The second Monday in October, falling in 2025 on October 13, has been one of the most inconsistently celebrated U.S. holidays. Originally commemorated as Columbus Day and now as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many jurisdictions, it can be a paid day off, an unpaid commemorative day, another holiday entirely, or simply a regular Monday, depending on where a person works or attends school.  The day continues to be an official federal holiday, which means federal […]

The October 1 episode of Visions of BVA is now live and accessible on all major platforms, most notably Spotify, and YouTube. Featured this month is the audio version of the Summer 2025 BVA Bulletin, the most recent issue of the publication. Host and producer Steve Baskis has converted a written script of the Bulletin content, complete with descriptions of photos and graphics, into a high-quality, professional audio program that can be heard all at […]

A new Braille U.S. flag now hangs permanently at the East Regional Library in Destrehan, Louisiana (St. Charles Parish), at a height at which children and the wheelchair-bound can reach and touch it, thanks to the latest presentation of a flag by the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group earlier this week. The donated display features a Braille version of the Pledge of Allegiance as well as the flag. The stars and stripes on the flag are raised, […]

The U.S. Navy turns 250 years old this Monday! Looking back to the birth of this branch of the Armed Forces, the Continental Congress established the Continental Navy which later, on October 13, 1775, became the United States Navy. Its principal purpose with just two armed vessels was to disrupt munition ships supplying the British Army in America. From there, and during two and one-half centuries, the Navy has grown to become the largest, most […]

BVA regional groups and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Blind Rehabilitation Service (BRS) support groups traditionally commemorate the significance of white cane safety through pre-planned public events such as group walks, fairs, exhibits, or educational forums at VA facilities. The events take place throughout the month of October but especially this Wednesday, October 15. Thanks to motivated BVA members and VA Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators and other VA BRS personnel, an impressive number […]

The Veterans Day National Committee’s official 2025 poster was created by Army Veteran Jeremy D. Carpenter and is titled “Unified by Service”. The design reflects the 2025 theme, “Service to Our Nation,” by depicting a bald eagle against the American flag, with the seals of all uniformed services displayed on a banner to symbolize unity under one flag and one purpose. There were more than 180 entries from artists with varied backgrounds and levels of experience. […]

BVA recognizes both National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Blindness Awareness Month throughout October. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) raises awareness about disability employment and honors the contributions of workers with disabilities. It also advocates for greater opportunities for gainful employment of all Americans with disabilities. The annual October designation, which started as a weeklong recognition in 1945 and was expanded to a full month in 1988, aims to promote disability inclusion in the workforce. The […]

BVA staff members at the National Headquarters have been busy the past few weeks putting together and mailing a variety of White Cane Day resource materials and promotional items to VA Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators, regional groups, and individual BVA members who have requested them for activities and programs scheduled for the officially designated White Cane Day, October 15, or for Veterans Day on November 11. Items still available include a limited number […]

October is Medication Label Safety Awareness Month, encompassing an issue that cannot be given too much emphasis in the blind and low vision veteran community. When it comes to critical prescription label information, En-Vision America asserts that patients should receive a “perfect fit” label that addresses their needs, abilities, and health goals. Patients can talk to their pharmacist about audible, large print, Braille, and translated prescription labeling options. The ScripTalk audible prescription labeling system was […]

In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. The observance continues today but includes the entire family, now officially designated as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day by proclamation of President Barack Obama in 2011 to honor parents and families of service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defense of their country. The 2025 observance is this Sunday, September 28. For obvious reasons, the Gold […]