You're Invited: White Cane Day 2016

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center would like to invite you to participate in their 12^th annual White Cane Awareness Walk on Wednesday, October 19^th, 2016 in Los Altos, CA.  Please join us to spread awareness of the White Cane Law and celebrate the strength, accomplishments, and advocacy of persons with Vision Loss. 

Photo: The WBRC O&M Department and Interns pose with white canes

The Event will start at 10:30 AM with a meet and greet at Community Plaza (corner of State and Main Streets in Los Altos), a White Cane Walk around downtown Los Altos at 11 AM, and a White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation at the conclusion of the walk. 

Image: White Cane Day Walk in Los Altos, loop starting at State and Main to 1st

Please learn more details and RSVP* at the following website:

http://whoozin.com/XYQ-KY6-JCVC

We hope to see you there!

*RSVPs are encouraged but not required to participate in this event

July Construction Update

Photo: Art installation in front of B-500

WBRC continues to watch the construction progress of B-500, the highly anticipated new home of the Polytrauma and Blind Rehabilitation services on the Palo Alto VAPAHCS Campus.  Some of the building's features will include private bedrooms and bathrooms for inpatients, 3 large shared courtyards, a 'green' living roof, a greenhouse, and solar panels on the roof.

Photo: Rendering of front of B500.

At 174,000 square feet, this new facility is the largest consolidated rehabilitation center in the VA and will include 24 beds for the polytrauma program, 32 beds for the blind rehabilitation program, and 12 beds for the polytrauma transitional rehabilitation program.  Currently construction crews are nearing completion of both the interior and exterior of the building.

Photo: Front of B500 in July 2016

The center will also have an outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy clinic, an outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic, and clinical programs for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans.  Construction is anticipated to be 100% complete shortly, with the building becoming operational within a year.

CLICK HERE to view additional construction pictures


CLICK HERE for construction updates


CLICK HERE to read the project's news release

Happy 4th of July

Photo: An American Flag with fireworks behind

As we celebrate our liberties, freedoms, and the many things we have to be thankful for this July, we remember and support those who have protected them. The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) would like to thank all Veterans and Active Duty Service Members for your service. Have a happy and safe 4^th of July Holiday.


The WBRC will be closed for business on Monday July 4^th in observance of the Holiday.


The WBRC 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 WBRC

US Association of Blind Athletes Hosts Annual Tandem Cycling Development Camp

Photo: The WBRC Tandem Cycling Program participants on a ride.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Association of Blind Athletes is hosted its annual Tandem Cycling Development Camp in early May of 2016.

There were 16 pilots and stokers from all over the country training to improve their bike handling skills and racing strategies, one of whom was a WBRC Alumni.  The WBRC Recreation Therapy Department has a thriving Tandem Cycling Program at the Menlo Park Center every Thursday and the staff was thrilled to hear of one of our former participants taking part of the Cycling Development Camp.

CLICK HERE for a link to the fox21news.com story including Video

CLICK HERE to learn more about the United States Association of Blind Athletes

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC Recreation Therapy Program

WBRC Outreach: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

Photo: Craig Echhardt, Palo Alto VIST Coordinator,
mans the WBRC outreach booth at the JCCSF

By Charity Son, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist


On April 7th, two WBRC staff members participated in the Art of Aging Gracefully event at the Jewish Community Center - San Francisco (JCCSF). Visual Skills instructor Charity Son, CVRT, and VIST Coordinator Craig Eckhardt, CVRT, COMS, manned a booth with low vision devices and information, all geared towards giving the senior population independent access to healthy options. These ranged from kitchen safety items to enable healthy meal preparation to computer access technology devices for accessing health information and fitness trackers.


The booth had a steady stream of visitors all day. Patrons were particularly interested information on the Matter of Balance program. The Matter of Balance program was adopted by the WBRC and adapted for instruction to our Veterans with low vision. Three Veterans were served and took information on the WBRC Matter of Balance program, while civilian patrons were motivated to take literature on the Matter of Balance program in order to participate through their local agencies [fitness centers, senior/community centers, hospitals]. The WBRC was proud to participate in the event and to help patrons age gracefully.


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

WBRC Alumnus Update: Terry Kebbel

Photo: WBRC Alumnus Terry (left) with wife (right)

WBRC Recently received a letter and photo from Alumnus Terry Kebbel, which he graciously agreed could be shared here on the WBRC blog.  Thanks Terry!

