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Full Steam Ahead for 2024 Winter Sports Clinic Application Process

Please act as soon as possible to participate in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic scheduled for April 1-7, 2024, in Snowmass, Colorado! Read more.   The world-class event, co-hosted by VA and Disabled American Veterans, is also supported by a host of private sector sponsors. Registration includes lodging, meals, and a variety of sports and recreation activities like those enumerated below. Because a doctor must fill out a portion of the application, and […]

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Use Personal Inventory to Discover What Matters to You and Live Whole Health

October is Person-Centered Care Month, an appropriate time of year for all of us to begin looking somewhat differently at what makes a person truly healthy and then making a valiant effort to become that person. This can occur by implementing the basic principles of Whole Health in our lives. Whole Health puts the person at the center of care, representing a shift from a provider-centric, disease management approach, to an approach that tailors care […]

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Stipend Available for Screen Reader Users Participating in Veteran Usability Study

The Veteran Usability Study is a great way to help VA improve the accessibility and usability of VA.gov and mobile applications such as VA Health and Benefits. The study is open to veterans, caregivers, and others familiar with how a veteran uses screen readers. Participants can receive a stipend ranging from $10 to $75 per study for participating.  Because VA seeks to understand the unique needs of blind screen reader users and make relevant digital […]

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BVA Joins DOL in Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Promoted by the Department of Labor (DOL) and observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities, past and present. The campaign showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit both employers and employees.  In line with the milestone 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has chosen Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now, and Next […]

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Next Week’s VetTech: Optimizing Windows 11 Using ZoomText and Fusion

Join BVA’s VetTech Team this Wednesday, October 11, at 2:00pm Eastern Time as the Weekly Wednesday Webinar welcomes Liz Whitaker, Product Manager for User Education and Outreach at Vispero. Liz will introduce webinar participants to the basics of ZoomText and Fusion, two powerful assistive technology programs for blind and low vision users. Attendees will learn how to use ZoomText to magnify their screens and, for those requiring or demanding a little more, how to integrate […]

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Winter Sports Opportunities Now Open at STARS Colorado Ranch

Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS) in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has opened registration for four ski adventures in early 2024 for disabled veterans, including a new program session for women veterans only. Lodging, ski equipment, lift ticket, along with breakfast, snacks, and dinner, are all included in the 5-day/4-night package. Lodging is at the STARS Ranch.  Session dates are: Veterans Ski & Ride Session 1: January 14 – 18 Women’s Ski & Ride Week: February 4 […]

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BVA Buddy Checks Soon Underway

BVA is pleased to announce a new Buddy Check initiative to be carried out by the Association’s first two classes of graduate Ambassadors. The outreach effort connects veterans to check on well-being and offer support. Ambassadors are trained blind and low vision volunteers who are passionate about helping other veterans. They will reach out by phone or email simply to check in and provide information about BVA resources and services when appropriate. The Buddy Check […]

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Target Circle: How to vote for BVA

The Blinded Veterans Association is honored to be chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign – sponsored and funded by Target. Here is how you can help direct a portion of Target’s donation at year’s end to BVA!  When you shop at Target in-store, make sure to give the cashier your phone number or email or pull up the barcode in the “Wallet” section of your Target Application and let the cashier scan […]

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Fiscal Year’s First Quarter Sees Noteworthy Upshoot in New Members

By Teresa Galgano, Director of Member Relations Amazing work, BVA team! In the July-September quarter alone, we welcomed a fantastic 72 new members into our BVA family! If we keep up this incredible momentum, we will be on track to welcome 288 new members by the end of the fiscal year. Can we aim for an inspiring milestone of 300 new members by the close of July?  An astonishing 70 percent of our new members, […]

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BVA Selected for Target Circle Campaign through End of 2023

BVA National Headquarters is honored and pleased to announce that the organization has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. You have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation at year’s end to BVA! Now through December 31, vote for BVA through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be distributed. Find out more about Target Circle at www.target.com/circle. We […]