Advocacy
The North Central Chapter PVA provides Advocacy services to promote and defend the rights of ALL citizens with disabilities, including veterans and non-veterans. The Chapter works on a National, state, and local levels striving to remove all barriers-architectural and attitudinal.
The VA's would like to serve as a reminder the importance of helping our soldiers returning home and all veterans to get the care they need. It is critical that we work together to ensure that they enroll for VA care and educate them, their families and the community about what kinds of problems these veterans may potentially encounter. Veterans Service Officers, County Veteran Service Officers and VA Enrollment & Admissions offices are excellent resources.
Advocacy Links
ADA Accessibility Survey, Sioux Falls, SD
The Sioux Falls Disability Awareness Commission (DAC) is working with the North Central Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and Independent Living Center (formerly Prairie Freedom Center) to follow-up on a mailing that was done to over 1500 business in Sioux Falls concerning their accessible parking. The 2003 project targeted places of business or service that don't meet the minimum standards set out by city, state, and federal laws. We are asking for your help in identifying these places. Please click on the following link to complete the survey on line.
Universal Design
Offering solutions for the removal of architectural barriers to public buildings, housing, and businesses.
ADA celebration for the 19th year of ADA
On July 23, 2009 the Chapter, along with several other local organizations,
planned and held an afternoon of fun, food and entertainment to celebrate
the ADA. The event was held in Sioux Falls, SD where over 500 individuals
were in attendance.
Americans With Disabilities Act
This law guarantees individuals the right to participate in and enjoy the goods and services offered to the general public. The ADA provides civil rights protection to people with a physical or mental disability, people with a record of disability, or people associated with or related to a person with a disability. PVA provides education and advocacy about rights and responsibilities.
Advocacy Projects and Technical Assistance:
Training Seminar’s-- The North Central Chapter is instrumental
in organizing and conducting trainings. Trainings that are provided cover
topics such as ADA Basics, the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Ten
Commandments of How To Communicate With People With Disabilities.
Technical Assistance-- The Chapter is very
active in providing technical assistance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and other disability rights laws. We
work with building code officials, design professionals, and contractors in
reviewing plans for new construction to make sure they meet federal
accessibility guidelines and local building codes.
The Government Relations Department also surveys
facilities for accessibility to individuals with disabilities. We do a
thorough inspection of each facility to identify all of the architectural
barriers and provide a written report of our findings to the party
requesting the service.
Advocacy—We receive calls from people with disabilities who have difficulty accessing goods and services from area businesses and facilities. We work with the individual and business or facility to help provide a remedy that is acceptable to each party.
Access Is Good Business
The Chapter serves on several boards and committees.
Committees:
-South Dakota Veterans Council
-Sioux Falls Veterans Council
• Sioux Falls Public Transportation Advisory Board
• Sioux Falls Community Development Block Grant Program.
• Sioux Falls ADA Review Board
• Prairie Freedom Center for Independent Living Joint Services Committee
• South Dakota Statewide Independent Living Council
• Standing Member of the Sioux Falls Diversity Council
• South Dakota Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Committee
• South Dakota SCI/TBI Trust Fund Council
Accessible Design News
