WBRC Welcomes New Admissions Coordinator

Alvaro Vargas, WBRC Admissions Coordinator

The WBRC welcomes Alvaro Vargas as the new Admissions Coordinator! Al obtained his Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix in November of 2015 and started at the WBRC in August of 2016. He is a 20 year (Reserve and Active Duty combined) U.S. Army Veteran. Prior to working at the WBRC, Al worked for the Department of Defense as a Health Readiness Coordinator for 5 years. We are excited to have Al join the WBRC team!


WBRC Welcomes New Visual Skills Instructor

Shoshannah Jones, Visual Skills Instructor

Shoshannah Jones is the new Visual Skills, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist at the WBRC. She received her M.A. in Special Education-Option Visual Impairments at California State University, Los Angeles. Shoshannah has previously been an Orientation and Mobility Specialist for VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and for the Lighthouse Guild in New York City.  She has also filled this role at Aspire Charter Public Schools in Sacramento. Prior to graduating, she completed both Orientation and Mobility and Low Vision Internships at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare Blind Rehabilitation Clinic in Tucson, AZ.  Shoshannah is pleased to be working with Veterans again at the WBRC. Welcome to the team, Shoshannah!

WBRC Welcomes a New Living Skills Instructor

Kristine Williams, WBRC Living Skills Instructor

The WBRC welcomes Kristine Williams as a new Living Skills instructor! Kristine received her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Teaching and Certificate in Low Vision from Salus University in Pennsylvania. She completed internships at the Long Beach Blind Rehabilitation Center in the Living Skills and Visual Skills Departments. Kristine also completed a Low Vision internship at The Eye Institute in Philadelphia. Welcome to the team, Kristine!

WBRC Welcomes New Living Skills Instructor



Alex Gabel, Living Skills Instructor



The WBRC welcomes Alex Gabel as a new Living Skills instructor! Alex attended Michigan State University for his Bachelor of the Arts in Marketing and received his Master’s Degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from Western Michigan University. Alex first began working in the visual rehabilitation field through Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind and the Michigan Blind Athletic Association where he taught adaptive sports, outdoor activities, and life skills to youths who were blind and visually impaired. Welcome to the team, Alex!



WBRC Completes 12th Annual White Cane Awareness Walk

White Cane Awareness Walk participants 2016 

Thank you to everyone who helped plan, implement, and who participated in the 12th Annual WBRC White Cane Awareness Walk in Los Altos, CA, on October 19, 2016. ...The walk was a huge success with over 60 participants from the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center, Los Altos City Staff including Mayor Jeannie Bruins, WBRC Alumni, past WBRC O&M Interns, Guide Dog Puppy Raisers, and other community agencies.
On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day". White Cane Safety Day is now celebrated all around the world. Each year on October 15th, the President of the United States proclaims the day of White Cane Safety Day to “to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision”.

Please see the WBRC Facebook page for additional photos at:

https://www.facebook.com/WesternBlind

WBRC Welcomes New O&M Instructor

Janessa Baccay, WBRC O&M Instructor

WBRC is proud to announce that Janessa Baccay has accepted the position of WBRC Orientation & Mobility Instructor! Janessa started on October 17, 2016. She received her Masters and Credential in Special Education for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) from San Francisco State University in May 2016. She also earned a BA in Liberal Studies. Janessa completed an 11 week internship in O&M at the WBRC in the beginning of 2016. She has also interned at the California School for the Blind in Fremont, instructing school-ages students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. Welcome to the WBRC Team, Janessa!



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

August Construction Update

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (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-shared courtyards, a greenhouse, golf-putting green, bocce ball court, and half basketball court. 

Photo: B-500 as seen from front walkway area.

At 174,000 square feet, this new facility will be the largest consolidated rehabilitation center in the VA nationwide.  It 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, with much of the landscaping installed.

Photo: Front Entrance of B-500 with landscaping and lighting.

The center will also have an outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy clinic, and 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 sometime next year.


