« March 2026

WELCOME to the B-a-VIP Networking Group Pages

Notes from B-a-VIP on March 13, 2026

In attendance

Julie And Joe

Nikki
Roger
Jenn
Caitlyn
Ryan
Dan
Elissa Rowe from DBVI
Christine
Annette
Pat

NOTES
We discussed how this was framed as a networking group rather than a support group.

Christine Pelvert - Helen Keller National Center - Certified mobility counselor for the deaf blind

Works with anyone with dual sensory loss - The have a rehab center in New York to help people accommodate dual sensory loss challenges. Resources to the local community - including DBVI and prisons.

They run a national registry for the federal government - because they receive Fedgeral funds for program development No confidential information is exchanged.

A lively discussion regarding Usher Syndrome and a lively discussion of the National Federation of the Blind

She discussed the program to include a residency program at the center such as a Silver retreat - For people who have limited vision and then loose hearing.

She explored mental health issues for hearing and vision loss.  The application requires an ophthalmologist and auditorist report and a physical.

We had a good discussion about the futures of the group - Caitlyn Blodget will continue to help arrange speakers based on the group's input, and Julie Welch will function to convene meetings, and Roger Fuller will coordinate information and emails.

Nikki spoke about a trip in April - to Ncite…

Next time -

April 10, 2026

Guest speaker - Steve Kelly from Hadley