Thank you Western Blind Rehab Center for the training I received in November.  I was able to navigate the trail at Bandelier National Park using a two cane technique that Summer [My WBRC Orientation and Mobility Specialist] taught me. It was a 1 ½ mile trek with an increased elevation and irregular stone steps. My sighted guide and I were able to travel quite easily.

Photo description: I am on the left side of a wooden ladder that leads to a cave dwelling at Bandelier Park. My wife, Maryellen, is to the right of the ladder.

http://www.nps.gov/band/contacts.htm

Terry also contributes to www.blindnotalone.com

WBRC Staff Peer Review APH Publication

Image: APH Information about a new web based publication
for Orientation and Mobility Specialists

WBRC would like to congratulate two of it's staff members for recently peer reviewing a new publication through the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.  John Kingston, WBRC Orientation and Mobility Department Supervisor, and Anthony Chambers, WBRC CNVR Program Coordinator were a part of the team which peer reviewed the APH's new publication 'Orientation and Mobility for Wheelchair Users With Visual Impairment or Blindness'.  The web-based publication is intended to help Orientation and Mobility Instructors learn how to train students who are wheelchair users to travel safely and effectively. 


Mr. Kingston and Mr. Chambers were excellent choices for peer reviewers due to their experience with the WBRC's Power Mobility Program which trains participants who are medically indicated to use Power Mobility Devices such as Power Wheelchairs and Power Scooters.  This program focuses on safe and independent use of these devices in a variety of travel environments in which the participant plans to travel.  Travel training environments could include indoor, campus, residential, business, urban, rural, as well as public transportation use.  Participants work one-on-one with a WBRC Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist and must demonstrate consistent application of O&M power mobility safety recommendations prior to device issuance.  The average length of stay for the Power Mobility Program is four weeks.

Congratulations John and Tony!



CLICK HERE to view information about this publication on the APH website


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.

CLICKHERE to learn more about the WBRC

WBRC Now Accepting Applications for Upcoming 'Matter Of Balance Program' Sessions

Photo: The Veterans and Staff who participated in the WBRC's 'Pilot' MOB Program

By: John Kingston, COMS, WBRC Orientation and Mobility Department Supervisor

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 is the first VA and 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 four weeks and is group based with up to six Veterans and up to three Matter of Balance Coaches. 

Some information about the program:

• Matter of Balance group classes take place twice a week.

• Veterans have the opportunity for one-on-one assessment and training options in additional skill areas such as Orientation & Mobility, Living Skills, and Visual Skills.

• Matter of Balance daily group exercise sessions start in week two.

• Additional group educational sessions on MyHealtheVet and devices such as use of a grabber/reacher (as many falls involve reaching for objects).

• 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 the Student Forum and the Relaxation Group.

• Access to skilled nursing care 24 hours per day.

An additional Matter of Balance Session was held in the Beginning of 2016 with similar results.  The Veterans who graduated from the Matter of Balance program encouraged the WBRC to keep this program going for other Veterans.  Participants rated the program highly.   

A few quotes from the first WBRC Matter of Balance participants:

“I feel more comfortable talking about falls with my family. More aware of what I am doing and how I am doing it…”

“I am doing the seated marching before standing up to limber me up to prevent  falling”

“I feel better informed on the use of my walker…and on the use and value of the exercises involved in the program”

WBRC’s next scheduled Matter of Balance sessions are

April 4th through April 29th, 2016 & July 11th through August 5th, 2016.

Talk to your Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator about being referred to this specialty program, or contact the WBRC at (650) 614-9952 to learn about future Matter of Balance session dates.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

CLICK HERE to check for a Matter of Balance session meeting near you & to look up Master Trainers by state

WBRC FY15 Annual Review Mails Out

Photo: Nearly 200 FY 15 WBRC Reviews ready to mail

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center is proudly mailing out the Annual 'Review' Newsletter for Fiscal Year 2015 to WBRC Alum who attended between October 1, 2014 to present.  The WBRC Review is published annually for stakeholders including former and current students, prospective students, family and caregivers, VA staff and volunteers, and anyone interested in learning about low vision and blind rehabilitation services available to Veterans and Active Duty Service Members through the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.  

If you are an Alumni who did not attend the WBRC from October 1, 2014 to present -OR- another stakeholder and would like a print copy mailed to you, please send an e-mail with your mailing address to summer.beasley@va.gov.

