to announce the winter sled hockey season! Below is a schedule with dates beginning in December through April. If you are interested in participating it is important that you pre-register to ensure that volunteers and equipment are available.

Equipment will be available for use at each location. Participants should wear loose fitting clothing,

layers and bring water/Gatorade to drink.Wheelchair Tennis Cl inics

For more information please

contact Thomas Dodd at

401.523.9864. Clinic space is

limited so please contact ASAP

to reserve your spot.

Tennis Clinic ScheduleFriday Nights 7:30-9:30pm

March 11, March 25

April 8, April 22

May 6, May 20

Dartmouth Indoor Tennis

757 State Rd.

Dartmouth, MA

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Leominster, MA

Permit No. 17

New England PVA1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143Walpole, MA 02081

tel: 508 660-1181 800 660-1181fax: 508 668-9412

Email: info@nepva.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

2016 Upcoming Events

2016 Bass Trail:June 4-Charles RiverSeptember 9-11-Lake Winnipesaukee, Camp Robindel, NHSeptember 30-October 2- Pine Tree Camp, Rome, ME

36th National Veterans Wheelchair GamesJune 27-July 2, Salt Lake City, UTDownload application from www.wheelchairgames.org

2016 National Veterans Golden Age GamesJuly 10-14, Detroit, MIRegister online at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov