Paralyzed Veterans of America - Michigan Chapter

The mpva currently reaches out to 364 members, all honorably discharged Veterans with spinal cord injury or dysfunction. Mpva welcomes 153 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 has worked to secure benefits valued into the millions in new and current benefits claims. This program is conducted through mpva's service officers who assisted local Veterans with free services in filing or re-filing claims for va benefits. Mpva reaches out to Michigan Veterans from offices in detroit, ann arbor and battle creek. This chapter also supports many adaptive sports programs state wide. Additionally, the chapter's sponsorship of local groups such as the thumb based wheelin' team 457, which conducts seasonal hunting and fishing events throughout Michigan.

The mpva publishes a newsletter, the "rollin' times,- and it is sent to members and friends four times a year. The mpva provides services that are available on a daily basis that include: the pump guide and the mpva website which is updated regularly with news and information. The chapter also hosts membership meetings throughout the year in which members are welcome to join for food, fellowship and education on various topics concerning Veterans benefits, sci wellness and much more.

The mpva's advocacy program works with congress, federal and state agencies, local communities, and in coalition with other disability organizations to ensure that our members and all people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of american society. The mpva addresses the needs of Veterans and others who experience spinal cord dysfunction or other disabilities through interactions with government at every level. Combining expertise and experience, the staff at the mpva seeks to ensure that the needs of our members are considered as public officials debate issues and develop policies. We work to guarantee that benefits and rights of all Veterans and citizens with disabilities are protected. Fy 2023, the mpva had many accomplishments, some of them include: - continued to serve on the senior alliance board of directors where members review existing policies/procedures to see if they can be improved upon the lives of people with disabilities and ensure that they can live as independently as possible through out southern and western wayne county -continued to serve on delta airlines customer advisory board on disabilities. -appointed by the governor to represent the Michigan barrier free design board. -informed and educated the public with regard to disability rights laws, the americans with disabilities act, and state and local buildings codes. -worked to preserve Michigan's model no-fault insurance systems and to make sure that the Michigan auto insurance industry keeps the original no fault promise it made to Michigan citizens.