Blinded Veterans Association

Today, we honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11. We remember their families, friends, and the heroes who responded in the face of tragedy. Their legacy lives on in our hearts. Never forget.

Tomorrow's VetTech and Educational Series at 3pm Eastern will feature WayAround. Did you know that - the smartphone tag and scan system - can help you identify and organize the items you collect? From artwork you display to photographs you treasure, WayAround's products can help you stay organized.

For more information and the webinar link, visit https://bva.org/mc-events/vettech-educational-series-3/?mc_id=277

A couple weeks ago, BVA member Lawrence Harrison took third place in two art categories at a local judging of the National Creative Arts Competition at the DC .S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Learn more about Lawrence and his journey continuing to paint after vision loss at https://bva.org/mid-atlantic-member-shines-at-creative-arts-competition/

Lawrence is pictured here with one of his two paintings - an oil-based portrait of his cousin Rosemary.

Are you a caregiver, specifically a military or veteran caregiver? Then join the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for their 9th Annual National Convening on September 24 to explore the future of military and veteran caregiving and the importance of caregiver overall health. Learn more and register at https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/national-convening/

Do you, or a loved one, experience nighttime sleep problems or daytime difficulties such as an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day? Then don't miss out on tomorrow's VetTech and Educational Series Weekly Webinar featuring Vanda Pharmaceuticals as they discuss Non-24 Hour Sleep Wake Disorder which is common in those with vision loss.

Learn more at https://bva.org/mc-events/vettech-educational-series-2/?mc_id=276

It's the beginning of the month which means a new episode of the Visions of BVA Podcast! If you haven't listened yet, don't miss out on this interesting, timely episode relating to . Available on your favorite podcast app. https://sites.libsyn.com/512038.

Looking for a way to connect with others and boost your health at the same time? VA community gardens help Veterans support their well-being through exercise, nutrition, and camaraderie. Veterans David Jedrzejewski and Peter Steciow describe how gardening helps them Live Whole Health. https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/features/Veterans_dig_into_Whole_Health.asp

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

We have made it easier for you to keep up with your favorite events and meetings within BVA with our new Calendar! Make sure to check it out to keep up with upcoming VetTech and Educational Series webinars, special interest group meetings, and more. https://bva.org/calendar/

Are you a blind, low vision, or otherwise disabled veteran? Do you want to learn to adaptive ski and other winter sports? Then make sure you apply for the .S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2025 Winter Sports Clinic! Learn more and apply at https://www.wintersportsclinic.org/participate.

Slinger is a patented, retractable, all-in-one phone lanyard, wallet, and kickstand. Slinger's unique ability to easily extend and retract with one hand allows people with disabilities to comfortably wear their phones, keep all their important personal items securely in one place, and quickly access critical phone apps to promote independence, safety, and security. Universally compatible with all major smartphones, Slinger is a must-have piece of gear!

Learn more about Slinger at https://myslinger.com/.

Make sure you join us for VeTech featuring Enterprises tomorrow at 3pm Eastern! Bosma will be showcasing how their services help blind and low vision people as well as Blind Square - an indoor navigation system. Don't miss out! https://bva.org/vettech

On this we are highlighting Eduardo Miranda! Eduardo is incredibly active in his regional group within BVA by helping ensure fiscal responsibility, hosting regular meetings, planning outreach events, supporting the local .S. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Centers, and helping his fellow blind veterans first and foremost. Congratulations Eduardo!

https://bit.ly/BVA_Donate

As part of our celebration of our 80th anniversary in March 2025, we would like to share pieces of our history. In August of 1946, Isaac Woodard made history when BVA welcomed him as its first blind veteran who did not lose his sight in combat. He is pictured here (right) with BVA Acting Director Lloyd Greenwood.

Unfortunately, Woodard's eyes were gouged out by South Carolina troopers while on his way home just four hours after his discharge from the Army.

