Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital
C.B.R.C. TORCH
Spring 2018
A publication of the
Central Blind Rehabilitation Center
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
CBRC TORCH NEWSLETTER TEAM
The following Blind Center Staff members are responsible for bringing you the TORCH Newsletter:
Jamie Ogarek, Manual Skills
Resources
Karen Dahlheimer, Admissions Coordinator
Ann Suchie
Communications Specialist /Editor
Blind Rehab Center Administration
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.
Chiefs_Message
Performance_Improvement
Meet_The_Staff
Recreation_Therapy
Eye_Conditions_We_See
Resources
Veteran_Spotlight
Message_From_the_HBCA
Tales_From_Andy
Milestone_70_Years_of_Serving_Veterans
Know_Your_VIST
CBRC_TORCH_Produced_By
CBRC_TORCH_NEWSLETTER_TEAM
Contact_Us
Chief’s Message
We are excited to reach 2018, a milestone year for the Blind Rehabilitation Center here at Hines. We will be celebrating our 70th Anniversary all year! Seventy years of serving our Nation’s Veterans at the first VA Blind Rehabilitation Center. As a commemoration of each Veteran’s blind rehabilitation experience, this year, all inpatients will receive a Special Edition 70th Anniversary series hat and mug.
Opportunities for improvement, maintaining what is going well, advancement, and progress continue to evolve. We have some program enhancements to share with you; read how we ramped up our Resource Class to include an interactive segment, see page 7.
Our patient satisfaction scores have remained high in the 98 percentiles. Read one of our patient success stories and meet Joe Quirk on page 3.
We continue to strive to support patient access to care by admitting patients within or less than 60 days of receiving an application for blind rehabilitation. We concluded 2017 with 51% of our patients being admitted within that timeframe.
Our Rural Health Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist will be stationed at Captain J. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, every 2nd Thursday from 8am to noon to coincide with VIST Support Group meetings, to provide assistance with prosthetics device reviews, or conduct initial assessments of any new patients in need of our Services. This is just another way we are expanding our Services into the community.
Pardon our dust! Our facility floor replacement project is now underway, and we are grateful for patient understanding during this time. Our floors will look spectacular for our 70th celebration open house later this year.
Other things to look forward to in 2018 will be OEF-OIF week, CARF re-accreditation survey, and BVA site visits this summer.
Thanks to all our stakeholders who supported us over the years. We do hope we can celebrate this time in history with you at our 70th celebration later this year.
Performance Improvement
RESOURCES REVAMPED!
For over three decades, the Central Blind Rehabilitation Center (CBRC) has provided resource information to Veterans. A Resource Class was developed in an effort to educate Veterans on national services/ organizations that were available to them. This was needed due to our multiple state catchment area of our Central Area Region.
A low vision informational packet was developed and provided for future reference. It included contact information as well as a short summary of information regarding that particular service. Veterans were encouraged to use either their low vision devices or scanning software to read the materials at home.
For many years, the Manual Skills department provided this Resource Class to inpatients and updated information annually.
Areas within the resource packet included: Accessibility of Print material, publications, and local news, bibles and religious materials, Braille resources, discounts and education, entertainment, government services, magazines, music, recreation, retirement, technology support, travel, services organizations for the blind and visually impaired, sources for specialty products/services, phone services, and VA services.
During 2017, we coordinated an update and incorporated a recurring weekly class, as part of the class schedule, to ensure every inpatient Veteran will review potential resources available to them, one week prior to discharge.
One major way this class changed included engaging each Veteran to identify and make contact with some or at least one resource prior to discharge from the program. This allows them to practice the use of Access Technology and other skills learned, to more positively advocate for themselves as a blind and visually-impaired individuals.
This updated class formally began in October 2017 and it is anticipated that this will address Veterans knowledge of national resources available to them and encourage further research into local ones within their area.
This is just one of the performance improvement initiatives we have underway this year.
Meet the Staff
The Spring 2017 TORCH proudly presents the dedicated staff of the Living Skills Department. Members of this department range from 1 to 32 years of service to our veterans.
