Blinded Veterans Association

“Organization's bylaws were revised.”

“The members and associate members assembled at the annual national convention have voting rights and are the supreme authority of the association.”

“The members and associate members assembled at the annual national convention elect the national officers of the national board of directors. The district directors are elected by the members and associate members within their respective geographical district.”

“The members and associate members assembled at the annual national convention vote to approve issues and amendments that arise regarding rules, bylaws, resolutions, and reports presented to said membership.”

“A draft of the form 990 is sent to the chief financial officer by the preparer. It is emailed to the financial expert of the audit committee and the executive director who along with the chief financial officer review the return together and discuss any issues of concern. They may individually or collectively speak with the preparer to discuss their concerns or review the form in detail. After any changes are made, a copy is sent to the full board prior to filing. Any comments they have are reviewed and discussed with the preparer. When completed, the form 990 is signed by the executive director and filed with the internal revenue service.”

“Bva's written conflict of interest policy questionnaire is distributed to all board members, employees, and appropriate outside parties by the cfo prior to the annual convention. The cfo ensures that all questionnaires are completed, reviews them, and discloses any conflicts at the pre-convention board meeting. Board members who have conflicts do not vote on any issues pertaining to that conflict.”

“The executive committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining a competitive compensation program for all employees of the association including the executive director, other officers, and key employees. They meet annually, and as needed, to review, determine, and approve any changes to be made to the compensation program. During the annual meeting the executive committee compares the salaries of the executive director, other officers, and key employees against either salary surveys prepared by independent third parties, or comparability data from peer organizations to determine how they compare against the competitive market. This comparison has historically shown trends of comparability in some positions and below peers in others. The committee considers recommendations and input from the executive director during deliberations regarding other officers and key employees. Usually, the executive committee goes into executive session when discussing the executive director's compensation without the executive director present. During this time they evaluate the executive director's performance and determine compensation. These deliberations and decisions are documented. The president informs the executive director of any changes after the meeting is adjourned.”

“The bylaws and congressional charter of the association are available on bva's website, along with the form 990. Additional information is available upon request.”

“The Organization's Primary Exempt Purpose The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is the only congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization (VSO) exclusively dedicated to serving the needs and promoting the welfare of America's blinded veterans and their families. BVA is a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization established in 1945 in Avon, Connecticut, by a small group of combat-blinded veterans from World War II. The organization's primary purpose includes locating blinded veterans who need services, guiding them through the rehabilitation process, and acting as advocates for them and their families in the private and public sectors, including the U.S. Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). BVA also serves as the role model to demonstrate that the challenges of substantial vision loss can be overcome. The Association serves as a medium of communication regarding issues affecting blinded veterans, supports vocational and recreational programs that foster rehabilitation, and offers encouragement and emotional support. VA estimates that some 130,000 American veterans are currently legally blind, and that more than half of these men and women remain unaware of their eligibility for special services and benefits. Thousands of additional veterans become blind or visually impaired every year. BVA programs help veterans and their families meet the challenges of substantial vision loss. There is no charge for any BVA service and membership in the organization is not a prerequisite. All legally blinded veterans are eligible for assistance, whether they became blind during their service or after active duty due to age or disease. BVA was incorporated in 1947 and chartered by Congress in 1958 to represent all blinded veterans. The Association is primarily supported by the generous contributions of thousands of Americans who remember the sacrifices of our nation's blinded veterans. The organization is governed by 11 voting members of the National Board of Directors, along with two honorary members including the audit committee chair, whose positions are held on a voluntary basis. They give freely of their time and resources. They are all members of BVA and all meet the criteria of what constitutes a blinded veteran as defined for all BVA members. These requirements are also met by the National Sergeant-at-Arms and the National Chaplain. Board member travel includes attendance at two annual Board meetings, one held at the annual convention location and the other at BVA National Headquarters. Members of the Board also conduct business using email and through telephone conversations during the fiscal year. They are involved not only at the national level but also within the region in which they reside, holding offices and assisting blinded veterans and their families. This fiscal year the Board donated more than 10,800 total hours of work and more than $2,500 in reimbursable expenses that were not requested for payment. The National Board of Directors appoints many committees to oversee and advise it. All of the committee members are volunteers; some are on the Board while others are regular members of the organization. Some committee members are simply concerned and interested sighted citizens who wish to lend a helping hand. During the past fiscal year, committee members who are not on the Board donated over 100 hours of volunteer time. BVA has 52 regional groups in the United States and Puerto Rico who offer emotional support, social events, and recreational activities to veterans with substantial vision loss and their families at the local level. Regional groups also influence policy changes that are instituted by the Association. BVA National Headquarters is currently located in the Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, only a few miles across the Potomac River from our Nation's Capital and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office in Washington, DC.”

