DigitalVA News
News and Information from the VA Office of Information and Technology
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Digital Awareness for Parents
News | August 9, 2022Learn more about the warning signs of cyberbullying.
How Telehealth and Accessibly Designed Digital Products Help to Keep One Veteran Paralympic Strong
News | July 28, 2022What does the Paralympics and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Information and Technology (OIT) have in common? Dan Cnossen.
The Importance of Personal Pronouns
News | June 30, 2022The Department of Veterans Affairs demonstrates respect for employee diversity by offering the opportunity to share personal pronouns.
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FCW 100 Award Honors VA Program Manager for Outstanding Public Service
News | June 29, 2022IT Program Manager Angela Gant-Curtis was named on the FCW 100 list for her distinguished work in Federal IT and unparalleled dedication to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Claim Your Prize – Click Here
News | June 29, 2022Learn more about protecting yourself while browsing some of your commonly used websites.
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Before You Hit ‘Send’, Consider these Email Accessibility Tips
News | May 25, 2022We can’t avoid sending and receiving emails, but we can avoid making those emails inaccessible for those with visual or auditory impairments. Learn about how you can compose emails that ensure equal access for everyone, by incorporating accessible design features into your emails.
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What’s Your Angle?
News | May 24, 2022Not all social media interactions may be as they appear. Learn more about ways to protect yourself.
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NCA Infrastructure Modernization Series: Data Network Circuits – Gaining Momentum!
News | May 23, 2022NCA transitions to fiber optic network cables, by upgrading T1 cables to Metro-Ethernet, to provide outstanding customer service, memorial benefits, and better serve Veterans and their loved ones at NCA’s cemeteries and offices.
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Picture Perfect: How Describing a Picture Is Part of Accessible Design
News | May 20, 2022A picture's worth a thousand words for those that can see it, for those relying on assistive technology, alt text is crucial to their understanding of the image and the meaning it is trying to convey. Learn more about how to add alternative text to your images to ensure your documents, presentations, and emails are accessible for all.
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VA Wins Industry Awards for Excellence in Digital Marketing and Communication
News | May 17, 2022The Office of Information and Technology receives AVA Digital award for 2021 Midyear Review video and Hermes Creative Award for 2021 Year in Review report.
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Charting a New Course for Digital Transformation
News | May 17, 2022Today, many Veterans are already accustomed to a digital experience — whether that’s depositing a check from their phone, accessing their auto insurance card from an app, or chatting with a customer service rep via text — and they expect the same options from VA.
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Document Structure: The Accessibility Feature You Don’t Notice Until It’s Not There
News | May 13, 2022What’s in a document heading? A whole lot, it turns out – especially for those who rely on assistive technology. Learn more about how this design tool ensures equitable access to information for everyone.
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Communicating Through Color Contrast is Essential to Designing Accessibility
News | May 6, 2022For visually impaired individuals, improper color contrast can make a marked difference in understanding written material or completing tasks. Learn more about how you can use this design feature more effectively with these tips.
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NCA Infrastructure Modernization Series: Can you Hear Me Now? Calling for Telephony Upgrades
News | May 2, 2022As part of a four-pronged infrastructure modernization effort, the Office of Information and Technology is teaming with the National Cemetery Administration to upgrade phone systems to provide better service to Veterans and their families.
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Accessibility is Part of OIT’s Service to Veterans
News | April 29, 2022Prioritizing accessibility in all content creation formats, such as websites, emails, and PowerPoint presentations, helps provide easily understood information to all Veterans and individuals in their support network.
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VA Platform One Receives GCN Award for Government Innovation
News | April 29, 2022GCN recognizes the Department of Veterans Affairs for advancing and streamlining the development of cloud applications in the public sector.
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Doing Your Part – Protecting Health Care Data
News | April 29, 2022Take the time during Information Security and Privacy Week to learn more about actions that can be taken to protect health care data.
