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

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.

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 creating sound—without needing formal musical training or complex equipment—using tools that are accessible and widely available. You'll hear how devices like MIDI controllers and software from Native Instruments can open the door to creativity, allowing you to explore music, sound, and expression right from your computer. Steve also briefly introduces more advanced tools like Pro Tools, while emphasizing that this episode is an overview meant to inspire and guide—not overwhelm. Whether you're looking for a therapeutic outlet, a creative hobby, or even a new direction in life, this episode offers a starting point and encourages you to explore what's possible through sound. Resources & Links: Learn more about Pro Tools Intro, a free version of the industry-standard digital audio workstation: https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/intro Explore Pro Tools accessibility resources and guides for blind and visually impaired users: https://ptaccess.github.io Check out Flo Tools, a powerful accessibility tool designed to improve workflow in Pro Tools: https://flotools.org/Flo%20Tools/ Discover Native Instruments and their ecosystem of software and hardware for music creation: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/ If you have specific questions or want help getting started, feel free to reach out directly: [email protected]

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 transportation—helping people travel from neighborhoods and smaller roads to larger transit routes and transportation hubs. The conversation explores how the vehicle is being designed with accessibility in mind, including input from focus groups involving blind, wheelchair, and hearing-impaired riders. Steve and Gregory also discuss the importance of consistent audio communication, safety redundancy, and how autonomous transit could expand mobility options for veterans and others who rely on public transportation. This episode offers a look at how emerging transportation technology may help improve independence, confidence, and access for the blind and visually impaired community.

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 during the Korean War. He reflects on life at sea, historic moments he witnessed firsthand, and the realities of military service during pivotal moments in world history. Now attending VA blind rehabilitation, Jim opens up about vision loss, adapting to change, staying active through daily walking, and maintaining independence late in life. This conversation is a remarkable testament to perseverance, perspective, and the strength of veterans across generations.

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, and topics for the 2026 season. As we move into the new year, Visions of BVA remains committed to independence, connection, and community.

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 will hear a full legislative update from Lea Rowe on bills advancing in Congress, followed by a message from Executive Director Dr. Vernon Humphrey reflecting on family, service, and reconnecting veterans to BVA. This episode also honors the lives and legacies of Immediate Past National President Paul Mimms and Elizabeth Holmes, both of whom left a lasting mark on the Association. Additional features include coverage of the 80th National Convention in Dallas, adaptive sports at the 2025 Golden Age Games, BVA's new $500 travel assistance for VA national adaptive sports and arts clinics, Memorial Day tributes at Arlington National Cemetery, the release of the 2026 Ambassadog Calendar, and outreach resources for White Cane Safety Day. The Bulletin further spotlights BVA members and partners—showcasing music therapy, blind hockey, OrCam technology, community events, new publications, and national advocacy efforts—underscoring BVA's mission of resilience, support, and service for blind and low vision veterans and their families.