“A) Field Service and Volunteer Service Programs The BVA Field Service Program consists primarily of four National Field Service Officers and Volunteer Service Officers who are legally blind veterans themselves, providing services throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The National Field Service Officers are located at the National Field Service Resource Center in Alexandria, VA. Acting as role models, National Field Service Officers and Veteran Service Representatives assist blinded veterans in taking the first steps in adjusting to blindness and are responsible for linking veterans with local services, assuring that the newly blinded take advantage of VA Blind Rehabilitation Services and assisting them with the VA benefit claims process. They aim to help veterans bring focus and direction to their lives, providing inspiration and encouragement. Understanding the complexities and emotions that accompany the onset of blindness, Field Service Officers are effective role models in helping newly blinded veterans find and follow the road to independence. They know what is available on both a local and national level. They know whom to call, what to say, and how to cut through the red tape since much of their expertise has been gained firsthand as a result of their own personal experiences with blindness. During FY 2017, the BVA Field Service Program was responsible for 50 claims granted for compensation and pension to veterans assisted by the program. The program was responsible for more than $1,056,515.00 in total retroactive payments. The Field Service Program transformed the Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) visits it conducted in previous years into the comprehensive Veterans Care Review Partnership and continues to do so. Having the National Field Service Training Coordinator meet with VA staff, as well as veterans, gives a comprehensive overall picture of the current status of the BRCs. This knowledge allows BVA to better spread best practices from one BRC to another. This initiative led to dramatic improvements in services provided to blind veterans at several BRC facilities during the current fiscal year. The National Field Service Training Coordinator was able to reach and assist veterans of whom BVA had not previously been aware. Field Service Officers hold educational sessions for all veterans at the BRCs they visit, followed by one-on-one meetings with veterans who need further help and advice. BVA provided funding for travel through the Catastrophically Disabled Travel Access Program (CDTAP) for at least 23 blinded veterans with limited means to attend various VA BRCs across the country. As an additional meaningful adjunct to the BVA Field Service Program, the volunteer offices are located in VA Medical Centers, regional offices, and outpatient clinics nationwide. Volunteers are peer counselors and Volunteer National Service Officers (VNSOs). The program provides another outlet for blinded veterans to help and serve one another since a large number of BVA volunteers are blinded veterans themselves. They listen and share ideas in groups, offer information on programs and services, encourage blinded veterans to enter rehabilitation programs, and demonstrate equipment and aids used by the blind. They also reinforce the work of the National Field Service Officer by helping to lift fellow veterans from the discouragement and frustration they often face. BVA volunteers are expected to be active in their communities and to be good sources of information about local programs and services. They are an important link in the BVA chain of services. A total of 124 BVA volunteers donated 23,644.50 hours of time. Operation Peer Support (OPS), was established in FY 2006 to bring newly blinded Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans to the annual convention to offer peer support within this group and by meeting other previous generations of war blinded BVA membership. OPS constitutes an ongoing effort to connect newly blinded veterans”

