Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc.

Advocacy and Community Relations

Advocacy in the community is a major, ongoing concern. Working with other disability groups has increased public awareness of the potential of disabled and paralyzed persons in the workplace, at the polls, in the marketplace, and in community service. This chapter serves as advocates for the disabled and paralyzed by participating in the activities and affairs of the greater community.

As a means for advocating for the veteran and non-veteran disabled and paralyzed population, Colonial PVA members serve on a variety of organizations, committees, and other state and local community interest groups.

Colonial PVA is a primary source for information on all building codes as they relate to disability issues. Requests for information are received and answered on a daily basis. The chapter advocacy program includes site evaluations for the business communities in order to help them conform to the requirements of the ADA as well as providing advice to private individuals to meet access needs in the home environment. Colonial PVA is a major source of information on code enforcement for architects, builders, contractors, local municipalities and state governments.

Board Members and staff are always available to assist the newly injured spinal cord patient by way of a mentoring process which encourages education and employment and teaches skills for coping with a new disability.

The chapter is concerned with and involved in all matters affecting the veteran. We are in constant contact with the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in our region. In addition, we have service officers at the VA regional offices who are available to assist veterans with benefit questions or problems.