[NFBV-Announce] Reminder: Federal Employment uncertainty, Can Virginia DBVI assist: 6/5 Webinar

Thu Jun 5 13:00:53 UTC 2025

>From Tracy Soforenko, President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

The atmosphere for Federal employees and contractors is  one of uncertainty.

Many Federal agencies and contractors are making staffing changes that are presenting blind and low vision employees with complicated choices. I hear from many of you about your concerns and considerations.

I also work for the Federal Government and I am experiencing these same concerns. If your agency has not announced plans for meeting new mandates, it is likely to execute a plan by the September 30 deadline.  

I asked Rick Mitchell, Commissioner for the Virginia Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI) to run a session for blind and low vision Federal staff and contractors to discuss how DBVI can assist.

If you are wondering how can DBVI assist, consider the following:

1.	Could this be a time to consider blindness skills training?
2.	Can DBVI help you translate your Federal skills and experience to the private sector?
3.	If I lose my Federal job, I will lose access to some technology I depend on. Can DBVI help me get that tech so I can get that next job?
4.	I’m an experienced professional, what can DBVI do for me 
5.	Beyond the private sector, are there opportunities in state /local government and  can DBVI assist?
6.	Will opening a case take significant time and effort?
7.	If I am pushed to retire from Federal service, does that impact my eligibility for services?
8.	Will my prior Federal or contractor income impact DBVI’s willingness to serve me?

The above list is based on a set of concerns I’ve heard from others and even my own concerns. DBVI is offering to take questions at the two sessions, address some questions immediately in the session, and follow up with answers they cannot address immediately. 

Please invest in the below program by showing up and sharing your concerns.

DBVI is hosting two upcoming webinars focusing on answering questions and highlighting available services to individuals that might be impacted through the uncertainty of federal employment at this time. 

 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl6xzgc-mus&list=PLwsqnBw28gUOsh2qe8QKxqmTCJm3CCzW6&index=1> 

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We know there’s been some uncertainty surrounding federal employment recently, and we want you to know that the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is here for you.

Whether you’re still employed, have been laid off, or just have questions, DBVI is committed to supporting you during this time. We’ve scheduled two upcoming webinars to provide a space for you to ask questions, share concerns, and learn about the services and resources available through our programs.

Join us to:

1.	Get answers to your questions
2.	Learn about available DBVI services
3.	Connect with staff who are ready to help

Webinar Tonight is the second of the two webinars. 📅 Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 7:00 - 8:00pm

simply click the "Join Now" button 

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Federal Employees & Federal Contractors - DBVI 

 <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdsa-virginia.zoomgov.com%2Fj%2F1608662455%3Fpwd=2HUlrv41HCaHBT1rFZdx158wCdaGrb.1%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/01010196ca4f16db-ce0d1b97-a314-43fd-beec-bbc65a9c380d-000000/Yd2vyqkNUcWFt9gJu4IDb1Fg7tpowaW7abHPaqI3mx4=404> Join Now

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Federal Employees & Federal Contractors - DBVI Assistance

Date: June 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 - 8:00pm

 <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdsa-virginia.zoomgov.com%2Fj%2F1600325324%3Fpwd=k9hQ6r0PbcL4AOobI1kNFSwdQhYbeB.1%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010196ca4f16db-ce0d1b97-a314-43fd-beec-bbc65a9c380d-000000/DN387EoVh8lfRHs8anCYnFXwL9hk4SVvFd9S2AIpSrs=404> Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 160 032 5324
Passcode: 184072

Phone:
(646) 828-7666 (English)
(646) 964-1167 (Spanish)
Meeting ID: 160 032 5324
Passcode: 184072

 <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdsa-virginia.zoomgov.com%2Fj%2F1600325324%3Fpwd=k9hQ6r0PbcL4AOobI1kNFSwdQhYbeB.1%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/01010196ca4f16db-ce0d1b97-a314-43fd-beec-bbc65a9c380d-000000/5178rEEpoSeoBXiaMHMAMBKFBGxnUA7J7S8Nv-SA2X4=404> Join Now

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If you have questions before the webinar or need help accessing the meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out to contact us at (804) 371-3140 or (800) 622-2155.

© Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Peace,

Jacki Bruce

Corresponding Secretary NFBV

mailto:jackibruce6 at gmail.com

tel:(757)291-1789

Membership Chair

mailto:membership at nfbv.org

Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia

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www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org/> 

STRONGER TOGETHER!

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