Hearings to examine veteran health and healing through adaptive sports.

1[Senate Hearing 119-285]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                     S. Hrg. 119-28556                INDEPENDENT SPIRITS: VETERAN HEALTH AND7                    HEALING THROUGH ADAPTIVE SPORTS8=======================================================================910                                HEARING1112                               BEFORE THE1314                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS15                          UNITED STATES SENATE1617                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS1819                             SECOND SESSION2021                               __________2223                            FEBRUARY 4, 20262425                               __________2627       Printed for the use of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs2829[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3031        Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov3233                               __________3435                        U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE3662-740 PDF                     WASHINGTON : 202637=======================================================================3839                 SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS4041                     Jerry Moran, Kansas, Chairman42John Boozman, Arkansas               Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut,43Bill Cassidy, Louisiana                  Ranking Member44Thom Tillis, North Carolina          Patty Murray, Washington45Dan Sullivan, Alaska                 Bernard Sanders, Vermont46Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee          Mazie K. Hirono, Hawaii47Kevin Cramer, North Dakota           Margaret Wood Hassan, New48Tommy Tuberville, Alabama                Hampshire49Jim Banks, Indiana                   Angus S. King, Jr., Maine50Tim Sheehy, Montana                  Tammy Duckworth, Illinois51                                     Ruben Gallego, Arizona52                                     Elissa Slotkin, Michigan5354                     David Shearman, Staff Director55                Tony McClain, Democratic Staff Director5657                           C O N T E N T S5859                              ----------6061                            February 4, 20266263                                SENATORS6465                                                                   Page66Hon. Jerry Moran, Chairman, U.S. Senator from Kansas.............     167Hon. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, U.S. Senator from68  Connecticut....................................................     269Hon. Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator from Alabama.................    1270Hon. Margaret Wood Hassan, U.S. Senator from New Hampshire.......    1471Hon. Angus S. King, Jr., U.S. Senator from Maine.................    1672Hon. Mazie K. Hirono, U.S. Senator from Hawaii...................    1873Hon. Jim Banks, U.S. Senator from Indiana........................    2074Hon. Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Senator from Tennessee...............    227576                               WITNESSES77                                Panel I7879Gabriel George, Director of Pickleball, Military Adaptive Court80  Sports (MACS), and Adaptive Sports Ambassador..................     38182Elizabeth Smith, U.S. Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrationman83  (Ret.).........................................................     58485Julie Howell, Associate Legislative Director for Government86  Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America.......................     78788                                Panel II8990Rachel McArdle, PhD, Deputy Executive Director, Rehabilitation91  and Prosthetics Service, Veterans Health Administration, U.S.92  Department of Veterans Affairs.................................    249394                                APPENDIX95                          Prepared Statements9697Gabriel George, Director of Pickleball, Military Adaptive Court98  Sports (MACS), and Adaptive Sports Ambassador..................    3599100Elizabeth Smith, U.S. Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrationman101  (Ret.).........................................................    38102103Julie Howell, Associate Legislative Director for Government104  Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America.......................    42105106Rachel McArdle, PhD, Deputy Executive Director, Rehabilitation107  and Prosthetics Service, Veterans Health Administration, U.S.108  Department of Veterans Affairs.................................    48109110                       Statements for the Record111112Hon. Catherine Cortez Masto, U.S. Senator from Nevada............    63113114Disabled American Veterans, Jon Retzer, National Legislative115  Director.......................................................    64116117Shawn Morelli, Team USA, three-time gold medalist in 2016 and118  2020 Paralympic Games..........................................    68119120The Action Foundation, Audra Klinkner, Executive Director........    71121122Wounded Warrior Project..........................................    75123124INDEPENDENT SPIRITS: VETERAN HEALTH AND HEALING THROUGH ADAPTIVE SPORTS125126                              ----------127128                      WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026129130                                       U.S. Senate,131                            Committee on Veterans' Affairs,132                                                    Washington, DC.133    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 4 p.m., in Room134SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Jerry Moran,135Chairman of the Committee, presiding.136137    Present: Senators Moran, Cassidy, Blackburn, Tuberville,138Banks, Sheehy, Blumenthal, Hirono, Hassan, and King.139140             OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,141               CHAIRMAN, U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS142143    Chairman Moran. Good afternoon everyone. The Committee will144come to order and we welcome our witnesses, certainly, those145who are here to hear the testimony. And I look forward to146Senator Blumenthal joining us shortly. He is on his way. But147I'm excited about this hearing and I'm excited about the time148of this hearing in advance of the Olympics and Paralympics. And149glad we're on this path.150    The VA's Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and151Special Events provide veterans with the opportunity for152specialized rehabilitative, adaptive sporting, and creative153arts events. These unique events are designed to foster154independence, strengthen the community involvement, and improve155the overall quality of life for veterans living with156disabilities.157    Through direct programming, adaptive sport grants, and158training stipends for elite veteran paralympic athletes, our159country provides veterans recovering from injury as they build160new strengths, compete as teammates within a new community, and161engage in healthy living through tailored athletic and162rehabilitation events.163    America's service members and veterans are a testament to164our Nation's strength, resiliency, and determination. And we165see that in the veteran athletes competing in VA adaptive166sporting events or training to represent our Nation in167international competitions as part of Team USA.168    As the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games approach169in Milan, I want to wish Team USA, especially the veteran170athletes representing our Nation, every success as they171compete. Their dedication and perseverance, inspire Americans,172inspire the world, inspire other veterans. We're proud to cheer173them on.174    Today, we're honored to welcome two veteran adaptee sport175athletes who will share their journeys and how adaptee sports176supported their path from rehabilitation to elite competition.177I look forward to hearing your stories, discussing the roles178these programs play in veterans' health and healing. I179particularly look forward to hearing about how we can make sure180that these opportunities are available to all veterans that181could benefit from this program.182    My script says I should yield to the Ranking Member at this183moment, but I'm going to introduce the witnesses and we're184going to proceed. Testifying on this panel is Gabriel George,185the Director of Pickleball at Military Adaptive Court Sports186(MACS) and Adaptive Sports Ambassador; Elizabeth Smith, U.S.187Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrationman, Retired; and Julie188Howell, Associate Legislative Director for Paralyzed Veterans189of America.190    I would also like to acknowledge Mason Symons, a191Paralympian medalist, a current team member of USA, a member192and Ambassador at Oscar Mike Foundation, who unfortunately193could not join us today due to an injury he's recently194sustained. His testimony will be made a part of the record and195we wish him a very speedy recovery. And thank all of you, all196of you for being here this afternoon.197    Let me give Senator Blumenthal a moment to turn the page,198and then I recognize him for his opening statement.199200         OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL,201         RANKING MEMBER, U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT202203    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize204for my lateness. I went to our other hearing room, but I'm glad205to be here, and thank the Chairman for having this very206important hearing. Proud to have you represent our country.207Your example of how adaptive sports can change lives and your208dedication and hard work are really impressive.209    I applaud the work of VA's physical, occupational, and210recreational therapists, as well as the VSOs--Veterans Service211Organizations and local adaptive sports organizations for212delivering this irreplaceable service to our veterans. I look213forward to hearing and learning more. I want to offer a thanks214to the Gaylord Sports Association and Summit Adaptive Sports215organization based in Connecticut.216    I've heard veterans in my home state speak about the life217changing experiences that come from these organizations and218adaptive sports.219    One veteran said to me, ``After I came back from Iraq, I220was a mess. I had issues relating to my family. I felt I no221longer had a mission in life and everything was in shambles.''222He went on to say, ``I had a veteran attend a veteran's--I had223a friend attend a veteran sporting event. It was amazing. It224helped me get out of my head. I have regularly attended many225various programs since then, and it has increased my social226circle and my confidence.'' I thank those organizations and I227thank you for being here today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.228    Chairman Moran. Mr. George, you're recognized. All of you229will be recognized for your testimony. Thank you. Please230proceed.231232                            PANEL I233234                              ----------235236 STATEMENT OF GABRIEL GEORGE, DIRECTOR OF PICKLEBALL, MILITARY237  ADAPTIVE COURT SPORTS (MACS), AND ADAPTIVE SPORTS AMBASSADOR238239    Mr. George. Good evening, Chairman Moran, Mr. Blumenthal,240the Members of the community. My name is Gabriel George. I'm a241Texas native who honorably served the world's greatest Navy for242five years, from 2004 until 2009. Unfortunately, I was involved243in a motorcycle accident back in April 1, 2008, where it left244me with multiple traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord245injuries, and a paralyzed right arm.246    Once I was medically retired from the Navy, I lived in pain247without a real purpose for about 10 years until the VA called248me one day and asked me to come out to a Summer Sports Clinic249in San Diego. And my first reaction was, ``How could I do this?250'' I had this arm here hanging, I'm in so much pain, I couldn't251really compete and really do anything, so I was like, ``but you252know what? I'll do it.''253    That was the best answer, best yes, I could have said in my254life, because from that moment, that week of being introduced255to multiple sports changed my life forever. I went to one of256the clinics where they showed me archery, and I