Cheryl Podgorski - born in Hamtramck, MI, and grew up in St. Clair Shores, MI. She attended Western Michigan University where she obtained her blind rehab degree. Her career at Hines started on February 19, 1986. She worked for 3 years in Manual Skills before moving to the Living Skills department where she has taught for the last 29 years.
Geo Athappilly - hails from Kalamazoo, MI, which is also where he attended Western Michigan University to receive his degree in blind rehab. He has spent 10 years at Hines and has taught in Visual Skills, Computer Technology, and continues to teach in the Living Skills area.
Lauren McCarthy - comes to us from Three Rivers, MI. She received her degree in blind rehab from Western Michigan University. Lauren joined the staff at Hines 5 years ago, and has spent her career in the Living Skills Department.
Kathy Spengler - Kathy grew up in Thornton, IL, which is in the south suburbs of Chicago. She attended the University of Massachusetts – Boston. Kathy began her career in blind rehab at Hines in December 2015 where she began teaching in the Living Skills department.
Cedrix Walker-Another 2-year member of the department, Cedrix comes to us from Grand Rapids, MI. As have many of his colleagues, he received his blind rehab degree from Western Michigan University and joined the staff at Hines teaching in the Living Skills area.
Delaney Stein - originally from Romeo, MI, received her blind rehab degree from Western Michigan University and completed her internship at Hines in 2014. She returned to Hines full-time in 2016 as a member of the Living Skills department.
David Edwards - is the newest member of the Living Skills department having started his career about 1 year ago. He attended Western Michigan University for his Master’s degree. Dave is from Hammond, IN.
Recreation Therapy
Spring 2018
March at the Hines VA Blind Rehabilitation Center brings the annual American Veterans Irish Fest at the BRC.
The American Veterans Community Trust Company, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families, hosted an Irish Fest celebration at the VA Hospital Blind Center, Saturday, March 10, 2018. Festivities included a luncheon buffet, Irish band, singing, and festive St. Patrick's Day decorations with plenty of party noisemakers to complement the event. All the way down to a 6-foot leprechaun to greet you at the dining room door. (See photo above).
We continue to be grateful for the many Service Organizations that sponsor events on site or locally for the Veterans of the Blind Center. It helps maintain a robust Recreation Program that provides an opportunity for Veterans to practice their new-found skills, navigating unfamiliar terrain, while also making new friends and socializing in the community. You cannot put a price on this kind of interaction, it is priceless.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.
-Irish Blessing
Eye Conditions We See
Visual impairment comes in many forms. As a Blind Rehabilitation Center, our patients come to us with a variety of visual impairments caused by a range of illnesses and conditions. Some are gradual and some rapid in nature and impact on one’s vision.
Listed below are the most common Visual Diagnoses that we have seen in the Blind Rehabilitation Center in 2017 in order of highest frequency to lowest frequency:
• Macular Degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Optic Atrophy
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Trauma and Stroke
Over time this list has changed due to the advancements in medicine, and treatment options available for many eye conditions and diseases. Many of these treatment options have delayed progression of diseases of the eye, requiring less intense rehabilitation training, focusing on a few areas.
Each condition impacts vision in different ways. Some conditions impact the central field of vision, while others affect part of the eye, and still some affect the entire field of vision allowing only light to pass thru or no vision at all. This is why every patient’s rehabilitation is unique.
Blind Rehabilitation Specialists design programs that maximize existing vision, or, teach patients the best way to function without any vision. They can recommend the best devices for your unique eye condition while meeting the personal goals that you may have. Goals are also unique to each patient and are impacted by age, health, and living environment to name a few.
The Blind Rehabilitation Program has evolved over the years, especially with the advancement of technology. While early in the Blind Center’s history, the Computer Access Training program did not exist, now, some level of technology exists in almost every skill area. However, not every device is appropriate for every patient. Our staff continues to stay abreast of the latest rehabilitation techniques and devices to meet the ever-changing needs of our patients, and are eager to help them when they arrive.
RESOURCES
The Hines Blind Rehabilitation Center program is always evolving.
The ultimate mission is to improve the quality of life for our Veterans and their families. Educating the community can support that mission. With this goal in mind, we offer a variety of classes to focus on preparation of returning home. Recently, our Resources class was enhanced, which is now scheduled one week prior to discharge.
