Commissioner's Message
Happy New Year to everyone! As we begin the new year, I hope that you are as excited as I am about DBVI's opportunities for 2023. As we move forward into our 101 years of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth that are blind, low vision, and deafblind, there are a number of exciting projects in the works. There are too many to review in one message, but here are some highlights that I am looking forward to.
In our Enterprise Division, Virginia Industries for the Blind, in alignment with the Governor's Office, is focused on increasing the employment opportunities of people with disabilities. This will be accomplished by offering competitive, integrated positions. VIB will continue to be an employer of choice for individuals that are blind or vision impaired.
In our Services Division, DBVI will continue to enhance and increase Pre-Employment Transition Services to teens and youth throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. By offering more opportunities for these individuals to experience work-based learning and employment exploration, DBVI hopes to empower youth who are blind, vision impaired or deafblind to achieve their desired level of education and eventual employment.
In our Administration Division, DBVI is looking forward to construction beginning on the Library and Resource Center. Also, the planning and designing of the renovation project of the Virginia Industries for the Blind in Charlottesville will be significantly achieved this year.
Lastly that I will mention here, DBVI is committed to securing the best talent for our team to ensure Virginians are provided top of the line services. This will be accomplished with a focus on filling vacancies throughout the agency with staff that are committed to the mission and vision of DBVI.
I realize it will take much work and effort in all divisions to make these goals and projects a reality, but with all of us working together, we can and will make a difference in 2023! I am proud of each of you and what DBVI has accomplished and look forward to even more success this year.
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 Rick Mitchell
Commissioner, DBVI
DBVI Continues to Give Back to their Communities
 During the month of December, the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired encouraged staff to collect non-perishables for local food pantries. DBVI staff response was huge and throughout the Commonwealth DBVI donated close to 1,000 pounds of food.
Holiday Decorating Contest Winners
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Buddy the Elf award
Christy Spradlin, Staunton Regional Office
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Deck the Halls award
Rachel Payne, VIB Charlottesville Plant
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Santa's Workshop award
Headquarters: C- Wing staff
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Email Signature Requirement
As DBVI begins 2023, there is a renewed focus on ensuring staff provide appropriate contact information in their email signature, as well as, promoting the DBVI brand. At this time, all staff are required to include specific information within their electronic signature. Below is a template that can be used as a minimum requirement. VIB employees will have a slight variation and Deputy Commissioner Koch will be communicating shortly. Additional information on changing email signatures can be found here.
Employee Name
Position
Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired
Street Address City ST Zip
Office Phone Number
Fax Number
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Email Address
Welcome to the DBVI Team!
Dan Aunspach: Director of Rehabilitation Technology, Headquarters
Jerry Eley (new role): Assistant BSC Manager, Pentagon
Dave Fuller (new role): Rehabilitation Teacher, Richmond Regional Office
Martha Macias: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Norfolk Regional Office
Natasha Mullens: BSC Manager, NOVA float
David Sekerdy (new role): Administrative Assistant, LRC
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