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 […]
Please join us on July 31 at 3:00pm for BVA’s VetTech and Educational Series Weekly Webinar featuring Debra Erickson, Executive Chef and Founder of The Blind Kitchen. Debra will discuss preparing meals containing meat while challenged with blindness or low vision. To join the webinar, click the button below. Date/Time: July 31, 2024 @ 3:00pm (Eastern Time)Meeting ID: 85625909913 Passcode: 1945 Join VetTech Meeting Join Meeting (One Tap Mobile): +13017158592,,85625909913#,,,,*1945#+13126266799,,85625909913#,,,,*1945# Join Meeting (Telephone by Location): […]
Welcome to the Blinded Veterans Association! If you are new to our community, we invite you to join the next session on July 29 at 1:00pm in our New Member Series, a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the organization, discover how to contribute, and explore the support available to you. Because of the amazing work of our Ambassadors and regional group leadership, we grew by 400 new members during the last year, our largest […]
