Architecture Program

The Paralyzed Veterans of America has long been in the vanguard of accessibility issues and has a long history of success in the promotion of accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers. PVA has earned a reputation for its professional expertise and the ability to handle complex design challenges. The Architecture Program’s mission is to improve the physical environment confronting people with disabilities by designing innovative, practical solutions for accessibility.

In addition, PVA architects work closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs and architects involved in construction and renovations of VA facilities, particularly Spinal Cord Injury Centers. PVA architects ensure the highest quality and most accessible health-care facilities are provided for PVA members and all veterans with disabilities.

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, a wide range of private and public organizations have turned to PVA for guidance in achieving the accessible society envisioned in that legislation. One such highly visible example was the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. This international event represented the first major development of sports facilities in the United States following the passage of the ADA. PVA played a key role in helping to ensure that the Atlanta Olympic and Paralympic Games were the most accessible Games in history. Over the years, PVA architecture has played a key role in accessible design of many other sports facilities.

Also as part of its mission, PVA architects provide ongoing technical assistance to PVA chapters, architects and other design professionals, developers, contractors, businesses, government entities, and others interested in creating more accessible and more functional built environments. PVA architects also are involved in developing accessibility standards, contributing to design guides, and advising on building code initiatives and creating publications and technical guides to provide architects, developers, and consumers with practical solutions for wheelchair users.