2011 Fly Out was met with great success

The 2011 Fly Out, which began August 8, focused on our emerging population of young adults living with pediatric neuromuscular diseases. During the third year of this important initiative, the 2011 Fly Out meetings with congressional members during the August recess included discussions about the obstacles encountered by transitioning young people and the resources they need when planning for the future.

Through Fly Out visits nationwide, individuals had the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences regarding education, employment, community, mobility, health care access, living independently and more.

2011 MDA Fly Out meetings provided the opportunity to highlight the existing resources and barriers that exist for young adults with neuromuscular disease, initiating a dialogue that will extend into policy discussions throughout the coming year.

Following the Fly Out, MDA hosted a Neuromuscular Transitions Summit in Washington, D.C., where young adult members of our community had the opportunity to share their successes and obstacles, as well as meet with officials from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Education, and several other public and private agencies that focus on disability issues to discuss ways in which to improve upon existing resources.

Please ensure that your voice is included in those being heard by participating in MDA’s National Transitions Survey. Even when the August congressional recess ends, Fly Out visits continue throughout the year. You can be a part of this initiative and make a tremendous impact. Take 5! and write your representatives today!

This Year's Fly Out Meetings ... We could not have done it without you!