To many and perhaps most Americans, Labor Day weekend means picnics, beaches, and the unofficial end of summer. Although the day is not usually a holiday for service members throughout the world, several factors connect Labor Day to those on active duty and to our nation’s veterans who have served in the past. For example, throughout history, few have labored more or under more adverse conditions than those fighting to defend freedom. In that sense, […]

More than a dozen BVA members, friends, members of the Affiliated Blind of Louisiana, the American Council of the Blind, and the American Legion were on hand as the Louisiana/Mississippi Regional Group, Inc. continued its relentless Braille Flag campaign, presenting most recently a Bronze Braille American Flag to the Lafayette, Louisiana South Regional Library this past Monday, August 25. The flag was presented in honor of Catherine Calhoun Edgar, the mother of devoted Blind Rehabilitation […]

Please place on your calendar the upcoming VetTech Weekly Webinar next Wednesday, September 3, at 3:00pm Eastern Time, when VetTech enthusiasts will welcome Karthik Kannan, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Envision. Karthik will present the recently marketed Ally Solos Glasees. He uses engineering to turn the latest breakthroughs in the field of computer vision into meaningful applications for people with sight loss. His focus is currently on how to use AI to maximize the […]

Upon reflecting on BVA’s rich history, one is reminded of the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting blinded veterans and their families. Founded by war-blinded veterans returning from World War II, BVA has served as a beacon of hope and advocacy for more than 80 years. The Association continues its efforts to build on that legacy by empowering the membership to make a difference in their communities. “Consistent with our mission and recent focus, we are […]

Heartfelt expressions of sadness and sympathy to BVA as an organization and to the family of Immediate Past National President Paul Mimms have poured into voicemails and email inboxes of BVA National Headquarters staff and members of the Board of Directors throughout this past week following notice of Paul’s sudden passing last Friday, August 22. This week’s VetTech session was without the familiar voice and chuckle that all have become so accustomed to hearing on […]

Practical instruction on navigating alone to, from, and during a national convention as a totally blind person, along with inspirational observations and helpful guidance unique to program host Steve Baskis, highlight the August episode of “Visions of BVA,” the Association’s monthly podcast. Unlike most of his other recent episodes, Steve has chosen to proceed solo in this one, offering a walkthrough of how he travels independently to the Blinded Veterans Association’s national conventions based on […]

In 1964, the U.S. Congress approved a resolution authorizing the President of the United States to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15 as “National White Cane Safety Day.” President Lyndon B. Johnson was the signer of the resolution and the first U.S. President to issue a proclamation. Although President Barack Obama renamed the day “Blind Americans Equality Day” in his 2011 proclamation and subsequent proclamations, some still prefer and use the “White Cane Safety […]

Blind and low vision veterans may now begin the application process to participate in the 40th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado (near Aspen), April 4-11. Although the application deadline is November 30, past participants from the BVA membership recommend completing and submitting the application materials as soon as possible.  A world leader in rehabilitation, the Winter Sports Clinic began with 90 participants in 1987 and now provides nearly 400 profoundly disabled […]

Please put on your calendar the upcoming VetTech Weekly Webinar next Wednesday, August 27, at 3:00pm Eastern Time, as attendees focus their attention on the Blindshell Class 3 Mobile Phone for the Blind. The BlindShell Classic 3 isn’t just another phone, but a lifeline of independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. By combining the simplicity of large tactile buttons with powerful voice control and accessibility features, it makes communication, daily tasks, and […]

Five blinded veterans participated in the 13th annual Valor Games Midwest 2025 last week in Chicago. The event is a three-day Paralympic-style sports competition for disabled veterans and wounded or ill service members. The activities this year occurred across multiple venues in the city: the renowned Soldier Field, Lincoln Park, McKinley Park, and Burnham Park. Kudos to participants Harvey Guary of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group, Tony Stokes of the Heartland Regional Group, and Anthony Woodson, […]