A Look Back on 2013

Photo: '2014' written with sparklers

WBRC would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2014.

There were several big events for WBRC in 2013 including the launch of WBRC's new iProgram, the topping out ceremony for our new building (B500), a staff member retiring after 31 years of service, a huge update to our WBRC Website, and the progression of B500 Construction.  As we prepare for 2014, lets take a look back at 2013 via links to some of our favorite WBRC Blog posts from 2013:

WBRC Launches 'iProgram'

Foundation Begins for New Polytrauma and Blind Rehabilitation Center

Photo: WBRC Staff stand in front of the final signed beam prior to installation (Left to Right: Ron Roderick, Manual Skills Supervisor; Roz Conanan, Admissions Coordinator; David Patten, Visual Skills Supervisor; A representative of Smith Group Architecture; Niki Sandlan, Service Chief for Blind Rehabilitation Services; Bobbie Hillen, National Program Consultant; Richard Wing, Nurse Manager; and Richard Ludt, O&M Supervisor). 

Last Beam Placed at Topping Out Ceremony March 11

 

Orientation and Mobility Department Supervisor Rick Ludt Retires After 31 Years

WBRC Website Launches Update

 

WBRC Names New Orientation and Mobility Department Supervisor

 

2013 WBRC White Cane Awareness Walk a Huge Success

Photo: The front of B-500 begins to get siding installed

November Construction Update for New Building

 

WBRC Publishes 2013 Annual Review Newsletter

The WBRC will be closed for business on Wednesday January 1st, 2014 in observance of New Year's Day.

The RN Station may be reached by calling:
(650) 493-5000
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

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 Publishes 2013 Annual Review Newsletter

Image: Cover Page of the 2013 WBRC Annual Review

WBRC is proud to announce that it has published the 2013 WBRC Annual Review Newsletter.  The 20 page newsletter for 2013 includes information about the WBRC’s new iProgram, WBRC research history, Charles Bonnet syndrome, the white cane law, money identification and organization tips, a new manual skills project; updates from WBRC nursing, recreation therapy, and B500 construction; a letter from the director; current WBRC contact information; and an article regarding the retirement of Mr. Richard Ludt.  Paper copies of the Newsletter have just been mailed out to 2013 WBRC Alumni.  Additional print copies of the newsletter may be requested by contacting the WBRC at (650) 614-9952 while supplies last.

CLICK HERE to view the WBRC 2013 Annual Review Newsletter (PDF Version)

CLICK HERE to view the WBRC 2013 Annual Review Newsletter (Text Only Version)

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

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Image: A vintage patriotic Thanksgiving Greeting Card

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

The WBRC will be closed for business on Thursday November 28th, 2013 in observance of Thanksgiving.

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

November Construction Update for New Building

Photo: The front of B-500 begins to get siding installed (right)

Image: Rendering of the front of B-500 when completed

Construction crews of the new Polytrauma and Blind Rehabilitation Center (B-500) are beginning to install the insulation on the exterior of the building.  The new center will overlap the original WBRC footprint on the Palo Alto VAPAHCS campus.  This will be the VA's first and only Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center to be combined with a Blind Rehabilitation Center. 

Photo: B-500 lobby under construction with staircase installed

Image: Rendering of B-500 lobby from 2nd level (staircase landing at right)

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.  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 complete in late 2014 with the building becoming operational in January 2015. 

CLICK HERE to view additional construction pictures

CLICK HERE for construction updates

CLICK HERE to read the project's news release

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

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.  Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.  25.8 million Americans have diabetes — 8.3 percent of the U.S. population. Of these, 7 million do not know they have the disease.  In 2010, about 1.9 million people ages 20 or older were diagnosed with diabetes.*

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness.  Diabetic eye disease may include:

• Diabetic Retinopathy—damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
• Cataract—clouding of the eye's lens. Cataracts develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes.
• Glaucoma—increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage and loss of vision. A person with diabetes is nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma as other adults. 

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.  In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision.  If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may not notice changes to your vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.

Photo: Two boys playing as seen by someone with unaffected vision

Photo: The same image as seen by someone with Diabetic Retinopathy

Blood vessels damaged from diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss in two ways:

1. Fragile, abnormal blood vessels can develop and leak blood into the center of the eye, blurring vision. This is proliferative retinopathy and is the fourth and most advanced stage of the disease.
2. Fluid can leak into the center of the macula, the part of the eye where sharp, straight-ahead vision occurs. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. This condition is called macular edema. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to occur as the disease progresses. About half of the people with proliferative retinopathy also have macular edema. 

