Under the ADA, a service dog is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the veteran’s disability.   Promotion of Functional Ability and Independence Assistance Dogs complete essential tasks so a […]

Purpose Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is proud to offer assistance to Paralyzed Veterans’ members, and members of their immediate families, through Paralyzed Veterans’ Educational Scholarship Program. The program will provide a $1,000 scholarship to each qualified individual, up to approximately $10,000 in total scholarship funding. Applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be […]

2018 National Veterans Day Poster & Poem Contest Sponsored by Paralyzed Veterans of America Contest Guidelines ​I. Contest Theme and Criteria The theme for this year’s National Veterans Day Poster and Poem Contest is: “Help Our Veterans Be UnstoppABLE in Your Community.” Participants should draw a poster or write a poem showing or telling how […]

Speaking as a panelist during the US Chamber of Commerce Caregiver Networking Reception on July 28, 2014, Sherman Gillums, Paralyzed Veterans of America executive director, discussed the difficulties Post-9/11 military caregivers face. “Caregiving takes a toll on one’s health and emotional wellness. The caregiver may feel trapped and isolated, without resources or support. In addition, […]

When to disclose your disability: There is no “right” time or place to disclose your disability. Select a confidential place and allow enough time for the person to ask questions. Do not focus on the limitations of your disability. Weigh the pros and cons of disclosure at each point of your job search, recruitment and […]

Paralyzed Veterans of America supports numerous efforts in the field. For example, at the Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research at Yale University, scientists study nerve regeneration, demyelination of the nerves, and chronic pain, while member organizations of the International Campaign for Cures of Spinal Cord Injury Paralysis fund research towards a cure for paralysis. And […]

MEDIA CONTACT: Lani Poblete 202-416-7736, lanip@pva.org Washington, DC—Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) released the following statement from its Executive Director, Carl Blake, in response to today’s announcement that Peter O’Rourke, who previously served as Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chief of Staff has been named VA Acting Secretary, and that Deputy Secretary Thomas G. Bowman is re-entering retirement effective June […]

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dana Kauffman 202-416-7608, danak@pva.org WASHINGTON, DC – On July 4th, Paralyzed Veterans of America will kick off the eighth year of its partnership with Food City and NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame Inductee, Richard Petty, to support Paralyzed Veterans of America’s MISSION: ABLE campaign through donations at Food City supermarkets. “Paralyzed Veterans of […]

Sherman GIllums, Jr. issued the following statement: “Paralyzed Veteran of America was gratified to participate in what we hope will be one of many collaborative meetings with President Trump and his Administration, as well as Secretary Shulkin.  We entered the meeting with core questions about the future of VA healthcare–particularly specialized care, protections for veterans […]

Organization to participate in military honor of President-elect Trump WASHINGTON, DC—Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today announced it will join the official inaugural parade on Jan. 20. The event, organized by President-elect Trump’s inaugural committee will be composed of 8,000 marchers from 40 organizations including Paralyzed Veterans of America, fellow veterans organizations, active military […]

MEDIA CONTACT: Lani Poblete 202-416-7736, lanip@pva.org Washington, DC—Paralyzed Veterans of America today announced that David Zurfluh, an Air Force veteran, and native of Washington state, will serve as national president for a 2nd consecutive term. Zurfluh was re-elected by Paralyzed Veterans of America’s board of directors during the organization’s 72nd Annual Convention last week. The following individuals were also re-elected […]

The Minnesota Vikings NFL team will be hosting this year’s Super Bowl in a 65,400-seat stadium featuring superior wheelchair access and seating options, thanks in part to guidance from Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Architecture Department and Minnesota Chapter. The stadium’s redesign began in 2016 when the Vikings’ advisory board formed a committee to provide insight into […]

MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Kauffman 202-416-7608, danak@pva.org WASHINGTON, DC — Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) issued the following statement from its President, David Zurfluh, in response to President Trump signing the VA MISSION Act into law: “On behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America members—veterans with spinal cord injury or disease—their families, and caregivers, we wish to express our gratitude to President Trump […]