A PDF and a Text Only version of the FY15 WBRC Review is also available via these links:

PDF Version
Text Only Version

VA Palo Alto Notes WBRC for Low Vision Month

Photo: Visual Skills Supervisor Dave Patten demonstrates use of a CCTV

The VA Palo Alto website recently recognized the WBRC for Low Vision Awareness month on their internet page, check out the article below:

Low vision affects millions of Americans every year. When glasses, contacts, or surgery doesn’t help, this is usually a sign of low vision. Many factors contribute to low vision, including eye diseases and health conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetes, and glaucoma.

How do I know if I have low vision?
According to the National Eye Institute, if you suffer from any of the below symptoms even with glasses or contacts, you may be suffering from low vision.

• Recognizing the faces of family and friends
• Reading, cooking, sewing, or fixing things around the house
• Selecting and matching the color of your clothes
• Seeing clearly with the lights on or feeling like they are dimmer than normal
• Reading traffic signs or the names of stores

Where can I get help if I’m living with low vision?
VA Palo Alto Health Care System recognizes the importance of providing vision care and low vision rehabilitation care to Veterans. A regular visit to your Optometrist can help to detect any loss in vision.

For Veterans already experiencing low vision, the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC), located at the VAPAHCS Menlo Park Division, is a 27-bed residential facility aimed at helping Veterans with low vision learn ways to adapt to vision loss and manage daily life.

Veterans can receive the necessary skills to Adjust to Sight Loss, or learn how to be more independent in their activities of daily living, computer skills, mobility, and other areas. There is even a program for Family Training.

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center is an internationally recognized leader in comprehensive vision rehabilitation services by developing and implementing individualized treatment programs, education and research. It addresses the evolving needs of all of our visually impaired Veterans.

CLICK HERE Learn more about the WBRC and the services offered.

WBRC 2015 Annual Review Now Available

Photo: Cover of the 2015 WBRC Review Newsletter

The 2015 WBRC Review has just been published and is available online.  The 'WBRC Review' is a Fiscal Year (FY) review of the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) for stakeholders including former and current students, prospective students, family and caregivers, VA staff and volunteers, and anyone interested in learning about low vision and blind rehabilitation services available to Veterans and Active Duty Service Members through the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.  The FY 15 edition includes information about the WBRC including outcome measures and demographics as well as articles about our building construction, special programs, WBRC's new 4 week 'Matter of Balance' fall prevention inpatient program, WBRC's new faces, and how to stay up-to-date with WBRC news.  The WBRC Review will also be printed and mailed to WBRC students who attended the program during FY 15 as well as to prospective and scheduled students.  It will also be used for WBRC outreach and is available to all stake holders online on the WBRC Website and WBRC Blog.

CLICK HERE to view the PDF Version

CLICK HERE to view the TEXT only Version

CLICK HERE to view the WBRC Website

VAPAHCS Notes National Glaucoma Awarness Month

Photo: A VAPAHCS Optometrist completes an eye exam with a Veteran

The VAPAHCS Website noted National Glaucoma Awareness Month this January, which is the best time to remind all Veterans to take preventative measures to maintain good eye health. 

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. As one of the leading causes of blindness, glaucoma affects more than three million people in America and more than 280,000 Veterans. It is also known as the "sneaky thief of sight" because a person may not be aware that they have glaucoma and have lost a significant amount of vision irreversibly before they are diagnosed and treated.

What is glaucoma?

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is similar to a cable with millions of connections, carrying images from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can gradually steal sight without warning. Characteristically, the loss of vision is in the peripheral vision, but if untreated and uncontrolled, the vision loss progresses to “tunnel-vision,” and can lead to total loss of vision in end-stage glaucoma.

There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. They are determined by the anatomy of the patient’s eye and treatment is dependent on the type of glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma is the result of another disease that causes or contributes to increased eye pressure that may damage the optic nerve.

Regular Eye Screening is Important

Dr. Patricia Ferrell, an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma treatment at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, recommends everyone to have your eyes screened regularly, especially if you are at high risk for glaucoma. High risks include a family history of glaucoma, being African-American, and aging. “Having your eyes dilated is an important part of your eye exam, which can help to detect glaucoma early,” says Dr. Ferrell.

While more common among older adults, glaucoma can occur at any age for various genetics or disease-related reasons or from trauma. Early diagnosis and good follow-up in those who have glaucoma or are suspected of having glaucoma are key ways to maintaining vision and preventing permanent loss of vision from glaucoma.

How Does VAPAHCS Contribute to Glaucoma Awareness and Treatment? 

VAPAHCS offers glaucoma treatment along with general and other specialized care within Optometry and Ophthalmology services. 

