Event Overview
The United Spinal Association's signature policy event, "Roll on Capitol Hill" (ROCH), returns for its 13th year as the premier grassroots advocacy event focused on issues affecting the spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) community. Taking place June 22-25, 2025, in Washington, D.C., this transformative gathering empowers wheelchair users and disability advocates to directly engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill.
Dates: June 22–25, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Headquarters Hotel: Washington Hilton
Registration: Opens February 2025 at unitedspinal.org
Unlike conventional lobbying efforts, ROCH harnesses the authentic voices and lived experiences of people with disabilities, transforming personal stories into powerful advocacy tools. Participants receive comprehensive training before meeting with elected officials and their staff to discuss legislative priorities that directly impact the independence, health, and quality of life of people with SCI/D.
2025 Policy Priorities
The 2025 Roll on Capitol Hill will focus on several critical policy issues affecting the SCI/D community:
Healthcare Access
Advocating for improved coverage of complex rehabilitation technology, specialized medical care, home and community-based services, and prevention of insurance discrimination affecting individuals with SCI/D. Special focus on preserving access to customized manual and power wheelchairs.
Accessible Transportation
Supporting legislation to improve accessible transportation options, including strengthening Air Carrier Access Act protections, expanding accessible vehicle modification tax credits, and improving public transit accessibility in communities nationwide.
Community Integration
Advancing policies that support independent living, accessible housing, employment opportunities, and full participation in community life for people with SCI/D. Includes advocacy for a strong national home care workforce and accessible affordable housing initiatives.
These priorities are developed through extensive consultation with United Spinal Association members and chapter leaders nationwide, ensuring that advocacy efforts reflect the most pressing concerns of the SCI/D community.
Program Elements
The four-day event combines education, training, relationship-building, and direct advocacy through a carefully structured program:
Advocacy Training Boot Camp
Before heading to Capitol Hill, participants engage in a comprehensive advocacy training program led by experienced disability policy experts. This preparation includes:
- Policy briefings on current legislation and regulatory issues affecting the SCI/D community
- Storytelling workshops to help advocates effectively communicate personal experiences in policy contexts
- Advocacy techniques for effective meetings with legislators and their staff
- Legislative process education to understand how bills become law and identify strategic intervention points
- Role-playing scenarios to practice congressional meeting strategies
"The training transformed how I communicate with legislators. I learned to connect my personal story to specific policy asks in a way that legislators could understand the real-world impact of their decisions. This approach has made our meetings much more effective." — Previous ROCH participant
Congressional Meetings
The centerpiece of Roll on Capitol Hill is the coordinated congressional visits where participants meet directly with their elected representatives and key staff members. United Spinal's Government Relations team schedules these strategic meetings and provides participants with district-specific briefing materials.
Meetings typically include:
- Introductions of community advocates from the legislator's district or state
- Personal stories illustrating the impact of current policies on daily life
- Discussion of specific legislative priorities and requests for support
- Delivery of informational materials for legislative staff reference
- Establishment of ongoing relationships with congressional offices
For the 2025 event, United Spinal anticipates scheduling approximately 250 congressional meetings across both Senate and House offices, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key committees and leadership offices.
Congressional Awards Reception
A highlight of the program is the Congressional Awards Reception, recognizing legislators who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on issues important to the disability community. This evening event provides an important opportunity for relationship-building in a less formal setting and celebrates bipartisan efforts to advance disability rights.
The 2025 reception will be held in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building, with awards presented to legislators who have championed key legislation affecting the SCI/D community over the past year.
Previous Roll on Capitol Hill events have directly contributed to legislative victories including improved coverage for complex rehabilitation technology, increased funding for spinal cord injury research, and strengthened enforcement of transportation accessibility requirements.
Participation Information
The United Spinal Association welcomes participation from individuals with spinal cord injuries or disorders and other wheelchair users who are interested in advancing disability-related policies:
Getting Involved
| Participation Type | Description | How to Engage |
|---|---|---|
| On-site Advocate | Attend the full program in Washington, D.C., including training, Hill visits, and networking events | Apply through United Spinal's website when registration opens in February 2025 |
| Virtual Advocate | Participate in coordinated call-in and social media campaigns from your home location | Sign up for United Spinal's advocacy alerts to join virtual advocacy efforts |
| Local Chapter Representative | Represent your United Spinal chapter as an official delegate | Connect with your local United Spinal chapter about delegate selection |
| Corporate Sponsor | Support the event through financial contributions or in-kind services | Contact United Spinal's development team for sponsorship opportunities |
United Spinal provides scholarships to selected participants to cover travel, accommodation, and participation expenses. Priority is given to members who can effectively represent their local communities and articulate how specific policies impact their daily lives.
Accessibility Accommodations
The event is designed with accessibility as a core consideration rather than an afterthought. Comprehensive accommodations include:
- Accessible transportation between event venues and Capitol Hill
- Personal care attendant support for participants who require assistance
- ASL interpretation and other communication accommodations as needed
- Accessible meeting materials in multiple formats
- Medication and medical supply storage options
- Quiet recovery spaces during the intensive advocacy schedule
Participants can specify their accommodation needs during the registration process to ensure appropriate support throughout the event.
Building Lasting Advocacy Impact
While the in-person Roll on Capitol Hill event spans four days, United Spinal emphasizes that effective advocacy extends far beyond this concentrated effort. The organization provides participants with resources and support for ongoing advocacy when they return to their home communities:
ROCH participants become part of United Spinal's Advocacy Network, receiving regular policy updates, action alerts, and opportunities to engage with local, state, and federal officials throughout the year. This ongoing engagement amplifies the impact of the annual Capitol Hill event.
The relationships established during Roll on Capitol Hill create valuable channels for continued communication with congressional offices. Many participants host follow-up meetings with legislators in their home districts, invite elected officials to tour local facilities serving the SCI/D community, and provide ongoing feedback on legislation affecting people with disabilities.
For more information about the 13th Annual Roll on Capitol Hill, including registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and policy resources, visit unitedspinal.org/roll-on-capitol-hill/ or contact the United Spinal Government Relations team at advocacy@unitedspinal.org.