was watching257everybody else sit around and shoot, and I was like, ``okay,258it's cool, but I don't have an arm to use, so how in the world259am I going to be able to do this? ''260    And one of the coaches there heard me say it. He reached in261his pocket, pulled a string out and tied it around the boat and262said, ``Bite down on this and pull.'' That was before COVID, so263I trusted them. It was like, ``Okay, I'll do this.'' And once264that arrow hit the target, I was like, ``Wow, this is something265really I can do.'' And the more I kept doing it, they kept266doing it.267    Others started saying things like, ``Well, you know, the VA268has a program where if you meet a certain record, whatever, we269have a funding and a stipend that they'll help you pay.''270    Then my mind was like, ``I can pay for--I can feed my271family with this. I can do something. There's some more272purpose.'' So, after that week of training, of learning in273different sports, and pickleball was one of the sports there274too--I'll get to that later--but I went home and bought my275first bow.276    Then fast forward, I met other archers and won. A277Paralympic archer named Andre Shelby, who took me under his278wing and showed me the ropes, and we started competing and279training, doing tournaments all around the world. And that280trial led me to doing the Warrior Games and Invictus Games281where I've continuously been able to meet other veterans like282Ellie and more and more people that have gone through similar283situations where they was living in pain, but were using these284adaptive sports as a purpose of their life and giving them a285reason to keep going.286    When I found out about pickleball at the Summer Sports287Clinic, I fell in love with it. That was a sport that I felt288like I could play for hours without being dead. And once I289mentioned it to other people and other people saw the joy of me290playing this game, they were like, ``Wow, what is this? What is291this? '' I'm becoming affective in it.292    I met a guy named--what's his name? Steven Harper, I293believe. He had this foundation where he was teaching veterans294racquetball. But I asked him, ``Have you heard of pickleball?295And he was like, ``What was that?'' Well, fast forward, he296applied for a grant from the VA from the Adaptive Sports Grant,297and they approved him for pickleball, but not for racquetball.298And then he called me and said, ``Look, I need your help.''299    This was about eight years ago and since then, I've been a300part of the Pickleball Director for Military Adaptive Court301Sports, volunteering my service, but teaching veterans all302across this country, pickleball, racquetball, table tennis,303badminton, and this other sport that he loves called ``Padel.''304    And daily, I get to share my love and passion with others305that I've seen just coming off the couch, that has been306suffering, that didn't have no purpose, and given a new purpose307to adaptive sports.308    I love what the VA offers and the programs that they've309offered. They have been a big help. The only issue I've had310though, is one of the main things, once we get addicted, once311we get hooked, we don't try to find life then, then funding312becomes an issue. There are small grants--there are small313things for those that want to compete on an elite level, but314then there's a whole mass of veterans that, ``I just want to315get off the couch. I want to find my purpose. I just want to316play with my family.''317    And that's what I'm grateful for, like the Adaptive Sports318Grant, that it helps VA--it helps MACS and Military Adaptive319Sports to fund these things for local events. But there's a320whole need for others to be able to reach out.321    We go serve underserved communities, we find thousands of322veterans. This year with this grant so far, in this first323quarter, we have reached over 800 veterans. And we're trying to324keep that going monthly throughout to serve this country.325    I'm thankful for that, but I see the need that's continued326to be asked for by other veterans that I come in contact with327daily. It's like, ``Okay, what's next? '' Because once you328light this little fire like I was lit, how do I keep this329going? How do I keep doing this with my family? How do I share330this with other family members?331    I represent other organizations like Will of Iron that do332golf for veterans. And there are smaller organizations that333have trouble getting funding from the VA grant because they are334such a small organization, even though they are 501(c)(3). But335it takes a multitude of people to run some of these things, to336do the finances, to do the paperwork behind the grant process.337    And even with us, it's like I spend more hours working and338doing paperwork than I get to do on the court and trying to339help everyone. And that's a limitation. We're always trying to340find and get over, but it's something we do well. I love what I341do because this is outside of me competing--competing was fun.342I love the intention, I love the act of it, but my passion now343is teaching and sharing that love with others.344    The veterans that come before me--when I meet a veteran345from multiple wars before me, and is an 80 year old and I'm346talking about, ``You can come play pickleball with me.'' And347he's like, ``What in the world? Why didn't I think of it?'' And348then, at least for me, them playing a sport with me on the349court, now I am talking to him, asking ``When are you coming to350the VA? What are your benefits? What haven't you been taking?351Go and see what other things that you can help for yourself and352for your family.''353    So, I thank you for this time. Thank you for hearing me354here. I'll be here for the next couple of hours.355356    [The prepared statement of Mr. George appears on pages 35-35737 of the Appendix.]358359    Chairman Moran. We appreciate that. And Mr. George, you're360the highlight of my day so far. It was a joy to have you here361and hear what you have to say, otherwise, I've been having to362listen to these people on the left of me and the right of me.363And this is the--I'm happy to have you right where you are,364telling me how to change a life. So, thank you. Ms. Smith.365366 STATEMENT OF ELIZABETH SMITH, U.S. NAVY AVIATION MAINTENANCE367                    ADMINISTRATIONMAN (RET.)368369    Ms. Smith. Good afternoon, Chairman Moran, Ranking Member370Blumenthal, and distinguished Members of the Committee. Thank371you for inviting me here today. My name is Elizabeth Smith, and372adaptive sports changed my life. In 2017, while stationed373aboard the USS Nimitz, I was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a374fast-growing cancer of the brain and spine that starts near the375brain stem.376    I'm incredibly fortunate that chemotherapy and radiation377were successful. But surviving cancer came at a cost. When my378treatment ended, I didn't feel like myself anymore. I've lost379my strength, my motivation and soon my identity. When I found380out that I was being medically retired, the reality that I381would never serve my country the way I had once dreamed, left382me feeling like the shell of a human being I once was.383    During that time, my non-medical case manager with Navy384Wounded Warrior, and my mom, who's here today with me, refused385to let me give up on myself. They insisted that I try an386adaptive sports camp, even when I didn't believe it would do387anything to help me. I attended my first adaptive sports camp388in late 2018 and it was overwhelming. I couldn't move the way I389wanted to. I struggled to hear what was going on around me and390I felt like I was failing at everything I tried.391    Then they put me back in a pool. Suddenly, I was swimming392the way I used to when I competed in high school. And that393moment, I felt a spark of hope return. Something I truly394thought was gone forever. But that spark didn't disappear, it395only grew. Before long, I was participating in seated field396events, shooting and eventually wheelchair rugby, which became397especially meaningful to me.398    Through Navy Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports, I slowly399rebuilt myself. I gained confidence, reconnected with others,400and for the first time since my diagnosis, I felt like I had a401purpose again. But when I was no longer eligible to compete402through that program, after a two-Warrior game limit, I could403feel myself slipping back into the same dark place I had fought404so hard to get out of.405    I went to my VA mental health provider to ask how I could406get involved in the VA's Adaptive Sports and Arts Program.407Something I had heard other veterans like Gabe speaking about.408I was told that it would be difficult for me to get an409appointment because I wasn't training to compete at a high410level. I was simply trying to stay healthy.411    That's when organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project412and the Semper Fi Fund stepped in. They didn't just fill a gap,413they carried me forward. They supported my physical and mental414health, helped me continue growing and connected me with local415nonprofits that gave me ways to stay active and involved in my416local community. I haven't had much direct success with the417VA's Adaptive Sports and Arts Program, but the grants that they418give community organizations have made a real difference in my419life.420    Through these grants, I participate in adaptive horseback421riding and horsemanship at the EquiCenter, a small local422nonprofit that provides equine therapy at no cost to veterans.423It gives me a place to show up, connect with others, and feel424like I belong. It may not sound like much, just a few hours a425week practicing a sport or hanging out with horses, but those426are the hours that matter the most. Those are the hours when my427pain fades into the background, when relationships are built,428and when veterans can feel proud of what they are capable of.429It reminds us that we still have value and we still have a430purpose.431    When I spoke with some of the legislative aides about what432I should share today, one question or one thing about the433VA's--sorry. When I spoke with the legislative VA, it's about434what I should share today, one question really stuck out. If I435had a magic wand and could change one thing about the VA's436Adaptive Sports and Arts Program, what would it be?437    My answer was quite simple. Make adaptive sports accessible438to all veterans, not just those who live near major VA439facilities. Giving the smaller VA clinics the ability to host440group workouts, sports clinics, and informative sessions about441what adaptive sports are, and if you qualify, would streamline442their ability to communicate openly about the programming, like443the five national events that currently take place. And open a444dialogue of what is provided through the VA, who qualifies, and445what other options might be potentially helpful.446    When we make adaptive sports and fitness a priority, we do447more than promote physical health. We give disabled veterans a448safe place to let their guard down, build friendships, share449resources, and rediscover joy. No matter where a veteran lives,450what equipment they need or the level at which they compete,451every eligible veteran deserves equal access to these452opportunities and the chance to live an active, purposeful453life.454    It's through committees like this that you have an455opportunity to not just focus on the health of veterans, but456their well-being as a whole individual. It is my dream that457every veteran, regardless of ability, has equal access, equal458support, and equal opportunity to the care and opportunities459that they deserve. Thank you so much, and I look forward to460your questions.461462    [The prepared statement of Ms. Smith appears on pages 38-41463of the Appendix.]464465    Chairman Moran. Ms. Smith, thank you for sharing your dream466and showing this purpose in your life and see if you can make467certain those dreams can come true for others as well. Ms.468Howell.469470 STATEMENT OF JULIE HOWELL, ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR FOR471      GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA472473    Ms. Howell. Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal and474Members of the Committee, Paralyzed Veterans of America475appreciates the opportunity to testify today. Most of my476opening remarks will focus on some of the bills covered in my477written testimony, but I first want to take a minute to stress478the importance of adaptive sports in the lives of PVA members.479Veterans who have incurred a spinal cord injury or disorder.480    PVA is proud of its role in the evolution of adaptive481sports, and we're continually working to bring accessible482recreation opportunities to our members across the country. Our483sports and rec program is truly unique and the impact they've484had on the health and well-being of veterans with catastrophic485disabilities cannot be overstated.486    Between January and July of this year, PVA will host 30487adaptive sporting opportunities ranging from California to488Maine. These events include adaptive pickleball camps, the489wheelchair rugby invitational, which just wrapped up this past490weekend, a bass fishing tournament series, paracycling camps,491wheelchair basketball camps, and others.492    We are also now hosting an outdoor recreation experience in493several locations across the country. Our adaptive sports494calendar will culminate this summer with the National Veterans495Wheelchair Games in Detroit, Michigan. For the past 41 years,496PVA has partnered with the VA to host the largest gathering of497wheelchair athletes in the country.498    It's difficult to describe how impactful adaptive sports499can be on an individual veteran's life, which is why I'm happy500that Ellie and Gabriel are here to share their experience today501with the Committee. I can say that for PVA members who502participate in adaptive sports programs, they not only improve503their cardiovascular health, increase their strengths,504stability, and endurance, but all of those things coalesce and505lead to more healthy and independent lives.506    I'd now like to turn my attention to a few pieces of507pending legislation that could improve access to adaptive508sports and overall independence for disabled veterans. First,5091723, the Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe510Transportation or the ASSIST Act would provide a technical fix511to the Veterans AUTO and Education Improvement Act, which512Congress passed in December 2022.513    That bill authorized a second auto grant to eligible514veterans and codified VA's existing practice of furnishing515certain items such as van lifts or wheelchair tie downs to516catastrophically disabled veterans. However, that bill517inadvertently restricted access to only the specific items518listed in the legislation, which was not the intent of519Congress. The ASSIST Act would allow VA to ensure that veterans520can receive necessary modifications for them to live more521independent lives, and we urge Committee members to support522this technical fix.523    Next, I'd like to discuss S. 1644, the Autonomy for524Disabled Veterans Act. This legislation would authorize an525increase to the VA's Home Improvements and Structural526Alterations grant program, or the HISA grant. HISA rates527haven't been increased since 2010, despite the rising cost of528construction. The Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act would529increase the grant amount from 6,800 to 10,000 for service-530connected veterans and raise it from 2,000 to 6,800 for non-531service-connected veterans who are still enrolled in the VA.532    For veterans to be successful and live those independent533lives, they need to have a safe and accessible home, and it is534long past due for Congress to increase the rates for the HISA535grant. Another bill is S. 3138, the Veterans Supporting536Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act, or the537Veterans SPORT Act. Without access to adaptive prosthesis and538terminal devices, veterans may struggle and they may face even539more barriers when trying to engage with adaptive sports.540    The Veterans SPORT Act would remove the need for special541authorizations for veterans to receive an adaptive device,542improving access to sports and recreation, while also removing543a bureaucratic label barrier that disabled veterans face.544Finally, I'd like to call your attention to a public service545announcement launched by PVA this week. Our new hard work PVA546follows members as they turn the skills gained in adaptive547sports into everyday independence.548    These videos highlight how adaptive sports are more than549fitness. They can be a powerful tool in building motor control,550improved mental health and community integration. What looks551like training is actually transformation and improved access to552adaptive sports can do just that, transform lives, as our other553witnesses have already testified to today.554    Thank you again for the opportunity to share our views with555the Committee. With the upcoming Winter Olympics and556Paralympics, we're glad to help elevate the importance of557disabled veterans, particularly in adaptive sports. Whether a558veteran is a Paralympian or a novice just getting started or559somewhere in between, adaptive sports can empower veterans and560inspire communities through their remarkable achievements.561Thank you again for the opportunity, and I look forward to your562questions.563564    [The prepared statement of Ms. Howell appears on pages 42-56547 of the Appendix.]566567    Chairman Moran. Julie, thank you for your testimony and for568the role that Paralyzed Veterans of America play in advocating569on behalf of veterans. I'm going to ask a couple of questions.570I'm going to turn to Senator Blumenthal, and then we'll ask my571colleagues to join in those questions. I'm particularly572interested in Ms. Smith--a Kansan, like me, and the rural573nature of our state, and you talked about the lack of574opportunities for people who don't live in the city. Tell me575about that and what have you seen or observed and how could it576be fixed?577    Ms. Smith. Yes, sir. So, the appointment that I went to was578in Buffalo, New York. And you hear people who come from San579Antonio, they come from major VA areas. I came from Denver.580There was a huge push for adaptive sports when the brand-new VA581opened in Denver. When I went to Buffalo, I was expected--I was582expecting to be met with, ``yes, let's do this, let's get you583off meds, let's get you in a chair playing sports. Let's get584you doing these things.''585    But instead, I was told that I was not going to get an586appointment because I was not trying to be a Paralympian. I was587not following--I wasn't getting a grant for anything. Instead,588they said, ``this sounds like you can be served by outside589organizations.'' And I am so thankful that there were590organizations through the DoD, like the Navy Wounded Warrior591Program.592    I'm so thankful for the Wounded Warrior Program and the593Semper Fi Fund. But at the end of the day, it's not their594responsibility to carry us forward. It's not their weight to595carry. That is something that the VA should step up and take596care of, but we're being turned away and said, ``Hey, just go597out to the community, find a way.''598    But there was no help. There was no, ``let's get you599connected, here's the connections, or here's even a place to600start.'' It was just shot down and it felt like they were601almost saying, 'You are not hurt enough. You are not sick602enough; you are not enough.'' And when you're already going603through that mental space of ``I am not enough because I can no604longer serve my community and my country the way I wanted to. I605am not enough because I don't fit for this organization.''606    And so, it was extremely difficult to see online, my607friends who live in Texas and my friends who live in California608and all of these places and they're getting camps. They're609going to work out at their VAs. They're doing clinics, they're610doing all this stuff. And when I bring it up, they literally611tell us that we are not suburban enough or that we don't have a612young enough crowd.613    Chairman Moran. When you say they bring it up, they being?614    Ms. Smith. They being the doctors at any of the VA615facilities that I've gone to, both through Canandaigua, NY;616Buffalo, NY; and Syracuse, NY. Anytime I go, they literally617say, ``we don't have an''--the doctors all say, ``we don't have618a young enough group.'' Mobility and activeness does not have619to change as you age. And it is not a problem that we only have620a handful of 20- to 45-year-olds and they literally put that621age range there. We don't have the active group that we would622need 25- to 40-year-olds. So, that's what we're being faced623with.624    Chairman Moran. Thanks for sharing that with me. It seems625to be that it's something that can be corrected. We can do626something wherever we live.627    Ms. Smith. Correct.628    Chairman Moran. And whatever VA we're at.629    Ms. Smith. Correct.630    Chairman Moran. Let me ask a broad question about the631Olympics and Paralympics. What opportunity do we as Senators,632we as Members of this Committee have in advance and during, and633following the Olympics that are about to occur to highlight the634opportunities--for one, I suppose maybe to share with Americans635that they ought to be tuning in to see some pretty amazing636people perform in the athletic arena, and to be inspired by637that, to give us as Americans hope and pride.638    But beyond that, how can we use this to educate and639highlight for other veterans the opportunities that we hope are640there for those veterans? What's the suggestion about how do641we--I don't like this word, but how do we market the642opportunity that the Olympics presents to us? How do we use it643to market the opportunities? Mr. George, you seem so644enthusiastic. Enthusiastic about what we can do.645    [Laughter.]646    Ms. Smith. I was going to say, I feel like this is a great647question for Gabe.648    Mr. George. I mean, you didn't want to say the word, but649it's the word--it's marketing. I've seen this on both sides,650especially when everyone sees the Paralympians, especially651those that come from military background. I mean, the military652is known for producing a lot of Paralympians because we got the653injured body parts hurting from combat or war or whatever it so654be. But the marketing side of showing what it took to get655there.656    Because everybody sees the win, but nobody gets to see the657training. Nobody sees the finances, the support that--the658interdependence that it goes behind. To be a Paralympian you659have to become very selfish because you have to spend all your660time training. You have to spend everything that you do,661working to be that goal.662    So, you got to put aside family support, friends, and all663that. So, it limits a whole group of people already to become664that--well, that's what it means to be a Paralympic, that's665what we know. But even once you get there, you have to have666that support. Like funding is always a big issue.667    The VA has these certain grants, so to speak and the668stipends, once you've reached a certain level, but then you669still there, there's more to it. And a lot of us--a lot of670Paralympians we struggle from marketing because there's not a671lot of sponsors, so to speak, for Paralympians. You get it for672regular Olympians and stuff. But that market for true673Paralympians, they struggle finding funding.674    And because a lot of people think, ``Okay, you're with the675VA, you got it.'' And then that's the biggest thing. We have to676go back and find our own sources for funding, for training, for677equipment and all that. And those create big gaps. But to678market for the Paralympics, I think just a marketing campaign679of showing--follow the athlete, show them what they go through680on a daily basis. Show people what it takes for them to get681there. And that's a great way to share why they should watch682it. Build those stories.683    Chairman Moran. That makes sense to me. Before Senator684Blumenthal says, I went beyond my time this week, I recognize685Senator Blumenthal.686    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. What do you687think, let me ask the whole panel, are the greatest challenges688for veterans seeking VA prosthetics? Is it the ability to get689new devices or repair or replace existing devices? And how690often are you subsidizing your monthly stipend from the691veterans' monthly assistance allowance with your own funds to692cover not only the cost of the equipment that you need, but693also food, housing, and other needs?694    Ms. Smith. I think that the biggest challenge that we often695face is the