Paralyzed Veterans of America is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization (VSO) founded in 1946. PVA has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members- veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction. But the work done by PVA has benefits well beyond our members. This includes funding research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction, civil rights and opportunities which maximize independence and legislation and advocacy which benefits all people with disabilities.

Using its wide range of expertise, PVA is dedicated to helping our members and their families, as well as all veterans and people with disabilities. This work is part of our mission, part of the help PVA provides to those who have already given so much. Whether it's accessibility issues, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, new laws to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, or health-care issues, PVA is at the forefront helping and advocating for the rights and benefits of people with disabilities.

Paralyzed Veterans of America works closely with Federal Agencies to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access all benefits. PVA supports the newly injured through the transition to veteran status, helps them to receive all the benefits they have earned, and becomes a partner for life, assisting with future benefits and healthcare issues. For veterans, PVA maintains a Veterans Benefits Department (VBD) which has service officers who work in many VA facilities across the country. These Service Officers are experts at VA benefits and the processing of veterans claims. In 2004, PVA national service officers (NSOs) logged more than 186,000 miles serving veterans and their families. The VBD staff regularly travels to hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, veterans community centers, veterans' homes, PVA chapter offices, and VA offices. Getting to the source enables us to ensure quality health care, assist with benefits, and help veterans appeal if their benefits or health-care claims are denied.

PVA's Legislation Department works with Federal Agencies and with Congress to pass laws which help both veterans and other people with disabilities. PVA was at the forefront of efforts to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and continues to fight for legislation which improves the lives of people with disabilities. Cutting through the complexity of the legislative and budget policy processes on Capitol Hill, PVA keeps chapters and members alert to any threat to the guarantee of quality health care for our nation's veterans. For 20 years, PVA has partnered with other Veterans Service Organizations to publish The Independent Budget, a comprehensive budget and policy document produced each year that addresses the needs of the VA. In the competition for scarce federal dollars, PVA ensures that quality care for sick and disabled veterans and PVA members is a national concern that cannot be overlooked or forgotten. With injured soldiers returning daily from Iraq and Afghanistan, PVA spends considerable time working with policymakers to improve programs and support services for newly injured service members. All these efforts have the added benefit of creating a society that provides for the disabled.

PVA's Advocacy Office works to ensure existing laws are strictly enforced. Through its National Advocacy Program, PVA continues to work so that people with disabilities and chronic conditions can obtain the assistive devices, technologies, and related services they need to participate in the workplace, school, and community. PVA Advocacy staff worked with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop security measures ensuring that its practices do not adversely affect travelers with disabilities. In 2004, TSA presented PVA an award in recognition of its commitment to the TSA Disabilities Program. PVA also partners with other disability organizations to resolve accessibility problems in air travel.

Paralyzed Veterans of America continues its ongoing efforts to help veterans and people with disabilities rebuild their lives free from discrimination. These efforts benefit all people with disabilities and help create an environment where those suffering from spinal cord injury or disease can continue to be contributing members of the community. Though challenges continue, life in America is improving for individuals with disabilities and their families.