CLICK HERE to view additional construction pictures


CLICK HERE for construction updates


CLICK HERE to read the project's news release

Healthy Teaching Kitchen Visits WBRC

Photo: Stock photograph of Zucchini displayed in a burlap bag

WBRC's Matter of Balance group was honored this week when the VAPAHCS 'Healthy Teaching Kitchen' provided a private cooking demonstration to the group at the center.  The Healthy Teaching Kitchen is a program run through the Palo Alto VA by the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Coordinator and provides live healthy cooking demonstration events to promote healthy nutrition.


During the demonstration WBRC Matter of Balance students observed the preparation and cooking of two healthy Zucchini recipes.  They asked questions and tasted samples of the completed recipes.  The Healthy Teaching Kitchen staff also educated participates about some helpful kitchen gadgets, a vegetable spiralizer and a grate and slice set, that promote safe preparation of the needed ingredients.

Photo: A sample of a Vegetable Spiralizer

The vegetable spiralizer comes in many styles, and turns firm vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, etc. into vegetable noodles which can be used instead of pasta in many recipes.  CLICK HERE to learn more. 

Photo: A sample of the grate and slice set

The grate and slice set is composed of a non-slip container with 4 'lids' or cutting surfaces with a coarse grater, a medium grater, a straight slicer, and a julienne slicer.  A hand guard prevents injury.  CLICK HERE to learn more.


Please see below for the two Zucchini Recipes demonstrated by the Healthy Teaching Kitchen:


Zucchini Mint Salad
Servings per Recipe: 6-8


Ingredients

4 small or 3 medium zucchinis

3 to 4 sprigs of mint

1 lemon

About 2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

*Optional 1 container of plain Greek yogurt

Directions

Clean zucchinis and pat them dry. Trim and slice thinly and evenly as possible.  Layer zucchini slices onto a serving platter.

Take mint leaves off their stems and stack in a layer.  Roll leaves lengthwise into a cigarette shape and cut into thin ribbons. Set aside.

Use a zester to zest the lemon over the zucchini.  Once you have most of the zest off the lemon, cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the zucchini.

Drizzle zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  Top the entire salad with the mint.

Nutritional Information

*Nutrition information does not include Greek Yogurt

Calories : 63

Carbohydrates: 7

Fat: 3

Protein: 3

Sodium: 106 mg

Sugar: 4

_________________________________________________

Zucchini Pasta Primavera

Servings per Recipe: 4

Ingredient

4 large zucchini

1 cup cherry tomatoes

¼ cup basil

1 cup spinach

2 cloves of garlic

¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 ½ TBSP Olive Oil

Directions

Using a shredder or a vegetable noodle maker cut up the zucchini into long noodle like strands and set aside, then slice cherry tomatoes in half, set to the side.  Now gather basil and spinach and coarsely chop and set to the side. Finally chop or crush garlic and leave on the cutting board.


Next heat olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat, once warm add garlic and tomatoes until fragrant.  Next add the zucchini noodles and toss items together for 2-3 minutes.  Once noodles are tender, remove from heat and place in a serving bowl. Toss with spinach, basil, and cheeses and then serve. 


Nutrition Information
Calories: 149

Carbohydrates: 13

Fat: 8g

Protein: 9g

Sodium: 158mg

Sugar: 6

Tips for Eating More Fruits and Vegetables

#1: Choose a day of the week to have only vegetables like a Meatless Monday, choose beans, edamame, or other legumes for the protein.

#2: Vegetables are pretty versatile, they really can be cooked in many ways, try grilling next.

#3: Add more vegetables and fruits to dishes to fill them up and make the dish look large without increasing the calories. You can also be sneaky by adding vegetables to dishes like burgers and pastas

#4: Add protein and flavor with items such as plain, non-fat yogurt to fruits and vegetables.

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

WBRC Students Attend Healthy Teaching Kitchen Demo

Photo: WBRC Veterans interact at the Healthy Teaching Kitchen Demo

WBRC Students Attended a Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK)cooking demonstration today at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System Wednesday Farmer's Market.  The Healthy Teaching Kitchen is a program run through VAPAHCS by the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Coordinator and provides live healthy cooking demonstration events.  The Healthy Teaching Kitchen provides demonstrations at the VAPAHCS Wednesday Farmer's Market on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.


