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06/27/10 |
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· Low Vision Services - Columbia · New Director, WJB Dorn VAMC – Patricia O. Pittman · New Digital Recorder – Talking Book Services · Personal Safety Tips for Persons with Disabilities
Low Vision Services – Columbia Back in late January 2007, an article came out which VA announced it was to improve services for Blinded and Low-Vision Veterans. Under the reorganization plan, each of VA's 21 regional networks -- called Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs -- will implement a plan to provide eye care to veterans with visual impairments ranging from 20/70 to total blindness. . In the Intermediate Low Vision Service, a moderate breadth and level of complexity of low vision services are provided. The moderate spectrum of low vision devices available for prescribing include, but are not limited to, spectacle prescriptive considerations such as height of bifocal segment, frame size and shape to allow use of the preferred retinal locus, tints for contrast and glare, specialized coatings, etc., specialty contact lenses for low vision, etc., spectacle microscopes, handheld and stand magnifiers, handheld and simple spectacle-mounted telescopes, absorptive lenses to control glare and photophobia and enhance vision and various non-optical aids (large print, illumination controls, etc) as well as other emerging technologies that may be evaluated and prescribed. An eye care specialist (MD or OD) who has been trained in vision rehabilitation will provide this service, or the trained eye care specialist may directly supervise allied health professionals in some aspects of the clinical low vision examination and prescription of devices.
Intermediate Low Vision Clinics For VISN 7 – Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VAMC, Columbia, SC – Proposed Opening Date – 1 December 2009 Proposed Room Assignments – Ward 5B - Low Vision Therapist in room 132; 2 eye lanes 135A&B BROS/VIST 139; Tech 137 Staff Dr. William Denton (Optometrist in charge of Low Vision services) Two Optometry residents will be doing the Low Vision exams. Bridgit Hawkins (Low Vision Therapist) will be doing all Low Vision training and dispensing/issuing low vision devices/equipment. Sterling Bird (Low Vision Program Support specialist) with a number of administration responsibilities etc.. to complete the staffing process. Terrance (Terry) Thorne (VIST Coordinator) Scott Johnson (Blind Rehab Occupational Specialist (BROS))- Specializes in outpatient services.
New Field Service Representative – Ron Lester
Region III (Area covered: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee)
Ron Lester
Fax: 404-929-5340 Field Service ProgramBVA employs seven full-time staff members as Field Service Representatives. The Reps have been strategically placed in different geographical areas throughout the United States. Their goal is to locate and assist blinded veterans in overcoming the challenges inherent in sight loss. Since all of the Field Reps are legally blind veterans themselves, they can be effective role models in demonstrating that fellow veterans can take charge of their lives. Field Reps are responsible for linking veterans with local services, assuring that the newly blinded take advantage of VA Blind Rehabilitation Services, and assisting them with VA claims when necessary. When blinded veterans are ready to return to the workforce, BVA Field Reps can assist them with employment training and placement. To obtain maximum assistance from a BVA Field Service Representative, veterans and their families should fill out as completely as possible the relevant forms. They should then make contact with the appropriate representative assigned to their state. In early 2009, VA developed a web-based eligibility calculator that assists veterans in the process of enrolling in the VA system and then determining by calculation, via the Internet, their eligibility for benefits. (www.bva.org)
WJB Dorn VAMC Patricia O. Pittman
Mrs. Patricia O. Pittman was selected as the Medical Center Director for the Dorn VA Medical Center effective May 8, 2009. She served as the Medical Center Director of the Memphis, Tennessee VA Medical Center, since February 8, 2004 with overall leadership responsibility for that Level I tertiary facility, which consisted of one main campus with 244 beds, a 60-bed Spinal Cord Injury Unit, and seven Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. The Medical Center's primary affiliation is with the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Mrs. Pittman’s career with veterans began in serving the veteran, first at the bedside where the true perspective on VHA’s commitment and mission was gained, and then in progressively more responsible and accountable leadership assignments to that of Medical Center Director. Before entering the medical center leadership track, Mrs. Pittman served in VHA as Nurse Executive for VAMCs in Madison, WI and Augusta, GA and in clinical nursing assignments at VAMC Lexington and VAMC Atlanta (Decatur). She holds distinction as the first person to progress through the leadership ranks from VA staff nurse to Medical Center Director. On a more personal note, Ms Pittman and her staff came to our rescue in pushing forward our Low Vision Clinic and spacing requirements. Laudatory comments to all who were involved with this successful project and we look forward in servicing this new director in all her future endeavors as well.
