The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) and local author of the book series "Who I Am", which focuses on diversity and self esteem, Tara Michener, launched the first "The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance (DDA)" on February 25, 2010. The meeting was a great success as local Michigan-based professionals came to the MPVA Chapter Headquarters to discuss how to they could actively partner together to better their communities by creating positive perceptions and awareness regarding diversity issues.

The first meeting was kicked-off with an icebreaker which demonstrated that although the Alliance members may seem uniquely different, they are indeed extraordinarily similar. As Michael Harris, MPVA Executive Director, pointed out, "As human beings we all have the same basic needs — to be accepted and cared for."

In addition, the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance launch brought forth some excellent dialogue regarding their goals of becoming an action oriented group as Ms. Rita Crooks, a Director of the Diversity Division at the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, spoke about the 10th Annual Walk2Gether Michigan for Unity in the Community. The walk, which celebrates the spring season of new growth, draws thousands in the name of diversity and inclusion to Belle Isle, Michigan on May 16, 2010. It offers corporations, organizations, and individuals a great outing for a great cause.

The Dimension of Diversity Alliance hopes to help build upon these important events and causes that promote inclusion and togetherness throughout our Michigan community. In hosting the meetings quarterly, the DDA can create a platform for groups and individuals to share professional resources, unify goals, and form a strong enough interest on the subject of diversity and inclusion that we are able to change the world, or at least Michigan, for now!

At this time we would like to thank everyone who supported the first Dimensions of Diversity Alliance Meeting. We would also like to thank everyone at the PBS TV Show on Abilities, A Wider World, for filming the meeting and helping the DDA to get their mission out there. Lastly, we would like to thank Glenda’s Garden Center of Novi for donating a $25.00 gift certificate that was raffled off at our launch!

April 15, 2010 - 10:30am to 3:30pm
40550 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI  48375

The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) will be celebrating nearly 50 years of service to Michigan during PVA Awareness Week.

The MPVA is inviting all to come out and join us at our Chapter Headquarters on April 15th, 2010 from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM in order to find out more about spinal cord injury or disease, MPVA services and programs, and to show support for our veterans and residents with disabilities.

Light food and refreshments will be served courtesy of the MPVA and MPVA Open House Sponsors. If you are interested in becoming an Open House Sponsor, please see the Annual Events portion of our website.

See how the community comes together to build a ramp for a veteran!

The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America celebrated Veterans Day at The 6th Annual Salute to Veterans Gala on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at Schoolcraft College's VistaTech Center in Livonia, Michigan. The event was a great success as nearly 250 guests gathered to pay tribute to Michigan's Veterans of the past and present. Guests included Keynote Speaker Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, WJBK FOX 2 Weatherman Rich Luterman, Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone, Senator LeBlanc, and a wide array of proudly decorated service men and women.

Thanks to the support of the MPVA's truly generous sponsors and volunteers, the MPVA raised approximately $30,000 in support of assisting veterans, and all individuals, with spinal cord injury and disease. Coupled with the success of the Gala, the MPVA also hosted an online "Salute to Veterans Auction" during the month of November, which raised nearly $5,000 of funds that will directly benefit Michigan's veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For a full list of the MPVA’s 6th Annual Salute to Veterans Sponsors, or to view photos from the event please see the annual events portion of this site.

The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA), The Senior Alliance (TSA), and the PBS Television Show “A Wider World” have teamed up to promote an important initiative affecting the disability community and senior citizen community. The initiative is called the "Fuel Call" button and it is a notification device that will assist individuals at gas pumps. The Fuel Call is mounted on a pole that extends out to be within reach of people in their vehicles. This unique new item will allow disabled drivers and seniors to notify gas station attendants that they need refueling assistance.

You may not know, but the Fuel Call button has been getting some attention right here in one of Michigan's local communities. In April of 2009, the MPVA participated in a press conference at the Westland Marathon Gas Station (located at Ford and Newburgh) to help introduce the public to the Fuel Call button.

Get the Word Out!

Getting assistance to refuel a vehicle can pose a daunting challenge for a driver with a disability, especially if the person has a serious physical disability. Please watch the following video for more information and help Michigan’s senior citizens and disabled community advocate for this important quality of life item by telling as many people as you can about the Fuel Call button!

Roger McCarville interviews drivers with disabilities to see what it's like for them getting gas in a self service world. Among those interviewed: Mitchell Swanson, Inclusion Solutions, LLC and Michael Harris, Executive Director, MPVA.