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!

December Technology Tip: iOS 8 and Bluetooth Keyboard Use

Photo: An Apple Brand Bluetooth Keyboard

The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center's (WBRC) iProgram has been getting a lot of questions lately from iProgram Alumni and current students regarding the recent Apple Operating Software (iOS) update for iPhones and iPads.  WBRC has hesitated to encourage users who use an iPhone or iPad with VoiceOver to update if they use a Bluetooth Keyboard.  Why?  Because it appeared that the keyboard letter and number keys would not work with an iPhone or iPad with iOS 8 or later while using VoiceOver.... frustrating!

Well - after a bit of research we have discovered the solution to this problem.  The iPhone/iPad with iOS 8 or later user can use an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and VoiceOver at the same time by turning 'Quick Nav' OFF on their keyboard.

What is Quick Nav?  Most interaction with VoiceOver involves the use of keyboard shortcuts, and many of these shortcuts include the Control and Option keys. These keys are known as the VoiceOver (VO) keys.  Quick Nav is a new feature in iOS 8 that allows you to navigate without having to use the VO keys.  The problem is that with Quick Nav on - the letter and number keys don't work.

How do I turn off Quick Nav?  Simply press the left arrow key and the right arrow key on your keyboard at the same time to turn Quick Nav off or on.  The letter and number keys will work on the keyboard with Quick Nav off.  Turn Quick Nav back on to navigate without having to use the VO keys.

Should I update to iOS 8? Choosing to update your iPhone or iPad software is a purely personal choice.  While the differences between iOS 7 and iOS 8 are not drastic - there are differences.  It is always advised that you do your research in order to make an informed decision prior to updating your software.  WBRC iProgram Alum should feel free to contact the WBRC Technology Coordinator at 650-493-5000 x24158 with questions regarding software updates.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC Computer Access and iProgram

Article by: Summer Beasley-Hoffman

Staff Perspective: Why I Love My iPhone

Photo: A person's hands holding an iPone

By Beth Hiseler, WBRC Living Skills, CATs, and iProgram Instructor

When a tech savvy, visually impaired staff member handed me his iPhone a few years ago, I have to admit I didn’t recognize a good thing when I felt it.  As a blind touch typist and braille user for decades, I was very comfortable using a keyboard; it seemed like the perfect way to communicate with a device.  The iPhone had no keys—only a few buttons—and its touch screen made me feel disoriented and powerless.  I rushed back to my Nokia cell phone.  Maybe it wasn’t smart, but it had all those reassuring tactile buttons.  If I got an iPhone, would I be able to answer my calls before they went to voicemail?

But, over the years, they wore me down.  The iPhone and iPad took the WBRC by storm.  Veterans were more interested in them than any other part of our programs.  I’d had some training with the phone at work, but when my students came to Living Skills class with more knowledge about the iPhone than I possessed, I decided I’d better get one of my own.

When I brought my new iPhone home, I was fortunate to have a tech savvy friend to set some things up for me the way instructors do for their veterans at the WBRC; the Apple Store staff were pretty helpful too.  At the beginning, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.  I had to practice quite a bit to get comfortable, but it was more fun and more functional than I had thought it might be.  I learned to tap, double tap and swipe to let the device know what I wanted to do, and I could definitely answer calls before they went to voicemail!  I could also download books and music and actually preferred the phone to the computer for these activities.  The weather, news, stocks and more were literally at my fingertips.  There was also Siri, who performed various activities when I pressed a button and asked for assistance—placing calls, checking the temperature, setting alarms and reminders—she was more limited than a human, but she really could handle a lot of tasks quite quickly and efficiently.  There were, I discovered, apps for identifying money, bar codes, and colors, and they all worked on this one little device.  If you’re feeling like a new adventure and are willing to spend some time coming up the learning curve, some day, you might find you love your iPhone too!

CLICK HERE to lean more about the WBRC iProgram

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

iPad & iPhone Update Information

By: Laura Koehler, COMS, WBRC Technology Coordinator

Photo: An iPad 4 and iPhone 4

Many veterans have participated in the WBRC's iProgram training for the iPad 4 and iPhone 4.  With the recent available updates, these veterans should note the information below: 

Attention iPhone and iPad Users:

Please do not download the iOS 7 software update for your iPhone or iPad if you haven’t already.  Your iPad/iPhone will continue to work properly without installing the update.  The iProgram team is in the  process of completing a thorough evaluation of the Pros and Cons of this update and will inform you of the results when completed.

For those of you who have already downloaded the update:

Voice Over Users: 

Many of the native Apps (ones that come with the device) have additional functionality, and have onscreen elements that have moved or may be relabeled (i.e. – “Utilities button” is now “Share Button”).  The best approach is to continue to flick right or left to explore and find what you want.

Zoom Users:

Many of the native apps have a slightly different appearance and may be more difficult to see.  To assist with that, using a solid black background could be helpful.  Additionally, there are settings that can be changed and may help.  In the Settings App, under General , consider changing the following Accessibility settings:

Larger Type  - turn On, Increase Contrast – turn On, Reduce Motion – turn On. Bold Text – turn on (note when changing bold text to on the device needs to restart, just confirm OK to make the change.)

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC iProgram

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