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