C.B.R.C. TORCH

Fall 2017

A publication of the Central Blind Rehabilitation Center

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital

Mission

The mission of the Hines

Blind Rehabilitation Center

is to provide High-Quality

Blind Rehabilitation Service

through the provision of a

broad range of programs.

“A Blind Center is where

faith is strongest that blind

people deserve hope,

respect and freedom. These

are accorded first, followed

by the means of achieving

them. Our civilization

permits wholesome living

when blind and here one learns how.”

Russell C. Williams

WWII Veteran

First Chief of the Hines VA

Blind Rehabilitation Center

1948

PROUDLY SERVING THE CENTRAL AREA REGION

CBRC TORCH NEWSLETTER TEAM The following Blind Center Staff members are responsible for bringing you the TORCH Newsletter: Karen Dahlheimer, Administration Meet the Staff Sean Johnson, Manual Skills Shop Talk with Sean Susan Knauff , Visual Skills Eye Conditions Rita Hutton, National Program Consultant Recreation Therapy at the BRC Jamie Ogarek, Manual Skills Resources Emily Traylor, Computer Access Training Technology Today Anthony Cleveland, Supervisor, Living Skills National Disabled Veterans Tee Tournament Ann Suchie, Communications Specialist /Editor/Administration CHOW Call Veteran Spotlight Know Your VIST Denise Van Koevering Chief, Blind Rehabilitation Service

Table of Contents In our efforts to improve the accessibility of the TORCH, visually impaired friendly features have been incorporated. The Table of Contents below allows e-readers to float the curser over the list of articles and use the commands “control and click” to quickly link to the article within the publication without having to scroll along line for line, page for page until you locate it. CBRC_TORCH_Newsletter_Team Table_of_Contents Chiefs_Message Performance_Improvement Meet_The_Staff Recreation_Therapy Technology_Talk CHOW_Call Shop_Talk_with_Sean Eye_Conditions RESOURCES Note_From_The_HBCA_President Tales_From_Andy Veteran_Spotlight Know_Your_VIST

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Chief’s Message

Greetings from the Blind Center here at Hines VA! It’s was a busy summer, and I hope you were able to enjoy it.

This year was the biennial Hines Blind Center Alumni Reunion. It was once again very successful. We enjoyed visiting with all who came out to participate. It was wonderful to catch-up! Thank you to the HBCA members who helped coordinate the reunion events and made it memorable. Read highlights from the business meeting submitted by HBCA President, Terry Kebbel, on page 16, and see the Center page spread of photos of the Reunion Picnic at Hines Blind Center starting on page 17.

The National TEE Tournament was successful, as usual, and hosted many Veterans from far and wide. We encourage participation each year with our inpatients. Read all about this wonderful event on page14.

We’ve made some strides in our program this year, and are anxious to share them with you.

Among them, we were the first VA Blind Center to admit a Veteran and train them on a new device called Brainport. Recently approved by the FDA, it is a device which works with software that converts an image captured by video camera glasses into electrical signals that are then sent to

an intra-oral device and perceived as vibrations on the user’s tongue. Read more about this new device and who is the best candidate for it on page 4.

On the academic side, along with our other internship programs, we have our first group of Computer Access Training Instructor/ Specialist (CATIS) graduate interns, training with us this fall, and completing the new (ACVREP approved) CATIS internship. Much like our Orientation & Mobility and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist internships, graduate students will be with us for several weeks obtaining hands-on training and developing skills in the latest adaptive computer access technology for the visually impaired. We wish them much success.

Please remember that October 15th is White Cane Safety Day. Many VA facilities, especially those with VIST Coordinators, might be hosting events or informational tables in common areas. Stop by and advocate for White Cane Safety in your region.

Also, Veterans Day is quickly approaching. While it is the day we observe to thank Veterans for their Service to the United States, it is also the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, ending WWI. Happy Veterans Day to all our Veterans. Thank you for your Service. We are honored to serve you.

