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PVA History

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Check our organizations history timeline moments

18 January 1946

PVA Was Founded

PVA was founded by a band of service members who came home from World War II with spinal cord injuries. These wounded heroes made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. Since 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for our seriously injured heroes. We’ve had a single-minded mission—to empower our brave men and women to regain what they fought for: their freedom and independence.

27 July 1946

PN Magazine Launch

The first issue of PN Magazine (also known as Paraplegia News) was published on July 27, 1946

01 January 1951

Automobiles made more accessible

The VA's automobile grant program was changed to include paralyzed Veterans for the first time

01 January 1968

Feral Buildings Made more accessible

Passage of the Architectural Barriers Act, making all Federal buildings accessible. PVA’s first time getting involved in a non-Veteran bill.

12 August 1971

PVA Congressionally Chartered

PVA Congressional Charter is officially signed into law by President Nixon

01 February 1975

PVA Enters Research

PVA Congressional Charter is officially signed into law by President Nixon

01 February 1985

National Veteran Games Kickoff

PVA Congressional Charter is officially signed into law by President Nixon

01 February 1985

New Rights for Disabled Passengers

PVA leads the charge for the passage of the Air Carrier Access Act which prohibits discrimination against disabled passenger

26 July 1990

Americans With Disabilities Act

PVA leads the charge for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

01 October 2007

Career Program Launch

PVA Veterans Career Program, was established to give paralyzed Veterans high-touch support, coaching and connections as they reenter the civilian workforce.

01 October 2007

Historic Donation

PVA receives historic donation of $53 million from Jeffrey M. Carlton Estates they reenter the civilian workforce.

01 January 2018

Air Travel Accessibility Improves

PVA launches and wins lawsuit against The Department of Transportation. Airlines are now required to report publicly each month on damaged wheelchair incidents, allowing Veterans to make informed travel decisions.e.

01 January 2019

PVA Uplifts Women

PVA introduces women Veterans initiative and hosts first-ever Women Veterans Retreat in October, allowing paralyzed women Veterans, who are a minority in the military community, to foster a support system.

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