Seven members of the Richmond Chapter of BVA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Group joined forces with the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) on January 22 at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.

The purpose of the pre-planned event was to actively, and in person, voice support at the state level for a variety of bills that could affect blind and low vision veterans who reside in the “Commonwealth” (State) of Virginia. Members of the group spoke personally to members of the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate who represent their specific district.

Specific bills receiving support from the groups relate to accessible electronic ballot returns (first priority), autonomous driving systems (second priority), and funding for an evaluation to expand accessible pedestrian signals (third priority).

The American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) is a statewide organization that works cooperatively on an ongoing basis with BVA’s Richmond Chapter and the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia. Together, they plan the annual visit to champion independence, economic stability, and full participation in all aspects of society.

“It was a great experience, and I learned a lot,” said chapter member Michaun Harrison, also BVA’s National Administrative Coordinator at the National Headquarters. During the day, Michaun met with Virginia Delegate Joshua Cole, Senator Tara Durant, and others outside her district.

“Most importantly, it became evident that although we represented different organizations, our cause, purposes, and passions are the same: advocating for the rights and benefits of the blind community and their families,” Michaun said.