Visions of BVA

Blinded Veterans Association

Visions of BVA" is a dynamic and engaging podcast dedicated to exploring the rich stories, challenges, and achievements within the Blinded Veterans Association community. Through compelling narratives, insightful interviews, and the latest developments in accessible technology, this podcast aims to illuminate the diverse experiences of blind veterans, offering education, inspiration, and a sense of connection. With special episodes featuring influential guests and coverage of significant events, "Visions of BVA" serves as a pivotal platform for advocacy, awareness, and camaraderie among veterans and the visually impaired community at large.

  1. 1d ago

    Reach for More: Vietnam Veteran, Judge, and Former BVA President David Szumowski

    In this November 1, 2026, episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis welcomes David Szumowski, a Vietnam War veteran, former National President of the Blinded Veterans Association, retired California judge, and author of Reach for More.   David reflects on his military service as a young Army tank commander in Vietnam, where he lost his eyesight in combat at age 23. He shares his experiences recovering from his injuries, adjusting to blindness, and completing rehabilitation at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities that shaped his path through law school, 12 years as a prosecutor, and 18 years as a judge.   Throughout their conversation, Steve and David explore the importance of independence, family, and community. They discuss guide dogs, accessible technology, blind rehabilitation, and the ways their experiences as blinded combat veterans have influenced their perspectives on life.   David also shares the inspiration behind his book, Reach for More, including the story of his grandfather's immigration to the United States and the importance of pursuing opportunities for a better life. He reflects on his involvement with the Blinded Veterans Association, from attending his first national convention in 1980 to serving as National President in 1989, and explains how the organization helped him reconnect with others following his injury.   Drawing on more than five decades of experience living with blindness, David offers thoughtful perspectives on overcoming adversity, recognizing opportunities, accepting support from others, and finding fulfillment after a life-changing injury.   Join Steve and David for a personal conversation about military service, resilience, leadership, and the importance of never giving up hope.   Learn more about the Blinded Veterans Association at www.bva.org.

  2. Oct 1

    BVA Bulletin – Summer 2026 Volume 81, Number 3

    In this special bulletin edition of Visions of BVA, we present the complete audio version of the Summer 2026 BVA Bulletin (Volume 81, Number 3). Inside this issue, BVA National President Wade Davis reflects on his first year as National President and the Association's continued growth, while Executive Director Lea Rowe discusses the strength of BVA's collective voice and advocacy on behalf of blind and low vision veterans. The legislative update examines current veterans legislation, benefits, accessibility, VA health care, and issues affecting the blind veteran community. Technology and independence are major themes throughout this edition. The Bulletin explores the Meta AI app and accessibility features available with Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, along with Meta's nationwide effort to provide the glasses to blind and low vision veterans and BVA's role in training and distribution. This issue also takes a closer look at VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers and the life-changing skills, confidence, and independence veterans can gain through blind rehabilitation. Additional features cover adaptive sports and recreation, tandem cycling, the National Veterans Golden Age Games, TSA PreCheck eligibility for certain disabled veterans, BVA's rapidly growing membership, the VISOR Care Review program, the Ambassadog comic book project, scholarships, regional activities, member achievements, veterans benefits, and stories from across the BVA community. Whether you are a blinded veteran, family member, caregiver, rehabilitation professional, or supporter of the blindness community, the Summer 2026 BVA Bulletin offers news, resources, advocacy updates, technology, and stories highlighting the people and programs of the Blinded Veterans Association.

  3. Sep 1

    Finding the Puck: Craig Fitzpatrick on Blind Hockey, Leadership, and Purpose

    In this episode of Visions of BVA, host Steve Baskis sits down with blinded Air Force Veteran Craig Fitzpatrick, author of Finding the Puck: Leadership Lessons from My Journey Through Blind Hockey. Craig shares his journey from the U.S. Air Force Academy and military service to being diagnosed with Stargardt disease and confronting the loss of his vision, his career, and a familiar sense of identity. Years later, an unexpected introduction to ice skating opened the door to blind hockey and helped change the direction of his life. Steve and Craig discuss what "finding the puck" means both on and off the ice, the long process of rebuilding identity after vision loss, and the difference between discovering what you can still do and discovering what you can help others do. Craig also shares how teaching blind adults and children to skate and play hockey gave him a renewed sense of service and leadership. The conversation explores the growth of blind hockey, Craig's work helping build programs across the country, his experience playing for Team USA, and the effort to expand the sport internationally with the goal of someday bringing blind hockey to the Paralympic Games. For blinded veterans searching for purpose after military service or vision loss, Craig offers a simple challenge: when you are having a difficult day, find a way to make someone else's day better. Learn more about the Blinded Veterans Association at bva.org.