A Resource packet has always been available to our Veterans, but now it will be more interactive with a weekly class and some homework. A top ten list of our most used Resources will be discussed in a group. A short assignment is requested of participating Veterans for the purpose of researching Resources they might be interested in and initiating a plan of action upon their discharge. Although it warms the heart to know that our Veteran’s love the Hines program, our main objective is for them to find organizations and activities in their area which will fulfill them at home.
Here are two from the top ten favorites list.
RECREATION
1. Silver Sneakers
One of our newest resources!
Offers health programs and free entrance to fitness centers, exclusively for Seniors. Membership to Silver Sneakers is covered under most Medicare plans, including AARP Medicare & United HealthCare Insurance. The fitness program enables senior citizens to enjoy benefits such as weights, bicycles, and swimming, at a level that they are capable of enjoying. The Silver Sneakers program isn’t just about fitness, it offers a chance to meet people and create friendships.
2. TEE Tournament/ National Veterans
opa/speceven/tee
Although golfing is one of the main highlights at this 5-day event, other activities are offered, such as fishing, bowling, and tandem biking. This event occurs the second week in September. Some Veterans go every year! Applications are accepted until May 1. Contact your VIST coordinator for details and forms. This year will be extra special, as it is the 25th anniversary of this event!
Veterans Health Library (VHL) through MyhealtheVet
The Veterans Health Library (VHL), is a resource available through the MyhealtheVet website which can be a helpful tool for Veterans, family members, and caregivers 24/7. From wellness information, to material on newly diagnosed conditions, and the best way to cope. From a Health Encyclopedia to a Video Library, this site offers a wealth of information at your fingertips.
Easy to navigate topic tabs include the following:
• Living Well
• Diseases & Conditions
• Tests and Treatments
• Medications
• Rehabilitation
• Mental Health Library
• Living With…
• Additional Resources
VHL’s Mental Health Library houses a host of information on mental health topics from Anger Management to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Prevention to name a few.
It offers a wide range of ‘Living With’ topics, such as stroke, high blood pressure, traumatic brain injury or insomnia.
Living Well includes practical information on managing stress, limiting alcohol, striving for a healthy weight and recommended screenings for different phases of life.
Of course, it also provides information on a range of eye health topics which we see a lot of at the Blind Rehabilitation Center, including some of the following:
• Understanding Vision Problems
• Treatments for Visual Impairment
• Diabetes-Related Eye Disease
• Cataracts
The Health Encyclopedia and search box are especially helpful and provides information on almost any health-related issue just by entering a search term, such as ‘eye health.’
You do not need to be registered in MyHealtheVet to access this information. However, if you are interested in more information on that topic, you can find all MyHealtheVet information at
.
Veteran Spotlight
Three years ago, in the summer of 2014 an OIF OEF Veteran came to the Hines Blind Center. It was his first time in Illinois since the summer of 1999 where he attended the Great Lakes Boot Camp. After tragedy struck in 2013, leaving this Veteran completely blind, he returned to Chicagoland. However, he did not know what to expect by coming to the Blind Center.
This Veteran graduated after spending five productive months at Hines Blind Center. That might seem a bit excessive to some. You see, it wasn't his fault. An instructor asked, “What do you want to learn while you are here?” “Everything, I guess”, the Veteran replied. “I want to be as independent as possible. I don't want my family to have to take care of me for the rest of my life”, he said proudly. “Then that is what we will work on while you are here”, the instructor replied with promise. This Veteran was in for a ride of a life-time.
My name is Joey. I am another one of the Blind Center's success stories. Of all of the amazing things I have learned here; victory over my disability is my favorite one. If you asked me, what has been my greatest accomplishment since my graduation in 2014? I wrote a fictional book about a Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. It is called, “The Mogul Hotel and Casino”. Look for it next year online or in your local bookstore. What started out as a quick practice document turned into a 23 chapter book! If it wasn’t for the staff at the Blind Center, I would never have been able to start writing a book. Now, I’m finishing it and looking for publishers. I am very grateful to my VA family, just as grateful as I am for my own family. Good job VA family. Keep it up. I am proud to be a veteran because of you!
