WBRC Outreach: Palo Alto VIST Meeting

Photo: Stock photograph of a Matter of Balance group discussion

Last Month WBRC was honored to be invited to present to the Palo Alto Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator's monthly meeting at the Palo Alto Hospital Campus.  Mrs. Summer Beasley, MA COMS, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and Matter of Balance Coach, presented to the group, consisting of the VIST Coordinator and Veterans with vision loss and their families and caregivers.  The WBRC's new Matter of Balance program was reviewed and the group participated in some of the Matter of Balance exercises.


In 2015 the WBRC piloted a new fall prevention program called Matter of Balance.  Matter of Balance is a nationwide, evidence based, fall prevention program for older adults.  It addresses the fear of falling, fall prevention measures, and simple exercises to promote health and balance.


The program was developed through research by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.  Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.


The WBRC's program is the first in the VA and the first Blind Rehabilitation Center to adopt this program.  It is also the only Matter of Balance program that is offered as inpatient treatment for Veterans with visual impairment.  The program runs for 4 weeks and is group based with up to six Veterans and up to three Matter of Balance Coaches.


Some Program Information:

• Matter of Balance group discussion classes take place twice per week.
• Veterans have the opportunity for one-on-one assessment and training options in additional skill areas such as Orientation and Mobility, Living Skills, and Visual Skills.
• Matter of Balance daily group exercise sessions start in week two.
• Additional group educational sessions occur on My HealtheVet and devices such as use of a reacher, etc.
• Matter of Balance group community outings provide the opportunity to apply newly learned skills.
• Veterans may also participate in regularly scheduled WBRC Recreation Therapy activities, as well as Student Forum and Relaxation Group.
• Access to Skills Nursing Care 24 hours per day.

Interested Veterans with vision loss apply to the program by talking to their Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator about being referred to this WBRC specialty program, or can contact the WBRC at (650) 614-9952 to learn about Matter of Balance or future session dates.


If you would like to see if there is a local Matter of Balance session meeting near you, use this link to look up Master Trainers by state: http://www.mainhealth.org/mh_body.cfm?id=5159


If you are aware of an event which would be a good opportunity for WBRC outreach or would like WBRC to come and speak to your group, please contact Lindsay Hass, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist and Communication Committee Co-Chair at Lindsay.hass@va.gov or call the main WBRC line at (650) 614-9952 to make a request.

WBRC Blog Passes 50,000 Page View Mark

Photo: A man's hands on a computer keyboard and mouse.

The WBRC Blog is thrilled to announce that we have just passed the 50,000 page view mark.  A 'page view' is each time a visitor views a page on the WBRC Blog.  The WBRC Blog has been in operation since 2009 and has a total of 185 published 'pages'.  The majority of WBRC Blog visitors are located in the United States.  Other high page view count WBRC Blog visitors are located in France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Canada, Sweden, India, the Ukraine, and Latvia. 

The WBRC Blog is intended to share news and information about the WBRC to past, current, and future students, their families, and anyone interested in the WBRC.  Content has included WBRC updates and announcements, construction news, alumni perspectives, outreach and education, and community resource information. 

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) is a 27-bed residential facility located at the Menlo Park Division of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Approximately two hundred veterans and active duty service members of all ages participate in the program each year. More than three quarters have usable vision for which specialized treatment is provided. Adjusting to and managing visual impairment is the major objective of the program. If you would like to learn more about the program or are in the area and are interested in a site visit, please call (650) 614-9952 to make arrangements.

CLICK HERE to view the WBRC Website

Season's Greetings

Image: Front of card with a patriotically wrapped gift stating 'Season's Greetings'

As we celebrate our liberties, freedoms, and the many things we have to be thankful for this Holiday Season, we remember and support those who have protected them. WBRC would like to thank all veterans and active duty service members this Holiday Season for your service. Have a happy and safe holiday.

The WBRC will be closed for business on Wednesday December 25th, 2013 and on Wednesday January 1st, 2014 in observance of the Holiday Season.

The RN Station may be reached by calling:
(650) 493-500
then select 1, then 2, then enter 24623 -or- 24823

You may also leave a message at the WBRC Direct Line at:
(650) 614-9952

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) is a 27-bed residential facility located at the Menlo Park Division of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Approximately two hundred veterans and active duty service members of all ages participate in the program each year. More than three quarters have usable vision for which specialized treatment is provided. Adjusting to and managing visual impairment is the major objective of the program. If you are in the area and are interested in a site visit, please call (650) 614-9952 to make arrangements.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

WBRC Visited By VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

Photo: Dr. Tommy Sowers meets Jeremy Adriano, WBRC Assistant RN Manager

VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Dr. Tommy Sowers visited the VAPAHCS Menlo Park campus last week to meet staff running the Western Blind Rehab Center, National Center for PTSD and Domiciliary.  As Assistant Secretary, Dr. Sowers represents and advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on matters relating to media relations, public affairs, and intergovernmental affairs. He directs departmental communications and oversees programs involving intergovernmental relations including homeless Veterans, consumer affairs, rehabilitative special events, VA’s Office for Tribal Governments, and the VA Outreach Office.

Photo: Dr. Sowers meets Tina Zamora, WBRC Ward Clerk

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) is a 27-bed residential facility located at the Menlo Park Division of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Approximately two hundred men and women of all ages participate in the program each year. More than three quarters have usable vision for which specialized treatment is provided. Adjusting to and managing visual impairment is the major objective of the program.  If you are in the area and are interested in a site visit, please call (650) 614-9952 to make arrangements.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

CLICK HERE to see more photographs of Dr. Sowers visit

CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Sowers

Veterans Day 2013

Photo: Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  This photo was taken at 10:58 am, on November 11, 1981, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.  Photograph via the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Website.