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Performance Improvement Living Skills Enhancements

Submitted By-Blind Rehabilitation University Interns-Summer 2017: Lisa Borgo, Anthony Pozzi, Katie Debiak, Rachel DeCamp, Rina Diep, Corie Gallagher, and Meredith Bailey

The field of blindness and visual impairments is ever changing, as advancements in technology, provide access to make the lives of those with vision loss a little easier. The Summer Interns researched this technology, looking for good resources for our Vets. Some areas related to technology that have been explored included: iOS apps, Smart TV, Apple TV, Streaming Media, and accessible cell phones. Additionally, the Living Skills Healthy Eating Initiative Program was enhanced and the Sewing Program was revived. These areas were given an update to enhance the programs for the Veterans, and provide them with the most up to date resources available.

iOS Apps This is an age of technology and it is constantly changing and advancing. Various iOS apps that are used to help individuals who are blind and visually impaired were explored for usability. A new app called “Seeing AI” was researched. This is a free app that is

helpful to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. It is a talking camera app that allows users to identify bills, people, products, short text, documents, and describe the scene around you. It has many very helpful features.

Resources for learning Apple TV and Smart TV devices were updated. All major tech companies are moving towards a philosophy of universal access, and many televisions come with built in features for consumers with visual impairments. The Interns created user manuals for both Apple TV and Smart TV for rehabilitation instructors at the Center. Staff also created lesson plans for these devices. Lesson plans were designed for veterans to learn how to use the devices during off hours, such as nights and weekends when veterans have more free time and not in class. Today, common streaming media sources, such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime Videos have made it easier for the blind and visually impaired to access movies and favorite shows with audio description. These media sources can also be downloaded as phone and tablet apps for blind users to easily access audio descriptive videos the same way their sighted peers do. This feature is intended primarily for the blind and visually impaired community. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) implemented a new project that focuses on locating streaming media

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resources that provide audio description to its consumers. The following link will bring you to the ACB Audio Description Project for more information: http://www.acb.org/adp/streaming.html

Research for resources on affordable and accessible phone plans was conducted. Currently research revealed companies such as Straight Talk, Consumer Cellular and Walmart Family Share Plan as among some of the best options for Veterans to date.

Healthy Eating Initiative The Living Skills Healthy Eating Initiative was enhanced to include various substitutions that can be used to make meals healthier. For example, did you know you can use a banana instead of butter when baking? Or apple sauce instead of oil?

Sewing Finally, even the Sewing Program was refreshed this Summer as a result of the enthusiastic Summer Intern group. Benefits of sewing include enhancing focusing skills and reducing anxiety attacks. The sewing area was reorganized and new lesson plans were created to enhance Veteran’s learning and motivation to try this craft. A new supply of fabric and other sewing supplies were added to the sewing station to ensure successful projects for our Veterans.

New Blind Rehabilitation Technology; BRAINPORT

In our ongoing efforts to improve access to care to Blinded and Visually Impaired Veterans, the Central Blind Rehabilitation Center at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital is now providing training on a new FDA approved device designed to offer an additional alternative to assistive devices used by the Blind and Visually Impaired. This new device promises to enhance outcomes when used along with other assistive devices such as the long cane or guide dogs. This technology is known as the BrainPort ®V100. Offering this additional option to Veterans will ultimately enhance our system of care in providing the latest in assistive technology for the blind. BrainPort ®V100 is a battery-powered device that includes a video camera mounted on a pair of glasses, and a small, flat intra-oral device containing a

Mobility Training with the Brainport

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series of electrodes that the user holds against their tongue. Software converts the image captured by the video camera into electrical signals that are then sent to the intra-oral device and perceived as vibrations on the user’s tongue. With training and experience, the user learns to interpret the signals to determine the location, position, size and shape of objects and to determine if objects are moving or stationary. It is a non-surgical alternative which uses other senses to give users information about the size, shape and location of objects. By processing visual images with their tongues, it is essentially a different way to see. Offering this device and associated training would heighten functional independence for blinded Veterans, and would enhance independence in performing activities of daily living. The existing blind rehabilitation program is the ideal environment to train blinded Veterans on this new device. Certified Rehabilitation instructors are already familiar with the barriers that blinded individuals encounter in daily life, and are prepared to provide the support needed for Veterans to be successful in training on this device. By adding this innovation to the current program of care offered through Blind Rehabilitation, this innovation allows VA to • Offer an increase in efficiency in

