• Mar 28, 2024
  • 2:49 PM

Blinded Veterans Laud Bipartisan House Approval of Legislation


by Chuck N. Baker 

(Washington) — The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA,) has recognized the passage of H.R. 3504, the Specialty Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019. The bill was passed under unanimous consent by Congress. 

BVA National President Dr. Thomas Zampieri said, “We consider this bill to be a true milestone for blinded veterans. For the first time, blinded veterans will be included in the Specially Adaptive Housing program, thus ensuring access to the technology necessary for greater independence in daily living.” 

The act allows disabled veterans to apply for housing grants that will be applied to adaptive home equipment specific to their disabilities. The legislation now includes blinded veterans under eligibility rules for the housing grants. 

Zampieri continued, “This update to Specialty Adaptive Housing will bring about a meaningful change in the quality of life for many of our blinded veterans who have sacrificed so much and have indeed earned this opportunity. They can now live comfortably in their own homes with the adaptive technology that was previously not available or accessible to them because of the unaffordable, out-of-pocket costs.” 

A coordinated advocacy campaign that included several organizations brought attention to the components of the bill, prior to its passage, that were considered critical to blinded veterans. The legislation was supported by a bipartisan group legislators.  

Since WWII, the BVA has successfully advocated for the needs of blinded veterans. It is the only Congressionally chartered veterans service organization that serves veterans with vision loss. In addition, a spokesman said it promotes opportunities for individual blinded veterans and their service providers to view and evaluate the latest adaptive technology and tools.