Architecture

History

In 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) collaborated with the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) on accessible housing for paralyzed veterans. In 1986, PVA's "Barrier-Free Design Program" added the oversight of the design and construction of VA medical centers to its mission. 

Our Mission

Today, the PVA Architecture department continues to fulfill its mission of advocating for accessible design. The wide range of work PVA Architects complete on a regular basis includes:

• Setting Standards: Helping to write wide-reaching building codes on accessibility
• Removing Barriers: Influencing the design of all building types to remove barriers, from large public projects to individual residences
• Coordinating with Teams: Working with the design teams on every VA medical center facility project affecting the spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) veteran population
• Developing Communications: Writing books, magazine articles, and leading accessibility and SCI/D healthcare design seminars to educate architects and students studying to become architects

Call for Entries

Submit a nomination for the PVA Barrier-Free America Awards: Outstanding Contributions to Accessible Design Nomination Form [PDF]

Accessible Home Design – Second Edition

Order your copy of Accessible Home Design: Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User – Second Edition

• PVA Member Order Form
• Non-Member Order Form

Photo credit: Photos courtesy of SOM Architects.