access to care

• Increase Patient Satisfaction • Maintain VA’s position as a leader

in Blind Rehabilitation • Reinforce VA’s ability to offer the

latest in cutting edge technology Eligible best candidates for this device? • Confirmed written visual diagnosis

by an eye care specialist of “No Light Perception or “Light Perception

• Physically healthy to travel frequently outside the home

• Previous successfully completed conventional blind rehabilitation including orientation and mobility training with a long cane

• Familiar with the use of access technology

• Reading ability to comprehend the training manual

• Sufficient hearing (with assistive listening devices if necessary)

• Manual dexterity sufficient to manipulate controls

Patient Training on the Brainport Device

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Meet the Staff In this issue of the Torch, we are featuring the dedicated staff in the Visual Skills Department. Introducing, Christina (Chrissy) Delbridge. Chrissy is originally from Milwaukee, WI, but grew up in Wyoming, MI. She earned her Master’s in Blind Rehabilitation at Western Michigan University, coming to Hines in 2004 to complete her internship. Her background is in Orientation and Mobility. Chrissy has spent the last 13 years in the Visual Skills Department. Susan Knauff hails from Munster, IN. Her educational background is in Occupational Therapy along with a dual Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Teaching and Orientation and Mobility, which she earned at Northern Illinois University. Susan has been at Hines for 13.5 years working in O&M as well as Visual Skills. Mike McCarthy comes to us from Milford, MI. Mike exhibits a special interest in the new technologies available in the Visual Skills arena. His graduate degree is from Western Michigan University and he holds certifications in O&M, RT, and LV. He has been a part of the Visual Skills staff since 2012.

Keely Moran is the newest member of the department. Keely is from Harvard, IL. She attended Carroll University and received her Master's in Blind Rehab from San Francisco University in Orientation and Mobility. Keely has been on staff at Hines for 8 years and has worked in Living Skills, and Visual Skills.

Visual Skills Staff-From Left, Mike McCarthy, Chrissy Delbridge, Keely Moran, Susan Knauff

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Recreation Therapy at the Blind Rehabilitation Center Walking/Hiking for the Visually Impaired

Everyone can enjoy the

outdoors, no matter their ability. However,

the outdoor environment can be

challenging for the blind or partially sighted. Autumn is a good time of year to venture out in cooler temperatures, crisp leaves, engaging many senses for visually challenged individuals who love being outdoors. Embracing a new sport such as walking or hiking, can provide opportunities to meet new people, or simply spend quality time with family and old friends.

Walking or hiking could prove one of the easiest, most enjoyable, forms of exercise. To get started – let’s "talk before we walk.”

Consider meeting with an Orientation & Mobility Specialist. A vision rehabilitation professional is trained to teach safe travel techniques to persons who are visually challenged. A training plan is based upon patient goals and individual needs. Explore your community and internet resources for additional walking/hiking resources for people with sight loss to include community groups of interest

and meet-up groups that could work well for you.

Consider investing in a pair of good walking/hiking shoes. This is an important consideration for those of us who can’t see the exact nature of the terrain we are walking on. High-quality shoes also provide better traction. You don’t have to have leather boots, but your footwear should provide support, protection from rocks and roots, and traction on wet and dry surfaces. Find a shoe fitting expert to help you discover the shoe that is best for you. It should give you proper support, flexibility, cushioning; and compensate for any stride problems you may have. It can be hard to determine all of that without some assistance. Check the listings below, which include just a few of the stores known to provide good athletic shoe fitting. Runner's World Store Finder Fleet Feet Sports. Walking Co. REI If you are blind or partially sighted, you will be pleased to know that there are routes and trails that have been designed with you in mind. These routes are easy to navigate, shorter in length and include features that make use of other senses. As you gain confidence, you can work your way up to longer hikes and more challenging terrain. Find out more about easy access routes by contacting your state