During the demonstration the Veterans observed the preparation and cooking of a healthy recipe for 'Mediterranean Beef Burgers', asked questions, and tasted a sample of the completed recipe.  The HTK staff also educated participants about food safety when cooking outdoors.


They reported that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated foods and beverages and about 3,000 die each year. When foods are prepared on the grill or at picnics, it is even more important to practice good food safety.  HTK recommended the following tips for cooking outdoors:


Cook:
Cook foods at the right temperature.  Many people thing they cane tell when food is 'done' by checking it's color and texture.  But there is no way to tell if it is safe without using a food thermometer.  Cooking temperatures vary, for instance chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F and ground beef to 160 degrees F.  Visit www.foodsafety.gov for more information.


Clean
Wash hands and surfaces often, illness causing bacteria can survive in many places around your cooking area including hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops.  Make sure when you are preparing foods you have a working sink or wash station near by.


Chill
Refrigerate foods promptly.  Illness-causing bacteria can grow in many foods within two hours unless you refrigerate them.  During the summer heat, cut that time down to one hour.  Always keep cold items cold by covering them with ice and keeping them in the shade.


Separate
Separate raw meats from other foods.  Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread illness-causing bacteria to ready-to-eat foods - unless you keep them separate.  Use different cutting boards for meat and veggies to limit contamination.


Please see below for the Recipe:

Mediterranean Beef Burgers

Ingredients

1lb Ground Beef (90% Lean/10% Fat)

1 Large Green Onion (Scallion)

¾ cup of Baby Spinach

1/3 cup of crumbled Feta Cheese

1 ½ tsp Fresh Dill

½ tsp Salt

½ tsp Black Pepper

2 cloves of garlic

First, chop green onions, spinach, dill and garlic and set to the immediate side. Next, wash your hands thoroughly, in a large bowl combine ground beef, chopped onions, spinach, dill, garlic, feta, salt and pepper.  Once all is in the bowl, using hands combine all of the items into a large well mixed ball. Separate burgers out into 4 equal sized patties.  Wash your hands again thoroughly.

Next heat a grill pan or frying pan on medium high heat, spray with cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil and set burgers in pan.  Cook on each side for 6 minutes for medium doneness or until it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Dress your burger on a whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomatoes and other condiments, or enjoy you burger cut up in to strips in a pita or on a bed of lettuce.   

Nutrition

Calories: 313 Cal

Carbs: 2g

Fat: 14g

Protein: 32g

Sodium: 415mg

Sugar: 0g

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.

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

WBRC Outreach: San Francisco VA VIST Team Meeting

Image: Matter of Balance Logo

On June 13th WBRC was honored to be invited to present to the Visual Impairment Services Team monthly meeting at the San Francisco VA Hospital Campus.  Mrs. Summer Beasley, MA COMS, WBRC Blind Rehabilitation Specialist presented to the group, consisting of the VIST Coordinator, Blind Rehabilitation staff members, a Veteran representative, as well several service Chiefs including Optometry, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics, and Rehabilitative Nursing about the WBRC's Matter of Balance Program.

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 starting 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.

Interested Veterans with Vision Loss apply to the program by talking to their Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator about being referred to this 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.mainehealth.org/mh_body.cfm?id=5195

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.

 

NCEFT Features Veteran in New Video

Video: NCEFT features Veteran in new video. 

Click on the image above to play

The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT) in Woodside, CA has long been a resource for Veterans, including those attending the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center.  Founded in 1971, the NCEFT has worked with children, adults, and Veterans with a variety of disabilities providing a wide range of equine activities.  WBRC Recreation Therapy department has developed a strong relationship with NCEFT, participating with their Veterans Program on a regular basis.

The NCEFT Veteran's program offers Active Duty Service Members and Veterans the opportunity to participate in services at no cost.  The program encourages physical and cognitive rehabilitation, providing Veterans with a safe environment in which to regain their independence, confidence, and strength.  This program is funded entirely by donations. 

