February is Low Vision Awareness Month, enthusiastically recognized as such by the Blinded Veterans Association. According to the National Eye Institute, 4.2 million Americans ages 40 and older are visually impaired. Of these, 3 million have low vision. VA estimates that a sizeable percentage of the latter figure includes veterans of the U.S. military. In 2022, BVA acknowledged the significance and impact of low vision by amending the national bylaws to extend membership to low […]

BVA’s regional group chaplains, both elected and appointed, are invited to attend an hour-long multi-faith group meeting via Zoom on Thursday, February 8, at 11:00am Eastern Time under the direction of National Chaplain Kennith Harvey.  Meeting attendees will discuss how BVA members can reach out to their fellow veterans. They will also draw on previous discussions regarding spiritual outreach and the means for supporting and maintaining religion as a visible component of the work of […]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week a Notice of Funding Opportunity for some $5 million in grants per year (for up to two years) that will help veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The funds are available to eligible community organizations that provide veterans with transitional housing and case management—including connecting them to VA benefits, community-based services, and permanent housing.  The notice came on the heels of a news release two […]

Donald (left) and Tavi (right) lie together under the Valor Games inflatable arch. I have enjoyed serving as the first Ambassadog for the Blinded Veterans Association and its weekly BVA Happenings. I have loved sharing the scoop about my life as a working guide dog and some other informational nibbles. Recently, I was even stopped for a paw print by some of my fans. I would like to extend a paw shake to our friends at […]

Tomorrow, February 3, 2024, is the 81st anniversary of the sinking of the United States Army Transport (USAT) Dorchester and numerous legendary acts of selflessness by four U.S. Army Chaplains, all representing different faiths, who found themselves together onboard. In all likelihood but still uncertain, the feats of the four Chaplains consumed little more than an hour onboard the ship. Four Chaplains Day was established by Congress in 1988 to honor these men for their […]

Look into opportunities offered by BVA’s Kathern F. Gruber Scholarships for spouses, dependent children, and grandchildren of blind and low vision veterans seeking support for their higher education tuition. Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are due April 30 for the five awards valued at $2,000 each. The scholarship can be a valuable help to students and their families.  The application process is straightforward with applicants evaluated on merit by a select committee. Although the […]

U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4) and Brian Mast (R-FL-21), two members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the House of Representatives, earlier this week introduced a bipartisan bill with far-reaching future implications for blind and low vision veterans and other people with disabilities. The legislation, enthusiastically supported by BVA, stands to jumpstart conversations and comprehensive work to ensure that those with disabilities can utilize ride hailing autonomous technology in the form of driverless vehicles.  […]

BVA is pleased to announce the elections for Directors of Districts 2 and 4. As outlined in Article 6 of the BVA National Bylaws, these crucial roles represent the voices and needs of members residing in their respective districts. Nominations for the Directorships opened on February 1 (yesterday) and will close on March 1. Who can run?  Membership Matters: You must be a BVA member residing within the territorial boundaries of District 2 or District 4. Passion and […]

Do you know an unsung hero, tirelessly contributing to the betterment of BVA? Our Awards Program stands as a beacon, celebrating the exceptional accomplishments of our fellow blind and low vision veterans, as well as the unwavering commitment they exhibit in supporting their comrades. However, it is not just about our veterans. The program extends its spotlight to the extraordinary professionals and volunteers who go above and beyond, crafting a legacy of selfless service that […]

BVA members and their families throughout the country may be able to look forward to a quick end to winter weather, at least according to the semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil who woke up and did not see his shadow earlier today. The much-heralded event, an actual ceremony in front of thousands of spectators and a national audience viewing early morning network news programming, took place in the town of Punxsutawney on the western side […]