“BVA Sports was established in FY 2017. With the support from a grant provided by the VA, BVA has been able to help over one hundred visually impaired athletes through this initiative. BVA Sports constitutes an ongoing effort to expand sporting opportunities for blinded veterans and increase their well-being, balance and health. It also seeks to connect the newly blinded service members with blinded veterans from all war eras. This fiscal year, seven blinded service members accompanied by a spouse or family member, attended the BVA Blind Hockey Weekend in Arlington, VA. Thirty-three other participants also accepted the opportunity to attend making it the largest blind hockey event to date. All expenses of the Veteran participants were paid by BVA's Blind Hockey program. All participants felt that the program was so beneficial that they wanted to return and offer assistance to the more recently blinded veterans. BVA Blind Hockey team members also conducted a Try Blind Hockey event at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, VA. BVA Blind Hockey expanded its activities to include supporting veterans at the USA Hockey's Disabled Festival. BVA Blind Hockey took five veterans to San Jose, CA., to compete against the top visually impaired athletes from across North America. BVA Blind Hockey supported the US Blind Hockey Summit. At the beginning of this program, we took a coach and veteran to Chicago to participate and lead the sport forward. BVA Blind Hockey team members conducted a Try Blind Hockey event at the Westminster School in Simsbury, CT. This event started the Hartford Braillers blind hockey team, which continues to support veterans who play on the team. The BVA will return in the next fiscal year holding an annual tournament. The BVA couldn't have helped over 100 visually impaired athletes achieve their goals without the help of their volunteers. This year alone, we've had 50 volunteers from skating coaches to eye doctors who give selflessly to the BVA Sports program.”

“B) Public Education and Communication At the foundation of all BVA communications and public relations efforts nationally is the BVA Bulletin. This is a bi-monthly periodical sent to all blinded veterans and their families for whom the Association has updated contact information. The publication is also mailed to dozens of libraries, health care institutions, Veterans Service Organizations, VA Blind Rehabilitation Service employees, and nonprofit organizations. As the face of BVA, the Bulletin focuses on issues and events relating specifically to blinded veterans. It also covers general topics about veterans as well as general topics about blindness (i.e., technology, social issues, etc.). Average circulation of the large-print version of the Bulletin was approximately 7,900 in FY 2017. The Compact Disc version, which is made available to members only, had an average circulation of 117 for the six issues, a sizeable increase from the 92 in at the end of FY 2016. The publication is also available for reading on the BVA website and by email, upon request, in two different formats. The number of BVA members receiving the Bulletin via email is now approximately 1,300. Through the donated services of North American Precision Syndicate (NAPS), BVA distributed a series of newspaper, radio, and TV releases highlighting its work. During FY 2017, BVA produced two 3-column national newspaper release (800 words each), five 60-second national radio releases, one 30-second radio release and two national TV releases. All of the releases provided a brief comment about BVA services and gave BVA contact information at the end (toll-free number and/or website URL). What differed for each set of releases, however, were the lead paragraphs in the print articles and the introductory statement in the electronic media releases. Different also were a few additional paragraphs of ensuing anecdotal material that made up the storylines. Such storylines were: 1) "How Blind Veterans Help Themselves and Others to a Better Quality of Life" (Wade Davis' Veterans Care Reviews for newspaper), 2) "A Look at the Vibrancy of the Human Spirit" (blinded veterans participating in the Bataan Death March a newspaper release), 3) "Technology Improving Lives" for radio), 4) "Veterans Helping Veterans" for radio), 5) "A New Way to Help Veterans" (advocacy work on behalf of beneficiary travel legislation) for radio), 6) "Veterans' News and Notes" for radio), 7) "An Inspiring Trek (for radio), 8) "Blind Hockey for Veterans" (for radio), 9) : "Blind Hockey for Veterans" (for television), and 10) "An Inspiring Trek" (for television). If BVA had purchased the media time and space for the NAPS releases aired/printed in FY 2017, the total cost would have been in excess of $3 million. All BVA NAPS releases print, radio, and television are now accessible online and can be downloaded. BVA owns the material outright. Therefore, any editor or producer can download and place the releases at will, as can any individual or organization from the general public. BVA members can petition their local station or newspaper to run a NAPS release by furnishing the station with the appropriate Internet link, or by requesting that BVA National Headquarters send the release to the newspaper, radio station, or television station in question. If a radio station would prefer to read the script of the release rather than use the audio version, the script can be provided in PDF format, via email, by fax, or using the U.S. Postal Mail. BVA utilizes one major brochure in spreading its message to the organization's stakeholders. In January 2017 BVA produced 7,500 copies of a new multi-purpose color brochure containing the following text highlighting the cover: EMPOWERING THROUGH ACCESS to leave no blinded veteran behind. The two previously employed brochures, one designed specifically for membership and the other for other public relations/marketing purposes, became outdated in 2013. It was discontinued e”

