September is National Service Dog Month. Created in 2008, the idea for this appreciation month came from actor Dick Van Patten, who was impressed by the great help he had observed service dogs perform to humans with certain ailments and disabilities. To further the cause, he also launched a fundraising initiative to benefit the animals who worked hard every day in service dog training schools.  Van Patten also became an honorary board member of the […]

Using the example of a recent BVA advocacy effort on behalf of Waymo’s driverless vehicle service, Deputy Director of Government Relations Alek Libbin elaborates on the potential influence individual BVA members can exert on a public policy decision. In a July message for BVA Happenings, I referenced Waymo’s efforts to gain approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to operate in San Francisco. I mentioned the frequently understated importance of local and state politics […]

BVA has joined several other organizations in the ITEM (Independence through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) Coalition to support an initiative of the United Spinal Association urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve Medicare mobility equipment coverage and reassess the interpretation of the “in the home” requirement.  Under its current interpretation, CMS covers only mobility assistive equipment (wheelchairs, canes, and scooters) that is considered reasonable and necessary for daily life activities […]

Join BVA’s VetTech Team this Wednesday, September 13, at 2:00pm Eastern Time as the Weekly Wednesday Webinar welcomes Liz Whitaker, Product Manager for User and Education Outreach for Vispero. In Windows 11, Microsoft changed many of the core elements of Windows, including the Start Menu, Explorer, Notification Center, and several more.  The alterations require users to learn how to interact with the new elements. Fortunately, Freedom Scientific updated JAWS and Fusion, simplifying how individuals interact […]

By Timothy Hornik, BVA Chief of Staff The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights has proposed an update to the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. The update directly impacts several key provisions of BVA’s legislative priorities regarding the accessibility of medical equipment and devices; rights to self-determination and autonomy in medical decisions; and mandating conformity to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for […]

By Teresa Galgano, Director of Member Relations We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with our membership: The Blinded Veterans Association family is growing stronger than ever! We are proud to announce that 46 remarkable individuals have recently joined our esteemed organization, and their commitment to our mission is truly inspiring. We also thank our BVA Ambassadors and other recruiters who are volunteering at VA facilities and spreading the word about the Association.  Our […]

Korean War veteran and former BVA National Chaplain of 32 consecutive years (1979-2011), the Reverend Neftali Sanchez, passed away this past Wednesday from causes incident to age at his home in Grand Terrace, California. He was most recently a member of the Southern California Regional Group and, astonishingly, a BVA member for 68 years. Memorial and burial services are pending and will be shared later.  Tali, as many knew him, attended 31 conventions as Chaplain, […]

VA national cemeteries are the focus of this year’s National Day of Service commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The events will occur this Monday at more than 60 national cemeteries and include opportunities for volunteers to clean headstones and participate in other beautification projects.  “The sacrifice of generations of Americans who wore the uniform for our country is always on display at our national cemeteries,” said VA Under Secretary […]

Millions of Americans still recall 22 years later where they were and how they felt as the tragic and horrifying events of September 11, 2001, unfolded. Many of our newer BVA members enlisted or were called up thereafter to participate in ensuing conflicts that followed 9/11. In solemn commemoration of the anniversary, now known in many circles as Patriot Day, the following constitute meaningful ways to demonstrate respect and honor those who gave their lives, […]

VA’s Whole Health content focuses this month on both conventional and Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) treatments—and how the two approaches converge. The tools provided will help BVA members and their families share how CIH, along with conventional treatment, results in better outcomes for veteran health and well-being. The tools include two videos and a feature story.  Integrative approaches may include medication, guided imagery, acupuncture, biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, tai chi/qigong, yoga, and massage therapy. Some […]