Paralyzed Veterans of America Recognizes Virginia Governor's Mansion for its Accessible Design

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) announced it has awarded the 2017 Barrier-Free America Award to the Virginia Governor's Mansion, for accessible architectural design demonstrating the importance of equal access in the built environment for all individuals with disabilities. The award will be presented in a private celebratory event on April 24.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe were notified earlier this year that the mansion would be honored for its accessible design.  They released the following statement:

"It is very important to us that the Governor's Executive Mansion is open and welcoming to all of its many visitors.  We made it a priority to take a thoughtful approach that preserved the historic character of the home, while ensuring people with disabilities can enter with ease and dignity.  We are honored to accept Paralyzed Veterans of America's Barrier-Free America Award on behalf of the people of Virginia, and the dedicated team who made this commonsense idea a reality.  We celebrate this moment with Paralyzed Veterans, and thank them for all they do to make America's public spaces free of barriers for our nation's veterans and all people with disabilities."

The Governor's Mansion, known as "The Executive Mansion," is located at the heart of Richmond, the Commonwealth of Virginia's capital city.  It is one of America's oldest executive residences, sitting within the gates of a park-like area that includes the state capitol building, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson.  The Executive Mansion has been the home to Virginia's governors since 1813, and Governor McAuliffe is the 55^th governor to reside there.

Yet, until last year, visitors with mobility disabilities had to enter the historic landmark through the basement, at the back of the building. In March, Governor McAuliffe debuted an accessibility facelift for the national historic landmark. Now, wheelchair users and all those with disabilities can enter the mansion via a ramp that is connected to an existing breezeway leading to the southern entrance on the first floor of the mansion. The first floor is the formal reception area used to welcome visitors and guests.

"Paralyzed Veterans of America is pleased to recognize the Virginia Governor's Mansion with our Barrier-Free America Award," said Director of Architecture Mark Lichter. "The demand for accessible design solutions has increased dramatically with our aging population and Americans with non-age related mobility impairments, including our wounded veterans. Our country comprises a significant number of individuals whose lives would be greatly enhanced through accessible design. That's why Paralyzed Veterans honors others who share our vision.  We commend Governor McAuliffe, First Lady McAuliffe, and all of the partners who contributed to making the 'People's House of Virginia' enjoyable for all visitors."

For nearly 30 years, Paralyzed Veterans' architects have been on a mission to promote accessible design for the entire nation. Since 2001, Paralyzed Veterans' Architecture team has been the leader in recognizing exemplary accessible design by others through our annual Barrier-Free America Award. The award honors and promotes leadership, innovation and action in the architectural, design and construction communities for advancing accessibility—an advancement that improves the quality of life for everyone.

Previous recipients of the award have included architects, business people, philanthropists and television personalities. For more information: pva.org/accessible-design.

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (pva.org).

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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America