Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of its members — all of whom have catastrophic paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or disease. Established in 1946, PVA has been in the forefront of improving health care, rehabilitation, and access to society for paralyzed veterans and all citizens with a disability. PVA’s Research and Education Program has funded a wide range of educational materials and videotapes for people with disabilities, their families, the general public, and professionals in the field of spinal cord dysfunction. PVA consists of 16,000 members and 54 chapters and also has 59 service offices nationwide that serve the needs of all veterans seeking Department of Veteran Affairs claims and benefits. PVA’s national advocacy program focuses on obtaining full Civil Rights for those with a disability. In addition, the organization funds the National Spinal Cord Hotline (800-526-3456).