November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day (the end of WWI), which officially took place on November 11, 1989.  November 11 became recognized as Armistice Day in 1938 when legislature was passed to dedicate the day 'to the cause of world peace'.  As such the new holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938, at the urging of veterans service organizations, by replacing 'Armistice' with 'Veterans'.  This amendment was approved on June 1, 1954 making November 11 a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans day continues to be observed on November 11 every year, on whichever day it falls in the week.  It continues to mark the important date of the end of WWI and also has become a celebration to honor veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

The staff of the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center would like to take this opportunity to extend a proud 'Thank You' to the men and women of our country that have served and are serving in our armed forces.  We all enjoy the freedoms we have today due to your service.  

CLICK HERE to learn more about the History of Veterans Day 

The WBRC will be closed for business on Monday November 11th, 2013 in observance of Veterans Day.

The RN Station may be reached by calling:
(650) 493-500
then select 1, then 2, then enter 24623 -or- 24823

You may also leave a message at the WBRC Direct Line at:
(650) 614-9952

WBRC Hosts Visitors from the Blinded Veterans of the UK

Photo: Mrs. Vanessa Young and Mr. Steve Boswell of the Blinded Veterans of the United Kingdom Organization

WBRC was happy to host visitors from the Blinded Veterans of the United Kingdom (UK) recently.  The visitors, Vanessa Young and Steve Boswell, spent a week at the WBRC with a primary focus of learning about our Comprehensive Neurological Vision Rehabilitation (CNVR) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) programs.  The visit also allowed them time to get acquainted with all of the WBRC departments, attend a graduation ceremony, and to get to know our staff members and veterans.  Mrs. Young and Mr. Boswell reported that the common purpose between the Blind Veterans of the UK and the VA Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS) and WBRC was very much the same.  They did note some differences, such as the WBRC programs for persons with traumatic brain injury and the power mobility program, which helped highlight new directions for their program.  Persons interested in more information or a site visit of the WBRC can contact us at (650) 614-9952.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Blinded Veterans of the UK Program

WBRC Website Launches Update

Photo: A screen shot of the updated WBRC Website

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) is proud to announce the launch of our new and improved website.  The new WBRC site includes updated information regarding the program and services provided, the setting, admissions, scheduling a visit, 2012 outcome measures, and research.  There are fresh photographs and links to the WBRC Blog, newsletter, and construction updates. WBRC hopes this site will serve as a gateway to care as well as a resource for Veterans, their family members and friends, medical and care providers, and other stake-holders. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the new WBRC Website

Season's Greetings from the WBRC

 Image: 'Season's Greetings' card with patriotic red, white, and blue wrapped gift

The WBRC would like to wish all Veterans and their families a very happy and safe holiday season and to express our gratitude of your service to our country.

Additionally; the WBRC will be closed for business on: 
Tuesday December 25th
Tuesday January 1st  

The WBRC RN station may be reached by calling:
(650) 493-5000
select 1, then select 2, then enter 24623
-or-
select 1, then select 2, then enter 24823

You may also leave a message at the WBRC Direct Line at:
(650) 614-9952

Veterans Day 2012 Message from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Photo: An American flag ripples in the breeze.

           Today, America honors the men and women whose profound acts of citizenship — service in the armed forces of the United States of America — have safeguarded our country for 237 years and guaranteed our rights as Americans to choose our leaders.

            Twenty-two million living Americans today have distinguished themselves by their service in uniform.  Their devotion and sacrifice have been the bedrock of our sovereignty as a Nation, our values as a people, our security as a democracy, and our offer of hope to those in other lands, who dream our dreams of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

            For the past 11 years, the men and women of our armed forces have stood watch in Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, Korea, and more than 150 other countries around the globe.  More than 1.5 million Veterans have served in the combat theaters of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.  Since 9/11, nearly 3 million Veterans have departed the military, having fulfilled their duty to the Nation, and become eligible for the benefits and services we offer here at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  

            We are often reminded that, today, less than 1 percent of Americans wear the uniforms of our Nation.  The sum of their service to the country, however, is beyond measure.  Our rights and privileges as American citizens have been their gifts to each of us.  We must not take those gifts for granted.  On behalf of the American people, each of us here at VA has the responsibility of caring for these giants among us.  Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence — I CARE — are our watchwords.

            VA is renewing our country’s historic covenant with its Veterans.  By leveraging 21^st century technology and empowered by a dedicated workforce, over one-third of whom are Veterans themselves, VA is boldly transforming itself in healthcare and benefits delivery, and in memorial affairs, to better serve all Veterans.

            Our goals remain unchanged:  increase access to VA benefits and services; eliminated the backlog in compensation claims in 2015; and end Veteran's homelessness, as well, in 2015.  In this Department, every day is Veterans Day.  We celebrate their contributions, take pride in their achievements, and as their national advocates, care, nurture, and protect them as well as the protected all of us. 

            I extend my thanks and admiration to our Nation’s Veterans on this, their special day of recognition, and I express my deep appreciation to my colleagues at VA for their dedication, their loyalty, and their partnership in this noble mission.

Eric K. Shinseki

Secretary of Veterans Affairs   

Additionally: the WBRC will be closed for business on Monday November 12th, 2012 in observance of Veterans Day. 

The WBRC RN station may be reached by calling:
(650) 493-5000
select 1, then select 2, then enter 24623
-or-
select 1, then select 2, then enter 24823

You may also leave a message at the WBRC Direct Line at:
(650) 614-9952

Please have a happy and safe Veterans Day.