The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has issued a call for nominations for its 2005 Barrier-Free America Award. All award entries must include a nomination form and essay and must be postmarked no later than November 5. The veterans’ service and disability rights organization made the announcement June 10 at the AIA 2004 National Convention in Chicago.

Each year, PVA honors an individual with this national award for his or her sensitivity to the importance of accessible design, as well as the difference the designer has made through a particular project in achieving a barrier-free environment. PVA’s 2004 recipient was AIA New York Executive Director Fredric Bell, FAIA, to recognize his efforts to make accessibility a part of the redevelopment program for Lower Manhattan and his ongoing advocacy for universal design in New York City. In 2003, the group honored Cesar Pelli, FAIA, for his design of Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C.

Submissions can be for individuals who work in architecture, landscape architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management, building development, and public education. To download a nomination form, visit the PVA Accessible Design Web site. The award will be presented in April 2005.

The PVA estimates that the demand for accessible design solutions will skyrocket in the next 25 years as the number of Americans over the age of 50 increases to 115 million individuals. Add to this the number of Americans with non-age related mobility impairments and our country faces a significant number of individuals whose lives would be greatly enhanced through accessible design at home, work, or in public places.

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