WBRC Announces New Technology Program Coordinator

Photo: Scott Jaffray, WBRC Technology Program Coordinator

WBRC is proud to announce that Scott Jaffray has accepted the position of Technology Program Coordinator.  He started in this new position on October 12th, 2015.  Mr. Jaffray has been an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist at the WBRC since January of 2012 and is also cross-trained in CNVR, iProgram, and Computer Access Technology.  Mr. Jaffray completed an internship program at the WBRC in the O&M Department in 2011.  Mr. Jaffray has a Master’s Degree from California State University of Los Angles in O&M and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from California State University of Stanislaus.  He is accredited by ACVREP as Certified O&M Specialist.  Congratulations Scott!

WBRC Welcomes New Computer Access Training Program Supervisor

WBRC is proud to announce that Glenda Buscarello has accepted the position of WBRC Computer Access Training Program Supervisor.  Mrs. Buscarello started in December of 2014.  Mrs. Buscarello is a graduate of San Francisco State University where she obtained degrees as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and in Orientation and Mobility (O&M).  She is accredited by ACVREP as a Low Vision Therapist, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, and an O&M Specialist.  She is also a Veteran who retired from the United States Air Force Reserve in 2006 after 21 years of service.  She previously worked for the University of Colorado, Boulder as the Disability Access Coordinator and has also taught college courses covering a variety of computer equipment and software including JAWS, ZoomText, and iPad/iPhone.  Welcome to the WBRC Team Glenda!

WBRC Welcomes New CATs Instructor

Photo: Mr. Kliks with his service dog, Marge

WBRC is proud to announce that Mr. Christopher Kliks has accepted the position of WBRC Computer Access Training Section (CATS) Instructor.  Mr. Kliks started on August 12th of this year.  Mr. Kliks completed his Master’s degree in Special Education with licensure in Visual Impairment and Blindness at Portland State University in 2012.  He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from The Evergreen State College.  Mr. Kliks previously worked for the Perkins School for the Blind, where he served as the Outreach Program Interdisciplinary Team Educator.  He also completed an internship teaching Science at the Indiana School for the Blind and was one of 24 educators in the country selected for ‘Teachers of Tomorrow’, a year long program sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind.  Welcome to the WBRC Team Chris!

WBRC Launches 'iProgram'

Photo: An Apple iPad 4 and iPhone 4

The WBRC has launched the ‘iProgram’.  Although the iPad and iPhone have been taught previously as a specialty Computer Access Training (CATS) program, the ‘iProgram’ is a departure from the traditional CATS structure.  The length of the program has been changed from an average of 4 week admission to a 2 week admission to better meet the needs of our Veterans.  The new 'iProgram' is an intensive program similar to the basic program.  The Veteran receives one on one instruction for 6 periods a day with 3 different instructors.  Another new component of the program is the Technology Lab, which is taught an additional period during the day in a group setting.  It covers advanced skills outside the basic skills parameters.  Up to three participants are brought in at a time to work on either the iPad or the iPhone.  Many Veterans report enjoying the camaraderie and skill reinforcement experienced by working together outside of the schedule class periods. 

The iPad and iPhone both have built-in accessibility software to magnify or provide verbal output to allow access for the visually impaired or blind population.  The iPhone and iPad each act as a portable computer and offer many of the same functions users enjoy on their desktop or laptop computer.  Once the basic core competencies have been met for issuance, treatment is individualized for each Veteran based on need and skill level.  During the basic program, the Veteran will often master basic skills of the Phone (iPhone only), Contacts (address book), Calendar, Notes, Mail, Siri and Safari (Internet).  In the technology lab, the Veteran may master advanced skills using iCloud, iTunes, Camera and Photos.  An advanced iProgram is also available for Veterans who would like to return to continue to learn advance functions of the device.  If you are a veteran or active duty service member with vision loss interested in participating in the iProgram please contact your VIST to request a referral.

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 Welcomes Four New Staff Members

Photo: Left to Right, Constance Marsh, Tony Chambers, Elizabeth Hilburn, and Julie Hogan

The WBRC is proud welcome four new staff members to the team:

Constance Marsh has accepted the position of Computer Aided Technology Instructor.  Ms. Marsh’s start date was August 31^st, 2012.  Ms. Marsh graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education, Emphasis on Orientation and Mobility from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2012.  She is accredited by ACVREP as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. In August of 2012, she completed a two-year Technical Career Field (TCF) Internship, which she began at the Charlie Norwood VA Hospital, in Augusta, Georgia and completed at the WBRC.  As part of the internship, Ms. Marsh was cross-trained in Visual Skills, Manual Skills, and Low Vision Orientation and Mobility. 

Tony Chambers has accepted the position of Orientation and Mobility Instructor.  Mr. Chambers’ officially started in October, 2012 after finishing a 2 year long Technical Career Field (TCF) internship at the WBRC.  As part of the TCF internship, Mr. Chambers was also cross-trained in Manual Skills.  Mr. Chambers completed an additional internship program at the WBRC in the Orientation and Mobility Department in 2009.  Mr. Chambers has a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Orientation and Mobility and also completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Western Michigan University.  He is accredited by ACVREP as Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

Elizabeth Hilburn has accepted the position of Manual Skills Instructor.  Mrs. Hilburn’s start date was September 10^th, 2012.  Mrs. Hilburn has a  Master’s Degree in Special Education with a Credential in Orientation and Mobility from California State University, Los Angeles and also completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.  She completed her Orientation and Mobility internship at WBRC in Spring of 2012.  Mrs. Hilburn is accredited by ACVREP as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. 

Julie Hogan has accepted the position of Orientation and Mobility Instructor.  Mrs. Hogan’s start date was July 30^th, 2012.  Ms. Hogan has a Master’s Degree from California State University Los Angeles in Special Education with an emphasis in Orientation and Mobility and also completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at University of California Santa Barbara.  She is accredited by ACVREP as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.  Mrs. Hogan has over 6 years of volunteer experience serving veterans within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.  Mrs. Hogan completed her two-year Technical Career Field Internship at the Los Angeles VA Hospital and also an internship program at the WBRC in the Orientation and Mobility Department in 2011. 

Welcome to the WBRC Team Constance, Tony, Elizabeth, and Julie!