Programs including Hippotherapy, a treatment in which equine movement is used as part of a coordinated intervention program to reach functional goals in the areas of physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy.  Adaptive riding, which emphasizes the acquisition of riding and horsemanship skills, in an effort to achieve physical, emotional, and cognitive goals.  And adaptive horsemanship, where students are organized into small groups lessons with other Veterans.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC Recreation Therapy Program

CLICK HERE to learn more about NCEFT

VAPAHCS Expands Access with CVS MinuteClinic

Photo: A CVS Minute Clinic

Letter from the VAPAHCS Director:


On Tuesday, May 24, VA Palo Alto Health Care System launched a pilot that will bring even more access to our Veterans with the CVS Minute Clinic.


The unique program is only for Veterans enrolled at VAPAHCS, allowing them to be referred by the Telephone Care Program to a participating CVS Minute Clinic in Northern California. They can receive same-day care for minor illnesses and injuries, even on nights and weekends.


The pilot program allows Veterans enrolled for care with VAPAHCS to receive a broad range of free services at a CVS MinuteClinic. At the moment, there are only 14 participating CVS MinuteClinics within Northern California.
Veterans must be enrolled for care at VAPAHCS and must be referred by an advice nurse for any minor illness or injuries by calling the Telephone Care Line (1-800-455-0057).

What is a MinuteClinic?
MinuteClinic, the walk-in medical clinic inside select CVS/pharmacy® stores, is the largest provider of retail health care in the United States. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries and skin conditions, the clinics also provide all kinds of wellness services, including vaccinations, physicals, and screenings and monitoring for chronic conditions.

CVS is the only retail health care provider to receive three consecutive accreditations from The Joint Commission. Learn more at www.cvs.com/minuteclinic.

How does it work?
Veterans must first call the Telephone Care Line (1-800-455-0057) to have an advice nurse assess their healthcare need. The nurse can refer any care for minor illnesses or injuries and skin conditions to this program. The Veteran can receive a same-day appointment at their nearest participating MinuteClinic and also receive medication.

After the visit, the MinuteClinic provider will send over the records of the visit to VAPAHCS so the Veteran’s primary care provider can follow up, providing continuity of care.

What CVS MinuteClinics are participating?
There are currently 14 participating CVS MinuteClinic locations in Costra Costa, Sacramento, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.


The pilot took a lot of hard work to get off the ground and I want to thank everyone involved, especially the champion of the pilot, Dr. Sarah Russell. Without her persistence and expertise, this pilot would not have succeeded - thank you Sarah!


Lisa Freeman
VAPAHCS Director

WBRC Alumnus Update: Terry Kebbel

Photo: Terry Kebbel (2nd from right) and his wife (right) stand in the
doorway to the Lighthouse Kebbel Family Tech Lab

WBRC recently received an update from Alumnus Terry Kebbel, which he graciously agreed to share here on the WBRC Blog.  Thanks Terry!


On Friday, May 6, 2016, just a few days from officially opening, I was privileged to take a pre-opening tour of the new San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Executive Director Bryan Bashin. 


The newly expanded location at 1155 Market Street occupies 3 floors and is designed by and for people who are blind and visually impaired so that they can fully participate in the 21^st century. There is specially designed lighting in each work area as well as soundproofing within rooms to enhance audio interactions. Handrails at stairways are both ergonomic and visually pleasing. The multipurpose meeting space includes all the latest technical features including state of the art cameras, microphones, and window shades, to benefit every participant. The Wi-Fi network was so fast that when I updated the applications on my iphone it was almost instantaneous!


Of special interest to me and my family are the three “Kebbel Family Tech Labs”. These labs have been equipped with the latest adaptive technology to assist people who are blind or visually impaired. The labs will have a wide variety of equipment that trainers will use to customize programs that meet the specific needs of each client in a room that is designed for minimum sound interference.  

Terry also contributes to www.blindnotalone.com