Blinded Veterans Association
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) promotes the welfare of blinded veterans. If you are a veteran who is blind or visually impaired you can benefit from BVA services. Your eye loss need not be service related.
- Did You Know
- BVA Commitments
- BVA Field Service Programs
- BVA Volunteer Service Program
- BVA Advocacy Services
- BVA Resources
- BVA Membership Services
- BVA Members Chart Their Course Together
- Learn More about BVA
Did You Know
By the year 2010 there will be more than 150,000 blind and visually impaired veterans. This increase is due to some of the following reasons:
- World War II and Korean War veterans who face vision loss due to eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
- A new wave of veterans who served in Vietnam has visual impairments from the effects of diabetes linked to exposure to Agent Orange.
- Still others have returned from Afghanistan and areas of the Persian Gulf after being blinded in combat.
Blind Veterans Association Commitments
Blind Veterans Association (BVA) is committed to:
- Locating blinded veterans who need services
- Guiding blinded veterans through the rehabilitation process
- Acting as advocates for blinded veterans and their families in the public and private sectors
- Promoting access to technology and the practical use of the latest research
- Offering encouragement and emotional support
- Providing role models who can show that the challenges of blindness can be successfully overcome
- Serving as a medium of communication for and about blinded veterans and the issues that affect them
- Supporting vocational and recreational programs that foster rehabilitation
Blind Veterans Association Provide a Field Service Program
BVA has Field Service Representatives that serve as national service officers. They are veterans and legally blind themselves. They live and work in seven different regions throughout the United States. Field reps are accessible to blinded veterans. They help them take the first steps in adjusting to blindness, steps that will bring focus and direction to their lives.
BVA Field Reps provide inspiration, encouragement, and practical assistance in the benefit claims process. They understand the complexities and emotions behind them because they have been through similar experiences. They are effective role models in helping newly blinded veterans find and follow the road to independence.
Blind Veterans Association Direct a Volunteer Service Program
A meaningful adjunct to the BVA Field Service Program, and an important vehicle for assistance to blinded veterans, are the more than 60 volunteer offices in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, regional offices, and outpatient clinics. Our dedicated volunteers are ready to assist blinded veterans and their families.
Volunteers are peer counselors. They know the ropes, especially those that lift blinded veterans from the discouragement and frustration they often face. They give valued insight into the rehabilitation process. Because so many volunteers are blinded veterans themselves, they understand what empathy is really all about. A blinded veteran usually cannot say to a volunteer, "You don’t know how it feels to be blind."
Some volunteers have later become Field Service Representatives with the authority to represent veterans the VA claims process. They are an important link in the BVA chain of services.
Blind Veterans Association Serve as Advocates
BVA, since its inception, has been a strong voice for blinded veterans in variety of venues. The U.S. Congress chartered BVA in 1958 to be the official voice of blinded veterans before the legislative and executive branches of government. Every year we present testimony before the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs. Throughout the year, we educate Members of Congress of the needs of blinded veterans.
BVA joins other Veterans Service Organizations to advocate for all veterans, not just blinded veterans. BVA works very closely with the Department of Veteran Affairs - National or Florida Department of Veteran Affairs to assure that all blind veterans have access to excellent blind rehabilitation services. BVA also works with other organizations of and for the blind in assuring that all blind individuals receive the services and accommodations they deserve.
Blind Veterans Association is a Resource
One of BVA's most significant responsibilities disseminating important information and offering practical help to blinded veterans and their families.
Every year BVA is asked thousands of questions to which BVA must give accurate answers or find others who can provide an accurate response. BVA promotes public awareness of sight loss via their website, display tables at community events, mailing of literature, public service announcements in the media, and in the BVA Bulletin.
Scholarship funds are available annually to the spouses and dependent children of blinded veterans. Eligibility for the funds is not limited to families of Association members. The blindness or visual impairment of the veteran does not need to be service connected for family members to be eligible.
Blind Veteran Association Members Support One Another
BVA has 54 regional groups throughout the country that represent the organization in local communities. Regional groups provide service. They offer social and recreational activities, and opportunities for genuine friendship. They unite with other veteran service organizations to advocate change. Regional groups elect officers and delegates to represent them at national conventions.
The BVA Auxiliary (BVAA) is composed of spouses, relatives, and friends of blinded veterans. The Auxiliary elects both national officers and regional group officers. The organization exists to support the BVA mission and improve the individual lives of those they care about most. They exchange creative ideas and personal feelings about living with blindness, blind rehabilitation, and care giving.
Blind Veteran Association Members Chart Their Course Together
Near the end of each summer BVA holds an annual convention. The gathering, held in a different city each year, is an opportunity for BVA members to express their opinions in the setting of official business meetings. The veterans in the field act as the association's eyes and ears. What members say and what they need reaches the convention floor through convention delegates from each regional group. Individual veterans help determine the Association’s direction.
BVA National Conventions also feature guest speakers, panels, workshops, and training on issues relating to both blindness and veterans. Conventions are a draw for companies wishing to introduce new products in the field of blindness.
Gatherings of the BVA membership at national conventions are not all work. BVA members socialize while enjoying the sights and sounds of San Antonio, Miami Beach, Buffalo, Albuquerque, or Phoenix.
BVA is supported by the generous contributions of countless Americans who remember the sacrifices of our nation’s blinded veterans. BVA receives no federal funding.
Learn More About BVA
BVA has 54 regional offices to serve veterans. If you live in Florida, you can learn more about how to join or get contact information from a Florida member at the Florida Regional Group website. Contact information is noted near the bottom of the first page.
BVA exist for all Blinded Veterans, not just it’s members. Go to the national Blind Veteran Association website to learn about what BVA is doing promote the welfare of blinded veterans.