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parks and recreation facilities or your local library. In an effort to continue to improve the services we provide our blind and visually impaired Veterans, and, due to demand for more off-road worthy O&M skills, Hines Blind Center has begun the creation of a new orientation and mobility program specifically designed for hiking. Hikers of all skill levels may participate in the new program. Goals will be developed and abilities will be determined by the instructor and Veteran. Once goals are set, training up to that goal can be completed. Skills can range from casual walks along paved asphalt paths, to advanced treks up and down game trails in national parks. Anyone with a desire to unplug from technology and enjoy the outdoors is welcome. Prerequisites for the program include the ability to walk over a mile unassisted, good stability while walking, prior O&M training, and no medical issues preventing them from being outside and alone. The medical stability of a hiker is of extreme importance due to the inability to quickly access medical attention. Anyone interested in the hiking program will be evaluated upon arrival at the BRC for their admission. Lastly, if you choose to engage in this activity, remember a few simple safety precautions. Do not travel alone; take basic provisions; and above all, exercise both common courtesy, and common sense. Happy Hiking!!!

Technology Talk

Windows 10 is finally here and being distributed full force at the Blind Center. However, the new features that Microsoft boasts about, are not all that helpful for most of our students. For example, the new tile interface system is difficult to navigate with a screen reader, so we turn this feature off. This makes it appear like the classic Windows 7 system desktop. AVG, the anti-virus program that was once issued is no longer user friendly with many of our assistive technology programs. Instead, the Blind Center is now using Windows Defender, the built-in virus protection. Many of the new changes to the operating system do not affect the user's experience. However, one feature called "Cortana" might benefit some users. This voice activated feature allows users to speak to their computer much like Siri on the iPhone. Privacy is one concern that many people have about using this feature. This feature can allow you to do open web searches and find documents on your system using a simple voice command, but will not allow you do more complicated tasks such as moving items from one location to another.

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CHOW Call This issue of the TORCH’s CHOW Call has a little of both worlds; rich and decadent, and diabetic friendly. Both are seasonal and very easy to make. Creamy Autumn Potatoes • 1 Tbs butter • 1 cup chopped

onion • ½ garlic clove minced • 1-3 oz package cream cheese • 1 10.5 oz can condensed cream of

mushroom or cream of celery soup • 3-4 cups southern style hash

browns • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 1 quart casserole dish. In a sauce pan, sauté onion and garlic in butter over med heat until tender. Stir in cream cheese cubs, and undiluted soup. Cook stirring constantly until smooth and hot. In casserole dish, alternate layers of frozen potatoes and cream cheese sauce, ending with sauce layer. Cover and bake 45 minutes until sauce is bubbly and potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Food.com

Autumn Fruit Salad • Apples-5

medium • Grapes-Green

2 cups • Dried

Cranberries-1/4-1/2 cup

• Chopped Walnuts – 1/4-1/2 cup • Yogurt (vanilla works best) 2- 6 oz

Yoplait (for large batch) • Cinnamon-1 teaspoon • Lemon Juice Cut grapes in half, chop apples in small pieces (diced). Coat apples with small amount of lemon juice to keep from browning. Drain excess juice. Stir cinnamon into yogurt (keeps from clumping). Combine apples-walnuts and cranberries and yogurt sauce. Mix well. Lastly, fold in grapes gently, as they smash easily. Enjoy!

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Shop Talk with Sean Paracord Braiding In the Manual Skills department at Hines, we are always on the hunt for new ways to challenge our Veterans and for new hobbies that may be of interest. If you have been through the Blind Rehabilitation program at Hines, you may shudder at the sound of the words “Link Belt.” This activity has continued to challenge our Veteran’s for many years. This activity not only challenges the hands, but also the mind as you try to figure out the pattern that forms the link belt. Another activity that utilizes the same set of skills is paracord braiding or weaving. Paracord braiding is a hobby that involves using parachute cord to weave or braid to form a variety of different items. Projects that can be made with paracord braiding include bracelets, watch bands, belts, keychains, dog collars, and even cases for things like cell phones. Paracord is a lightweight, nylon rope that was originally used in World War II in the suspension lines of parachutes. This cord is available in a multitude of colors, can be purchased in bulk quantities, won’t rot or mildew and has a tensile strength of 550 lbs. (In other words, it is very strong).

