Paralyzed Veterans of America Survey Reveals Widespread Accessibility Barriers Still Exist, Leading to Isolation and Emotional Distress for Disabled Veterans and all People with Disabilities

PVA launches multi-part PSA, "Barriers Still Exist," urging public to join the fight for #AccessibilityForAll

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America today launched "Barriers Still Exist" – a new multi-part public service announcement in response to their recent survey that revealed widespread accessibility struggles remain and have a devastating emotional impact on people with disabilities. The survey also suggests inconsistent compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act across the nation. The latest PSA installment, Barriers Still Exist – RJ's Everyday Fight, follows U.S. Army Veteran and PVA member R.J. Anderson of Chicago, IL, who encounters endless accessibility barriers on his way to a job interview. 

Among the most alarming survey findings were:

• A staggering 80% of PVA members have encountered an accessibility barrier within the past six months.
• Over 1 in 3 people with mobility disabilities report missing important events and appointments due to accessibility barriers.
• 1 out of 4 people with mobility disabilities report leaving an establishment and never returning if its inaccessible.
• 81% of people with mobility disabilities purposely avoid inaccessible spaces altogether.

"The survey results show accessibility remains an unfulfilled promise for millions of Americans with mobility disabilities and reinforces the need for our new campaign, Barriers Still Exist," said Carl Blake, Chief Executive Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "Inaccessibility affects everyone. Anyone can age into disability or sustain a life-altering injury at any moment – especially our nation's service members. Access to public spaces is a fundamental freedom, and PVA is leading the fight to build a world where accessibility for all is the norm, not the exception."

PVA's survey, conducted in April 2024, polled a representative sample of 1,644 individuals, including PVA members – veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS –, others with mobility disabilities, mothers with children (ages five and under), as well as individuals 65 and older to learn about their experiences with inaccessibility.

"As a paralyzed veteran, I know firsthand how drastically inaccessibility can alter the course of any given day," said Anderson. "Anything from a crack in a sidewalk to a revolving door can not only derail my plans for the day but also be extremely dangerous for people with mobility disabilities, like me. When public paths and buildings are inaccessible, it communicates a lot – it says my plans don't matter, my needs don't matter, and I don't matter. No one deserves that."

Part one of PVA's PSA series, "Barriers Still Exist – For Everyone," was released in mid-December. The spot reveals the impact of inaccessibility through the eyes of five everyday Americans as they go about simple everyday tasks like shopping, boarding a hotel shuttle, and attending school. Both PSAs were designed to shine a spotlight on the everyday obstacles of inaccessibility and their emotional toll, as well as how we all lose when inaccessibility is present. As reflected in the survey, respondents expressed strong emotional responses to the barriers they face. Many stated barriers made them feel "subhuman," "demeaned, and frustrated," while others felt "totally embarrassed, and a lowered self-esteem." 

"There is no better time to talk accessibility than now, as we approach the 35^th anniversary of the ADA," said Blake. "When you join PVA's fight to help paralyzed veterans and people with disabilities, everyone benefits," continued Blake. "That is what our PSA is all about - inaccessibility isn't just a disability or legal issue, it is a people issue and affects everyone." 

PVA believes all people with mobility disabilities deserve better and is urging everyone to become part of the solution. Simply watch the "Barriers Still Exist" PSAs, share them on social media using the #AccessibilityForAll hashtag, and sign PVA's Accessibility For All petition for improved ADA enforcement. Visit PVA.org/BarriersStillExist to learn more today!

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact: Oname Thompson 
703-864-5980 cell
[email protected]

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America