Paralysed Veterans of America (PVA), founded in 1946, has spent over eight decades fighting for accessibility as a fundamental civil right for disabled people. The Washington, D.C.-based organisation has evolved from supporting disabled veterans rebuilding their lives into a powerful advocacy force that shapes national accessibility standards. With teams of architects and legal professionals on staff, PVA continues to push beyond legislative requirements to close gaps where laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act fall short in practice.

PVA's key achievements include securing the Architectural Barriers Act in 1968, requiring wheelchair access in all federal buildings, and winning a landmark 1972 lawsuit against the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority that transformed the DC Metro into an accessible model system. The organisation maintains licensed architects who author national accessibility codes and consult on major projects including the National World War II Memorial and Gillette Stadium. Through its Research Foundation (established 1975) and Education Foundation (established 1986), PVA has collectively invested over $66.5 million in grants, whilst remaining the only organisation providing comprehensive support to veterans throughout the entire VA benefits process.