Community Outreach: October 11, 2024
Community Outreach, October 11, 2024
ACBVA reaches out to the community with Shalom Baptist Church
American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) Board Member, Author, Motivational Speaker, Song Writer, and Writer; Debra Hill was at Shalom Baptist on September 28, 2024, along with American Council of the Blind of Virginia member and low-vision author Judith “Judy” Goode Kirby who spoke eloquently about her process in writing her book, Blurred Vision and inspired community members to, “Let my challenge be your inspiration”.
Shalom Baptist Church held a community fair with over a dozen vendors, including a dozen local vendors who shared information about accessible resources for people with vision impairments. The community enjoyed an afternoon of learning and sharing their life goals and challenges.
ACBVA Board member, Debra Hill and her husband, ACBVA member Kinley Hill, were excited to meet Shalom church members and members of the public who wanted more information about ACBVA services for themselves and their loved ones.
We thank Shalom Baptist Church for their continued efforts in providing great support to the community and keeping us involved in their community affairs.
Click the link for more information
The Shalom Baptist Church Community Resource Fair and Book Signing
Shalom Baptist Church
American Council of the Blind of Virginia
October is Blindness Awareness Month
October is Blindness Awareness Month. It is my pleasure to share through words, music, and vision, my testimony of faith, growth, and empowerment. Before I became blind, I was not aware of the many accessibility issues facing people who are blind or have low vision.
As my journey through life has led me through new ways of seeing and being in the world, I love to talk and sing about the marvelous ways life can remain accessible to anyone in fulfilling their dreams.
Join me this month as I reach out to organizations, churches, and individuals in the hopes of interacting in sharing how “Love is Accessible”.
My piano teacher, Sam Lupica and I also desire to present how our lessons made music even more accessible to me as I learn to play the piano.
Click the link for the latest Music Notes
https://debrahillsings.com/one/
Click the link for the Blindess Awareness Month Press Release
https://debrahillsings.com/bam-press-release/
Fall Resource Fair
American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) and Board Member Debra Hill are honored to attend the Fall Resource Fair on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, in support of those who are blind or have low vision. It will be an exciting day of interacting with the VA Hospital.
Please plan to arrive at 10:00am to allow adequate time for parking, navigating, and set up. We will provide tables, chairs, and tablecloths. Each table will have a card that has your organization’s or department’s name on it. There will be staff in place to help you find your table at the fair.
We are proud to support the needs of those who are blind or have low vision and are facing day-to-day challenges. We encourage with information, friendly support, and passion. We are proud to hear inspirational stories and offer resource information.
If you have any questions, contact Reilly Fox, at (804) 637-5407.
Please see the information below for more details.
Directions to Richmond VA Medical Center
From I-95 North or South, take exit 69, (Bells Road) and merge to your right.
At the traffic signal, turn left onto Bells Road and continue, crossing over Jeff
Davis Hwy.
At the second traffic signal, turn right onto Belt Blvd.
Proceed to the second traffic signal and turn right onto Broad Rock Blvd.
Turning right at the next traffic signal will lead you to the main entrance of the
medical center.
When programming your GPS for directions, use one of the following address:
Richmond VA Medical Center
1201 Broad Rock Blvd.
Richmond, VA 23249
Intersection:
Hull Street Road and East Belt Blvd.
American Heart Association Heart Walk Registration Link with Heart and Sole
Heart disease is of great concern to me and my family, I myself have survived two major heart attacks. By the Grace of God, I am alive, well, and thriving today. I have learned through these many years how to better take care of my heart condition through healthy nutritional choices, consistent exercise, and intentional stress reduction.
On Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8:00 am, the American Heart Association will have the 2024 Richmond Heart Walkwalk. You can become a member of Heart and Sole along with me in support of this important event to reduce death.
PLEASE NOTE: Make sure to register with the Heart and Sole team with team captain, my daughter, Neci Hill.
COMMUNITY FAIR
The American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) and Board Member Debra Hill will join the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Community Family and Friends Fair at:
401 Azalea Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23227 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
We are proud to join the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired in their mission in providing training in the skills of blindness and, above all, promotes the belief that blindness is neither a barrier to employment nor to living a full and meaningful life.
Come out and stop at our table to greet ACBVA Board member Debra Hill and low vision author and ACBVA Member Judith Kirby. We will be there to greet the public and share information about her book, “Blurred Vision” and other volunteers from ACBVA.
The American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s mission is to bring together Virginians who are blind or have low vision, and to partner with others, to create opportunities for friendship, personal growth, independence, community, education, employment and advocacy.
We are available not only during the month of October, we are available to come to your organization. Becoming more aware of the needs of blind and low-vision people is more than just a monthly event, it is a lifetime goal in understanding the needs of accessibility, a concern of all who share in our vision of an equitable and inclusive world.
Contact ACBVA anytime for us to come and share more information about accessible services and resources. The ACBVA email is info.acbva@gmail.com.
Click the link for the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired
https://www.vrcbvi.virginia.gov
American Council of the Blind of Virginia Website
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
It can’t be overstated as women, we should take care of our precious and beautiful bodies. So many of us spend so much time nurturing and caring for others and leave very little time tending to our own needs.
Breast cancer in many cases when detected early can save your life. Each October we are bombarded with this message of warning and hope. Having one sister who is a breast cancer survivor, I encourage each of you to get your mammogram if you haven’t already. Schedule your mammogram today. I want you to continue to live a life of abundant love and wellness.
Get Out and Vote!
The National Federation of the Blind advocates for Blind Americans’ right to vote privately and independently.
The National Federation of the Blind advocates for Blind Americans’ right to vote privately and independently. In anticipation of Election Day, review the voting resources and publications to learn how to exercise your right to vote.
You can find voting resources at nfb.org/vote
Voting Publications
Explore recent publications to hear how other blind people navigate voting and advocate for voter rights.
Nation’s Blind Podcast
Our latest podcast episode addresses ways blind voters can prepare for Election Day, different accessible voting options, and more.
Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog
Our newest blog covers the journey of two members of the NFB of Oregon to get out the vote in their state.
Nation’s Blind YouTube
Hear from a member about her voting experiences through her adulthood.
Save the Date
Complete Blind Voter Survey in November
Since 2008, the National Federation of the Blind conducted surveys of blind and low-vision voters with funding from a Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Training/Technical Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We need your experience to learn about aspects of voting that have improved and the barriers that continue to need to be removed. Mark your calendars to complete the Blind Voter Survey in November. It will be published on nfb.org/vote and sent via all our communication channels. You can read about the previous Blind Voter Survey results.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
As a member of ACBVA, I encourage you to join our email list to be a part of a vibrant community of visually impaired persons, attend informative monthly online meetings, and learn more about important accessible resources.
For those interested in the benefits of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) organization, you can also become a member, click the link below!
One Comment