Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) is a chapter of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). MPVA has been assisting its members in Michigan to experience enhanced quality of life by providing an array of programs since 1961. Those include:
- Advocacy & Legislation
- Communications
- Educational Scholarships
- Rollin' Traveler Grant Program
- Membership Grant Program
- Loan Closet
- Sports & Recreation
- Veteran Benefits Services
- Peer Support Services
Advocacy & Legislation
The MPVA has been involved in landmark advocacy efforts, such as:
- Reaching an agreement with the University of Michigan and Department of Justice to introduce fully accessible wheelchair seating to the University’s football stadium, The Big House.
MPVA Cup Holder
at Detroit's Comerica Park- Securing equal resources in accessible seating at Comerica Park’s Detroit Tigers Baseball Club home field.
- Partnering with Little Caesars Arena during construction to ensure accessibility.
- Reaching a settlement with Oakland Township to provide fair, accessible, and affordable housing to veterans and seniors in a new development after suing them for violating the Federal Fair Housing Act.
The goal of the Advocacy & Legislative program is for MPVA to act as an advocate to ensure that Michigan’s communities get it right the first time. If you, a person with a disability, veteran, or concerned citizen has questions about advocating for disability policy, accessibility, or rights please contact us at (800)638-MPVA or email us here.
Communications
Rollin' Times
MPVA’s quarterly magazine features advocacy updates, stories of veterans overcoming obstacles, updates on medical research for SCI injury/disease, and so much more! The MPVA website has all of them available to read electronically, just follow the link here.
MPVA Facebook - The place to check out current and real time news on MPVA programs, advocacy, and community events! Looking for adaptive recreation events— we got it! Want to read our most current blog—we got that, too. Ready to join in our latest advocacy effort—find out where and when by liking and following us on Facebook!
Educational Scholarships **Funding cycle closes on October 1**
MPVA's Scholarship Program was established to support individuals furthering their education in an effort to improve the lives of veterans and community members with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). MPVA currently provides 5 opportunities named after people who positively affect our mission.
- Kenneth Huber Memorial Scholarship - $2,500
- As a supporter of the MPVA for nearly 40 years, Kenneth Huber demonstrated his outgoing nature by serving in multiple roles - ranging from MPVA Chapter President, National Director, advocate, and most importantly, friend. He encouraged the disability community to take risks and actively participated in dozens of disability rights committees. The recipient of this scholarship would be someone who reflects the advocacy, athleticism, and inclusion to which Kenneth Huber dedicated his life.
- Michael Hogue Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
- Michael Hogue fought in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper and was wounded in action. Although he lost the use of his legs, he never complained about the struggles that come with paraplegia. He moved to Ann Arbor after returning from Vietnam to work for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) as a veteran benefits counselor. While in Ann Arbor, he loved wheelchair racing, competing in marathons and in the PVA Wheelchair Games. The recipient of the scholarship would reflect Michael Hogue’s commitment to National service, volunteerism in veterans affairs, and an interest in improving healthcare for disabled veterans.
- Stephan Florescu Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
- After being injured in a freak driving accident, Stephan became well known for his outstanding abilities in a variety of sports. Stef did not just use his talents for his own merits. He began to inspire others by organizing various sports teams. For MPVA he coached a civilian men's team called the "Rolling Romanians", as well as a women's team called the "National Association of the Physically Handicapped". Stefan was also a pioneer in MPVA's print publications, often writing for the MPVA's Rollin' Times Newsletter. The recipient of this scholarship would be someone who promotes inclusion in sports, as well as taking initiative in creating opportunities for others with disabilities in recreation.
- Roger McCarville Memorial Scholarship - $500
- Roger McCarville touched thousands of lives. Politicians, civic leaders, and community members considered him a friend. His life's work was to give a voice to those who had none. As an associate member of the MPVA, Roger used his talents to advocate on behalf of Michigan's disability community. Among his work, he was best known for his 12 years hosting and producing the popular PBS show "Disabilities Today" (now known as "A Wider World"). The recipient of this scholarship would be someone interested in veteran's advocacy, disability rights, and disability awareness.
- Tony Filippis Memorial Scholarship - $500
- Anthony (Tony) Filippis Sr., a nationally-known and beloved man was the founder of Wright & Filippis, Inc., Michigan’s largest provider assistive mobility devices and healthcare products. Tony is a supporter and associate member of the MPVA who experienced first-hand the struggle confronted by persons with disabilities. He lost both of his legs below the knee in a train accident at the age of 13. The disappointments and discrimination he faced fueled Tony's passion for making a difference in the lives of others, including founding of the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame in 1999. The recipient of this scholarship would be an individual who wishes to further their education as part of a goal of celebrating the accomplishments of people with disabilities.
To find out more, please download the application form.
If you have questions regarding this program, or are from a higher educational establishment and would like to further promote this program, please contact MPVA staff at (248) 476-9000 or email us here.
