Visions of BVA

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 brings you the latest news from the Blinded Veterans Association's September 13, 2024, BVA Happenings newsletter. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of veterans like Rob Sanchas and Teresa Galgano, who continu...

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 explore the transformative world of guide dogs through the experiences of Jennifer Johnson, Guide Dog Program Director at Dogs Inc, and Sheldon McKinney, retired Army Master Sergeant. Jennifer shares her 18 years of exp...

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 feature Don Overton, National Executive Director of the Blinded Veterans Association. Don shares his background, military service, and leadership role at BVA. Learn about the transformative programs and services BVA offer...

In this episode of "Visions of BVA," host Steve Baskis sits down with Duayne Driscoll (National Service Director), Scott Quinlan (National Service Officer), and Vernon Humphrey (National Program Coordinator) from the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) to discuss the critical roles they play in both the Veterans Service Program and Ambassador Program. Discover how these dedicated professionals navi...

Welcome to another episode of Visions of BVA, where we delve into the latest updates and initiatives from the Blinded Veterans Association. In this episode, we bring you the highlights from the spring bulletin, focusing on the BVA's efforts to enhance communication and collaboration between members and the Board of Directors.   Join us as we discuss the proposed 'Team BVA' virtual team aimed at br...

Exploring Assistive Technology with OrCam Join us on Visions of BVA as we chat with Michelle Mendes, Director of Sales for OrCam, about their cutting-edge assistive technology. Discover the MyEye Pro, a wearable device that reads from any surface, recognizes currency and faces, and is compact and portable. Learn about OrCam's latest innovations, like smart reading and AI assistance, designed to en...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Mimms, National President of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), to discuss the organization's mission and recent initiatives. We explore the critical importance of improving communication between the board and membership, financial stability, and transparency within the organization. Additionally, Paul shares his dedicated efforts to enhance support and...

"Join us on this episode of the Visions of BVA podcast as we delve into the realm of autonomous driving technology with Waymo. Explore how Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicles, is forging paths in safety and accessibility in partnership with the Blinded Veterans Association. We'll hear from John P. Alsterda, a Systems Engineer at Waymo, with a rich background in physics and mechanical engineerin...

Join us in this inspiring episode of "Visions of BVA," where Jeanie and Robert Murphy open up about their personal and poignant journeys through adversity. From confronting severe medical diagnoses and the rigors of military service to enduring the pain of loss, our guests discuss the challenges that reshaped their lives. This episode highlights the crucial role of the Blinded Veterans Association...

Join us for a deep dive into the Winter 2024 edition of the BVA Bulletin. In this episode we explore impactful stories and updates from the Blinded Veterans Association. We'll discuss key updates from BVA's leadership including insights from Paul Mimms the National President and legislative advocacy highlights from Donald D. Overton Jr. Dive into the pioneering initiatives enhancing life for visua...

In this episode, Zach Tidwell, a 27-year-old Marine Corps veteran who lost his sight following a suicide attempt, shares his story. Transitioning from a focus on clinical psychology to coding, Tidwell emphasizes the critical need for accessible software development. He recounts his challenges and achievements in learning to code as a blind individual, stressing the importance of accessible tools a...

This special podcast episode takes you on a comprehensive journey through the latest updates and reflections from the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) following their 2023 convention. Beginning with an introduction that sets the stage, the episode delves into key insights from the President's Page, legislative changes, and an inspiring message from the Executive Director. Experience the unforget...

In  this inspiring episode of our podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of Corporal Matthew Bradford, who overcame profound challenges after being wounded in Iraq. Born with a deep sense of duty intensified by the events of 9/11, Bradford's life took a dramatic turn when he sustained injuries that resulted in the loss of his legs and vision. Yet, his unwavering spirit and determination led...

In the inaugural episode of "Visions of BVA," Steve Baskis invites listeners to embark on an enlightening journey through the experiences of the blind and visually impaired community, offering insights into live events, tech developments, and personal stories. The podcast aims to serve as a dynamic platform for the Blinded Veterans Association, featuring a mix of interviews, discussions on technol...

Dive into the heart of the blind veteran community with 'Visions of BVA,' a podcast that brings you closer to the stories, challenges, and triumphs of those who've served. From the latest in assistive technology to the powerful narratives of female veterans and special event coverage, each episode is a testament to resilience and community spirit. Join us on 'Visions of BVA' for an enlightening jo...