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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
BVA National Executive Director Donald D. Overton, Jr. has announced the addition of Claudia Baldwin and Michaun Harrison to the Association’s full-time headquarters staff. Claudia will take on the role of National Service Officer while Michaun will work as the National Administrative Coordinator. John O’Connell, a member of the New Jersey Regional Group, was appointed as the new Director of District 1, effective immediately. The District Director post was vacated by Claudia so that she […]
On July 24, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Bob Casey (D-PA) and several other Senate colleagues introduced the Section 508 Refresh Act. The new bill, supported by BVA, proposes that federal agencies be required to take a series of steps to ensure that people with disabilities can use technology across the entire federal government spectrum, not limited to one agency or department. Co-sponsors were Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) […]
Tune into an inspiring look at the impactful work performed behind the scenes to support our nation’s heroes. In the latest episode of Visions of BVA released August 1, host Steve Baskis sits down with BVA National Service Director Duayne Driscoll, National Service Officer Scott Quinlan, and National Program Coordinator Vernon Humphrey to discuss BVA’s Veterans Service Program and Ambassador Program. The focus of the podcast is their critical contributions to the success of each […]
The Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by VA. These services are available through VA Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, VA contractors, or other VA-designated entities. Click the button below to read more. HUD-VASH addresses aging and disabled veteran homelessness through enhanced staffing models that provide site-based care provided by multidisciplinary teams. […]
Blinded veteran Paschal Baute of Lexington, Kentucky, now 95 years old, has taken on a fundraising campaign to help BVA that is very likely unprecedented. He describes the project below. You can donate to Paschal’s Celebration of Life campaign using the following button. Donate Paschal’s Message: At the start of July, my birthday month turning 95, I began my Celebration of Life by starting a fundraising campaign for BVA called “Grit-Freedom with Blindness” with a […]
My name is Beyla and I am not a guide dog. However, my momma, Meredith, the National Development Director, asked me to share my journey through blindness. As a 5-year-old Morkie crossbreed, I have been told that I am not only cute and smart, but my friendly and gentle personality is my biggest asset. I love to snuggle, jump on furniture, and play with my favorite toys—my ball and stuffed fox. Don’t you love my […]