Rollin' Traveler Grant Program **Funding cycle closes on October 1**
The MPVA is currently accepting submissions for its Rollin' Traveler grant. This grant program seeks to fund projects that provide equitable opportunity and access to recreation/leisure activities for people with physical disabilities.
*Special consideration given to programs that reduce/waive fees for entrance, parking, etc. for paralyzed veterans.
This grant program is offering $2,000, $5,000, & $10,000 award amounts this grant cycle, commensurate with project goals, budget, and requirements as detailed in the application for amount requested. The MPVA will only grant one (1) grant amount to an organization per grant cycle.
Download the full grant description, eligibility, and requirements here.
Download the grant application form here.
Membership Grant Program
The MPVA is currently offering a Membership Grant to any individual member/associate member in current standing with the MPVA. Membership Grants seek to provide funds for approved projects for accessible home modifications, wheelchair repair, and similarly approved opportunities for the enhancement of an individual member's/associate member's quality of life.
**All granted awards will be funded as a one-time, non-renewable payment from the MPVA to an approved business/organization or other approved enterprise. Grant requests should not exceed $2,500.**
Funding priorities will be considered for main residences, sources of mobility, etc. which can included, but are not limited to:
- Funds to improve barrier free access to an applicant's primary residence.
- Grants to fund wheelchair repair. **(applicable for member/associate member's main source of mobility equipment only)**
- Grants that fund an opportunity or necessity that will enhance the applicant's quality of life.
- Funds to provide assistive technology for an applicant.
Download the full grant description, eligibility, and requirements here.
Download the grant application form here.
Loan Closet
MPVA's Loan Closet/Equipment Donation Program focuses on the needs of people disabilities. We only accept items that assist individuals with mobility issues.
Your donation can even be made tax-deductible.
To donate or inquire about items please call us at (800)638-6782 or email us here.
We only accept items that assist individuals with mobility issues, like:
- wheelchairs (manual or power; accompanied by all working parts, i.e., a fully-charged battery, original footrests, clean cushion, etc.)
- adaptive sports equipment
- walkers
- shower commodes
- lifts
We are grateful for the contributions of clean, usable items that can be given to those with need. Please note the following points:
- MPVA is not able to pick up or drop off items.
- Items to be donated must be delivered to our office during regular office hours.
- You must schedule a time to pick up or drop off equipment with an MPVA staff member by calling (800)-638-6782, Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM
Sports & Recreation
MPVA has always recognized wheelchair sports as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and social interaction for our members and others with disabilities. MPVA offers both indoor and outdoor activities throughout Michigan. Participants vary in age, ability, and experience.
MPVA Sports Include:
- wheelchair basketball
- power soccer
- sled hockey
- hunting
- fishing
Please check the MPVA Facebook page for more information and current events!
MPVA also supports large-scale events like:
- Detroit Free Press Marathon’s Disability Division
- National Veterans Wheelchair Games
- Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame
Did you know the MPVA has a Sports & Recreation Grant? Learn more by clicking here. **Funding cycle closes on October 1**
Peer Support Services
The MPVA has partnered with the experts at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and our local VA facilities to better the quality of lives of individuals living with a disability through our Peer Support Services program. The program works through in-patient and remote settings. It offers those who have lived with a spinal cord injury or disease (“Peer Mentors”) the ability to reach out to those newly injured or those who have experienced recent life changes with their disability (“Mentees”). The Peer Mentors help guide Mentees through day-to-day issues they encounter with their disability and offer them comfort at times when they may feel distressed or isolated.
The Peer Support Service program is funded through the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, a nonprofit, 501(c) 3 organization. Donations made in support of the Peer Support Services program can be made tax-deductible. If you are interested in becoming a Peer Mentor or know someone who may need Peer Mentoring, email Jaclyn Kochis.
Veteran Benefits Services
MPVA offers free services to its members in filing or re-filing claims for VA benefits. The Veterans Benefits Department also works to ensure quality care through Michigan's 5 USDVA Medical Centers.
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
2215 Fuller Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-769-7100 or 800-361-8387
http://www.annarbor.va.gov/
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
4646 John R. St.
Detroit, MI 48201
313-576-1000 or 800-511-8056
http://www.detroit.va.gov/
Battle Creek VA
5500 Armstrong Road
Battle Creek, MI 49037
(269) 966-5600 or (888) 214-1247
http://www.battlecreek.va.gov/
Iron Mountain VA Medical Center
325 East "H" Street
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
(906) 774-3300 or (800) 215-8262
http://www.ironmountain.va.gov/
Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center
1500 Weiss Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 497-2500 or (800) 406-5143
http://www.saginaw.va.gov/
For more information on VA Benefits or to schedule an appointment with a VA Service Officer, please contact:
McNamara Federal Building
477 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 471-3996
MPVA Service Officer Personnel
Secretary: Marilyn Kittrell
PVA Service Officer: Stephanie Strickland