A wide variety of braiding patterns can be learned to keep the hobby fun and fresh. Patterns can include just a single color of cord, or combination of two or more colors to make various patterns. For individuals with low vision, using contrasting cord colors may be helpful. Braiding patterns range from simple to very complex, and the patterns are all quite distinctive with names such as the “fishtail,” “cobra,” and “helix.” Paracord has gained popularity as a product for its strength and practicality, and therefore is readily available both online and in retail stores. I recently ran across a variety of cord at my local “big box” hardware store. Aside from the cord, you may need to purchase hardware for certain types of projects, such as a buckle for a bracelet or belt, or a key ring to make a keychain. Pre-packaged kits are also available online. Video tutorials with narration are available online for the various braids. See link below. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=paracord+101+tutorials&qpvt=paracord+101+tutorials&FORM=VDRE If you are looking for a fun and challenging hobby to try out this winter, pick up some paracord and try braiding!

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Eye Conditions Vision and Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disease that affects a person’s ability to move. Bradykinesia or slowness of movement is a major symptom of PD, along with tremors (especially at rest), rigidity, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Because PD affects movement, that includes smaller movements, such as the eyes. Often people with PD have a reduced rate of eye blinking. The average person blinks 16-18 times per minute; with PD, that rate of blinking can be reduced to 1-2 times per minute. Vision issues associated with PD: 1. Dry eyes – decreased blinking can

lead to impurities building up in the eyes that can irritate and dry the eyes. On the other hand, reduced blinking can cause excessive eye watering as the tears do not get distributed across the eyes as it normally would when the person blinks more frequently.

2. Double vision may become an issue due to problems with moving the eyes or tracking. Impaired movement and coordination of the

eyes as well as eye muscle fatigue can result in the misalignment of eye movement.

3. Blurred vision may be due to tracking problems, but could also be a side effect of medications.

4. Photophobia – sensitivity to light. 5. Asthenopia – weakness or fatigue

of the eyes, usually combined with headaches.

6. Problems with color perception and contrast.

7. Difficulties with visuo-spatial relationships – problems with accurately judging the distance between objects.

8. PD can present with an inaccurate perception of movement and underestimation of speed of moving objects.

9. Visual hallucinations can occur. They are often linked to Parkinson’s medications and/or sleep disorders related to PD.

If one has PD and has vision issues, then it is important to see an eye care specialist that specializes in neurological disorders. One such specialist is a Neuro-Opthalmologist, who works to diagnose and treat visual disorders associated with neurological diseases. A neuro-ophthalmologist is neurologist or an ophthalmologist who has additional post-residency training in neuro-ophthalmology.

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To search on-line for additional information, the following are sources used for this article: 1. International Encyclopedia of

Rehabilitation. http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/encyclopedia/en/article/147/

2. American Parkinson’s Disease Association. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/what-is-parkinsons/symptoms/eye-vision-issues/

3. Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease

4. Vision and Parkinson’s. https://www.parkinsonvic.org.au/images/site/publications/fact_sheets/2.6_parkinsons.fact

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/definition/CON-20028488 RESOURCES NATIONAL VETERANS Sports/ Competitive Sponsored Programs If you are competitive and like adventure, this resource of National Vetereans is a favorite. There are different athletic events offered at various times of the year: Golden Age, Tee Tournament, Winter Sports Clinic,

