Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)

10/28/2025

Under the Help America Vote Act, states ensure voter protections for people with disabilities, under the use of federal grants. Under the ADA, state/local governments are required to make programs accessible to persons with disabilities, as must public entities receiving federal financial assistance per the Rehabilitation Act.

RAISE Center

Voting Accessibility for People with Disabilities Fact Sheet While election administration is governed by individual state law, there are certain fundamental principles of federal civil rights law, and requirements of accepting federal funds, that require accessibility for people with disabilities.....

10/23/2025

Partnerships like this is what helps people succeed. Congrats, SOAR365!

10/22/2025

Need data? Easily create and save maps, charts, and tables of national, state, and local disability statistics.
RAISE Center

Download national and state-level reports presenting prevalence and relative economic status of people with disabilities.

10/21/2025

When you think of those who are living with accessibility and dexterity challenges, smart technology can be a big game-changer in making them feel more independent and empowered in their homes.
RAISE Center

Living in a “smart home” can provide a convenient and high-end experience. When you think of those who are living with accessibility challenges, smart technology can be a game-changer in making them feel more independent and empowered in their homes.

10/15/2025

Check out this webcast that took place on October 9th. This recording offers practical strategies for selecting the right Assistive Technology solutions to support employees with vision and hearing needs.
RAISE Center

JAN Monthly Events

10/15/2025

Did you catch DBVI on Virginia This Morning on CBS 6? Learn more about accessibility and National White Cane Day!

Watch Virginia This Morning each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at .

10/14/2025

Here is the first in a series of articles on assistive technology and useful apps that will help you stay organized and job-ready.
RAISE Center

Cues that are normally being provided by family members, co-workers, or a job coach can often be programmed on the device – tasks such as getting ready for work, taking medication, clocking in or out and returning from breaks can be set up as reminders on a smartphone.  At work, learning new proc...

10/14/2025

We're thrilled to welcome former intern Stormy Odum back to our studio Wednesday morning! ☀ She'll join us along with Travis Lankford, a fellow Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) program participant. October 15 is recognized as White Cane Day. It celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired -- many of whom use a cane for mobility an self-reliance.

10/11/2025

Congratulations to Kyle’s Garage – DBVI’s Partner of the Year! DBVI was proud to honor Kyle’s Garage in Pound, VA earlier this week for going above and beyond to create real job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

By welcoming Jeffrey to the team, Jason and his crew showed what’s possible when we focus on ability and remove barriers. Their leadership sets a powerful example for other employers across Virginia.

Thank you, Kyle’s Garage, for showing that when everyone has a chance to succeed, we all win!

10/10/2025

Where do you start after you or a loved one receives a developmental disability (DD) diagnosis? What connections should you make? What resources, services, and supports are out there for you and/or your family?

Join our Individual and Family Support Program Regional Councils and Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) staff on Thursday, October 16th from 6 to 8:15 p.m.! We'll unpack the next steps with Brandie Kendrick from the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia and Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services. We'll also feature a panel of community experts and family members who will help you piece it all together!

❓ Who should attend?
• People with developmental disabilities of any age who are interested in learning more about resources, services, and supports;
• Families of children under 18 and adults with a recent DD diagnosis;
• Families seeking emotional support from others who have experience navigating services;
• Professionals who coordinate care and who may link individuals and their families to community services and supports (including social workers, physicians, other medical personnel, health department professionals, Community Services Board and Behavioral Health Authority staff, educators, therapists, etc.);
• Individuals and families currently on Virginia’s DD Waivers Waiting List (“the Waitlist”);
• Individuals and families who want an assessment to get on the DD Waivers Waitlist;
• Anyone seeking to connect with medical, behavioral, and therapeutic services and supports;
• Anyone seeking information and resources that can help lessen out-of-pocket expenses; and
• Anyone interested in this learning more about Virginia's DD service system!

📌 Register here: http://ifsp.tny.cc/oct-16

🗓 This event is FREE, but you must register. If you would like an email reminder the day of the event, please sign up using this link: surveymonkey.com/r/ifsp-oct16

✉️ We are proud to feature remote conference captioning through Virginia Relay! If you need an additional accommodation to participate, please email us by Thursday, October 2nd (or as soon as possible!): IFSPCommunity@dbhds.virginia.gov

🔗 Share this link to a clickable flyer: https://ifsp.tny.cc/october-2025

[Image description: Blue flyer with yellow and green text bubbles advertising the IFSP Coordinated Regional Council Meeting featuring Brandie Kendrick from the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia and Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services.]

10/10/2025

Did you know all batteries aren't the same and shouldn't simply be thrown away? This year's Fire Prevention Week, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management is giving tips to keep you safe when handling and throwing away Lithium-Ion batteries.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is October 5-11. This year's theme is, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat if overcharged or charged with the wrong charger. Use the right charger, place on a hard, non-flammable surface, and unplug when full. Never leave a charging device unattended, especially overnight. Safe charging reduces fire risk.

Photo from NFPA website fpw.org, © NFPA 2025.

10/09/2025