Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida Chapter, a congressionally chartered veterans service organization that provides a platform of advocacy, education and research, communication, adaptive sports and recreation for veterans paralyzed as a result of a spinal or injury or dysfunction, in an effort to afford them with the highest quality of healthcare and life experiences.
Operating in Central Florida since 1977, the Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida chapter (PVACF) has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of quadriplegics, paraplegics and those managing ALS and Multiple Sclerosis. We use that expertise to be the leading advocate for; quality healthcare for our members, research and education addressing spinal cord injury and dysfunction, benefits available to veterans as a result of their service to our country, civil rights, and opportunities which maximize their independence.
We keep our veterans connected through core programs that assist them in applying for and obtaining veteran’s benefits in a timely manner by providing a liaison with VA Medical Centers or other institutions where paralyzed veterans receive health care, by publishing a monthly magazine that keeps paralyzed veterans informed of what is happening nationally and locally in the legislature that directly effects them and their families, and by providing paralyzed veterans and other persons with disabilities opportunities in adaptive sports and recreation in an effort to enhance a lifetime of health and fitness and offer better quality of life.
Beginning in 1977 with just 23 members, the organization has grown to include 363 veterans who have a spinal cord injury or dysfunction. Members are engaged through advocacy, adaptive sports and special events that help keep them active and connected.
Since the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960, swimming has been one of the Games’ main sports. The thrill of competition aside, swimming offers many benefits including strengthening the cardiovascular systems and the major muscle groups of both the upper and lower body. It also develops flexibility in the muscles and joints as…