questions that we have to answer. Because it's not696as easy as I want to be interested in wheelchair pickleball or697wheelchair basketball or wheelchair rugby or any adaptive698sport. It's not just a, ``Hey, this is what I need to be699successful.'' It's the runaround you get about it.700    ``Well, have you checked with this? Have you checked out701this? We can possibly get you a chair, but you're probably702looking at 18 to 20 months before we can find funding.'' So, I703think the biggest thing that I've run into specifically with704the VA, and it's more than just adaptive sports equipment, it's705getting a cane, was the questions that I was asked.706    ``Well, did you get the okay from this doctor? What about707this doctor who sent you here? '' When you're getting asked7081,010 questions, it makes it hard to--for something as simple709as a cane, it makes it hard to go to them and ask for, ``I need710a wheelchair for pickleball. I need a wheelchair for--711anything.'' So, I think it's just the number of hoops you have712to jump through just to get a hope for an answer.713    Senator Blumenthal. And the delays result from the hoops714you need to jump through. Go ahead.715    Mr. George. For me, in my own personal experiences, my two716kind of interactions with prosthetics office, one was when I'm717getting a shoulder harness built for archery. And with them I718had an easy process because when the VA doctor didn't know what719to do, he'd just send me outside. We did community care. And I720had other community care, private doctors would work with me to721figure out the problems, whatever we had to do. And the VA just722had to pay for it.723    Other times was when I was working for the VA vehicle724grant, that was out. And the biggest problem is issues with725anything with prosthetics or anything with the VA, sometimes726it's communication. When I'm asking for something, if they727don't know where to get it from, don't know who to tell where728to get it from, or it's, ``Why do you need this?'' Like when it729came to a shoulder harness for a shooting archery, well, that's730not a medical device considered by some people. But in my731world, as I'm using this to compete with or the sports is my732therapy, so these devices are my medical device, these are733helping my well-being.734    So, when you've got to have to find the right doctor who735knows how to write the right requests to get it through the736right people so that you get stuff approved.737    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you. Ms. Howell.738    Ms. Howell. Thank you for the question, sir. I think for739PVA members, for a majority of our members, we'd have a very740different or a more unique case study than our other witnesses741here. Because most of our members access VA care through the742SCI/D System of Care. SCI/D floors have a prosthetics rep,743things like recreational therapy, physical therapy,744occupational therapy, those facilities are staffed with that745level of personnel.746    And so our folks, we haven't heard any issues as of late747that rose to the level that should be addressed here today. But748I think we have a positionality with our members because they749have direct access to a prosthetics rep. And so when there are750concerns at the facility level, they're often remediated rather751quickly.752    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you. I think you mentioned753delays. What are the kinds of delays that you're talking about,754Ms. Smith?755    Ms. Smith. Sorry, I apologize. I'm hard of hearing. So the756delays for me is just--even through community care, the small757clinics aren't able to get you in in a timely fashion. I mean,758for example, I have a neurology consult for community care759because the VA can no longer get me in because of our lack of760number of providers.761    I got turned down by three of our community care providers762because we are coming from the VA. They literally said, ``we763cannot get you in.'' So, then you add the adaptive sports764equipment on top of that, where they're like, ``In-house, we765can't see you for six months.'' And I'm like, ``it's a 30-766minute meeting just to tell me about what I qualify for. Like,767I'm not asking for anything. I'll do it over Zoom. I'll do768whatever you guys need.'' But the delay is just getting in769front of people to get answers.770    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.771    Chairman Moran. Thank you, Senator Blumenthal. Senator772Tuberville.773774                     HON. TOMMY TUBERVILLE,775                   U.S. SENATOR FROM ALABAMA776777    Senator Tuberville. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for all778of you being here today and telling your story. Very important.779You know, as a former football coach, I've seen firsthand the780positive impact sports can have on people's lives. And as a781Committee, we should be doing everything we possibly can do to782support alternative treatments for our veterans, like adaptive783sports programming.784    Ms. Howell in your testimony you spoke about the importance785of veterans gaining access to transportation to expand786independence. And you referenced my ASSIST Act, and I thank you787for that, which aims to expand access for automobile788modifications for disabled veterans to participate in an789adaptive sport. A veteran has to be able to get there in the790first place to be able to compete. And so we have to find some791possible way to help out the veteran. So, how would my792legislation help more veterans in your thoughts of being able793to benefit from adaptive sports?794    Ms. Howell. Thank you for the question, sir. And thank you795for sponsoring that legislation. I think everyone here796recognizes that the way the bill was implemented was not the797intent. This is simply a technical fix to get it right. The798language that was intended to be an example list ended up799becoming an exhaustive list. And so veterans across the country800were running into barriers when it came to making an adaptive801van instead of a vehicle.802    And so the way those facilities interpreted that803understanding, again, I just want to stress that this is just a804technical fix. It seems so simple and we are eagerly awaiting805its passage, sir. Because like you said, adaptive sports are806great, getting to your VA facility is great, but some people807need modifications to be able to get there. And particularly808for our veterans in rural communities, accessible809transportation is really hard to find.810    And a lot of these folks live super rural and their vehicle811is the only vehicle that is going to be able to get them there.812So, let's make sure that they get the adaptations that are813necessary for them to be able to not only go to their814appointments, but get to something in their community that's815going to provide them increased mental health, increased816physical access, and all of the things I mentioned earlier.817    Senator Tuberville. Exactly. Thank you. What's the biggest818barriers your members face when trying to participate in819adaptive sports? Other than this?820    Ms. Howell. I'll echo the other witnesses in that, you821know, in rural communities, it's rather challenging. You know,822you can only go to so many places. There's only so many823accessible hotel rooms for cities to host. We run into824complications when it comes to finding a city large enough to825host the wheelchair games. You need a convention center, you826need enough hotels within a reasonable area that have ADA827accessible hotels.828    That's a whole separate hearing talking about accessible829hotel rooms. But these are serious challenges. You need a830facility that can accommodate 600 wheelchair users and you831don't really know what that means until you see it. It's quite832the undertaking. And I think one policy area around the VA833Adaptive Sports Grant that maybe we could look at is the VA834Adaptive Sports Grant can be used to host adaptive events,835recreation opportunities, but cannot be used for veteran travel836to get to those events.837    So, veterans are on the hook for paying their own airfare.838They're on their own for any kind of travel in between. And839often that's a barrier to entry for a lot of folks, especially840coming from a rural community. So, imagine you're a veteran841living in a highly rural area, you can't get your vehicle842adapted and there's no paratransit that can get you to the843airport.844    Like that's an entire opportunity gone. And then those are845veterans that don't have the amazing stories that my fellow846veterans here had today. It's all one thing after another.847    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. Mr. George, as a former848coach, I saw firsthand the impact that team sports has on849players' mental health. What are ways this Committee can ensure850veterans have access to and information about great programs851like the one that rehabilitated you?852    Mr. George. Great question. Communication. One of the best853things that got me informed about the actual VA program at854Summer Sports Clinic was through my rec therapist. But one855thing I've realized and even working with MACS, how we partner856with other veterans, we go through directly with rec857therapists. We try to find them, but there's a limited number858of rec therapists.859    A lot of doctors don't even know what rec therapy is. They860don't know that the VA has a rec therapy program. So, when I'm861telling the vet, ``Hey, how do you get in contact with me? Talk862to your doctor, ask for an appointment with your doctor. Tell863him to refer you to rec therapy.'' A lot of VAs don't even have864them. In some areas they refer if there's no rec therapy865program. There's nobody facilitating events for the veterans.866So, that's why we come together, and outside organizations try867to help input those and get stuff started in the community.868    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. I got one more question, Mr.869Chairman. Can I?870    Chairman Moran. Yes.871    Senator Tuberville. Ms. Howell, do you see adaptive sports872as a form of alternative care to keep veterans away from over873prescription drugs, over prescribing?874    Ms. Howell. Yes, sir. I would agree with that. We have, I875think on my desktop, I have like 14 pages of quotes from PVA876members talking about how the first time they went to the877wheelchair games, they fought it, they fought it, they just878wanted to sit at home and be left alone. And the introduction879through rec therapists in the VA in adaptive sports is the880thing that got them back into the light, if you will.881    We have countless accounts of veterans who, with engaging882in adaptive sports, they no longer have active suicidal883ideation. They have decreased their dependence on mental health884pharmaceuticals. They also end up building a community. Like if885you have no purpose, if you have no sense of belonging, what886are you doing?887    And so adaptive sports is like the very basic that we could888offer to veterans who are struggling because it seems to889overwhelmingly reintegrate them to not only their veteran890community, but their broader community at home. I think it's a891critical piece of the veteran puzzle.892    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.893    Chairman Moran. Senator Hassan.894895                   HON. MARGARET WOOD HASSAN,896                U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE897898    Senator Hasan. Well, thanks Mr. Chairman. I want to thank899you and the Ranking Member for this hearing. And more900importantly, I'd really like to thank all of our witnesses for901your testimony, for your service, not only in the military, but902your continuing service for doing what you're doing, including903doing what you're doing right here today. So, thank you.904    I also just want to thank the Chairman for focusing on this905important issue. Being injured, having a disability or facing906an illness are not just events or circumstances that mean we907can no longer fully engage with life and society. And one of908the things that I think is really important is for us to stop909thinking about people with disabilities as somebody who gets910stabilized and can live inside a house and isn't in a crisis911but is isolated. And it's really clear from the testimony we've912had today, that there really is a vital role for sports,913recreation, and competition in helping our veterans and in914helping people