2026 Federal Advocacy Priorities

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy.

We believe that legislative, regulatory, and scientific advancements must be complemented by sound public policy and advocacy. Through government investments and action, systemic change can be made in the paralysis community. Programs are designed to not only help individuals advocate for themselves, but also advance important issues for the greater community of individuals with disabilities.

The Reeve Foundation will continue to advocate for paralysis research, access to care, and quality and affordable treatments for all. In partnership with disability coalitions, the Reeve Foundation is also committed to ensuring the protection of laws and policies which protect civil rights for people with disabilities. These federal advocacy priorities are informed by a biennial community needs assessment survey. 

Federal Public Policy Priorities

Advance new authorizing legislation to:

• Boost spinal cord injury and paralysis research 

• Improve rehabilitation outcomes 

• Enhance quality of life for people with paralysis and other physical disabilities 

• At least $10.7M (FY 2027) for the ACL Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) 

• Sustained funding for SCI Model Systems (NIDILRR)

• Robust funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) to accelerate multidisciplinary SCI research benefiting civilians, Veterans, and Service members. 

In Partnership with Disability Coalitions, Reeve advances policies to: 

• Safeguard Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security 
• Improve insurance coverage for treatments, equipment, rehabilitation, and HCBS  
• Strengthen caregiving supports and workforce investment  
• Defend and modernize civil rights and accessibility statutes  
• Expand employment opportunities without penalizing beneficiaries  
• Ensure access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing

This agenda directly mirrors the priorities identified by the paralysis community, ensuring policy credibility and legitimacy.    

Visit https://www.votervoice.net/REEVE/register if you are interested in becoming an online advocate. To learn more about additional advocacy opportunities, including participation in our Regional Champions program, please contact Gerard Arnum at [email protected].

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation employs registered lobbyists to advance its public policy and advocacy priorities. These professionals engage with policymakers on issues that affect people living with paralysis, ensuring that lived experience, scientific evidence, and community needs are represented in legislative and regulatory discussions. 

All lobbying activities are conducted in full compliance with federal and state laws, including registration, reporting, and disclosure requirements.