All people with diabetes--both type 1 and type 2--are at risk to develop diabetic retinopathy. That's why everyone with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy. Between 40 to 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your doctor can recommend treatment to help prevent its progression.

If you have diabetes get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year and remember:

• Proliferative retinopathy can develop without symptoms. At this advanced stage, you are at high risk for vision loss.
• Macular edema can develop without symptoms at any of the four stages of diabetic retinopathy.
• You can develop both proliferative retinopathy and macular edema and still see fine. However, you are at high risk for vision loss.
• Your eye care professional can tell if you have macular edema or any stage of diabetic retinopathy. Whether or not you have symptoms, early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

If you have diabetic retinopathy, you may need an eye exam more often. People with proliferative retinopathy can reduce their risk of blindness by 95 percent with timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care.  The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) showed that better control of blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of retinopathy. The people with diabetes who kept their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible also had much less kidney and nerve disease.  This level of blood sugar control may not be best for everyone, including some elderly patients, children under age 13, or people with heart disease. Be sure to ask your doctor if such a control program is right for you.  Other studies have shown that controlling elevated blood pressure and cholesterol can reduce the risk of vision loss. Controlling these will help your overall health as well as help protect your vision.**

*Information gathered from the National Diabetes Education Program
CLICK HERE to read the Diabetes Snapshot from the National Diabetes Education Program
 
**Information gathered from the National Eye Institute
CLICK HERE to learn more about Diabetic Retinopathy from the National Eye Institute

WBRC Welcomes New O&M Instructor

Ms. Hass & Guide Dog Puppy Hawthorne

WBRC is proud to announce that Ms. Lindsay Hass has accepted the position of WBRC Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Instructor.  Ms. Hass started on October 7th.  Ms. Hass completed her Master’s degree in Special Education with emphasis in Guide Dog Mobility and Orientation & Mobility at San Francisco State University in 2010.  She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Spanish from the University of California, Davis.  Ms. Hass completed her Graduate Level O&M internship at the WBRC in 2010 and is an ACVREP certified O&M Specialist (COMS).  Ms. Hass previously worked for the San Diego Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, where she served as an O&M Specialist.  She also participates in the Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy raising program and is currently raising Hawthorne, a male Yellow Labrador Retriever, which is her 5th guide dog puppy.  Welcome to the WBRC Team Lindsay!

2013 WBRC White Cane Awareness Walk a Huge Success

Photo: Chris Kliks and Brian Higgins walk at the event [Photo via Bookshare]

The 2013 White Cane Awareness Walk hosted by WBRC on October 16, 2013 was a huge success with over 60 marchers!  WBRC Students and Staff members were joined by participants from Bookshare, the VISTA Center, and the Palo Alto Host Lions Club on a stroll across El Camino Real and along South California Ave in Palo Alto, CA.  This event, designed to celebrate the ability of persons with vision impairment to lead full and independent lives, also included public education of the White Cane Law. 

 
The White Cane Law states that pedestrians who use a white cane or dog guide have certain rights.  Only persons who are legally blind are lawfully allowed to carry a white cane.   Legal Blindness is defined as someone who has best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye; or a visual field limitation of 20 degrees or less.  Some people with vision loss do not fall under the legal blindness definition but can still benefit from use of a long cane in a different color, such as yellow.

The California Vehicle Code 21963 states that a person carrying a predominantly white cane or using a dog guide shall have the right-of-way, that the driver of any vehicle approaching this person who fails to yield, or take all reasonable precautions to avoid injuring this pedestrian is guilty of a misdemeanor.  This is punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a $500 to $1,000 fine, or both. 

Bookshare and VISTA center (both located along the route) hosted meet and greets for the group which involved education about services and community resources.  WBRC would like to thank everyone who planned, volunteered, hosted, and marched in this event.  

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

CLICK HERE to read the Bookshare Blog Posting Regarding this Event

CLICK HERE to learn more about Bookshare

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Palo Alto Host Lions Club

CLICK HERE to learn more about the VISTA Center

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