“The National Convention hosts 53 exhibitors who offer product demonstrations and information about programs and services for the blind and visually impaired community. The exhibit hall is open to the public and invitations are extended to the blind and visually impaired services community.”

“C) ADVOCACY The Association's Congressional Charter designates BVA as the organizational advocate for all blinded veterans before the executive and legislative branches of government. The BVA National President, Board Members, and National Headquarters staff members are invited to present testimony before both the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs in order to share information and concerns related to specialized programs and services offered by the VA to visually impaired and blinded veterans. They also meet periodically with Members of Congress, their key staff, the Department of Defense (DoD), the White House, and VA officials to inform and educate them regarding the unique and specific needs of blinded and visually impaired veterans across our nation. BVA's educational efforts seek to enhance the specialized rehabilitation programs that are provided by VA. The goal of these programs is to assist blinded veterans in the acceptance of, and adjustment, to vision loss and to help them acquire the adaptive skills necessary to be successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. BVA continues its efforts to educate federal agency staffers and legislators. These efforts had a significant impact during the past year. Following BVA's national convention in August, BVA sent a letter to the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs and key leaders throughout the department setting forth the priority concerns of blinded veterans, as detailed in the resolutions adopted by members in attendance at the BVA convention. Copies of this letter were also sent to members of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs and the White House. Several meetings were held throughout the year with the VA Secretary, as well as key Congressional committee staffers to continue discussion of ways these concerns might be addressed. Association representatives also met frequently with other veteran's service organizations, disability advocacy associations, and representatives from VA and DoD. BVA's National President presented his annual testimony in March before a Joint session of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. Additional meetings with various Congressional offices and staffers for several committees were attended by BVA staff in an effort to actively monitor and support the wide range of legislative proposals under consideration by Congress that could impact veterans and their families. Legislative updates were sent several times throughout the year by email to members of the BVA board, staff, officers of regional groups and other interested members and friends of BVA. BVA continued to monitor DoD's implementation of the Vision Center of Excellence (VCE) and Defense Veterans Eye Injury Vision Registry (DVEIVR). The VCE director, Penny Walters, provided an update to the BVA Board in August. BVA continues to raise awareness about the needs of an increasing population of OIF and OEF veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury visual system dysfunction to ensure that screening, diagnosis, treatment, and vision research are funded. Working with the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), BVA attended meetings with key Congressional committee members and key budget staff with the goal of increasing funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program for vision. BVA continues to advocate for defense Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) vision research programs, requesting an increase from the current funding level of $10 million to $15 million in FY 2018 defense appropriations for VTRP. BVA continues to monitor the waiting times, length of stays, and staffing for the 13 existing VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers to ensure that veterans have adequate opportunities to obtain the rehabilitation training they need. BVA also continues to be involved in special work groups established by VA Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) to develop recommendations for improving the distribution and delivery of prostheti”

