|
|
|
|
05/13/08 |
|
|
|
President’s Corner
· Elevating the social, economic and cultural level of the blind · Improving educational and rehabilitation facilities · Broadening vocational opportunities · Encouraging and assisting the blind, especially the newly blind, to develop their abilities and potentialities and to assume their responsible places in the community · Cooperating with the public and private institutions and agencies of and for the blind · Providing for the free exchange of ideas, opinions, and information relevant to the concerns of blind people through publication of a newsletter · Conducting a program of public education aimed toward improved understanding of the problems of blindness and of the capabilities of blind people.
· South Carolina Regional Group Website/Blog! · South Carolina Regional Group Annual Meeting/Elections · Augusta Blind Rehab Center Alumni Association (ABRCAA) Reunion · The Chief Speaks – Augusta Blind Rehab Center · New VIST Coordinator for Charleston · BVA Application (For Non Members)
South Carolina Regional Group Website/Blog! It has been already a year! Lots of compliments with the regional website (www.scbva.com). This year we are starting a “Blog”. All thoughts are important. Voice yours.. Read the road rules, then start sharing. We are trying to keep up with technology and build a usable website holding lots of information, listing of events happening within the state of South Carolina and also to help get the veteran involved with some great people.
South Carolina Regional Group Annual Meeting/Elections Our meeting this year was a conference call. The Conference Call was available for all members within South Carolina. The meeting was held on 15 April 2008 at 2:00 pm The call did not last no longer than 45 minutes. The following officers were elected:
President Cheryl Gajadhar Vice President Alexander Beresh Secretary/Treasurer Robert Daubenspeck Chaplain Agnes Jefferson Sergeant of Arms Eddie Cantril
No one volunteered to go to the National BVA Convention in Phoenix, AZ. South Carolina will not be sending any Primary/Alternate Delegates. There was no special speaker nor were there were any special notes or comments. There was a nomination of added funds for the ABRCAA Annual Reunion of $175.00 for door prizes. This nomination was approved and seconded. The meeting was then adjourned.
· Newsletters/Newsflashs to all BVA members (printing)($100.00) · Annual Donations: (1)($100.00 ea) to all VIST Coordinators: (Columbia/Charleston/Augusta, GA) (2) Leisure Instructor/ABRC ($100.00) (3) SC – Visual Impaired Veterans of America (VIVA)($200.00) (4) ABRCAA ($375.00)(an extra contribution this year for Annual Reunion/door prizes)($175.00) Every year, National BVA sends all regional groups in “good standing” an even proportioned amount collected from the interest of lifetime membership dues. This money is usually received around the second week of November. Last year, we received over $1700.00. Every year, we distribute a portion of this money to our VIST Coordinators, Terry Thorne, Vicki Stoughton and Todd Turansky. Joining contributions from the Blind Rehabilitation Center level, contribute to the Leisure/Recreation Director/ABRC, John Joe. Added SC’s Visual Impairment Veteran’s of America (SCVIVA) and also the Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center Alumni Association (ABRCAA). Throughout the year, these people have enhanced our services and are continually fighting for continued supportive services throughout the Veterans Administation (VA) system.
NOTE: 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 Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center. 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. View our website (www.scbva.com) for more details on each item.
Visual Skills
Handheld Portable Video Magnifier
QuickLook - is a hand-held, full color, electronic magnifier with an integrated 4" (10.2 cm) TFT display. It can magnify text, photos and maps or just about anything. It's small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or a ladies' handbag, but big enough to make a difference. If regular print is too small to read, Quicklook can help.
Orientation/Mobility
GPS/Trekker – Trekker helps guide the visually impaired through their environmnt. 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.
Living Skills (for both blind and low vision users)
122 North Second Street Fax: +1 602 254 9472 For more information - (www.bva.org)
For the past 62 years, the Blinded Veterans Association has held national conventions throughout the United States. The conventions, hosted by the BVA regional group that is geographically closest to the convention city, have a three-fold purpose: 1) to conduct Association business, 2) to educate blinded veterans about the resources available to them, and 3) to provide a means whereby blinded veterans can better strengthen and help one another. The national convention is an important means by which BVA upholds its mission to preserve and strengthen a spirit of fellowship among blinded veterans so that they may give mutual aid and assistance to one another. All BVA members are eligible to attend the national conventions. Family and friends are invited to attend many of the activities and banquets throughout the convention week. They are encouraged to participate in the BVA Auxiliary meetings, held simultaneously with BVA meetings, and to view an exhibit hall containing the latest technology for the blind and visually impaired. Save the DatesThe Northern Arizona Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association will host the Association's 63rd National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The official dates of the gathering are August 12-16, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 North Second Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (Phone: 602-252-1234 or 800-233-1234). The convention's exhibit hall will be open August 11-13. Attendees are encouraged to arrive a day early to get a full sampling of the exhibits. The room rate at the Hyatt is $94.00 for single/double accommodations and $114.00 for triple/quadruple arrangements. BVA anticipates that the space blocked for BVA will fill up quickly as it did in 2007, when reservations were no longer available three weeks before the reservation deadline (seven weeks before the convention). The room reservation deadline for the 63rd National Convention will be July 8. Additional information in much greater detail will be provided shortly, both here and in the Winter 2008 BVA Bulletin.
Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center Alumni Association (ABRCAA) Reunion
The objective of the Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center Alumni Association (ABRCAA) is to bring together veterans from many varied backgrounds, educational levels, and occupations who have one chief thing in common: Blindness. · Through interaction with other people experiencing the same difficulty, this group can help support each other as they struggle with their adjustment to blindness.
·
Support—Exchange ideas and
information that is helpful to our fellow blinded veteran by our Quarterly
Newsletter · Friendship—Form friendships that allow our fellow blinded veteran know someone understands, cares and will provide support if they need help. · Fellowship—At our reunion, for three days, there will be a variety of activities, vision fair of new services and/or products singing, dancing and just a whole lot of “ole tyme fun” with friends and family. Today, the status of ABRCAA is a non profit 501C(3) organization for all blinded rehabilitation center graduates, non graduates, and to receive contributions and donations from other charities and organizations who also believe in supportive services for the blinded veterans. Their motto is “Give A Hoot”.
“Welcome Home and Thank You for Your Service” Patriotic Theme
Sands Dunes Resort 201 74th Ave N Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 1-800-599-9872 1-800-726-3783
All rooms are Ocean Front and have at least a microwave and refrigerator. The cost is $55.00 per night plus extra fees (hospitality fee, resort tax, state and local tax and access fee) which totals $67.90 per night. There is a $10.00 per night per person fee for extra adults above two per room. All functions are in same building and two restaurants and snack bar in house.
Cancellation of group room reservations up to 96 hours prior to arrival is subject to a $50.00 processing fee. Cancellation of group room reservations within 96 hours prior to arrival date is subject to loss of first nights deposit. All no/shows will be billed for one night accommodation.
The minimum stay requirement is three (3) nights. It is necessary for all units within your room block to fall within this requirement.
Reservations are to be made by attendees on an individual basis by calling Sands Dunes Resort Central Reservations at 1-800-599-9872. You must identify yourself as a member of the Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Alumni Association to receive the discounted room rate. All reservations must be guaranteed by one night's deposit to be received within five (5) days of the reservation date, or a one night's deposit charged to a major credit card at the time of the reservation. Advance deposits will be credited to the last night's stay of your reservation.
The registration fee for this year will be $60.00 for members and $65.00 for non ABRCAA members. This will include Thursday evening hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, chips and tea: Saturday morning a full buffet breakfast and Saturday evenings Banquet. A registration form will be sent to all members with complete details of the reunion. One will be in the next Night Owl Newsletter (June 2008), also on the website at www.abrcaa.com, and it will be sent out to members of the abrcaalist@yahoogroups.com. If you have any questions contact the Reunion Chairperson Robert (Bob) Daubenspeck at 864-877-7745 or tiru416@bellsouth.net. Please get your room reservations made early as 1 August 2008, any rooms above the 35 we have reserved will be on a space available only and could be at a higher rate.
COME HAVE A GREAT TIME! Reunion Committee Bob and Helen Daubenspeck (Chairpersons) Al and Marsha Lineberger Amos and Judith Addis Rodney and Lynn Roe
AUGUSTA BLIND REHABILITATION CENTER (ABRC) Back to Top (Notes from Augusta VIST Newsletter)
Name Change for the Augusta VA: On November 8, 2007, the President of the United States signed Public Law 110-112, designating the Augusta VA Medical Center as the “Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center”. On January 15, 2008, a rededication ceremony was held at our medical center honoring Congressman Norwood. Congressman Norwood was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1995 and represented most of east Georgia at some point during his congressional career from 1995-2002. He volunteered for the U.S. Army and served as a Captain in the Dental Corps from 1967. In 1968, he served a combat tour in Vietnam with the Medical Battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. In recognition for his service under combat conditions, he was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and two Bronze Stars. After Vietnam, he was assigned to the Dental Corps at Fort Gordon where he served until his discharge in 1969. So remember, from now on the Augusta VA Medical Center is to be known as the Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
FREE Valet Parking Comes to Augusta: Yes, you read that correctly-FREE! On February 25, 2008, The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center began offering free valet parking for patients and visitors to the Uptown Division. Patients and visitors interested in utilizing the valet parking service can simply drive up to the main entrance of the Uptown Division where a uniformed attendant will give the driver a claim ticket. All attendant-parked vehicles will be locked and the keys will be securely stored in a key cabinet.
