May 3, 2013

WBRC Names New Orientation and Mobility Department Supervisor



Photo: John Kingston (left) works with a veteran on Neuro-Vision Rehabilitation
Please join us in congratulating John Kingston on his new position as WBRC Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Departmental Supervisor.  Mr. Kingston completed his university O&M internship at WBRC in 2005 and graduated in 2006 with his Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from San Francisco State University.  In 2006, Mr. Kingston received his ACVREP certification and joined the WBRC O&M Department as a rehabilitation specialist.  He is a subject matter expert for Power Mobility, GPS, and neuro-vision rehabilitation. 

In 2007, Mr. Kingston was involved in the initial creation and implementation of the Comprehensive Neuro-Vision Rehabilitation (CNVR) program which addresses vision loss as a result of brain injury. Under his tutelage, the CNVR program received an exemplary award from CARF during the WBRC 2008 and 2011 CARF accreditation review.   As CNVR Coordinator, Mr. Kingston received specialized training to provide therapy to patients combined brain injury/vision needs, and has specialized training to teach other staff members on Neurological Vision Technology (NVT) Systems training equipment and methods.  At this time he is the only NVT trainer residing in the United States.  Mr. Kingston is involved with various research projects, has co-authored two peer reviewed articles that were published in 2010 and has presented at numerous conferences on brain injury and vision.  Mr. Kingston is also a Certified Interactive Metronome Provider. 

Mr. Kingston is committed to promoting excellence in clinical care, developing new treatment modalities, providing opportunities for professional development and ensuring that the WBRC continues to be a recognized leader in comprehensive vision rehabilitation.

May 1, 2013

May VIST Group Meeting Announced for Palo Alto


Image: VIST Logo


Veterans, Family Members, and Caregivers:

The Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) is pleased to announce the date for the May support group meeting for low vision, blind, and visually impaired veterans.  The group will be held at the Palo Alto VAPAHCS Hospital, Bldg. 7 Trailer C from 10:00-11:00am.

The next Palo Alto VIST group meeting will be held on: 

Thursday May 16th  

The group is both informational and supportive in nature and all are welcome to attend. Each month will be a different presentation to support the community of veterans with sight-loss. Family members and Caregivers are also encouraged to come.

Question Contacts are:  

Patrick Finan, MSW
Coordinator, Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)
VA Palo Alto HCS
(650) 852-3467

Elizabeth Jessen,
Poly Trauma VIST Coordinator/Health Science Specialist
VA Palo Alto HCS
(650) 493-5000 ext. 63431

The remaining 2013 VIST Support Group Meeting dates are as follows (3rd Thursday of every month):

May 16
June 20
July 18
August 15
September 19
October 17
November 21
December 19