Paralyzed Veterans of America launches "ONE of ONE" campaign to boost brand awareness
News provided byParalyzed Veterans of America · 3 min read
In a significant year-long initiative, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has launched a new brand awareness campaign, "ONE of ONE," aimed at highlighting the organization's multifaceted role in supporting veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, as well as advancing the rights and well-being of all people with disabilities. The campaign, which will run for 53 weeks, is set to feature a series of milestones and events, culminating in the organization's "ONE of ONE" Gala in New York City on September 9, 2027.
PVA, founded in 1946, has long been a cornerstone in the disability community, having transformed specialized care, advanced disability rights, and pioneered adaptive sports. According to Robert Thomas, a U.S. Army veteran and PVA National President, the organization has "helped transform specialized care across the VA health care system, advanced disability rights and barrier-free design, and supported groundbreaking research and education with leading institutions."
The "ONE of ONE" campaign is designed to showcase the breadth of PVA's work and its enduring commitment to change. Key highlights of the campaign include:
- September 3, 2026: The release of a practical guide titled "Yes, You Can!" aimed at helping individuals newly injured or diagnosed with a spinal cord injury navigate life. - September 22, 2026: The launch of a podcast series, "Voices of PVA," designed to inform, empower, and connect disabled veterans, people with disabilities, and their supporters. - October 1, 2026: The Access to the Skies Summit, where PVA and All Wheels Up will convene experts to discuss aviation accessibility and break down barriers in air travel. - April 1, 2027: The debut of the fifth edition of PVA's home design book, focusing on creating accessible and independent living spaces for wheelchair users. - June 2027: The Barrier-Free America Award, honoring a leader whose work in accessible design is exceptional. - July 14-19, 2027: The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, bringing together disabled veterans for a week of competition, camaraderie, and celebrating the possibilities. - September 9, 2027: The "ONE of ONE" Gala, which will celebrate the individuals, partnerships, and progress that have shaped PVA's legacy and future impact. - Throughout 2027: PVA will participate in major events such as the Consumer Electronics Show, South by Southwest, and major Penske races, including the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600.
Carl Blake, a U.S. Army veteran and PVA CEO, emphasized the significance of the campaign, stating, "What makes 'ONE of ONE' so meaningful is that it reflects PVA at its core. We're inviting the nation to see PVA through a new lens, reaching new audiences and reinforcing our commitment as a trusted partner to veterans and people with disabilities."
PVA's expertise, access, innovation, advocacy, and global reach are integral to its success. The organization boasts a staff of licensed medical professionals, legal experts, and architects who advocate for veterans' rights and benefits, improve access to specialized care, and shape national accessibility standards. PVA is the only nonprofit Veterans Service Organization with access to all 25 VA SCI/D centers, driving continuous improvements in the VA's specialized care system.
PVA has also been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering wheelchair basketball and establishing rules and regulations for adaptive sports like disc golf. Over the past 80 years, PVA has been instrumental in passing landmark legislation and shaping policies, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, accessible air travel bills, voting rights, and health care, all aimed at advancing greater independence and opportunity for people with disabilities.
With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters across the United States, PVA serves veterans, their families, and caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To learn more about PVA and its "ONE of ONE" campaign, visit PVA.org/OneOfOne, join the conversation online using #OneOfOne, and follow the organization on social media for updates.