Paralyzed Veterans Of America

Mission: 1) to aid and assist in every way, veterans of the armed forces who have suffered injuries or diseases of the spincal cord. 2) to publicize the needs of such veterans through every means and channes available in order to effectuate the fullfillment of such needs 3) to advocate and foster continuing medical research in the several fields connected with injuries and diseases of the spinal cord, including research in neurosurgery, genitourinary, orthopedics and prosthetic appliances.

Programs: The mpva currently reaches out to 419 members, all honorably discharged veterans with spinal cord injury or dysfunction. We welcome 229 associate members who join to show their solidarity with our mission and to participate in mpva programs who pay a one-time 50 fee to receive unlimited life services. Meanwhile, veterans with service related injuries are members for life at no cost to them. The mpva's veterans services program has worked to secure benefits valued into the millions in new and current benefits claims. This program is conducted through mpva's service officers who assisted local veterans with free services in filing or re-filing claims for va benefits. Mpva reaches out to michigan veterans from offices in detroit, ann arbor, and battle creek, ionia, and hastings, michigan. The chapter also supports many adaptive sports programs state-wide. Fy 2017 marked the chapter's 12th year co-sponsoring the disability division of the detroit free press marathon. Mpva sponsored: veterans attending the 37th national veterans games, the michigan sports unlimited rugby tournament, the brain injury association of michigan "tips up for troops" charity bass tournament, and the annual "thunder in the valley" games hosted by the michigan sports unlimited which were held in june of this year and all ages and levels of disabilities were welcomed to participate. Additionally, the chapter's sponsorship of the regional great lakes storm quad rugby team, to the local groups such as thumb-based wheelin' team 457, which conducts seasonal hunting and fishing events in central michigan.

the mpva's advocacy program works with congress, federal and state agencies, local communities, and in coalition with other disability organizations to ensure that our members and all people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of american society. The mpva addresses the needs of veterans and others who experience spinal cord dysfunction or other disabilities through interaction with government at every level. Combining expertise and experience, the staff at the mpva seeks to ensure that the needs of our members are considered as public officials debate issues and develop policies. We work to guarantee that benefits and rights of all veterans and citizens with disabilities are protected. In fy 2017, the mpva had many accomplishments, some of them include: - advised the michigan department of transportation to ensure that they are properly installing "public right-of-ways" under michigan accessibly codes. - monitored settlement agreements on numerous civil rights complaints filed in federal court against municipalities throughout southeastern michigan for violating title ii of the ada. - continued to serve on delta airlines customer advisory board on disabilities where members quarterly review existing policies/procedures to see if they can be improved upon so people with disabilities can have an enjoyable flying experience. - appointed by the governor to represent the michigan barrier free design board where we review michigan barrier free design and the michigan department of natural resources accessibility advisory board. - consulted with the detroit red wings to ensure their new arena is in compliance with federal/state guidelines. - informed and educated the public to regard to disability rights laws, the americans with disabilities act, and state and local buildings codes. - worked to preserve michigan's model no-fault insurance system and to make sure that the michigan auto insurance industry keeps the original no-fault promise it made to michigan citizens.

the mpva publishes a newsletter, the "rollin' times," is sent to members and friends four times a year. Furthermore, the mpva provide services that are available on a daily basis that include: the pump guide at www. Thepumpguide. Com, with its interactive search capabilities that allow disabled drivers to locate 1,000 michigan gas stations that are ready to provide full services assistance at self-service pricing. Our website, www. Michiganpva. Org, which is updated regularly with news and information. The chapter also hosts membership meetings throughout the year in which members are welcome to join for food, fellowship and education on various topics concerning veteran's benefits, sci wellness and much more. Each april, the mpva invites the public to join the chapter through an event which is free to the public - the mpva's annual awareness day. The mpvas awareness day sets out with a goal of enlightening and informing the public to the mpva's mission with vendor displays of products and services that enhance the quality of life for veterans and individuals living with a disability.