Paralyzed Veterans of America Spinal Cord Injury Education and Training Foundation

Funds educational projects (i.e. books, videos, curriculum) to assist veterans and others with spinal cord dysfunction, their caregivers and their health-care providers to improve the quality of their lives.

Why do we exist?

Paralyzed Veterans of America (“Paralyzed Veterans”) exists to serve the needs of its members, more than 19,000 paralyzed veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.   Because of this mission, Paralyzed Veterans has developed unique knowledge and expertise about living with paralysis.  While serving its veteran members, it also benefits all people with spinal cord injuries or diseases. 

Spinal cord injuries and diseases are life-altering events that affect virtually all aspects of living.  Aside from problems with mobility, they can lead to many secondary conditions, such as pressure ulcers; breathing problems; blood clots; weight gain; bowel and bladder problems; depression; spasticity; fatigue; and a medical emergency called autonomic dysreflexia, in which the individual’s blood pressure can rise to dangerous levels.

Since 1986, the PVA Education Foundation has funded innovative projects to help people with spinal cord dysfunction learn the skills they need to manage their day-to-day lives.  Foundation grants produce educational materials like videos, books, CD’s and Web-based programs that enhance the skills of paralyzed individuals, their caregivers, and their health-care providers.  It also funds training conferences and fellowships for young doctors, to increase the pool of qualified specialists in this field.

In the last decade, the average length of stay for paralyzed individuals in a rehabilitation facility has been shortened dramatically.  Expanding knowledge and building skills foster quality of life, independence, and self-esteem that help paralyzed individuals reach their highest potential.  We owe it to our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. 

What have you accomplished?

The PVA Education Foundation has provided more than $5,000,000 in educational grants since its founding.  Recent Foundation grants include:

• An video series on the secondary conditions of spinal cord injury
• An video series on self-management of spinal cord injury or disease
• A training program for emergency room staff and paramedics on treatment of autonomic dysreflexia (a life-threatening condition for paralyzed individuals)
• A training program for professionals on preserving upper limb function following injury
• Teaching programs on spasticity and fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS)
• A book on people who live successfully with spinal cord injury and how they do it
• A weight management video series for paralyzed individuals 
• A film on labor and delivery in women with spinal cord injuries
• A Web-based program on pressure ulcer prevention and treatment
• Fellowships to attract young doctors to work in this specialized field

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