Message from the HBCA Alumni
Now that Spring is here, I hope you are enjoying all that the season offers. If you are interested in improving your technology skills and abilities, join us on one of our conference calls.
IOS GPS Call
On the first Tuesday of each month, the Hines Alumni sponsor a peer tech support conference call on IOS and GPS devices. This call is facilitated by Rick Olson, our Ex Officio President.
Computer Call
On the first Thursday of each month, the Hines Alumni sponsor a peer tech support call on computers and screen readers. This call is facilitated by Kevin Jackson, an honorary member of our alumni group.
Both calls are accessed by dialing the toll free number 1-800-767-1750 entering the access code: 44125 when prompted. Veterans help each other on these calls.
These and other interesting peer tech support options are referenced from links on the HBCA Web Site at: welcome/e-mentoring. Note: Some of the links lead to installation of a communication platform called “ZOOM” ZOOM is somewhat like SKYPE and allows us to connect with each other via computer, smart devices, or phones.
For 2018, the Hines Blind Center Alumni Board of Directors are steering the association in the new direction. We are addressing the following questions and issues related to “What is the purpose of our association?” and “Why would a veteran want to become a Hines Blind Center Alumni member?”
Answer, with the support of the Hines Blind Center Alumni Association, our members will adjust to loss of vision through peer mentoring. How does this happen when we all come from different parts of the country? Answer, Virtually! Through conference calls, podcasts and our website, we can stay connected to each other and the world!
At the Hines Blind Center Alumni website, , mem-bers can exchange their views through open discussion using e-Footlocker. e-Footlocker is a place to create, find, share, rate, and review technology. Looking forward to new participants!
Terry Kebbel
575-323-4611
terrykebbel@hinesalumni.
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!
Quotes
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”
Henry Ford
“Lost time is never found again.”
Benjamin Franklin
“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”
Benjamin Franklin
Jokes
Below is the transcript of an actual radio conversation of a US Naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995 released by the Chief of Naval Operations on November 10, 1995.
Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degree to the South to avoid collision.
Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR Course.
Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.
Americans: This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the US Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees North, that’s one five degrees North, or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
Milestone-70 Years of Serving Veterans
The 70th Anniversary of the Blind Rehabilitation Center is a time to celebrate our long and honored history of providing high quality care and service to America's Veterans.
From our earliest beginnings we have been at the forefront of blind rehabilitation, serving as a resource for the nation.
The Central Blind Rehabilitation Center has long been recognized for establishing innovative rehabilitation programs and best practices.
As we celebrate our 70th Anniversary, we also look forward to a future that will build on our proud legacy and rededicate ourselves to our unique and important mission of providing world class blind rehabilitation to Veterans.
Our Open House on June 28th will allow us the chance to reminisce as well as look ahead. Guests will be greeted with light refreshments, tours, and a brief presentation at 2pm in the dining hall of the Blind Center.
If you are unable to attend, and still want to acknowledge this occasion ‘well wishes’ can be forwarded to the Blind Center, attention Ann Suchie.
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 |
|Natalie Duarte DeEscalante |Chillicothe, OH |(740) 773-1141 x7855 |
|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) 610-5402 |
|Pat Zeinstra |Hines, IL |(708) 202-2351 |
|Melinda Dunlap | |(312) 569-7531 |
| |Jesse Brown (Chicago, IL) | |
|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 |
|Kari Arch |Tomah, WI |(608) 372-3971 x61831 |
|Jennifer Bach (Acting) |St. Louis, MO |(314) 652-4100 x54121 |
|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 |
|Meghan Michelotti |St. Paul, MN |(612) 629-7009 |
|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 x2919 |
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@
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:
Contents are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Department of Veterans Affairs.
Hines VA Hospital does not endorse the use or purchase of any specific prosthetic devices cited in this publication.
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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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
Living Skills Staff; Back Row from Left-Cedrix Walker, David Edwards, Kathy Spengler, Cheryl Podgorski. Front Row, from left-Geo Athappilly, Lauren McCarthy, Delaney Stein.
Join us in Celebrating 70 Years of Serving Veterans
Open House
Thursday, June 28, 2018
1:00pm-3:00pm
Central Blind Rehabilitation Center
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
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