with disabilities generally build complete915lives.916    So, I want to start with a question to you, Ms. Howell.917Your testimony briefly touched on outdoor recreation, in918particular. Paralyzed Veterans of America offers outdoor919experiences throughout the year that can help veterans not only920engage with physical activity but also gain confidence and921enhance their physical and mental health.922    For veterans who for years of their lives may have spent923time training and working outdoors, reengaging with life in the924wilderness after an injury or illness can have a really925profound impact, especially when done in a way that helps926rebuild the sense of community. Something you've all talked927about.928    This is something that the University of New Hampshire and929the Northeast Passage Program at UNH are experts in. They've930received VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program funding, and they931continue to provide opportunities for veterans and others with932disabilities to engage with the community and find fulfillment933through sports and recreation, including outdoor recreation.934    I've met with Granite State veterans. I've actually paddled935with Granite State veterans who've taken part in these936activities and they've told me how important it was to them.937So, Ms. Howell, can you discuss how adaptive outdoor recreation938opportunities can support our veterans and how Congress and the939VA can work together to increase these opportunities?940    Ms. Howell. Thank you for the question, ma'am. I'm going to941follow up with your staffer to get that contact information for942that program. It sounds remarkable. I think in my written943testimony, as you mentioned, I said that building confidence in944the outdoors is a critical piece of the puzzle. It's great that945we can get veterans to adaptive pickleball or the wheelchair946games or something else, but what about that downtime in947between the five major events?948    If we can facilitate a veteran being confident out in the949outdoors especially if you're in a rural area, if we can get950you the appropriate adaptive device, the appropriate wheels for951your wheelchair, tires, tread width, all of this stuff is952things or things that we all think about. Then we allow a953veteran to be able to be engaged in a way and to be mentally954active and physically active outside of that structure.955    And I've heard from a lot of members that there is an956anxiety and a hesitancy about engaging in the world around them957without sort of like a battle buddy or without the people that958you're playing sports with.959    It's great to have comfort in the arena, but then how do960you have the comfort in the park down the street? And I think961that's the objective of our new outdoor program is let's make962sure that these veterans are empowered to know their limits, to963know how their equipment works and how do you adapt to certain964situations. So, I think that's really what we're trying to take965away is to fill those gaps that you mentioned.966    Senator Hasan. Well, I know the folks at Northeast Passage967would love to talk to you. One of the things they do is you can968show up at Northeast Passage and you can get a loaner piece of969equipment and see how it works for you. And that cuts through970the red tape a lot, cuts down barriers and allows you to have a971proof point as you might be then going for funding for972something.973    I also just wanted to follow up with you, Ms. Howell, on974access to adaptive sports for rural veterans. It's something975you've all talked about. For veterans who live in rural areas976like so many in New Hampshire do, they have to have the same977opportunities as people who live in major metropolitan areas.978    Can you tell us a bit about the challenges that rural979veterans face with regard to adaptive sports and recreation and980how your organization works to fill in those gaps? And I981certainly recognize the challenge of transportation. If you982don't have a car that is adapted or a van, you're stuck.983    Ms. Howell. Absolutely. And I think I'll just reiterate984what Ellie shared earlier, that at her VA, there may not be a985rec therapist or no one knows how to connect those dots. And986you add the complexities of just living in a rural area. Now,987let's throw in an inaccessible community because you may not988have curb cuts. You may have choppy sidewalks if you have989sidewalks at all.990    I used to live off of a highway. I understand that. But991local communities need to be safe enough for people of all992ability levels and all mobility levels. And I think that that's993something that can be addressed locally. Making sure that994people with disabilities are engaging with their city councils,995making sure that people understand like one bus route is still996better than no bus route. But that bus needs to be accessible.997    And I think really for rural veterans, at least from my998standpoint, I think the transportation is the most critical999piece. Because if you can't get from your home to the outdoors1000or to the facility, that's like the first step. And if you need1001a ramp to even leave your house. It's all these ancillary1002things. Adaptive sports doesn't exist in a vacuum.1003    Senator Hassan. And then you need to clear the snow off the1004ramp which is something I'm too familiar with. My time has run1005out. So, I didn't get a chance to talk with Mr. George and Ms.1006Smith. I thank you all so much for your testimony. And I would1007look forward to continuing to work with you as you talked about1008the challenges with accessible hotel rooms.1009    I have shown up to find the lip in the so-called accessible1010shower two inches high, which may as well be a foot. So, thanks1011so much. I look forward to continuing working with you.1012    Chairman Moran. Senator King.10131014                    HON. ANGUS S. KING, JR.,1015                    U.S. SENATOR FROM MAINE10161017    Senator King. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to get rid1018of the word adaptive. These are sports. Mr. George, I used to1019do archery. I suspect you're a lot better than me. And so let's1020just talk about sports. And it's so important for so many1021veterans, but particularly those who have been injured and have1022some disability. It seems to me we already have a network in1023the country [repositions microphone]--sorry.1024    It seems to me we already have a network in the country1025ready-made to be a hub and that is our CBOCs, which are located1026in Maine. We have, I think, five or six. We have our VA1027hospital, but that's a local. That could be a hub with1028information. Often what veterans lack in my experience, is1029information about what's available. And that could be part of1030the therapy. Mr. George, one quick question. We spend a lot of1031time worrying about veteran suicide. As you know, it's a1032terrible problem. It seems to me that sports are an avenue to1033combat that. Is that correct?1034    Mr. George. I one hundred percent agree with that1035statement. Yes, sir.1036    Senator King. I think that's something important that it--1037this isn't just a feel good. This is helping purpose, veterans1038to survive. One thing about transportation, the DAV does a lot1039of transportation to and from veterans' hospitals and those1040kinds of things. Is this something we could engage them in? Or1041are they already engaged? They have a transportation network in1042both states. Is that something we should be thinking about?1043    Ms. Howell. Not to speak on behalf of DAV but it is my1044understanding that due to the nature of the grants that were1045awarded to make those vehicles available to people, I think1046they're required to just go to and from the VA. I don't know1047that for sure.1048    Senator King. But let's fix that. We're in the business of1049fixing things.1050    Ms. Howell. Also, very few of them are accessible. So, if1051anyone is a wheelchair athlete--I mean, most of them are like1052SUVs that----1053    Senator King. Well, I think we need to be thinking1054creatively about all the possible avenues. And one of the1055things that worries me and I think it's come out here today, is1056that there seem to be grants and facilities available to1057athletes who are at a pretty high level. And I'm worried about1058the veterans who may not be at that level but for whom these1059programs would be very useful. Mr. George, you're nodding, how1060do we make this more widespread?1061    Mr. George. Like you said, there are more stipends and1062stuff for those that want to compete at elite levels and but1063even still it requires you to reach a certain goal, a certain1064level, whatever particular sport you're playing and competing1065in. But for those that are doing local level stuff, there is no1066grants there.1067    There's nobody there lowering the cost for you to sign up1068for local pickleball tournaments or local sports tournaments.1069So, we depend heavily on other VSOs, like Wounded Warrior1070Project, Semper Fi Fund, and other things like that, that they1071help out. That's why MACS--what we do, once we talk and have1072the six-week clinic with our veterans, we try to create1073community tournaments. So, it could give you that opportunity1074to get that sense of it without having to go pay someone. I1075mean----1076    Senator King. You don't have to be in an elite level?1077    Mr. George. Correct. We create those opportunities for1078lower level or amateur level sports events for everybody to1079compete in. And if I must say one more thing, you said that if1080you could, you would get rid of the word adaptive. I disagree1081there. Only because yes, it's still a sport, but a lot of1082things that we deal with are issues with accessibility. And1083just because we say it's a sport going on there, if I pull up1084with a lot of people, my veterans, and they're in wheelchairs,1085a lot of places will say, ``Well, we don't want those chairs on1086our courts because you're going to tear up our surface,'' or1087``We don't have space for that. We don't build to accommodate1088you.''1089    So, that adapters let us know that, okay, we're accepted1090there.1091    Senator King. So, that's a reason to maintain that, that1092nomenclature?1093    Mr. George. Yes, sir.1094    Senator King. I appreciate that. There are a number of1095pieces of legislation. Thank you for your recommendations. The1096Veterans SPORT Act, Prosthetics Advancement, the ASSIST Act,1097Autonomy for Disabled Veterans, Senator Cortez Masto. So, I1098take it, these are all things that we can and should be1099addressing. Is that correct?1100    Ms. Howell. Yes, sir.1101    Senator King. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1102    Chairman Moran. Thank you, Senator King. Senator Hirono.11031104                     HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO,1105                    U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII11061107    Senator Hirono. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you so1108much to the witnesses, because your testimony is very1109enlightening, to say the least. And so you live it. And so1110you're here to tell us what can be done. It does occur to me1111though that the access to the rec programs and the para sports1112programs have a lot more benefit to the 1 percent or so of the1113veterans that I understand participate in these programs.1114    So, we know the studies have shown that veterans who engage1115in sports and maintain a regular exercise routine tend to1116experience enhanced self-esteem, diminished levels of1117depression and anxiety, and lower stress levels. And we talk1118about the suicidal ideation, et cetera. So, access to these1119kinds of programs have much more of a whole veteran kind of a1120support that is provided. Is that an accurate way of thinking1121about these programs?1122    Mr. George. Yes, absolutely.1123    Senator Hirono. Okay. So, then I'm thinking that maybe it1124would be a good thing if support for rec therapy and adaptive1125sports programs can be part of the core mission of the VA.1126Because what I'm hearing from your testimony is things are1127catch-as-catch-can, depending on what state you live in, there1128may be access to these kinds of programs. But as Ms. Smith1129mentioned that you now live in where? Kansas? Well, anyway,1130some of these programs are not available. Catch-as-catch-can,1131you're trying to figure things out. It's not easy. So, what if1132these kinds of--what do we call--rec therapies that as Ms.1133Howell says transform lives can be part of the core mission so1134that all of the various bills that we have can be incorporated1135into what can be a core mission of the VA, which is a way to1136provide a whole veteran kind of support system. What do you1137think for all of the people testifying?1138    Ms. Smith. I think you hit it right, the nail right on the1139head. I think that the VA does a great job. We have this1140wonderful move program. It's very evident that we want veterans1141to be up and moving and be active, but we're so quick to say,1142``here's a tablet and a scale. We're going to send it to you in1143the mail, send us your weight every day.'' You can meet with1144the dietician, you can do all these things, but it's going to1145be in a group setting, and you don't really get to ask1146questions.1147    But we're not telling veterans how to get healthy. And you1148would think living in New York, that we would have a lot of1149different places to go, but there's not in rural New York, when1150you live toward Western New York, there's not a whole lot for1151us to do out there.1152    But if we look at it, and I think you just put it the best1153way, the VA has to look at us as whole individuals. We're not1154just tackling the fight on health, but you guys are tackling1155the mental health too. And the best way to connect those is to1156get people moving, get people active. Let them build community.1157Let them feel that they have a purpose again. And the best way1158is to get them moving. Let them make friends. Let us have these1159experiences that are proven time and time again to save lives.1160    Senator Hirono. Do you agree, Mr. George, Ms. Howell?1161    Ms. Howell. Yes, ma'am. I would agree completely. And I1162think it's important that we remember that adaptive sports are1163not only leading to improved mental health, community and1164everything else, but it's actually having a positive impact on1165clinical outcomes as well.1166    A veteran who is engaged in adaptive sports over years and1167years and years, their cardiovascular strength is going to1168improve, their body's going to perform better, and they are1169going to then need less medical support on the other side of1170the ledger when it comes to care and access. So, the1171ramifications and the positive impact of adaptive sports are1172literally endless.1173    Senator Hirono. I get it. So, I think that the three of you1174have very much convinced me that that access to these kinds of1175programs should be part of the VA's core mission, so that there1176is an acknowledgement and a recognition of how important these1177kinds of programs are and access to these programs are for the1178whole person, not just if you're going to be a Paralympic1179athlete. As a veteran, that's just a very small group of really1180fit veterans, I guess.1181    But I'm thinking about the entire veteran cohort community,1182which is millions and millions of veterans. And we spent a lot1183of time on this Committee focusing on things like the mental1184health of veterans, the drugs that they have access to. And too1185many of them take too many drugs, that suicide ideations. And1186if we can help them through a program like this in a much more1187systematic way, which is not what I'm getting is what's1188happening, that I think we can make progress in all of these1189areas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1190    Chairman Moran. Senator Hirono, thank you.1191    Senator King. Mr. Chairman, before you go forward----1192    Chairman Moran. Senator King.1193    Senator King. I think this points up in what you just said,1194Ms. Howell is so important. Our healthcare system generally,1195the VA and everywhere is oriented toward sickness. In other1196words, we treat you when you're sick. What this program1197demonstrate is the benefits of actively working with people in1198order to enable them to keep healthy.1199    And, and I think that that's important. And this is the, I1200agree with Senator Hirono, this should be a basic part. And for1201those who are worried about budgets, I suspect in the long run,1202these programs would save the VA money because the veterans1203would be healthier and happier if these programs were expanded.1204So, thank you very much. This is an important hearing, Mr.1205Chairman.1206    Chairman Moran. I'm of the same view, Senator King. This is1207another good hearing for us. Let me, before we ask you to allow1208the second panel to take your places, is there anything that1209you'd like to having--we have heard your testimony, you've1210heard our questions, we've heard your responses. Something that1211anybody would like to add for our knowledge and for the record1212of this hearing before we turn to the second panel? Everybody1213satisfied with what you said? I'm never in that position.1214Satisfied with what I said. Well, thank you very much--yes,1215ma'am, Ms. Smith.1216    Ms. Smith. If I could, I just would like to thank you all1217because I know you all have our best, as a veteran, I know you1218guys have our best intentions with you. And I would like to1219just thank you for allowing us this platform to share our1220stories, because I think the more people that hear your story,1221the more people you reach, the more people they can tell your1222story to, and that's how we make a difference. So, thank you so1223much for your time here today.1224    Senator King. You've made a real impression here today.1225    Chairman Moran. That's well said. It is a great impression,1226and it does give us the opportunity to tell a story. And in1227addition to that, hopefully, make a difference as we deal with1228the Department of Veterans Affairs and with legislation that1229might be helpful. Thank you all. Yes, Mr. George.1230    Mr. George. Last day. I promise I'll be done. When you all1231are ready, I'll be glad to meet you all on the pickleball1232courts and bring you all out. It would be the best experience1233of your life. I could bring the whole Senate out there. We have1234you.1235    Chairman Moran. There is a group of Senators who play1236pickleball. I won't tell you the places because I don't think1237they want any videos. Thank you all very much. I appreciate1238your testimony and value very much your service to our country1239and your care and concern for other veterans. Wait, one second.1240Senator Banks, you have questions for this panel?1241    Senator Banks. I do, Mr. Chairman.1242    Chairman Moran. Senator Banks.12431244                        HON. JIM BANKS,1245                   U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA12461247    Senator Banks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Howell, your1248written statement quotes PVA's past President testifying to1249this Committee in 1975. He was lamenting how service-disabled1250veterans used to be cast aside or institutionalized. We have1251come a long way since 1975. What is the VA doing well today,1252and how are some veterans still falling through the cracks?1253    Ms. Howell. Thank you for the question, sir. It's a great1254quote. We found it for a House hearing, and it was just so1255apropos. It's amazing that in the late seventies we were1256talking about the need for rec therapists and how engaging a1257disabled veteran with movement and recreation. He used some1258pretty strong language in his quote, but it leads them to1259purpose, ultimately.1260    I spoke with my sports and rec team before the hearing and1261some things they're doing right. The grant program right now is1262running very efficiently. They said that the past year and a1263half, two years, the staff have been super engaged. Anytime1264they have a question or need clarification, the VA responds in1265a very timely manner. So, shout-out to everyone working at the1266VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program.1267    As far as veterans falling through the cracks, it's hard to1268say. We ask the same question when it comes to healthcare1269delivery, benefits delivery, everything else in between. We're1270never going to capture all veterans, and I think we do a1271disservice when we expect VA to catch a hundred percent of1272everybody for all things. The testimony shared earlier talk1273about the struggles in rural areas, whether or not you only1274have a CBOC, does the CBOC have the resources to employ a rec1275therapist?1276    I mean the community and organizations like PVA and my1277other counterpart here, they try and fill the gap when VA isn't1278there to provide these opportunities, but there's going to be1279regions where we can't catch them. And so it's increasing1280awareness, increasing messaging into the Chairman's point1281earlier, the marketing. How do we make sure that the world1282knows about these things? And I think it's going to take a1283community-wide effort to make sure that fewer vets fall through1284the cracks.1285    Senator Banks. Good. One thing I noticed a quote from your1286past President that I really liked he said, ``You must prod the1287VA to take action and begin an active and effective program of1288recreation.'' It's a privilege for me to serve on this1289Committee as a veteran myself. And I consider it a1290responsibility of mine to prod the VA do the right thing from1291time to time. Can you give us advice on how we need to prod the1292VA today?1293    Ms. Howell. I think maybe beyond prodding. I think as long1294as we make sure that VA is being thoughtful, particularly in1295light of the reorganization coming up, making sure that things1296like prosthetics are in the center of the discussion.1297Prosthetics touches every aspect of every veteran's life. It1298goes well beyond adaptive sports. And I think, from facility to1299facility, things are different when it comes to the delivery of1300prosthetics. So, if we're going to prod VA, using that1301language, we need to make sure that they are focused on1302departments like prosthetics to make sure that delivery is1303equitable across the system.1304    We can't have these massive gaps. We can't have experienced1305time delays, like my counterparts discussed earlier. If you1306order something from the VA it should arrive within a timely1307manner. Because I have the opportunity, one thing I will flag1308is that we have heard from veteran members that it's great they1309got a piece of adaptive fitness equipment delivered to their1310home from the VA.1311    Everything's going great, but it's dropped on a pallet in1312their driveway. And I mean, that's not something you can really1313just call a task rabbit for. So, how do we get, it's sort of1314like that last mile. How do we get a super heavy piece of1315adaptive fitness equipment into the home so that a veteran can1316actually use it? So, I think that is one piece of the puzzle1317that is yet to be figured out.1318    Senator Banks. Mr. George, it was great to meet you earlier1319today. I wanted to wait and ask you--the whole country is1320watching this hearing. You're under oath. Will you agree to be1321my partner in the upcoming Senate pickleball tournament?1322    Mr. George. Can I see you play first?1323    [Laughter.]1324    Senator Banks. Fair enough. Listen Mr. George, you're a1325champion athlete today, but it took a lot of hard work to get1326to where you are. Can you tell us more about how competing in1327sports helped your recovery in the beginning? And tell us that1328story, how it affects your health and well-being today? Because1329I know there are a lot of others out there just like you.1330    Mr. George. Just me personally, just having that thought of1331the competition or just competing give me purpose, give you1332something to do. The rehearsing, the practicing, the training1333that relives the purpose--mentally, physically, and showing me1334that the moments when I'm sitting at home crunching in pain1335from having these nerve spasms constantly, the muscle spasms,1336whether it be weather, AC, whatever's going on--when I can get1337back on the court or when I'm doing something, I'm getting1338something else to focus on.1339    Now I'm looking forward to, not even just a match, I'm1340looking forward to that--I'm showing up because I don't see my1341competition as I'm facing that battle against the person I'm1342seeing. I'm winning for everybody that's watching me. I'm1343seeing that everything that I've come against that I'm here for1344this day now. Whether