 

According to Dr. Ferrell, the VAPAHCS services are able to provide full care for the various types of glaucoma. This can be difficult for patients dependent on the private sector to obtain due to costs. However, at VAPAHCS, treatment options are available to the Veteran without worrying if the patient can afford them. This is usually true for many VAPAHCS services because issues of dealing with insurance companies or copays are either minimal or non-existent for most Veterans. 

What Services Are Available if I do have Vision Loss?

If you are a Veteran or Active Duty Service Member who has Glaucoma or any type of vision loss, the VA has a variety of vision rehabilitation services available.  The first step is to contact a Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator to see what services and benefits are the best fit for you and your needs.  The Palo Alto VIST Coordinator, Elizabeth Silowitz, is available by phone at 650-852-3431. 

One of the services provided to visually impaired individuals is the Annual VIST Review. This is a yearly examination to assess the Veteran's adjustment to sight loss, current vision, hearing, and health. Based on information collected during the VIST review, Veterans may be referred for training and/or services to address their needs. The Palo Alto VIST Program also offers benefit reviews, support groups, community activities, and presentations to agencies regarding vision loss. For individuals who have experienced vision loss due to a brain injury or stroke, the Palo Alto Polytrauma VIST program provides referrals to specialty training programs to address vision loss caused by brain injury.
 

Many of the rehabilitation programs offered at the VA assess, train, and issue to Veterans with vision loss adaptive items which may include magnification devices, a large print or talking computer system, adaptive technology, canes, watches, talking paper currency identifiers, audible prescription readers, and adapted recreational equipment and both inpatient and outpatient treatment is available.
 

Referral Services
Referrals for services may include, but are not limited to:

• VA Inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Training (WBRC)
• VA outpatient services (VICTORS & BROS)
• Comprehensive Neurological Vision Rehabilitation (CNVR)
• Low Vision Services
• Adapted Computer Technology Training
• Community/State Agencies
• Library of Congress Talking Book Program
• Paratransit Services
• Adapted Recreational Programs

 
CLICK HERE to learn more about VIST

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month.  Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises.  There are often no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.  Left untreated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness.  It is one of the main causes of blindness in the United States.  Although anyone can get glaucoma, the following people are at higher risk:

•African Americans over age 40

•Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans

•People with a family history of glaucoma



Photo: A picture of two boys as seen by someone with 'normal' vision



Photo: The same picture as it might be seem by someone with Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease.  Normally, clear fluid flows in and out of small space at the front of the eye called the anterior chamber. This fluid bathes and nourishes nearby tissues.  If this fluid drains too slowly, pressure builds up and damages the optic nerve.  Though this buildup may lead to an increase in eye pressure, the effect of pressure on the optic nerve differs from person to person.  Some people may get optic nerve damage at low pressure levels while others tolerate higher pressure levels.  Please click on the image below for a short video about the cause of glaucoma:

If you are being treated for glaucoma, be sure to take your glaucoma medicine every day. See your eye care professional regularly.

You can also help protect the vision of family members and friends who may be at higher risk for glaucoma—African Americans over age 40; everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans; and people with a family history of the disease.  Encourage them to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years.  Remember that lowering eye pressure in the early stages of glaucoma slows progression of the disease and helps save vision.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Glaucoma from the National Eye Institute

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

January Construction Update

Photo: Front of B500 as of January 2016

WBRC continues to watch the construction progress of B-500, the highly anticipated new home of the Polytruama and Blind Rehabilitation services on the Palo Alto VAPAHCS Campus.  Some of the building's features will include private bedrooms and bathrooms for inpatients, 3 large shared courtyards, a ‘green’ living roof, a greenhouse, and solar panels on the roof. 

Photo: The front entry to the glass atrium of B500

At 174,000 square feet, this new facility is the largest consolidated rehabilitation center in the VA and will include 24 beds for the polytruama program, 32 beds for the blind rehabilitation program, and 12 beds for the polytruama transitional rehabilitation program.  Currently construction crews are nearing completion of both the interior and exterior of the building.

Photo: The main courtyard of B500 as seen in the early evening with night lighting

The center will also have an outpatient physical therapy/occupational therapy clinic, an outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic, and clinical programs for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans.  Construction is anticipated to be 100% complete shortly, with the building becoming operational in the Spring or Summer of 2016.  

CLICK HERE to view additional construction pictures

CLICK HERE for construction updates

CLICK HERE to read the project's news release