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