Visions of BVA

In this special bulletin edition of Visions of BVA, we present the complete audio version of the Spring 2026 BVA Bulletin (Volume 81, Number 2). Inside this issue, National President Wade Davis discusses embracing technology to strengthen independence for blind and low vision veterans. Executive Director Lea Rowe shares BVA's vision for the future through expanded programs, educational resources,...

In this episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis speaks with Lt. Col. Brian O'Connell, USAF (Ret.), a former B-52 navigator and electronic warfare officer whose life of service continued long after his Air Force career. Brian shares how glaucoma gradually changed his vision and independence, how blind rehabilitation and the Blinded Veterans Association helped him reconnect with possibility, an...

Update: Meta has announced a new initiative to provide free Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to eligible blind veterans in the United States. Blind and low-vision veterans can learn more and request their glasses through the Blinded Veterans Association at https://bva.org/glasses. Veterans interested in connecting with other blinded veterans, learning about available resources, and participating in trainin...

In this bulletin episode of Visions of BVA, we present the Winter 2026 edition of the BVA Bulletin (Volume 81, Number 1). This quarterly publication highlights key updates, leadership messages, and initiatives impacting blind and low vision veterans and their families.   Hear from BVA National President Wade Davis and Executive Director Leah Rowe as they outline a vision for growth, connection, an...

In this episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis explores the power of music therapy and how blind and low vision individuals can engage with sound in a meaningful, creative, and accessible way. Steve shares his personal journey of rebuilding his life after vision loss and how learning audio and music production led him to produce the Visions of BVA podcast. He introduces simple ways to begin...

In this episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis sits down with Gregory Crandell, General Manager of HOLON US Inc., to discuss the future of autonomous shuttle transportation and what it could mean for blind and visually impaired riders. Gregory shares his background in the automotive industry and explains how HOLON's autonomous vehicle is being developed to support first-mile/last-mile transp...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis sits down with Jim Rush, a 99-year-old U.S. Navy veteran whose life spans World War II, the Korean conflict, and nearly a century of service, work, and resilience. Jim shares his journey from volunteering for the Navy in 1940, serving as an aerial gunner flying seaplanes along the Florida coast, and later being recalled du...

In this Visions of BVA episode, we present an overview of the Autumn 2025 BVA Bulletin (Volume 80, Number 3), the quarterly publication produced by and for blind and low vision veterans and their families. This episode highlights key messages from BVA leadership, including President Wade Davis' reflections and the enduring theme of perseverance inspired by "It Couldn't Be Done," alongside a strong...

As we close out 2025, Visions of BVA shares a brief year-end message of gratitude, reflection, and purpose. Steve Baskis thanks listeners for their continued support throughout the year and invites the Blinded Veterans Association community to help shape the conversations ahead. This short public service announcement serves as both a call to action and an open invitation to share ideas, stories, a...

In this episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis shares a brief, real-world demonstration showing how blind and visually impaired individuals can sign inaccessible digital documents using Apple Preview, TeamViewer, and Aira. This is not a full tutorial, but an introduction to the concept — offering a quick overview of how these tools can work together to help a person complete a signature inde...

This October 1, 2025episode of *Visions of BVA* brings the 2025 Summer BVA Bulletin to audio. We cover President Wade Davis' first President's Page, where he calls on members to become "BVA Visionaries" through recurring monthly support, and highlight BVA's signature programs including Team BVA, the Ambassador Program, VetTech, Care Review, Claims Assistance, and Government Relations. Listeners wi...

In this episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis is joined by fellow veterans Tina Lemus and Celiann Gonzalez to reflect on their recent Team River Runner event in Grand Junction, Colorado. Together, they share personal stories of overcoming fear, building trust, and rediscovering confidence through adaptive paddling. The conversation highlights the unique impact of OuttaSight Clinics, the imp...

In this solo episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis offers a practical, experience-based walkthrough of how he travels independently to the Blinded Veterans Association convention. Drawing from nearly two decades of lived experience, Steve shares the systems, techniques, and mindset he uses to prepare for, navigate, and fully engage in the convention—from home to hotel and back. He details h...

This episode of *Visions of BVA* features the full audio version of the Spring 2025 BVA Bulletin, sharing key updates from the Blinded Veterans Association. Hear about the upcoming 80th National Convention in Dallas, major legislative priorities, and messages from BVA leadership including Executive Director Dr. Vernon Humphrey and President Paul Mimms. We also cover important topics like VA benefi...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this powerful episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis sits down with Paul Mims, outgoing President of the Blinded Veterans Association, for an intimate conversation about leadership, service, and the evolution of the organization. As Paul prepares to p...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this compelling episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis is joined by Tracy Ferro, National Secretary, and Terry Galgano, National Membership Coordinator of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA). Together, they explore the evolution of the BVA—from its...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this April 1 episode of Visions of BVA , we reflect on a momentous March as the Blinded Veterans Association proudly celebrates its 80th anniversary. From the launch of national convention town halls to new leadership announcements—including the appointment...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this episode, we sit down with Debra Erickson, executive chef and founder of The Blind Kitchen , an innovative online resource that empowers individuals with vision loss to cook safely and confidently. Debra shares her inspiring journey as the only blind st...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this episode of  Visions of BVA , host  Steve Baskis  sits down with dedicated BVA Ambassadors from across the country, each working to advocate for and support their fellow blind and low-vision veterans.   Guests include:                •             Bill...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this episode of Visions of BVA, we delve into the highlights of the 2024 Autumn BVA Bulletin, packed with updates and inspiring stories from the Blinded Veterans Association. Explore reflections from BVA President Paul Mimms as he shares milestones achieved...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this December episode of Visions of BVA , we bring you the latest updates and initiatives from the Blinded Veterans Association. Discover how the new VA outpatient clinic in Toms River, NJ, is improving accessibility and care for veterans with vision impair...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   In this episode of Visions of BVA , host Steve Baskis honors Veterans Day with a powerful story from Army Corporal Cecil Phipps, a Korean War veteran who survived almost three years as a prisoner of war under grueling conditions. Now facing vision loss, Cecil...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA   Join us in this special edition dedicated to the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) as we enter the season of giving. Discover the impactful work BVA is doing to support our nation's blinded veterans and learn how you can make a difference in their lives. This...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA     In this episode, we provide an overview of the key sections from the Blinded Veterans Association's Summer 2024 Bulletin:   • President's Page: Paul Mimms addresses healthcare, mental health, and BVA initiatives. • Legislative Update: Donald D. Overton Jr. d...

Your unwavering generosity supports BVA's empowerment of blinded veterans as we rise to life's challenges after vision loss.  Support BVA     In this episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis sits down with Vernon Humphrey, the Blinded Veterans Association's (BVA) National Program Coordinator, to discuss the BVA Ambassador Program. Together, they explore how the program connects blind and visua...