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October 4, 2024

Board of Directors to Facilitate Upcoming Town Hall Events

With the goal of increasing effective communication between the National Board of Directors, BVA members, and their regional groups, the National Board of Directors will facilitate Town Halls on the first and third Thursday of each month. All members are encouraged to attend and can find the relevant information including dates, times, zoom credentials, and topics on the online BVA Calendar at BVA.org.

The next Town Hall, scheduled for October 17 will cover navigation techniques of the Association’s revamped website and online BVA Store.

World Sight Day Next Thursday Draws International Attention to Vision Loss, Eye Care

This Thursday, October 10 marks World Sight Day. Observed annually on the second Thursday of October, World Sight Day is a global event to encourage awareness of blindness and the varying degrees of sight loss. It was originally initiated by the SightFirst Campaign of Lions Club International in 2000 and has since been integrated into VISION 2020. 

In light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, BVA National Headquarters extends deepest sympathies to all who have been impacted. Reports still emerging reveal that many members and friends may well be facing challenging circumstances. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to them during this difficult time. In the spirit of the BVA motto “blinded veterans helping blinded veterans,” we hope that those able to check on and assist their fellow veterans are doing so and will continue to do so. 

BVA has received periodic updates this week from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that confirm active monitoring and responses to the various consequences of Hurricane Helene. The focus is ensuring the maintenance of critical operations and safety for veterans and VA employees. 

What would likely be a cover photo and feature story in The Bulletin today was but a small photo of less than a quarter page and a brief caption in the issue of August 1954. The caption outlined a brief visit of Helen Keller with BVA pioneer and World War II blinded veteran David Schnair, who, for the better part of four decades, served in BVA leadership roles and managed the BVA New York City volunteer office. The photo, seen here at left, included the following caption:

“BVA Board member David Schnair (left) presents an orchid corsage to Helen Keller (center) while Polly Thompson, her companion, explains the proceedings to her. The occasion was a ceremony in New York City’s Guild Theater when Miss Keller gave 200 copies of her book, My Religion, to Veterans Administration hospitals.”

Ambassadog Scoop Series Courtesy of Waymo

Introducing October Ambassadog Team: David and Tessi 

My name is Tessi and I am a petite 6-year-old yellow Labrador from Guiding Eyes for the Blind located in New York. I currently guide 20-year Army veteran and BVA member David Wood, whom I refer to as Dad. We became a team in August of 2019, and I have to say we are a “pawfect” match. I travel between two homes—Indiana and Florida. I have racked up more Allegiant Airline miles than most humans! 

My cutest asset is a pink heart located on my nose. I love to work so much that I jump for joy when Dad takes my harness out. Chewing on Nylabones is a favorite of mine and you will often find me running around the backyard with my sister Lexi, who is a French Bulldog. 

I am honored to serve as October’s Ambassdog and I look forward to sharing my journey with you throughout the month. Dad and I just completed the 2024 Guiding Eyes for the Blind Wagathon and I can’t wait to bark all about it in next week’s Ambassadog Scoop Series!

BVA Visionaries are loyal and dedicated supporters who make recurring monthly donations to help the organization carry out its mission in support of blind and low vision veterans. Choose an amount that works for you. Your generosity makes possible the committed and ongoing services that BVA provides to our veteran community. Help us achieve our goal of 200 BVA Visionaries this year. Visit BVA.org, click the donate button, choose an amount that works for you, and select the “Make this a monthly donation” box.

The Veterans Benefits Administration has initiated a long-term effort to address the invasion of “claims predators” into the lives of America’s veterans. Last week’s BVA Happenings defined claims predators as “bad actors” that attempt to unlawfully charge veterans a fee to “help” them process their claims with VA when it is provided free by VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, or National Service Officers working in the BVA Veterans Service Program.

All veterans enrolled in VA health care now have access to tele-emergency care through VA Health Connect, a service offering 24/7 virtual care via phone, computer, or tablet. VA Health Connect is also available through VA Health Chat. In an emergency, a VA Health Connect nurse can connect a veteran to the right level of care, which includes speaking directly to a VA emergency care provider whenever appropriate. The emergency care, in addition to the other functions of VA Health Connect, offers yet another step in the right direction to provide veterans with the appropriate care at the appropriate time in the appropriate manner.

Upcoming Events

Gardening Group

Date/Time: October 7 @ 6:00pm (Eastern Time)

Ambassador Educational Series

Date/Time: October 8 @ 2:00pm (Eastern Time)

Adaptive Sports & Activities Group

Date/Time: October 8 @ 7:00pm (Eastern Time)

VetTech & Educational Series

Date/Time: October 9 @ 3:00pm (Eastern Time)

BVA is a congressionally chartered 501(c)3 Veterans Service Organization accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Our Employer Identification Number is 53-0214281. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.