Summer Sports Clinic, Valor Games and Wheel Chair Clinic. If any cost is required for an event, it is usually at a nominal fee to hold placement for an adventure of a life time. Veterans come together from all over the country and return rewarded with unbelievable stories. • VALOR GAMES www.va.gov/opa/speceven/valor_games Valor Games is a fairly new competition for Veterans with physical disabilities/limitations, wounded, ill or injured. This is a three-day event scheduled at various times in the year and in different parts of the country, Midwest, Far West, Southeast and Southwest. • GOLDEN AGE www.va.gov/opa/speceven/gag/index.asp Golden Age Games is available for Veterans 55 and older. Veterans must be receiving health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This is the primary senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States. It is the only program that is a multi-event sports competition. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans with various disabilities to improve a healthier lifestyle. This is scheduled in 2018 for August 3 through 8 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. • TEE TOURNAMENT

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www.va.gov/opa/speceven/tee Promotes rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie among participants. This is a five-day outing in Iowa, which occurs in early September every year. Although golfing is one of the main highlights, other activities are offered according to the Veteran’s choice, such as fishing, bowling, and tandem biking. Registration fills up quickly and must be submitted by May 1. Veterans pay $75.00 for this event, food and room are included. Some Veterans go every year! • SUMMER SPORTS CLINIC www.va.gov/opa/speceven/ssc/index.asp The Summer Sports Clinic offers a variety of activities such as sailing, surfing, archery, track and field events, kayaking and cycling (hand and tandem). The 2017 event included a five-day outing in September, in beautiful San Diego, California. • WHEELCHAIR CLINIC https://www.wheelchairgames.org This competition is available for any Veterans with a Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Amputation or other neurological injury. Veteran must be eligible for care in the VA. This year’s weekly competition occurred in July, in Cincinnati, Ohio. • WINTER SPORTS CLINIC www.wintersportsclinic.org If you love cold weather activities such as skiing, playing hockey, or curling, consider this five-day journey in April 2018 in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

Meet other Veterans and make friendships on the mountains. As stated on the website, “the bond between those who know that an injury doesn’t define you and that anything is possible if you’re willing to try.”

The goal is to empower Veterans, connect athletes and bring together communities. Check out these sites and determine where your journey will begin. Register early and be ready for the unexpected. Here is the 2017 Calendar www.va.gov/adaptivesports/docs/NVSPSE_EVENT_SCHEDULE_2017.pdf

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National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament 2017 (TEE; Training, Exposure, Experience)

From September 11th to September 15th Iowa City, Iowa, saw a host of Blinded and Visually Impaired Veterans traveling from across the country to participate in the National TEE Tournament. The National Veteran TEE Tournament sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, hosted by the Iowa City VA Medical Center, with support from community volunteers. This event provides legally blind and eligible disabled Veterans an opportunity to develop new skills and strengthen their self-esteem through adaptive golf and bowling events. Each year, the TEE Tournament uses a therapeutic format to promote rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie among participants. The event provides eligible Veterans with an opportunity to participate in therapeutic adaptive sporting activities which demonstrate that having a visual or physical disability need not be an obstacle to an active, rewarding life.

Participation is open to U.S. military veterans with visual impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, psychological trauma, certain neurological conditions, spinal cord injuries and other life changing disabilities. The event provides legally blind veterans and those with other disabilities an opportunity to participate in a therapeutic golfing event as well as other sports activities. By participating, veterans are able to develop new skills and strengthen their self-esteem. The four-day clinic consists of the TEE Golf Tournament, kayaking, horseback riding, and other adaptive sports workshops. This year the Hines Blind Center accompanied a group of Veterans, both inpatient and outpatient to the event in a caravan. Several staff members attended to provide support throughout the week’s events. Veterans are encouraged to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity, too good to pass up. Follow up with your VIST Coordinator next Spring if you are interested in participating in 2018’s event.