I'm winning or losing, this is another1345win because I'm here today.1346    I was pronounced dead many years ago. I was told I wasn't1347supposed to be alive. I wasn't supposed to walk. I have spinal1348cord injuries. I'm doing well beyond what I'm told I'm supposed1349to do. So, every time I reach my limit or find something else1350that I'm able to do, then I'm like, ``if I can do this,'' I'm1351showing somebody else, ``you could probably do it too.''1352    But at the same time, watch what you do, because, hey, you1353might get addicted to this, it is going to cost you everything,1354and you don't have the financial support behind you. So, don't1355tell everybody, ``Hey, yes, I'm getting sponsored. I have all1356the support.'' I try to show my true story and let them know1357this is hard.1358    It takes every day. It takes me being away from my daughter1359a whole lot. It takes me being away from my family so that I1360can show up and be here and be present. But if I don't do it,1361who's going to do it?1362    Senator Banks. You're an inspiration and a hero. Thank you1363for your service. Thank you for your time. I yield back.1364    Chairman Moran. I almost allowed you the opportunity to1365depart from the witness table. We've now been joined by Senator1366Blackburn. Senator Blackburn.13671368                     HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN,1369                  U.S. SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE13701371    Senator Blackburn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I am so1372pleased that we are doing this before the '26 Paralympic Games,1373and I thank you for doing that. I think that our athletes, we1374want them to compete well. We want them to represent themselves1375and our country well. And I think that it's important that we1376look at that service and recognize that service in the recovery1377that is there and the opportunity, just as you were speaking1378to, to actually achieve and to succeed.1379    So, we thank you for that. And I think that the Chairman's1380leadership, we've got the Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and1381Reform Act, the ASSIST Act. These are all things that we can do1382to honor the service that you have given and to make certain1383that we are, we're supporting your efforts.1384    Ms. Howell, I wanted to come to you, if I may, I would like1385to know, as we're looking at different things and some VA1386reforms and Secretary Collins is doing a great job, but when1387you look at communication between the VA clinicians, the1388recreational therapists, the grant-funded community1389organizations where veterans are transitioning into community-1390based adaptive sports programs. So, how effective is that1391communication? So, you get that continuum of care and it's also1392a continuum of opportunity?1393    Ms. Howell. Yes, ma'am. I agree wholeheartedly, although I1394think other witnesses might be able to better speak to that.1395I've never participated in an adaptive sport myself. And1396therefore, I don't know how it works being transferred from the1397VA to a community group. So, I would defer to the other experts1398here on the panel.1399    Senator Blackburn. All right. Mr. George.1400    Mr. George. Thank you. I've been fortunate to have a great1401experience when it comes to transferring from my doctors and my1402health and doing it. But I say I speak highly, again, my rec1403therapist is Katie Blanc [sp.] from the Northeast Florida,1404Southeast Georgia VA had a major role in my therapeutic1405recovery. She was there anytime I had questions about what's1406going on, what sports. She's there putting together a calendar1407throughout the whole month, providing events for us.1408    She told me about the sports comp--the Summer Sports1409Clinic, the Winter Sports Clinic--invited me out there. And she1410was someone that said, as long as I'm willing to show up,1411she'll keep supporting. I have her, but not everybody has her.1412All other veterans don't have a great rec therapist that's1413willing to go above and beyond like that.1414    And that's one of the issues I see facing with me and my1415organization when it comes to finding other rec therapists or1416finding other veterans in underserved communities. Because if1417there's no rec therapist there, there's nobody to communicate.1418So, then we end up showing up, trying to spend funds to find1419and advocate for others to bring them here for the program. And1420then when we leave, who's going to maintain it for us?1421    So, the worst thing I'd like to do, worst thing I hate1422doing, is showing up, giving an awesome clinic to somebody,1423sparking a fire, then leaving with no resource. So, without1424that relationship with a rec therapist or the communication1425with the people who don't know what a rec therapist is, that's1426going to make it hard to keep communicating and for the people1427to funnel in.1428    And a lot of it comes from word of mouth. Once we find that1429somebody, all the veterans share with other veterans, and we1430are going to tell you ``this is who's going to come.'' Then we1431kind of overwork the therapist because then we help her do a1432job, but we overwork her because we're providing her with more1433people. But that's where I say the biggest thing is.1434    Senator Blackburn. Would you say that half the veterans,1435what percentage of veterans that you come into contact with1436have access to that continuum?1437    Mr. George. It's hard to put a percentage on it because I1438cover such a national level, but it's, it's usually those areas1439where the rural areas that you don't have----1440    Senator Blackburn. Ms. Smith.1441    Ms. Smith. Yes, ma'am. So, I'm kind of in one of the rural1442areas that they talk about where I am in Western New York. And1443for me, I mean, I went from competing at the Wounded Warrior1444Games with Navy Wounded Warrior, and I was still active duty1445and just entering retirement at that process. And they1446implemented where you can now only do two Warrior games which1447is very understandable. There are far more people than they can1448have who are eligible to be part of that. But there was no1449continuum for me when I went and addressed the VA with ``how1450can I stay active? I can't do this program anymore.''1451    I'm being told that ``we have this,'' and I was being told,1452``we do, but that's not going to serve you well because you're1453not training to compete on a huge level. You're not training1454and/or it's going to take so long for you to get an1455appointment. You're not going to be satisfied. Just look1456elsewhere.'' So, I think the major break----1457    Senator Blackburn. Let me ask you this, would it be helpful1458if there were community organizations that could be brought1459into the process like we're doing with community care where1460veterans can go into medical care in their communities without1461having to travel to the VA. If there are nonprofits and1462organizations we could activate into a network, would that be1463helpful?1464    Ms. Smith. Yes, ma'am. But I think in the same way as it1465says helpful, as it's also not helpful because in the rural1466areas, we don't have a lot of community places.1467    I mean, I'm very fortunate there's a local nonprofit that1468I, that gets a VA grant, and I'm able to do horsemanship and1469horse riding through with them. But in the same way, our1470community doesn't have those spaces available. So, it would be1471super helpful, but we're still going to be driving an hour and1472a half, two hours. Like we were going to go to one of the major1473VAs in our area to get that care----1474    Senator Blackburn. Okay.1475    Ms. Smith. So, I think it's helpful, but I think that1476everything comes at a price. So, if we can work with the----1477    Senator Blackburn. Well, your service and sacrifice is a1478prize, and we are grateful for that. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.1479Chairman.1480    Chairman Moran. Now, we are saddened by your departure, but1481we're going to ask you to depart [laughter]. Thank you for your1482testimony. Thank you for your service. Thanks for your example.1483And I'll call to the table our second panel, which consists of1484Dr. Rachel McArdle, a Deputy Executive Director for the Office1485of Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services at the U.S.1486Department of Veterans Affairs.1487    Doctor, thank you for your presence and you are now1488recognized for testimony.14891490                            PANEL II14911492                              ----------14931494 STATEMENT OF RACHEL MCARDLE, PHD, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,1495    REHABILITATION AND PROSTHETICS SERVICE, VETERANS HEALTH1496      ADMINISTRATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS14971498    Dr. McArdle. Good afternoon, Chairman Moran, Ranking Member1499Blumenthal, and Members of the Committee. Thank you for the1500opportunity to speak with you today about VA's Adaptive Sports1501Program, and to share our views on four bills under1502consideration.1503    VA's Adaptive Sports Program is a vital part of1504rehabilitation for veterans with disabilities. As you got to1505hear firsthand from some of the stories earlier, these programs1506are clinically integrated and help veterans regain1507independence, improve physical and mental health, and reconnect1508with their communities. Through adaptive sports, veterans build1509strength, confidence, and resilience while reducing isolation1510and rediscovering purpose.1511    Each year, VA hosts six national rehab events, the National1512Veterans Wheelchair Games, which VA co-presents with the1513Paralyzed Veterans of America, the National Disabled Veterans1514Winter Sports Clinic, and the National Disabled Veterans Golf1515Clinic, which the VA co-presents with DAV--Disabled American1516Veterans, National Veterans Creative Arts Competition and1517Festival in collaboration with the American Legion Auxiliary,1518the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, and our largest1519event, the National Veterans Golden Age Games.1520    These national rehab events provide opportunities for1521veterans with spinal cord injuries, limb loss, vision loss,1522traumatic brain injury, and many other conditions. This past1523July, we were honored to host staff from this Committee at the1524National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Beyond national events, VA1525manages an Adaptive Sports and Equine-Assisted Therapy Grants1526Program to support the physical and mental health of veterans1527with disabilities.1528    Grants are awarded to experienced non-governmental1529organizations helping veterans and active-duty service members1530apply skills learned in a clinical setting in their local1531communities. Last year, the program served over 20,000 veterans1532through 16 million in grants, offering more than 60 plus1533different types of activities. VA also manages the Veterans1534Monthly Assistance Allowance program, which provides a stipend1535to veterans with disabilities who are training and competing at1536the elite level of Paralympic or Olympic Sports. Stipend1537recipients exemplify how adaptive sports empower veterans to1538pursue excellence and represent our Nation on the global stage.1539    In addition, this year, the global stage includes Milano1540Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, where six veterans currently1541receiving VA stipends have been confirmed to compete. A1542remarkable testament to resilience in the power of adaptive1543sports. Now, I'll turn briefly to the legislation before the1544Committee noting that our full views are detailed in my written1545statement.1546    S. 1644, Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act. VA supports1547the intent of this bill subject to amendments. It would update1548the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program to1549reflect current costs and ensure veterans receive medically1550necessary home modifications.1551    VA agrees with the goal of increasing flexibility and1552adjusting limits based on industry costs, but recommends1553technical edits to clarify eligibility and implementation. VA1554also supports the proposed annual index adjustment and believes1555the recommended amount for future applicants aligns with1556average costs for common modifications such as bathroom1557renovations.1558    S. 1726, ASSIST Act of 2025. VA supports the