Paralyzed Vetrans of America

Synopsis by MobiLife, Power Wheel Chairs

The Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded in 1946, and they are the only Congressionally chartered organization solely dedicated to serving spinal cord injuries and disease veterans. They help by increasing the quality of life for these veterans who have experienced SCI-SCD by being a leading advocate for research and education, sports programs, health care, benefits and disability rights for veterans, and by accessibility and removing architectural barriers. PVA currently have 61 National Service Offices and 34 Chapters nationwide. The National Service allows veterans to speak with a National Service Officer who is highly trained in VA law, benefits, and healthcare to make sure that they are receiving the benefits that are entitled to them. Chapters provide Paralyzed Veteran member with sport and volunteer opportunities, social events, information that can affect them on both the local and national level, as well as, many other programs.

There are three main entities that serve a different purpose and hold the PVA together: The PVA Research Foundation is non-profit and funds five research categories. First is the Laboratory research which basically dose research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries and disease. The Clinical and Functional Studies group research the medical, psychosocial and economical effects that SCI/D have on people and their families. Design and Development of Assistive Technology help improve devices and make them easier to use and identify. Fellowships improve training and specialization related to spinal cord research for postdoctoral scientists, clinicians, and engineers. Conferences and Symposia allow health care providers, scientists and others that are involved in SCI/D research collaborate and interact with one another. The PVA Education Foundation is a non-profit and funds five project categories as well. First, the Consumer and Community Education help improve quality of life and health for individuals with spinal cord injuries and living in wheel chairs. The Professional Development and Education group serve health professionals that work with SCI/D to improve their knowledge and competencies. The Research Utilization and dissemination takes the research findings and puts it into practice. Assistive Technology helps put teaching tools and pilot programs together for assistive devices. Conferences and Symposia put together opportunities for members of the SCI/D community so they can improve education and collaborate with one another.

Paralyzed Veterans of America are supported by the community’s donations, as well as, corporate partners. Some of their partners include: Americana Gala, Wheelchair Games, Motor Sports, Wal-mart, Anheuser-Busch, and Bank of America.