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OUR MISSION To provide high quality blind rehabilitation through the provision of a broad range of rehabilitation, education, and research/technology. The goal of the Center is to help

visually impaired and legally blind veterans to become as independent as possible in all aspects of daily life, and to assist them in their adjustment to blindness. -------------------------

BLIND REHABILITATION SERVICES The core of blind rehabilitation training revolves around five distinct skill areas  . Veterans are introduced to each area, work one-on-one with Instructors

to establish goals and complete training in a paced manner conducive to their unique needs. LIVING SKILLS - Veterans complete assessments in Activities of Daily Living, Adaptive Kitchen

Skills, and Communications. Each program is individualized based on the assessment results, the Veteran’s personal goals, and the input of the Instructor.  Veterans are taught a variety of

skills and techniques to make the completion of everyday tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, taking notes and handling finances easier and more efficient. ORIENTATION & MOBILITY -

Instructors perform a functional assessment to determine a Veteran’s travel needs. Emphasis is placed on knowing where you are, where you are going, and how to get there safely. Veterans are

trained to travel with a long white cane or other adaptive mobility devices. Training can take place in both indoor and outdoor environments during all seasons of the year. VISUAL SKILLS -

Instructors work with the Veteran to effectively use their remaining vision in conjunction with their prescribed devices. Aids may include handheld optical magnifiers, closed circuit

televisions, monocular, portable electronic magnifiers, and head mounted devices. MANUAL SKILLS - This is the area where Veterans learn to use non-visual senses and skills. Examples include

the sense of touch, organizational skills, visualization, problem solving, and spatial awareness. Activities include leatherwork, copper tooling, basic home maintenance, guitar, piano, small

engine repair, and basic woodworking. The activity is not the most important aspect, but rather, what it takes to do that activity with non-visual senses and skills. ACCESS TECHNOLOGY -

Technology training is designed to teach the Veteran skills necessary to operate specialized access software and/or technology devices (e.g. computer, smart phone, additional electronic aid)

to meet a Veteran’s goals whether they are a novice, intermediate, or advanced user. This includes assessing the Veteran’s ability to use large print, synthetic speech, voice recognition,

and/or braille access devices to perform desired functions on recommended technology devices. ------------------------- CLINICAL SERVICES Within the Center, we house various clinical

providers to ensure the provision of complete and comprehensive care for our Veterans. MEDICAL - Medical staff includes nurses stationed in the center 24 hours per day, a dedicated Nurse

Practitioner, doctors, and as needed specialists, all working together to ensure the overall well-being of our Veterans. OPTOMETRY - Our Low Vision Optometrist examines each Veteran during

their first week, prescribes appropriate low vision devices and assesses each Veteran’s ocular health during their inpatient stay. SOCIAL WORK - The Social Worker meets with each Veteran

during their first week to address issues related to mental health, benefits, advance directives, and community resources. Veterans can schedule additional support meetings with Social Work

upon request. PSYCHOLOGY - The Psychologist meets with each Veteran during their first week to discuss ideas and techniques best suited for the Veteran’s learning style as well as to address

any mental health concerns. Veterans have the opportunity to schedule additional support meetings with Psychology as needed. RECREATION THERAPY - Veterans meet with our Recreation Therapist

during their first week. Recreational and other activity-based interventions are used to address the assessed needs of each Veteran.  Activities may include golfing, water aerobics,

horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and snow skiing.   COMMUNITY INTEGRATED OUTINGS  - Veterans are offered to attend various activities such as recreational outings, social gatherings, and

retail shopping. These activities serve as an opportunity to implement newly learned skills and tools in the real world. WHOLE HEALTH GROUP CLASS - On a weekly basis, we host a Whole Health

group class for all Veterans which focuses on various aspects of self care including mindfulness, nutrition and well being, and sleep health. -------------------------