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New Phone, Who’s This? Oh, A Scam!
News | April 25, 2022Information Security and Privacy Awareness Week (ISPAW) 2022. Learn how to identify and protect yourself from “vishing” scams.
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Catch Me if You Can
News | April 8, 2022Anyone can experience identity theft, but victims are especially vulnerable during tax season. Here is what you can do to protect yourself and what to do if exposed.
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VA.gov Hits 1.5 Million-in-a-Month Milestone
News | March 31, 2022VA.gov hits an all-time high of 1.5 million unique users, a sign that Veterans find value in VA’s primary website.
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Call Me Ishmael – All About Whaling Scams
News | March 29, 2022Learn more about “whaling,” highly targeted phishing attacks that are aimed at senior executives of organizations like VA.
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Tax Season Can Be Taxing – The Buzz Around Tax Scams
News | March 24, 2022As tax season ramps up, you should keep an eye on the latest tax-related scams that might be targeting you and your family.
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Personal Connection: How Nurse Practitioners and IT Experts Met Soaring Telehealth Demand
News | March 23, 2022Nurse practitioners across VA partner with OIT IT Specialists to successfully deliver vital health care services to Veterans and families nationwide.
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Ready to Go: New Tool Helps Make the Most of Appointments
News | February 28, 2022The eScreening tool allows Veterans to complete clinical screenings from any connected device.
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VA’s COVID-19 Scrum Team Wins GITEC Emerging Technology Award for Pandemic Response
News | February 22, 2022Recognized for rapidly deploying digital solutions to meet surging technology demands during the pandemic, the Office of Information and Technology’s COVID-19 Scrum Team received the 2021 GITEC Emerging Technology Award.
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Saving Lives Nationwide – COVID-19 Patient Manager
News | February 16, 2022The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) COVID-19 Patient Manager rapidly processes large quantities of data to help frontline workers treat patients and save Veteran lives.
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Access VA on the Go with VA’s Mobile App
News | February 14, 2022Get the most from your benefits — right from your phone — with the new app from Veterans Affairs.
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What Do Café Au Lait, Kindness, and Governance Have in Common?
News | February 14, 2022February 17 is Global Information Governance Day, Café au Lait Day, and Random Act of Kindness Day. Learn about how IT Governance is driving VA’s digital transformation efforts to better serve Veterans.
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Satisfaction Scores Continue to Rise
News | February 11, 2022The Office of Information and Technology’s scores increased by four percentage points.
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Hook, Line, and Sinker – How to Up Your Phishing Game
News | January 24, 2022Learn how to up your phishing game with these helpful tips from OIT’s Office of Information Security.
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2021: What a Year It Was
News | January 20, 2022From excellent customer service to a rapidly transforming workplace, there was much to celebrate in 2021. Check out OIT’s 2021 Year in Review to learn more.
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IT Strategic Communication Program Named Team of the Year for COVID-19 Response
News | January 13, 2022The Office of Information and Technology’s communication program wins Ragan Communications and PR Daily’s Award for 2021 Team of the Year.
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Follow our 2022 Cybersecurity Tips
News | December 19, 2021Add a new resolution to your list for 2022: sharpen up on your cybersecurity efforts!
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VA Leaders Named FedHealthIT100 Awardees
News | December 9, 2021Public sector and industry leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Information and Technology were recognized for the fifth consecutive year for their commitment to technology and program services that improve Veteran care.
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Local VA Facility Information Now Just a Click Away
News | December 8, 2021Updated VAMC websites emphasize human-centered design to give Veterans quicker access to needed local VA Medical Center (VAMC) information and resources.
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Leading from the Front: VA Executives Receive Women in Leadership Awards
News | November 24, 2021Women in OIT are setting the curve for excellence. Congratulations to our OIT awardees of the 2021 Leading for Impact, Women in Leadership Awards!
