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BVA Joins Other National Organizations, VA BRS in Highlighting White Cane Safety

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. Aside from a few creative online events, such opportunities came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks, however, to motivated BVA members and VA Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinators, White Cane Day activities are […]

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Full Steam Ahead for 2024 Winter Sports Clinic Application Process

Please act as soon as possible to participate in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic scheduled for April 1-7, 2024, in Snowmass, Colorado! Read more.   The world-class event, co-hosted by VA and Disabled American Veterans, is also supported by a host of private sector sponsors. Registration includes lodging, meals, and a variety of sports and recreation activities like those enumerated below. Because a doctor must fill out a portion of the application, and […]

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Use Personal Inventory to Discover What Matters to You and Live Whole Health

October is Person-Centered Care Month, an appropriate time of year for all of us to begin looking somewhat differently at what makes a person truly healthy and then making a valiant effort to become that person. This can occur by implementing the basic principles of Whole Health in our lives. Whole Health puts the person at the center of care, representing a shift from a provider-centric, disease management approach, to an approach that tailors care […]

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Stipend Available for Screen Reader Users Participating in Veteran Usability Study

The Veteran Usability Study is a great way to help VA improve the accessibility and usability of VA.gov and mobile applications such as VA Health and Benefits. The study is open to veterans, caregivers, and others familiar with how a veteran uses screen readers. Participants can receive a stipend ranging from $10 to $75 per study for participating.  Because VA seeks to understand the unique needs of blind screen reader users and make relevant digital […]

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BVA Joins DOL in Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Promoted by the Department of Labor (DOL) and observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities, past and present. The campaign showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit both employers and employees.  In line with the milestone 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has chosen Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now, and Next […]

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Next Week’s VetTech: Optimizing Windows 11 Using ZoomText and Fusion

Join BVA’s VetTech Team this Wednesday, October 11, at 2:00pm Eastern Time as the Weekly Wednesday Webinar welcomes Liz Whitaker, Product Manager for User Education and Outreach at Vispero. Liz will introduce webinar participants to the basics of ZoomText and Fusion, two powerful assistive technology programs for blind and low vision users. Attendees will learn how to use ZoomText to magnify their screens and, for those requiring or demanding a little more, how to integrate […]

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Winter Sports Opportunities Now Open at STARS Colorado Ranch

Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS) in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has opened registration for four ski adventures in early 2024 for disabled veterans, including a new program session for women veterans only. Lodging, ski equipment, lift ticket, along with breakfast, snacks, and dinner, are all included in the 5-day/4-night package. Lodging is at the STARS Ranch.  Session dates are: Veterans Ski & Ride Session 1: January 14 – 18 Women’s Ski & Ride Week: February 4 […]

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BVA Buddy Checks Soon Underway

BVA is pleased to announce a new Buddy Check initiative to be carried out by the Association’s first two classes of graduate Ambassadors. The outreach effort connects veterans to check on well-being and offer support. Ambassadors are trained blind and low vision volunteers who are passionate about helping other veterans. They will reach out by phone or email simply to check in and provide information about BVA resources and services when appropriate. The Buddy Check […]

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Applications Now Accepted for 2024 Winter Sports Clinic

Please act as soon as possible to participate in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic scheduled for April 1-7, 2024, in Snowmass, Colorado! The world-class event, co-hosted by VA and Disabled American Veterans, is also supported by a host of private sector sponsors. Registration includes lodging, meals, and a variety of sports and recreation activities such as those enumerated below. Because a doctor must fill out a portion of the application and because demand […]

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BVA Chief of Staff Reviews iOS 17 Release

In this week’s BVA Happenings, BVA VetTech Moderator and Chief of Staff Timothy Hornik summarizes the benefits of newly released accessibility features for blind users of Apple products. The company released the iOS 17 update earlier this week. A more extensive presentation of the improvements will appear in the upcoming issue of The Bulletin.  Notable Features of iOS 17 Assistive Access: This feature allows users to simplify the iOS interface. If there is one common complaint […]