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Annual National TEE Tournament HIGHLIGHTS

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Note from the HBCA President As many of you know, the HBCA spent many months preparing for our biennial Business Meeting which we held at the Holiday Inn Countryside, IL in June. Here are the highlights: The current board members remain intact with one change. Our dedicated Treasurer of 10 years, Johnny Williams, has stepped down and we elected Bob Spriggs as our Treasurer. Many thanks to Johnny for the work he did with our organization and best wishes to Bob as he takes over the financial duties of our organization. For the complete list of Board Members, go to this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/z4p22szju76rb8m/17.06%20M%20Members%20of%20the%20Hines%20Alumni%20Governing%20Board%20and%20Support%20Team.docx?dl=0 To read the complete Business Meeting Minutes for June, 2017, go to this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/o35xjdkw9xw245n/minutes%20Hines%20Alumni%20Business%20Meeting%202017.docx?dl=0

To help our veterans in training at Hines celebrate the 4th of July, our alumni volunteer, Val Chavez and his team prepared a delicious picnic with grilled meats and all the goodies to compliment the meal. A big thank you to Val and his team for making our fellow veterans and future alumni feel welcomed! REMINDER! the only requirement to becoming a HBCA member is that you are a Hines BRC graduate who has completed a registration form (offered at your exit interview) and submitted it to the HBCA. If you are unsure of your status, send an email to Keith Heltsley, keith@heltsley.net Reminder #2: For weekly updates: If you are interested in weekly updates via e-mail, send your email address to presidentofthehinesalumni@gmail.com Final Thought… any suggestions you may have are needed and welcome. This is your organization. Call me anytime, Terry Kebbel 575-323-4611.

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HBCA Alumni Reunion 2017

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Hines BRC Picnic Highlights

Tales from Andy Brought to you by our virtual guide dog, “Andy.” Hope the following Jokes and Quotes bring a smile to your face or a chuckle to your day. Enjoy!

Jokes

(This joke was submitted by a Veteran inpatient of the BRC) There was a small town in northern Minnesota, and there lived a frog. The frog was hopping down the street and looking around at all of the beautiful houses that the people of the town lived in. He decided that he needed to get himself a house, too. So the frog hopped into the bank and up to a bench to speak with a loan officer. The loan officer’s name was “Ms. Patricia Wacker”. He told the loan officer that he wanted a loan so he could buy a house. The loan officer asked him if he had an account at the bank. The frog did not. The loan officer asked him if he had any credit established. The frog did not. “Well,” said the loan officer, “you need some collateral in order for us to issue you a loan.” “What’s collateral?” said the frog. “Collateral is something of value that you bring us so that we can secure the loan.” So the frog left the bank and was hopping down the street. He came across a set of salt and pepper

shakers in the shape of a donkey. He picked them up and brought them to the loan officer and set them on the desk and said, “Here is my collateral.” The loan officer looked at the frog sort of puzzled and took the shakers to the President of the bank. She explained to him that the frog had brought these in as collateral for a loan and asked him what she should do. The President looked them over and replied, “It’s a knick-knack, Patty Wacker, give the frog a loan!”

Quotes

“There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world; those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.”

-Ray Goforth “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”

-Florence Nightingale I decided to make my password "incorrect" because if I type it in wrong, my computer will remind me, "Your password is incorrect."

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Veteran Spotlight You just deal with it!

It’s never too late to learn something new. At 102 years of age, Mr. George Kays embraces change.

While many Veterans come through our doors every year, recently the Blind Rehabilitation Center was visited by a WWII Veteran who wanted to learn how to use an iPad, at 102 years of age.

Mr. George Kays was drafted into the Army out of the Ohio National Guard in 1940. He served as Heavy Field Artillery, in France, before being discharged in 1945. He was Special Missions, and received a Purple Heart for an injury he sustained during his Service. After the Army, he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering, served as an Assistant City Engineer, and eventually Professional Engineer, Department of Transportation, Three Rivers, Michigan. He retired in 1980 and spent the next 20 years traveling to 49 states, Canada, Mexico, and spent some time volunteering in Belize, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Mr. Kays began experiencing vision loss due to macular degeneration in 2000, and in a short period of time (approximately 2 weeks) he was no longer able to drive. He first came to

Hines Blind Rehabilitation Center in 2003 at the age of 88, and spent 13 weeks learning how to navigate the world with his vision loss. Between 2003 and 2017, Mr. Kays has returned to the Blind Center four additional times to learn GPS travel, and most recently, iPad and adaptive computer skills.