Photo caption/credit: Franklin H. Williams with Lloyd Greenwood and Isaac Woodard of Blinded Veterans Association, NAACP, Region 1 Photograph Collection,
BANC PIC 1978.147:156--PIC, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

has expanded its round-the-clock public ride-hailing service to more places in Los Angeles County allowing more people to experience the independence, ease, and safety that Waymo provides. Read more at https://waymo.com/blog/2024/08/expanding-destinations-for-san-francisco-and-los-angeles-riders/

.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be joining tomorrow's BVA VetTech and Educational series webinar at 3pm Eastern to go over accessibility and the new VA applications. Don't miss this sessions, especially if you or someone you love is a veteran. https://bva.org/vettech

Do you listen to the Visions of BVA Podcast? New episodes drop on the 1st and 15th of every month and explore the rich stories, challenges, and achievements within the Blinded Veterans Association. Listen and subscribe to the Visions of BVA podcast today wherever you listen to podcasts or visit https://bva.org/media/visions-of-bva/.

This past week was International Assistance Dog Week (IADW), celebrating the work and companionship of all assistance dogs including guide dogs. Fittingly also falls in celebrated throughout August. Learn more about IADW at https://bva.org/momentum-increases-for-annual-international-assistance-dog-week/.

Pictured here are our from 2024, all of who perform vital duties for their handlers and are very much loved and appreciated. (Ambassadog is brought to you courtesy of .

On this 10th anniversary of Purple Heart Day, we take time to honor the brave men and women who served our nation and their incredible sacrifices for our freedom.

Every year, a couple of lucky BVA members are sponsored to attend the annual BVA National Convention. This year Manuel Guisa was one such lucky member thanks to Optik of America, Inc. and was able to attend his first National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida.

BVA VetTech and Educational Series will be welcoming Scientific, Inc. tomorrow at 3pm Eastern to talk about maximizing the effectiveness of their products, including JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. Don't miss out! Joining information can be found at https://bva.org/vettech.

This , we are highlighting Corporal Matthew R. Bradford, USMC (RET) for his mission to inspire people with his courage and determination and for his service both within and without BVA. Matthew was honored as the Keynote Speaker at our 79th National Convention and won the 2024 BVA Trailblazer Award. https://bit.ly/BVADonate

The seventh annual Mark R. Kline Golf Outing was held on July 27 at the Loyal Oak Golf Course in Ohio. BVA extends congratulations and heartfelt thanks to those who planned and supported this event and who have helped raise more than $50,000 over the past seven years in support of BVA's mission.

BVA, alongside the Coalition, is
calling for the Communications Commission to consider the value of its Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) program and the impact lower compensation
rates will have on both the organizations that provide this critical service and the more than 600,000 Americans who rely on captions to stay connected.

Join BVA VetTech tomorrow at 3pm Eastern as we welcome The Blind Kitchen as they offer tips for preparing meals while challenged with blindness or low vision. More information at https://bva.org/vettech

Welcome TBK The Blind Kitchen provides accessible cooking tools and tips for blind and vision-impaired cooks that allow them to cook safely, independently, and confident...

At the BVA 79th National Convention, BVA member Yoneka Trent received the Recruiter of the Year award and the David L. Schnair Award for her outstanding contributions as a volunteer this past year! Yoneka is a BVA ambassador and epitomizes the BVA motto of blinded veterans helping blinded veterans.

Yoneka is pictured here with BVA National President Paul Mimms and guide dog Shadow.

On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we take time to reflect and honor the service and sacrifices of those who served in Korea. We especially honor our members who served in Korea.

(Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

BVA is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 34th Anniversary. Today, July 26th, we celebrate this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA is vital to ensuring that blind and low vision veterans are able to live full and independent lives after sight loss. Celebrate with us by visiting: adaanniversary.org

Pictured here are BVA members, their families and friends, and BVA staff enjoying their time together at the BVA 79th National Convention.

helped make the BVA 79th National Convention more accessible by providing accessible descriptions of the hotel and convention center through their WaySigns. Pictured here is Jessica Hipp, CEO of WayAround assisting a BVA Member with the WayAround mobile application.

We thank for their support as a corporate partner. Learn more about WayAround at https://www.wayaround.com/.

will be highlighting their products and updates including the MyEye 3 and the Read 3 at tomorrow's VetTech Weekly Wednesday Webinar at 3:00pm Eastern. Don't miss out! Joining information can be found at https://bva.org/vettech/.