  4. Aug 1

    Blind Golf and the United States Blind Golf Association

    How does someone who is blind play golf? In this episode, Steve Baskis explores the world of blind golf with two guests from the United States Blind Golf Association. Bob Banks, President of the United States Blind Golf Association, discusses the organization's history, mission, and the opportunities it provides for blind and visually impaired golfers. He also explains how new golfers, volunteers, coaches, and supporters can become involved. Brian Oglesbee, a completely blind golfer and USBGA member, shares his personal experience with the sport. He talks about working with a sighted coach, trusting the process, and what keeps him returning to the game. This conversation offers a closer look at blind golf, adaptive sports, and the opportunities available to people who are blind or visually impaired. To learn more about the United States Blind Golf Association, visit usblindgolf.com.

  5. Jul 1

    BVA Bulletin – Spring 2026 (Volume 81, Number 2)

    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, and member engagement, while the latest legislative update covers federal legislation affecting veterans' benefits, caregiver support, and constitutional rights. This edition also highlights inspiring stories from across the BVA community, including the District 1 Gathering in Hampton Roads, adaptive golf through PGA HOPE, a 335-mile tandem bicycle journey along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, the BVA Ambassadog Program, Winter Sports Clinic activities, VA Care Reviews, assistive technology, membership initiatives, regional events, historical reflections, and much more. Whether you're a blinded veteran, family member, caregiver, rehabilitation professional, or supporter of the blindness community, this episode delivers the latest news, advocacy, resources, and inspiring stories from across the Blinded Veterans Association.

  6. Jun 1

    Flying Blind: Brian O'Connell on Service, Vision Loss, Teaching, and Finding Purpose Again

    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, and how adaptive sports, music, mentorship, and teaching helped him rediscover purpose and confidence. From flying in cramped B-52 cockpits to returning to the classroom as a legally blind JROTC instructor, Brian reflects on leadership, resilience, identity, adaptive sports, music, and helping students realize opportunities they never thought possible. Listeners can also read more about Brian in the Norwich University article, "Flying Blind: From B-52s to the Classroom": https://www.norwich.edu/news/flying-blind-b-52s-classroom

  7. May 1

    Seeing Through Sound: Real-World Independence with Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

    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 training opportunities are encouraged to learn more about membership and programs through the Blinded Veterans Association. In this episode of Visions of BVA, Steve Baskis shares a real-world, experience-driven look at the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses from the perspective of a blinded veteran. From everyday use and entertainment to reading, communication, live translation, and object recognition, Steve walks through how these glasses perform in practical situations. Throughout the episode, you will hear audio demonstrations that highlight how the glasses respond in real time. Steve also explores how these glasses work alongside tools like Be My Eyes, Aira, and OOrion, and where they fit into the broader ecosystem of assistive technology. This episode provides an honest look at both the strengths and limitations of the glasses, and how they can enhance independence when used as part of a larger toolkit. Whether you are considering Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses for yourself or simply want to learn more about emerging accessibility technology, this episode offers practical insights from the perspective of a blinded veteran and technology user.

  8. Apr 15

    BVA Bulletin – Winter 2026 (Volume 81, Number 1) block quote level 1

    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, and innovation in 2026. This issue also explores new programming, expanded interest groups, advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, and the continued impact of BVA's care review partnership with the VA.   Additional features include personal stories from veterans, updates on benefits and services, community initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and inspiring achievements from BVA members across the country.   The BVA Bulletin keeps members informed, connected, and empowered—reinforcing the mission of blinded veterans helping blinded veterans.

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About

Visions of BVA" is a dynamic and engaging podcast dedicated to exploring the rich stories, challenges, and achievements within the Blinded Veterans Association community. Through compelling narratives, insightful interviews, and the latest developments in accessible technology, this podcast aims to illuminate the diverse experiences of blind veterans, offering education, inspiration, and a sense of connection. With special episodes featuring influential guests and coverage of significant events, "Visions of BVA" serves as a pivotal platform for advocacy, awareness, and camaraderie among veterans and the visually impaired community at large.

Information

  • Creator
    Blinded Veterans Association
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Visions of BVA