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Meet VA’s FedScoop 50 Winners
News | November 24, 2021Three leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs were recognized in the 2021 FedScoop 50 Awards for innovation, commitment, and public service in federal IT roles.
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Veterans Looking for IT Careers Can Count on VA
News | November 17, 2021During Veterans Month 2021, we are highlighting opportunities for Veterans who have considered transitioning to a career in the federal government — including special authorities that allow VA to fast-track their hiring.
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High-Tech Solutions for High-Quality Health Care
News | November 15, 2021New contracts and collaboration across the Office of Information and Technology allows the Veterans Health Administration to provide quality care with medical-grade tablets and specialized devices.
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Picture This: A New Storage and Compute Solution for VistA Imaging and More
News | November 9, 2021The new Infrastructure as a Managed Service contract will allow VA to save space and money while securely storing Veteran data.
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Is Your Company a Match for VA?
News | October 27, 2021Looking to do business with the Department of Veterans Affairs? The Office of Information and Technology’s Office of Strategic Sourcing offers tips to set your business up for success.
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Hispanic Contributions and Cultural Influence
News | October 19, 2021Senior Technology Officer and Project Manager, Jose Huertas, talks about the influence of Hispanic culture and the importance of Hispanic Veteran outreach.
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Is a Cyber Career Right for Me?
News | October 18, 2021Kickstart your exciting career protecting data and defending digital systems.
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Phishing Attacks are Evolving, and You Need to #BeCyberSmart About Them
News | October 15, 2021From emails to text messages, phishing can take many forms. Learn how to recognize these scams to avoid being a victim, and actionable steps in case it happens to you.
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Third-Party Apps Make It Easier for Veterans to Manage Their Health
News | October 14, 2021VA Lighthouse Application Programming Interface (API) platform brings VA-approved healthcare apps to your mobile device.
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A Celebration of Ability
News | October 13, 2021Accessibility is about more than a ramp in front of a building or a sign language interpreter at a concert. The Office of Information and Technology’s Reasonable Accommodation team reflects on National Disability Employment Awareness Month’s theme of “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” and shares insights on the importance of inclusion in the workplace.
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Awareness, Empathy, and a Life Calling to Serve
News | September 30, 2021OIT Icon, Laura Prietula, uses her voice to raise awareness of challenges affecting Hispanic Veterans.
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Shared Values in Service to Our Veterans
News | September 28, 2021Supervisory Risk Analyst, Jesse Flores, reflects on his Hispanic and OIT shared values.
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Wrestling with Tech Career FOMO? A New Digital Corps Offers a Solution
News | September 23, 2021New Federal Initiative Seeks Early-Career Technologists
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Honor, Friendship, and the Circle of Life
News | September 22, 2021IT Specialist, Dawin Gonzalez, honors his best friend’s life through his daily work contributions at OIT.
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We Make Things Possible
News | September 21, 2021In celebration of IT Appreciation Day, several OIT employees discuss their connection to our mission and the support they provide to our nation’s Veterans.
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Hispanic Heritage Month – Felix Hernandez
News | September 20, 2021IT Specialist, Felix Hernandez, gives his perspective on the importance of diversity and cultural representation in leadership positions.
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Hispanic Heritage Month – William Vargas
News | September 17, 2021IT Specialist, William Vargas, reflects on cultural family values of resilience and hard work.
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Hispanic Heritage Month – Joni Buentello Cole
News | September 17, 2021OIT Program Analyst, Joni Cole, reflects on her family’s commitment to service and why Hispanic Heritage Month is important to recognize.
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Having it "Their Way"
News | August 26, 2021Using the newly redesigned ‘My VA Dashboard’, Veterans have more control accessing and managing their VA benefits.
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Consider the Source
News | August 25, 2021VIDEO EXTRA: Ms. Luwanda Jones Leads a Smart Sourcing Initiative that is Transforming the Veteran Experience .