In 102 years, Mr. Kays has seen the world, shared his time and talents both professionally and personally, and continues to learn and grow. His most recent travels took him to the upper peninsula of Michigan in July 2017, just prior to being admitted for iPad computer training at Hines Blind Center. He resides in a Western Suburb of Chicago, and works out three times a week, when he’s not traveling. Age is just a number to this Vet. He exhibits amazing resiliency and says, ‘you just deal with it.’

We thank Mr. Kays for his Service to our country. We wish him much luck in whatever future endeavors he may have planned, and wherever they may take him, as he is always “looking for somewhere else to go.”

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Know your VIST (Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinators) The Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinators, better known as (VIST) are your case managers for Blind Rehabilitation care and services and your first contact when you need to enroll or apply for a program. Whether it be your first admission to the Blind Center, a special program to meet unique needs, or a refresher program, these representatives are key. The following is a current updated list for the Central area Region who refer Veterans to the Hines Central Blind Rehabilitation Center.

VIST Coordinator LOCATION PHONE Gregory Manuel Lexington, KY (859) 281-3916 Julie Kennedy Louisville, KY (502) 287-4000 x55049

Brian Joos Cincinnati, OH (513) 559-3567

Karla Riste Dayton, OH (937) 268-6511 X3514

VACANT Chillicothe, OH Matthew Page Columbus OPC (614) 257-5325

Beth Levine Youngstown OPC (330) 740-9200 X1580

Marianne Ryan Cleveland, OH (216) 791-3800 X2108

Jennifer Troyer Detroit, MI (313) 576-4888

Bill Bernhard Battle Creek, MI (269) 223-6607

Richard Alden Ann Arbor, MI (734) 845-3064

Deanna Austin Indianapolis, IN (317) 988-2576

Jeff Stroud Danville, IL (217) 554-5406

NovaLea Welch FT Wayne, IN (260) 426-5431 x72650

Leland Lewis Saginaw, MI (989) 497-2500 X11852

Helen Witt North Chicago, IL (224) 610-7168

Pat Zeinstra Hines, IL (708) 202-2351

Melinda Dunlap Jesse Brown (Chicago, IL) (312) 569-7531

Leon Haith Milwaukee, WI (414) 384-2000 X41832

Kurt Brunner Madison, WI (608) 256-1901x11960

Debora Pate (Acting) Iron Mountain, MI (906) 774-3300 X31378

Gina Chmelka Tomah, WI (608) 372-3971 x66440 Jennifer Bach (Acting) St. Louis, MO (314) 652-4100

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Paul Clary-Archuleta Kansas City, MO (816) 861-4700 x56924

Erin Shaw Poplar Bluff, MO (573) 686-9784

Dawn M. Clouse Leavenworth, KS (913) 682-2000 x53825

Betty Howerton Marion, IL (618) 997-5311 X54815

Bob Hamilton Wichita, KS (316) 651-3682

Lauren Swift Columbia, MO (573) 814-6458

Anna Perry Sioux Falls, MI (605) 333-6891

Jennifer Points Minneapolis, MN (612) 467-1814

Lois Thesing St Cloud, MN (320) 255-6480 X7802 Wesley Hodgson Des Moines, IA (515) 699-5410

Jean Butler Omaha, NE (402) 995-3188

Keith Queen Iowa City, IA (319) 338-0581 x6889

Jody Schommer Fargo, ND (701) 232-3241 X3056

Paul T. Cotton Black Hills, SD (605) 745-2000 x2727 Contact Us: For comments, questions, address updates, or readers who wish to be added to the e-mail distribution of this publication, please contact us at the address, phone, or e-mail below: HinesCentralBRC@va.gov C.B.R.C. Torch PO Box 5000 (124) Hines, IL 60141-5000 (708) 202-3668 CBRC TORCH Produced By: The Central Blind Rehabilitation Center, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital. You can view online at the following link: http://www.hines.va.gov/services/blindrehab.asp Contents are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the

U.S. Government or Department of Veterans Affairs. Links may take you outside of the Department of VA web-site. Links will open in a new window. VA does not endorse nor is responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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