The Major General Melvin J. Maas Award for Professional Achievement recognizes and honors annually a blinded veteran with service-connected blindness who has attained a high level of proficiency in adjusting to life without sight, and who has achieved a high level of professional success and accomplishment in a chosen career field. The purpose of the award is the positive enhancement of the public image of blind persons and the elimination of the notion of dependence among blinded veterans. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#melvin-j-maas.

The Irving Diener Award recognizes and honors annually the BVA member with the most outstanding contribution to the growth and development of his/her regional group apart from personal achievements or endeavors. Members throughout the country serve one another in their local areas with dedication and loyalty, often at immense personal sacrifice. Those who serve with the greatest distinction merit the recognition and honor at the national level. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#irving-diener.

The David L. Schnair Award recognizes and honors the outstanding contributions of committed volunteers. BVA established the award in 1994 in memory and in honor of World War II veteran David Schnair, a member of the BVA Board of Directors and a Volunteer National Service Officer for nearly five decades. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#david-l-schnair.

The Trailblazer Award recognizes BVA members who take on extraordinary challenges, demonstrating capabilities never believed possible for blind or low vision persons. Nominees should demonstrate their overwhelming desire to excel in a way that is not typically thought of as being accessible to the blind or low vision community. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#trailblazer.

The Super Star award recognizes and applauds the efforts of individuals who have demonstrated a desire and drive to support BVA membership through selfless efforts in promoting, supporting, assisting, and working for the greater good of the whole membership. This award is for individuals who do not qualify for membership within the organization, but typically go above and beyond what is expected, with no expectation of recognition, reimbursement, or hesitation to assist. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#super-star.

The Distant Darling/Gent Award recognizes and applauds the efforts of individuals who demonstrate an unequivocal drive to help blind and low vision veterans, but for a variety of reasons, cannot attend the National Convention. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#distant-darling-gent.

Certificates of Appreciation recognize individuals, groups, and employers who have provided outstanding services to blinded veterans and their families, or to BVA at the national level. These services could include the creation of greater awareness of blinded veterans, their abilities, and their achievements. Typical recipients are, but are not necessarily limited to, VA employees or individuals and agencies engaged in blind rehabilitation. BVA members, their family members, and Association employees are not eligible for Certificates of Appreciation. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#certs-of-appreciation.

Honorary Memberships are provided to individuals who wouldn’t traditionally qualify for membership. Honorary membership may be conferred upon individuals only after great scrutiny and justification. Memberships are for a lifetime at no cost, and must be approved by 2/3 (two-thirds) of a vote of the National Board of Directors. For more information, visit https://bva.org/programs/awards/#honorary-membership.