Parking attendants may assist patrons when getting in and out of their vehicles as well as assist them with removal of wheelchairs and carts from their vehicles, if requested. Once the patron is ready to leave the medical center, they will present the claim check to the attendant who will return with their vehicle. After 3p.m. vehicle keys will be stored in the Police Department Control Room. In addition to valet parking, a uniformed attendant will drive a shuttle golf cart through all of the parking lots at the medical center picking up patients and visitors who park their vehicles themselves. This service will run from 7a.m. to 4p.m. At this time this service is only available at the Uptown Division.
Aiken Community Based Outpatient Clinic: Our new Aiken Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) opened its doors earlier this year to veterans in South Carolina. The new clinic is located at 951 Millbrook Road, Aiken, SC 29803. This location is near the Aiken Mall and the Odell Weeks Community Center. The phone number for the clinic is (803) 643-9016. Staff will see patients Monday through Friday from 8a.m. to 4:30p.m. The Aiken CBOC will provide exceptional primary care and mental health outpatient services coordinated by an experienced and compassionate health care staff. Specialty services, such as lab and x-ray will be provided through the Aiken Regional Hospital which is approximately a fifteen minute drive away.
Expansion of Blind Rehabilitation Services Nationwide: As you may have heard through national news announcements the VA has approved a major expansion of programs for blind and low vision veterans throughout the country. This includes up to three new blind centers, a large number of low vision programs, as well as expansion of BROS and VIST positions. In our network (which includes Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina) we will be adding low vision clinics at Atlanta and Columbia VA medical centers. In addition new BROS positions are targeted for VA facilities in Charleston, Columbia, Atlanta, and Birmingham. These are exciting times for the field of blind rehabilitation and will bring about significant improvement in VA services to blind and low vision veterans around the country.
TCF Program: The Augusta Blind Rehab Center has been approved by VA Central Office to receive two Technical Career Field (TCF) Interns later this year. The internships will last up to two years, and are designed to help the National Blind Rehabilitation Service in VA recruit future staff members to serve blinded veterans. One of the internships will be training with our VIST program, and the other intern will be training with our BROS program. We hope to have the interns recruited and selected by the end of the summer.
ABRC Expansion: In response to input from many blinded veterans and staff, the ABRC has been approved to expand our patient quarters! The expansion will result in individual bedrooms for each veteran participating in the inpatient program. Since we opened in 1996 the ABRC always had two double occupancy rooms. The planned expansion will result in some shifting of various classrooms and offices. The ABRC will be gaining additional space overall at the Uptown Division. Stay tuned for more details as the expansion progresses.
NEW VIST COORDINATOR FOR CHARLESTON
It has been over or about 6 months since Charleston veterans have had a VIST Coordinator. Karen Bays-Petty, did a great job for these Charleston veterans that only excellence is to be expected/accepted. By 8 June 2008, that office will finally be filled by one of our known instructors within the Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center – Vicki Stoughton. Below lists a little history about Vicki… Vicki was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, raised in Kalamazoo Michigan, graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1981 and was 49th out of 373rd graduate that year. Vicki lost her sight in 1982 due to Diabetic Retinopathy. After blind rehabilitation at the Michigan Commission for the Blind, Vicki went to Western Michigan for a B. S. in Health Education, completed a MSW from Western Michigan in August 1990 and worked for a Catholic Family Service for 1 year as a social worker. Vicki went back to Western Michigan for her second Master's in Blind Rehab and completed in the winter of 1992. Vicki met her husband, Lee, at Western Michigan University at a goal ball game. Vicki and Lee were married May 7, 1993. Two days later, the couple moved to Augusta, GA and started work at Augusta Technical Institute as a part time computer instructor and at Walton Options as a Rehabilitation Coordinator, until March 1994. We then moved to Tucson AZ and was hired as the Blind Rehabilitation Specialist for Tucson Association for the Blind for 1 year. Then the couple moved to Las Vegas and Vicki became a housewife and mother to Kyle, their son – born August 96. Finally in December or end of 1998, the couple moved back to Augusta, Georgia were Vicki became a Blind Rehabilitation Specialist. Combined with her skills of being a teacher, Vicki also has the knowledge of living skills, computers, Manual Skills and the GPS Trekker. Hobbies are walking, swimming and loving her pets – dogs and cats. Vicki is really looking forward to working with the veterans in Charleston!!
BVA Application for Non Members To receive a copy of the BVA membership application, please contact BVA's Membership Manager Alyson Alt by either email or at 800-669-7079. You can also download a pdf version by clicking on the link below. Adobe Acrobat reader is required to view and print PDF files. BVA Membership Application in Word format BVA Membership Application in txt format
Cheryl Gajadhar 3830 Davies Drive Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 754 6764 |
This site was last updated 05/08/08