“D) MEMBERSHIP BVA is a membership-driven organization. Membership in BVA constitutes membership in the national organization as well as in a local regional group. It is not necessary to be a member to benefit from the services BVA provides. In fact, BVA offers the choice of the digital or print version of the quarterly BVA Bulletin to any blinded veteran regardless of membership status. The BVA Bulletin is a valuable resource that blinded veterans find useful in order to keep abreast of relevant information. BVA local structure is conducted through the 53 Regional Groups where BVA provides members the opportunities to meet new people facing similar challenges, to establish friendships, and to gain a voice at the annual conventions. Without membership, the aforementioned programs would not exist since they have been established by members and developed with their needs in mind. A blinded veteran can join as either an Annual or as a Life Member. During FY 2017 the new membership database IMIS continued to enhance membership management. During Sept 1 2016 to June 30 2017 an incentive membership program was created by the BVA National Board of Directors where annual membership was suspended and any blind veteran could join the organization as a Life or Associate Life Member at the promotional rate of $20.00. This incentive increased membership by 430 new members and 208 annual members converted to life member. All Life Membership dues are deposited into a Life Membership Fund, which is managed by a Life Membership Board of Trustees appointed by the National President. The dues are invested and the annual earnings (interest and dividends) are apportioned to the regional group based on the number of Life Members in each group. BVA National Headquarters does not benefit financially at all from the Life Membership dues but only manages, or administers, the fund with the assistance of the Board of Trustees and an external portfolio manager. It is a Board-designated fund. Last year BVA included a special new Affiliate Membership category where veterans with sight, First Responders, health care researchers, VIST, BROS, VA rehabilitation staff, optometrists and ophthalmologists among others can join as members on the BVA web site. The new affiliate membership was approved during the Milwaukee Convention and implemented. E) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM BVA's Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship Program completed its 33rd year. The scholarships are open to a dependent child, grandchild, or spouse of a blinded veteran or an active-duty blinded service member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The blindness may be either service-connected or nonservice-connected. For the academic year 2016-2017, there were six scholarships of $2,000 each. The Thomas H. Miller Scholarship has completed its fifth year, annually awarding one scholarship of $1,000. The guidelines are the same as those established for the Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship but with additional consideration toward music and fine arts students when possible and applicable.”

“bulletin: Program service expenses 66,249. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 66,249. printing: Program service expenses 9,971. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 7,779. Total expenses 17,750. professional fees: Program service expenses 35,775. Management and general expenses 8,072. Fundraising expenses 5,714. Total expenses 49,561. Public relations: Program service expenses 15,000. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 15,000. DIRECT MAIL data prOCESSING: Program service expenses 97,669. Management and general expenses 1,372. Fundraising expenses 55,941. Total expenses 154,982. DIRECT MAIL donOR prOCESSING: Program service expenses 18,343. Management and general expenses 258. Fundraising expenses 10,506. Total expenses 29,107. DIRECT MAIL list rental: Program service expenses 46,562. Management and general expenses 654. Fundraising expenses 26,668. Total expenses 73,884. DIRECT MAIL PACKAGE AND shipPING: Program service expenses 26,884. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 38,525. Total expenses 65,409. DIRECT MAIL production cost: Program service expenses 11,092. Management and general expenses 156. Fundraising expenses 6,353. Total expenses 17,601. education data processing: Program service expenses 5,701. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 66,313. Total expenses 72,014. education creative: Program service expenses 4,580. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 27,700. Total expenses 32,280. Research/Data: Program service expenses 2,007. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 1,508. Total expenses 3,515. HGRT Rest: Program service expenses 31,161. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 31,161. DM Printing: Program service expenses 201,952. Management and general expenses 2,836. Fundraising expenses 115,668. Total expenses 320,456. DM Mailing: Program service expenses 65,646. Management and general expenses 922. Fundraising expenses 37,599. Total expenses 104,167. Professional FR: Program service expenses 59,365. Management and general expenses 7,777. Fundraising expenses -126,471. Total expenses -59,329. FSP Restriction: Program service expenses 897. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 897.”

“The review process has not changed from previous years.”