Today is Birthday #248 of the United States Navy, the only branch of the military organized prior to the Declaration of Independence! Yes, the origins of the Navy actually predate July 4, 1776, by almost a year. According to author Raymond G. O’Connor’s Origin of the American Navy, on August 26, 1775, the assembly of the colony of Rhode Island sent its delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to request that “a fleet of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
