Voting Could Be More Difficult for People with Disabilities This Year

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Voting is one of our most important civil rights, but it isn't always accessible for paralyzed veterans and others with disabilities. Recently, Al Kovach, Immediate Past President of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), teamed with YourUpdateTV on a national campaign to address this important issue.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/YDwdnEgAn9U

A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found less than half of polling locations were accessible to voters with disabilities in the 2016 election. People in wheelchairs have reported inaccessible sidewalks, doorways too narrow for a chair, inadequate handicapped parking and other barriers when voting. This year during the COVID-19 pandemic, things could be even more challenging for voters with disabilities, due to added cleaning and distancing protocols, longer waits, fewer polling locations and the risk of contracting the virus.

Paralyzed Veterans of America represents veterans with spinal cord injury and disease, such as MS and ALS. These men and women served to protect our civil rights like voting. PVA wants to ensure all Americans can vote safely and securely with the ability to choose their preferred method, regardless of their disability. The organization is urging all people with disabilities to visit PVA.org/vote today to learn their rights and start making a voting plan now.

PVA advocates for accessible, safe voting with multiple options available to accommodate a vast array of disabilities. The purpose of the "Access Your Vote" campaign is to make sure that every American who wants to vote is able to do so, regardless of accessibility limitations.

For more information, visit PVA.org/vote

About Al Kovach:
Al Kovach, Jr., of Coronado, CA, served as national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America from July 2014 until June 2017. A member of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs, Kovach was paralyzed in a parachuting accident during a combat training exercise in 1991. Kovach has served at the highest levels of leadership within PVA since 2007. A lifelong athlete and a proponent of adaptive sports, Kovach is a two-time winner of the LA Marathon, a participant of the Paralympic Games, and has completed a 3,700-mile transcontinental triathlon. As a recognized leader in veterans advocacy, Kovach is a sought-after advisor for civic, community and corporate partners who share his commitment to improving the quality of life for veterans and all people living with spinal cord injury or disease.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
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 more than 70 years, the organization has ensured that veterans receive the benefits earned through 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 life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, Paralyzed Veterans of America 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.

About YourUpdateTV:
YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology.

SOURCE YourUpdateTV