intent of this1559bill subject to amendment. It would broaden VA's authority to1560provide any medically necessary automobile adaptations for1561drivers and passengers; improving safe transportation for1562veterans with disabilities. VA suggests adding authority to1563limit use of these benefits to once every five years or1564extenuating circumstances.1565    S. 2981, Veterans Prosthetic Advancement and Reform Act. VA1566supports the intent of this bill, but has concerns.1567Establishing a national prosthetic formulary would require1568substantial resources, including numerous dedicated personnel1569in a fully integrated clinical ordering system. Without such1570integration, providers would face delays and inefficiencies. VA1571also seeks clarification on whether the bill intends to include1572items covered under other authorities, to avoid duplication and1573confusion. VA welcomes the opportunity to discuss how best to1574address ensuring the formulary improves access without1575unintended consequences.1576    S. 3138, Veterans SPORTS Act. VA supports this bill subject1577to amendment. VA already provides adaptive prostheses and1578terminal recreation equipment under current regulations, and is1579concerned that the bill's language could create confusion or1580litigation by implying new benefits.1581    VA recommends adding a rule of construction to clarify that1582the bill does not alter any existing benefits. VA stands ready1583to work with the Committee to ensure alignment and avoid1584unintended disruption to current practices.1585    In closing, VA remains committed to expanding adaptive1586sports opportunities and working with Congress to strengthen1587these programs. Thank you for recognizing the transformative1588power of adaptive sports and I look forward to your questions.15891590    [The prepared statement of Dr. McArdle appears on pages 48-159160 of the Appendix.]15921593    Chairman Moran. The Committee looks forward to working with1594you, Doctor, and with the Department of Veterans Affairs to1595find solutions to suggested challenges or problems and to move1596forward with a legislative agenda related to these topics. I1597think my only question for you today is what you, perhaps the1598broad question is something you heard from our witnesses that1599you'd like to respond to or in particular I'd ask again, the--1600how do we overcome this issue of rural and small towns and1601where people live?1602    Dr. McArdle. Thank you for this opportunity, Chairman. I1603did gain a lot from listening to the first panel, and I will1604tell you it's not the first time I've heard it. I regularly1605attend our national rehab events as well as talk to other1606grantees that we have. One of the reasons I do this is to be1607able to hear from them what is going on at their VA facilities.1608    And so, one of the things we have done over this last year1609is to create a mentor and mentee program. So, we take their1610feedback to be able to spread the experience of--we have1611programs across as Gabe was mentioning. His experience has been1612fantastic. And then we heard Ellie sort of share a different1613experience.1614    We want to be able to share the information across the VA1615and train up those sites, whether they be rural or urban, and1616to bolster the adaptive sports programming throughout the1617enterprise. Some of the other things, we do have grants that1618range from the smallest, just under $4,000 up to as high as1619$750,000. So, for anyone watching, when our notice of funding1620opportunities post, that grants can be applied for by all1621levels of different organizations, whether they're in small1622rural communities or in large urban communities.1623    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you. Thank you for being here.1624Dr. McArdle as you're aware, thousands of contracts were1625canceled as a result of the DOGE program. They were terminated1626for convenience, a method that DOGE commonly used to cause the1627VA to cut important contracts. I understand that at least three1628of those contracts were for adaptive vehicles. Is that correct?1629    Dr. McArdle. Thank you, Ranking Member Blumenthal. I am1630unaware of three cancellations of contracts on adaptive1631vehicles.1632    Senator Blumenthal. Are you aware--well could you find out1633for us and report back?1634    Dr. McArdle. My apology. Definitely, I will take that for1635the record.16361637------------------------------------------------------------------------16381639-------------------------------------------------------------------------1640VA Response: VHA reviewed all three contract files. These purchase1641 orders were for vehicle adaptation (two) and for home modification1642 (one) for two specific Veterans. The orders were cancelled due to1643 normal business procedures and were not cancelled as part of reviews of1644 contract spending.1645------------------------------------------------------------------------16461647    Senator Blumenthal. And are you aware of other contracts1648for services that were canceled as a result of the DOGE1649involvement?1650    Dr. McArdle. In my office, we have over 80-plus national1651contracts. For DOGE specifically, we had no contracts canceled1652by DOGE.1653    Senator Blumenthal. For any other services that come within1654your----1655    Dr. McArdle. No, we had no--I'm sorry. We had no contracts1656canceled within Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services.1657    Senator Blumenthal. Did you lose staff as a result of the1658cuts in workforce?1659    Dr. McArdle. I don't know of any staffing cuts in1660rehabilitation programs. The Department has seen some natural1661attrition, but to my knowledge, there has been no negative1662impacts on the Adaptive Sports Program.1663    Senator Blumenthal. Well, that's good to hear. Summit1664Adaptive Sports is a Connecticut based organization. I don't1665know whether you're aware of them. They put out adaptive1666sporting events for veterans. They've reached out to the New1667Haven VA clinic to recruit veterans. Apparently, they're having1668difficulty reaching people there. Could you intervene to help1669them with that activity?1670    Dr. McArdle. We would love to follow up with your office to1671get the specifics and happy to reach out.1672    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you. I appreciate your being here1673today and all your great work. Thank you.1674    Dr. McArdle. Thank you.1675    Chairman Moran. Senator King.1676    Senator King. Thank you very much for joining us and for1677the work that you're doing. Is it routine to notify a disabled1678veteran who's in touch with the agency of the availability of1679these kinds of programs? In other words, is there some1680automatic form or notification? I'm concerned that we have1681these good programs but a lot of veterans don't know about1682them.1683    Dr. McArdle. Thank you, Senator. Are you specifically1684speaking of the six national rehab events or adaptive sports1685that go on at the local----1686    Senator King. Adaptive sports, generally.1687    Dr. McArdle. It probably is variable, but there are a lot.1688We have websites, we try and get the word out. I would agree1689that with the marketing piece, we are currently working on an1690opportunity that would allow--it's a sort of a navigational1691resource app that would allow veterans to be able to easily1692find opportunities in their communities. It's still in its1693infancy stages.1694    We do regularly speak with our rec therapists, so it would1695be them getting out the information. We also do collaborate1696with our VSO partners to get the word out for what we have1697going on. They often are forced multipliers for us to be able1698to get the communication out.1699    Senator King. Well, I appreciate that. I would think that1700would deserve some real attention to think about the marketing.1701The good news, you mentioned in your testimony, you have 20,0001702veterans participating. The bad news is there are 9 million1703veterans that are enrolled with the VA. So, there's plenty of1704room where I think there are people who could take advantage of1705these programs who basically just don't know they exist or what1706steps they might take to avail themselves with this1707opportunity.1708    So, I see this as really a part and parcel of the1709healthcare provision of the VA. We talked with the previous1710panel about mental health and just the general health benefits1711of these programs. So, I would hope you might work with your1712health counterparts and just try to really multiply the1713outreach to the veterans community, particularly the disabled1714veterans community.1715    Dr. McArdle. Absolutely, Senator. One other thing I did1716forget to mention is, as part of the grants program, there is1717an outreach component to it. So, the grants that we award, part1718of their responsibility is to provide outreach. So, that is why1719we do have a good success rate in terms of getting a lot of1720veterans who are participating with the grants that we're1721funding.1722    Senator King. I would hope that there would be just a1723routine check mark--disabled veteran enrolls for care at local1724veterans' hospital. Have they been informed of adaptive sports1725opportunities that would--I think that would go a long way,1726just as a sort of almost part of the intake, if you see what I1727mean.1728    Dr. McArdle. Thank you, Senator King. I'll take that for1729the record.1730    Senator King. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.17311732------------------------------------------------------------------------17331734-------------------------------------------------------------------------1735VA Response: VA is committed to increasing our outreach for adaptive1736 sports opportunities offered through VA facilities and through1737 community partners. Rehabilitation providers serve as resources to1738 connect Veterans to local, regional, and national adaptive sport1739 opportunities both within the VA and in the community to improve1740 physical function, reduce isolation, and support psychological1741 recovery. In addition, we conduct outreach through social media, VA1742 news blogs, and our Adaptive Sports website. Organizations who are1743 awarded adaptive sports grants through VA are required as part of the1744 award agreement to complete outreach to Veterans regarding their1745 programming. We continue to work on new and innovative ways to ensure1746 that Veterans are made aware of all the opportunities VA has to offer1747 in the area of adaptive sports.1748------------------------------------------------------------------------17491750    Chairman Moran. Let me thank our Committee staff. I think1751we've had another good hearing in our Committee today. Thank my1752colleagues for being here and for participating. I, again,1753thank our witnesses; you, Dr. McArdle, and those who preceded1754you on our first panel. And I appreciate our audience and their1755attention as well.1756    Members of this Committee will have five legislative days1757in which to submit questions or statements for the record. Any1758Senator who would like to submit a question for the record,1759please do so in a timely manner. And I ask the witnesses to1760respond to those questions for the record following today's1761hearing in a timely manner as well.1762    Senator King. Mr. Chairman?1763    Chairman Moran. Senator King.1764    Senator King. Could I also ask those who are here in the1765audience and also those who are on the panel to send us ideas,1766to send us thoughts that have been provoked by the hearing1767today.1768    We're in the idea business here. And if there are thoughts1769that you can come up with about how to facilitate these1770programs more effectively, let us know. Don't assume that we1771know everything. That's not a safe assumption.1772    Chairman Moran. Anyone assumes that, if they do, I'm glad1773that Senator King has dissuaded them of that view. Very much1774appreciate our hearing today. And with that, our hearing is1775adjourned.1776    [Whereupon, at 5:28 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]17771778                            A P P E N D I X17791780                          Prepared Statements17811782[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]17831784                       Statements for the Record17851786[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]17871788                                  [all]