New Digital Recorder – Talking Book Services
In August 2009, Talking Book Services (TBS) began receiving new digital book players from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). There is keen interest among our library patrons in the new form of “talking books.” The new digital books, which are recorded on a computer and placed onto a small computer chip that is imbedded into a thick plastic digital book, will feature clearer sound quality and easier use than cassette tapes. By law, persons who are veterans of the armed services of the United States and received an honorable discharge will have first priority in receiving the new digital players. If you haven’t received your digital player, please verify that you are a veteran by calling us at 1-800-922-7818 or 803-734-4611 and by email at TBSbooks@statelibrary.sc.gov. Also, please hold onto your current cassette player. It should prove to be useful for several more years. Most of the TBS collection is recorded on cassette tapes, and NLS will continue to make magazines on cassette for the time being. Even after patrons start listening to digital books, they may still want to receive titles that are only available on cassette tape. (Pdavenport@statelibrary.sc.gov)
Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty. PLEASE BE SURE TO THANK A VETERAN FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY! Columbia, South Carolina has one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States!
Date: November 11th Columbia's Veterans Day Parade honors all veterans with a procession of high school marching bands, floats, military vehicles and equipment, military marching installations and a fly-over.
Military Appreciation
The 2009 Military Appreciation dinner will be held at the below mentioned restaurants. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate. Wednesday, 11 November 2009, 11 pm until close @ any Applebee’s
Friday, 13 November 2009, 2 pm to 6 pm @ Columbia Vet Center (1710 Richland Street, Suite A, Columbia, SC 29201 (803 765-9944)
Monday, 16 November 2009, 5 pm to 9 pm @ any Golden Corral
Thanksgiving Blessings
Holiday Greetings!
Merry Christmas and Have A Happy New Year. The BVA will hold a Christmas Dinner at a later time. Be looking for a “Newsflash” on time/location/date.
PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
It is the beginning of the holiday season. Let’s enjoy it with safety tips for you and your family. • Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings. • Send a message that you’re calm, confident, and know where you’re going. • Be realistic about your limitations. Avoid places or situations that put you at risk. • Know the neighborhood where you live and work. Know the locations of police, fire, hospitals. • Avoid establishing predictable activity patterns.
At Home • Put good locks on all your doors, such as double-cylinder, deadbolt locks, but make sure you can easily use the locks. • Install peepholes on front and back doors at your eye level. This is especially important if you use a wheelchair. • Get to know your neighbors. • If you have difficulty speaking, have a friend record a message—giving your name, address, and type of disability to use in emergencies. • Keep the tape in a recorder next to your phone. • Ask your police department to conduct a free home security survey to help identify your individual needs.
Out and About • If possible, go with a friend. • Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through vacant lots, wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys. • Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. • Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. If you use a wheelchair, keep your purse or wallet tucked snugly between you and the inside of the chair. • If you use a knapsack, make sure it is securely shut. • Always carry your medical information in case of an emergency. • Consider keeping a cellular phone or installing a CB radio in your vehicle.
On Public Transportation • Use well-lighted, busy stops. Stay near other passengers. • Stay alert. Don’t doze or daydream. • If someone harasses you, make a loud noise or say “Leave me alone.” If that doesn’t work, hit the emergency signal on the bus or train. www.oepp.sc.gov
Hi everyone! I really enjoyed creating this annual publication for you. I tried not to forget anything. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions on any of the information contained within this Newsletter – please don’t hesitate to call/write/or email me. I am an advocate for blinded veterans everywhere. Keep it real…
Cheryl Gajadhar 3830 Davies Drive Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 754 6764
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