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Improved Airborne Hazards Registry to Hasten Medical Advancements

VA has announced the launch of the Redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Pit Registry (referred to as the “AHOBPR 2.0”), a database of 4.7 million that combines veteran and service member information to identify and research health challenges of those exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during their military service. Although participation in or opting out of the registry does not impact personal eligibility for VA services and benefits, the knowledge gained through the […]

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 August Ambassadog Shadow Shares Additional Scoop   

Last week, I briefly touched on my role as guide dog for BVA National President Paul Mimms. I refer to him as Dad. He affectionally calls me Boo Boo. Dad and I became partners on June 11, 2018, and we live in Kansas City, Missouri. I was trained by America’s Vet Dogs, a subsidiary of the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, Long Island, New York.  I prefer to be in the same room as my dad […]

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Next Week’s VetTech and Educational Series Webinar to Focus on Accessibility

Please join us next Wednesday, August 14, at 3:00pm Eastern Time for BVA’s VetTech and Educational Series Weekly Webinar. The featured technology experts for the session will be Brea Blackwelder, Senior Accessibility Designer for the VA Health and Benefits Mobile Application team at Ad Hoc LLC; and Martha Wilkes, Designer and Accessibility Strategist in the VA Office of the Chief Technology Officer. Date/Time: August 14, 2024 @ 3:00pm (Eastern Time)Meeting ID: 856 2590 9913 Passcode: […]

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Adaptive Sports and Recreation Group to Meet Tuesday

All blind and low vision veterans are encouraged to attend the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Group meeting this Tuesday, August 13, at 7:00pm Eastern Time via Zoom. According to Group Chairman Anthony Woodson, Illinois Regional Group, the Adaptive Sports and Recreation group continues to search for activities that will condition the mind, body and soul of BVA members. The Adaptive Sports and Recreation Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at the same hour. […]

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Momentum Increases for Annual International Assistance Dog Week

As many may be aware, BVA has recognized International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) on social media this week. IADW 2024 began last Sunday, August 4, and concludes tomorrow.  The week was first celebrated only 15 years ago in 2009, the idea originating with Marcie Davis, a service dog handler herself and the author of a book about service dogs.  An assistance dog is a broad definition that includes the guide dogs used by blind and […]

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Experience the Thrill WSC Application Process Opens Next Week

Are you ready for an adventure? Apply soon for the 39th annual VA National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (WSC) scheduled for March 30-April 5, 2025, in breathtaking Snowmass, Colorado. Join approximately 80 fellow blind and low vision veterans and a total of 400 disabled veterans for an unforgettable week of fun and camaraderie.  Whether you are a seasoned skier or have never hit the slopes before, there is something for everyone. Try your hand […]

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August Ambassadog Shadow Joins the Pack 

My name is Shadow, and I currently guide BVA National President Paul Mimms. As my first task, I would like to recognize dogs everywhere during August, National Dog Month. Founded in 2020 by National Day Calendar® and Milk-Bone®, this month celebrates loveable canine companions in the middle of the dog days of summer. Honor your best pal by taking an extra-long walk, playing fetch, or providing a healthy treat.  Over the next month I will […]

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Look to VA HTK Programs for Tastier Food, Improved Nutrition

Some 124 VA facilities across the United States offer signature Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) programs that teach veterans and their support persons about food, nutrition, and how to prepare and store balanced, healthy dishes. The programs complement cooking instruction provided at residential VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers.  Initiated in 2004, program classes are open to VA-enrolled veterans and a “plus one” if desired. The “plus one” can be a partner, family member, caretaker, or anyone else […]

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Next Week’s VetTech and Educational Series Webinar to Feature Vispero

Please join us next Wednesday, August 7, at 3:00pm Eastern Time for BVA’s VetTech and Educational Series Weekly Webinar welcoming Elizabeth Whitaker, Manager of User Education and Research, and Rachel Buchanan, Director of the company’s User Education and Technical Support. The two will discuss the customization of settings in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion to maximize their effectiveness. Specific emphasis will be placed on accessing and navigating settings, making changes, saving preferences, and securing help with […]

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Coast Guard Birthday This Sunday Celebrates 234 Years of Valor, Discipline          

BVA this week salutes the Coast Guard and blind and visually impaired Coast Guard veterans. Since August 4, 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has kept the nation’s waterways safe, continuously playing a critical role in national security. Although under slightly different names until 1915, this often-underrated branch of the military has patrolled the coasts for smugglers of all kinds, human traffickers, and international terrorists. As enemies of the country have become savvier technologically, the Coast […]