Some of these devices are not new this year but they should be mentioned to each veteran as being available at your local VA or by the Blind Rehabilitation Center (s)(Augusta, GA or Birmingham, AL). 

NOTE:  This is not a complete listing of devices offered.  Ask your VIST Coordinator, Terry Thorne, Vicki Stoughton, or Todd Turansky.  Each product is under area of interest. 

 

Area of Interest

•     Visual Skills

•      Orientation/Mobility

•      Living Skills

•      Polytrauma BROS

•      Manual Skills

Visual Skills

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Staff Members -

Laurel Tucker and Kathy Cole

 

CCTV’s -  government contract is on hold or in distribute for approximately 100 days starting 13 March 2009.  May last longer unknown of a definite period.  Presently, ordering of CCTV’s is on a case by case basis according to the needs of the veteran. 

 

Video Magnifiers – Not all portable video magnifiers are "handheld" devices.  The Nemo, Amigo, Opal, Quicklook, Quicklook Zoom, FarView, and Compact Plus may be managed as "handheld" with both hands.  The Traveller and Fusion are somewhat bulkier and work better at a desk or table top rather than just in the user's hands.  The Fusion, Prisma, Acrobat, and Liberty Solo have two or more components and need a desk or table top.   To evaluate all video magnifiers are numerous and depends on the individual's goals, needs, and personal capabilities.  This year we will show the Amigo:

 

(For low vision users) The Amigo, your Desktop Magnifier on the Go is simple to use-just place it directly on the material and adjust the magnification by a turn of the dial. This innovative product allows you to adjust the magnification without moving the Amigo away from the reading material. Read prices tags, restaurant menus, ingredients and directions no matter where you are with this new high powered video magnifier.

Key Features      Portable ·    Slim (less than 2") ·    3.5 to 14x Adjustable Digital Magnification ·    Light (Approximately 1 lb) ·    Tilts for Optimal Viewing Angle ·    Large Viewing Screen (6.5 inches) ·    Freeze Frame takes a temporary picture ·    Six (6) viewing modes (including 2 Color Select options) ·    Removable standard battery with internal charger (spare battery included) ·    Connects to TV for increased magnification ·    Separate External Charger Included ·    Writing Stand ·    Carrying Case ·    Two (2) year warranty

Orientation/Mobility

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Staff Members –

Chuck Genoe/Rachelle Hansen

There are several other audible devices are the Trekker Breeze and the Braille/Voice Note.

 

(To be trained at Birmingham, AL (BRC)

GPS/Trekker – Trekker helps guide the visually impaired through their environment. It complements existing aids (white canes and guide dogs). It does not replace them. Sleek and discreet, Trekker provides information in the most natural way possible and allows users to record both vocal and written notes.

 

WCIB Alum Rigid Cane Curved/Straight Handle Heavy duty, yet light, rigid aluminum canes. This model has a putter balance, rubberized grip handle. These are white canes with the standard red band at the base. They come in 2 inch increments from 36 to 60 inches.

 

 

Living Skills

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Staff Members –

Ron Worley, Jan Eagle, Holly Harris, Ava Carruth, Debbie Bower

(for both blind and low vision users)

 

TEMO talking microwave models 87106 (black) and 87108 (silver).   Both units speak out digits in English or Spanish, and announce food categories as they are selected by touch. While simply novel in most homes, this unit is being particularly well received for its usefulness in promoting independence in the blind community.

Its features, with the exception of its voice, are comparable to most microwave ovens in this category. Medium-sized, the TEMO offers 0.9 cubic feet of cooking space and produces 900 watts of quick-cooking microwave power. Eight preset functions make it easy to prepare commonly microwaved foods. Single servings can be quickly prepared using the five one-touch settings. Five custom memories allow older children to safely and easily prepare their own favorite foods.

 

Milestone 311 Voice Recorder/MP3 Player

Easy use and Accessible Voice Recorder/MP3 Player
The Milestone 311 is a tiny credit card size unit which enables you to have a Digital Voice recorder and MP3 player all in one, best of all, it is completely accessible.

Exciting features of the Milestone are:
1. Record those notes you need in a hurry
2. Play your favorite MP3 music and PodCasts
3. Easily transfer files with the provided USB cable
4. Label the folders of the unit with your voice
5. Easily play, delete and manage the files and folders on the unit
 

The Milestone is furnished with:
1. Rechargeable batteries and an AC Adapter
2. A cloth neck strap
3. Internal speaker
4. Built-in microphone
5. 3.5MM earphone/external Microphone jack
6. Only six keys for complete navigation.
Recordings are saved in MP3 format, at 192 Bit Per Second and 44.100 Hz.

The Milestone provides voice feedback while you maneuver around the unit, in a clear female voice.

The Milestone has an internal memory of 256 Megabytes, (2 hours of recording) but has the opportunity for use of a Secure Digital Card up to two (2) Gigabytes, (140 hours of recording).

  

Polytrauma Blind Rehabilitation Occupational Specialist (BROS)

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Staff Member -

Laurie Hallman  -

NEW PROGRAM - Combat in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) has resulted in new patterns of polytraumatic injuries and disability (Brain/eye).  Recognizing the specialized clinical care needs of these individuals, VA has established a Polytrauma System of Care composed of Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRC), Polytrauma Rehabilitation Network Sites (PNS), and Polytrauma Support Clinic Teams and Polytrauma Points of Contact at selected VA facilities.  The BROS serves as a member of the interdisciplinary teams (IDT) at the PRCs and PNSs, contributing their blind rehabilitation expertise to the provision of comprehensive rehabilitation. 

     Interdisciplinary Treatment Plans.  Each patient must have a coordinated and integrated interdisciplinary plan of care that includes all required disciplines and reflects the goals of the patient and family.  The treatment plan addresses the veteran’s goals and is individualized to meet the veteran’s needs relevant to lifestyle, age, level of capability, and future plans.

     Interdisciplinary Care Delivery.  Treatment team members continually evaluate performance results during the veteran’s rehabilitation program, as they relate to expected outcomes, in order to determine the appropriateness of the treatment being provided.  Any revisions to the treatment plan are made with the veteran’s involvement.  Revisions are based on demonstrated strengths, changing needs, and expected outcomes in order to ensure that goals are achievable and meaningful to the person receiving services.  Team meetings are held when needed to monitor progress and update the care plan to reflect progress and new patient goals.

     There are 4 Polytrauma Centers (Palo Alto CA, Tampa FL, Minneapolis MN, Richmond VA). Augusta is among the 21 Polytrauma Rehabilitation Network Sites.  Augusta is different in that we have the only Active Duty Rehab Unit that integrates the VA with the MTF (Military Treatment Facility) as a part of the SERMC (Southeast Regional Medical Center) at Fort Gordon, GA. 

     As a part of the Polytrauma team, Laurie Hallman treats not only patients who have visual impairment and blindness but also the visual dysfunction that results from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) to include difficulties with eye movements, focusing and eye teaming (binocular) vision problems and visual processing issues. 

 

Manual Skills

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Staff Members –

Herman Jefferson, Shelley Johnson, and Doug Roebuck

Recommended by a veteran -

No Sew Fleece Blanket A very easy to make fleece tie baby blanket that requires no sewing. They can be made any size and the fringes can be made in different lengths. Lots of pictures and instructions on how to make a fleece blanket. Makes a great baby shower gift. (http://www.allkindsofbabystuff.com)