# Pva's 80-Year Fight for Disability Access

> Pva has shaped national accessibility for 80 years, pushing for disability rights through law, science, and community.
- Title: Pva's 80-Year Fight for Disability Access · Rolling Stone
- Summary: Pva has shaped national accessibility for 80 years, pushing for disability rights through law, science, and community. Pva has advanced disability access…
- Keywords: paralyzed veterans of america, accessibility, ada, disability rights, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, als, federal buildings, transportation access, medical research, veterans benefits
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pvas-important-work-people-with-disabilities-1860-1235617376
- Author: Rolling Stone
- Published: 2026-09-23T14:46:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: paralyzed veterans of america, accessibility, ada, disability rights, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, als, federal buildings, transportation access, medical research, veterans benefits
## Pva's founding
Pva started in 1946 to help veterans with spinal cord injuries rebuild lives.
## Pva's mission
Pva fights for civil rights and well-being of disabled people, military or not.
## Pva's expertise
Pva's chief operating officer says they know true accessibility from lived experience.

> Pva has lived this for over 80 years. We know what true accessibility looks like because we experience it every single day of our lives.
## Architectural barriers act
Pva pushed for wheelchair access in all federal buildings in 1968.
## Transportation wins
Pva won legal battles to make dc metro fully accessible for wheelchair users.
## Pva's research impact
Pva's research grants led to a breakthrough als drug and non-addictive pain medication.
## Pva's broader reach
Pva works for all disabled people, not just veterans, improving lives across communities.

> While our focus is on ensuring our members' independence is maximized and that they have full access to their communities, our advocacy improves the lives of all people with disabilities, to include older Americans.
## Current fights
Pva pushes for accessible air travel and healthcare for disabled veterans.
## Key takeaway

Pva has advanced disability access through 80 years of advocacy, legal wins, and scientific research.