MICHIGAN PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

THE MPVA CURRENTLY REACHES OUT TO 341 MEMBERS, ALL HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY AND DYSFUNCTION. MPVA WELCOMES 147 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS WHO JOIN TO SHOW THEIR SOLIDARITY WITH OUR MISSION AND TO PARTICIPATE IN MPVA PROGRAMS WHO PAY A ONETIME 50 FEE TO RECEIVE UNLIMITED LIFE SERVICES. VETERANS WITH SERVICE RELATED INJURIES ARE MEMBERS FOR LIFE AT NO COST TO THEM. THE MPVA'S VETERANS' SERVICES PROGRAM WORKS TO ENSURE MEMBERS RECEIVE BENEFITS AND SERVICES THEY HAVE EARNED THROUGH MILITARY SERVICE. THIS PROGRAM IS CONDUCTED THROUGH PVA'S SERVICE OFFICERS WHO PROVIDE NO- COST ASSISTANCE TO MPVA MEMBERS, AS WELL AS LOCAL VETERANS, DEPENDENTS, AND SURVIVORS NAVIGATING THE VA BENEFITS AND CLAIM PROCESS. MPVA REACHES OUT TO MICHIGAN VETERANS FROM OFFICES IN DETROIT, ANN ARBOR AND BATTLE CREEK. THIS CHAPTER ALSO CONDUCTS AND SUPPORTS MANY ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS STATEWIDE. ADDITIONALLY, THE MPVA ALSO CO-SPONSORED MULTIPLE RECREATIONAL EVENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WHEELIN' TEAM 457, A MICHIGAN-BASED ADAPTIVE RECREATION ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES INDOOR EVENTS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES SUCH AS HUNTING, FISHING, SPORTING EVENTS, AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR VETERANS AND INDIVIDULAS WITH DISABILITIES.

THE MPVA'S ADVOCACY PROGRAM ADVANCES THE INTERESTS OF PARALYZED VETERANS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES BY ACTIVELY ENGAGING POLICYMAKERS, GOVENRMENT AGENCIES, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS AT THE LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LEVELS. THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH DISABILITY ORGANIZATIONS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS, MPVA WORKS TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVE POLICIES AND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTCIPATE IN ALL ASPECTS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. ADVOCACY EFFORTS ARE GROUNDED IN BOTH PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MPVA MEMBERS. BY MAINTAINING A CONSISTENT PRESENCE IN LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY DISCUSSIONS, MPVA HELPS ENSURE THAT DECISION-MAKERS UNDERSTAND THE REAL-WORLD IMPACT OF PROPOSED LAWS AND REGULATIONS. THE ORGANIZATION REMAINS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING THE RIGHTS, BENEFITS, AND PROTECTIONS THAT SUPPORT INDEPENDENCE, ACCESSIBILITY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR VETERANS AND CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES. IN FY 2025 THE MPVA ACHIEVED NUMEROUS ADVOCACY ACCOMPLISHMENTS,INCLUDING: - PVA ADVOCACY WEEK: MPVA STAFF TRAVELED TO CAPITOL HILL IN JUNE TO PARTICIPATE IN PVA'S ADVOCACY AND LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR, MEETING WITH MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS TO HIGHLIGHT ISSUES IMPACTING OUR MEMBERS AND TO ADVANCE LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES IMPORTANT TO VETERANS WITH DISABILTIES. - PVA AWARENESS MONTH: MPVA PLANNED AND HOSTED ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT APRIL TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE ORGANZATION'S MISSION AND TO RAISE AWARENESS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. THE MONTH CULMINATED WITH AN MPVA-HOSTED AWARENESS EVENT, FEATURING VA REPRESENTATIVES, PVA SERVICE OFFICER TEAM, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, LOCAL ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT VENDORS, AND INFORMATIONAL ACTIVITIES. MPVA MEMBERS ATTENDED AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN EFFORTS TO. - INFORMED AND EDUCATED THE PUBLIC WITH REGARD TO DISABILITY RIGHTS LAWS, THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, AND STATE AND LOCAL BUILDING CODES.