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A Great Place to Work
News | July 29, 2021VA’s Office of Information and Technology named 2021 Best Places to Work in IT by IDG Insider Pro and Computerworld.
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Looking Back to Power Forward
News | July 27, 2021“To Win 21,” DigitalVA’s Midyear Review, reveals VA’s technological agility and commitment to customer service.
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Staying Curious, Part 2: Continued Reflections on LGBTQ+ Activism and Education
News | June 25, 2021In the second and final installment of Dewaine Beard’s interview series, the End User Operations Executive Director details ways that allies can make progress in the fight for equality, explores generational and geographical differences in understanding, and offers advice for creating an inclusive workplace.
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Reliability Rules
News | June 23, 2021The Secret Sauce of OIT’s High Customer Satisfaction Rating? Responsiveness and Clear Communication.
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The Importance of Using Our Voices to Cultivate a Stronger Workforce
News | June 23, 2021Jonathan Mills, Strategy Lead for OIT's IT Strategic Communication, shares his experiences as a gay service member and on the front lines repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.
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Staying Curious, Part 1: A Lifetime of Activism and Education on LGBTQ+ Rights
News | June 22, 2021Dewaine Beard shares his experiences as a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and provides insight into the current state of issues LGBTQ+ Veterans face.
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Do You Know What VA’s IT Team Does that Benefits You?
News | June 3, 2021Do you know how this VA office works behind the scenes and why it’s really important to you and the Veteran community?
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VA Enhances Veterans Legacy Memorial for Family and Friends
News | May 28, 2021Leading up to Memorial Day, the National Cemetery Administration is highlighting recent enhancements to the nation’s first virtual platform for paying tribute to deceased Veterans at VA national cemeteries.
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Serving Veterans in the Time of COVID-19: IT Tools to the Rescue
News | May 28, 2021VA launches a series of solutions-oriented digital tools to continue to meet Veteran’s needs during COVID-19.
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Improved Cemetery Scheduling and Tracking Services Support Veteran Families
News | May 27, 2021Cemetery scheduling staff use new navigation and enhanced workflows to serve the Veteran community.
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Keeping the Phone Lines Open for Veterans, No Matter What
News | May 27, 2021 -
The Importance of Diversity in Thought and OIT Partnerships
News | May 27, 2021As part of OIT’s Icons blog series, we interviewed our dedicated and talented team members Dr. Kaeli Yuen and Dr. Wanmei Ou in honor of AAPI Heritage Month.
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How VEText Got a Glow Up
News | May 14, 2021Among the wide array of mobile applications and other digital on-demand tools that have emerged from Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Information and Technology in recent years, VEText now stands apart.
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VA’s Commitment to Ethics Safeguards Veterans’ Data, Including Mobile Apps
News | May 12, 2021To securely safeguard access to and use of Veterans’ data, the Office of Information and Technology requires VA staff and business partners build digital tools guided by VA’s Ethics Framework.
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Building Trust and Digital Products with Veterans, for Veterans
News | April 15, 2021How Workforce Transformation Enhances Service Delivery to VA’s Top Customers – Veterans
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Enterprise Service Desk Gets High Marks for Exceptional Customer Service
News | April 15, 2021ESD’s customer satisfaction scores throughout the pandemic climbed to their highest levels thanks to ESD’s culture of empathy and rigorous improvement.
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Need it Now? VA Introduces Cloud-Based Fax Solution
News | April 13, 2021Cloud-based faxing solution promises increased efficiency, better security, and reduced burden on staff at VA facilities across the country.
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Be Your Own Personal Privacy Hero
News | April 12, 2021It might be easier than you think for someone to steal your identity. VA employee, Michael Clanton, shares his aggravating experience when his identity was stolen.
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Relationship Status: It’s Not Complicated
News | April 12, 2021Communication is the key in any relationship — learn how OIT’s Account Management Office emphasizes transparency in its business partner relationships to drive improved customer service.
Page last updated on December 25, 2020
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